Gnasher’s Maiden Ton Sets Up Convincing Win

 

Ivan and Rob take the plaudits

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The latest edition of the A46 derby between Market Rasen Town Cricket Club 2nds and Caistor Town Cricket Club 3rds saw the home side romp home to a convincing ten wicket win on the back of Ivan Nash’s maiden Rasen hundred, as they made the perfect start to the season.

Whilst the sun continued to beat down on Rase Park, the stiff breeze out in the middle reminded everyone that this was still April, and jumpers were required by the batsmen to ward off the chill.  On another well-prepared wicket Rasen won the toss and elected to bowl and Dan Norburn repaid his captain’s faith, castling Alex McKitton with the first ball of the 2nds’ season.  With Lincolnshire U14 bowler, James Fussey, making his senior debut with the cherry at the River Rase end, Norburn and Fussey strained to make the most of their flying start.  Unfortunately they had figured without the flailing bat of Peter Jacob and the determined defence of Dave Gowshall.

From the moment he replaced McKitton at the crease, Jacob made his intentions clear, going after the bowling with gusto.  There were a number of occasions in the first few overs where, on another day, the young wicketkeeper would have been caught.  However, with the ball dropping into the gaps Jacob made the most of his chances and once into his stride played some sumptuous shots, particularly straight down the ground, where James Fussey, and later Jim Dodds, received some rather brutal treatment.

Whilst Rasen’s attack was creating chances, runs were coming at an alarming rate and it wasn’t until the introduction of Richard Limmer and Andy Richley that Rasen got themselves a foothold in the game.  Jacob and Gowshall had put on 112 in 19 overs before Limmer removed the dangerman, Jacob, caught in the deep as he sliced a lofted drive to Joe Stephenson for a rapid 74.  With Richley tying up the River Rase end and Limmer asking questions of the batsmen Rasen went into drinks more confidently than Caistor’s position of 128 for 2 might have suggested.

Dave Gowshall had laid anchor almost effortlessly for the first half of Caistor’s innings.  The veteran opener was happy to stop anything decent and quick to latch onto anything short and send it and in first Jacob and then Glyn Benbow he found partners that were happy to dominate the scoring.  Drinks though brought about a complete change of approach; Gowshall heaved across the line to a straight ball and found himself cleaned up for 34.

The following seven overs were to see another five wickets fall for 40 runs, with both sides carrying off their best IPL impersonations.  Limmer bagged his second, inducing Harry Capstick to drive too early and deliver the ball straight into the sure hands of Chris Higgins at short cover.  Meanwhile Richley was taking advantage of a gusting breeze to rip through Caistor’s midle order to reduce the visitors to 169 for 8.  Only a pugnacious 50 from Glyn Benbow held the batting side together with a range of aggressive strokes.

Finding themselves in a position of dominance Rasen stumbled, as youngster Kieran Brooker organised some defiant resistance, first with Benbow (58) and then with Ernie Allison to ensure that Caistor passed 200 and batted out their overs.  The youngster was the last man to fall, playing on to Limmer for an impressive 20 to leave Caistor on 213 all out in the 45th over.  With the leather, Rasen’s wickets were shared around between; Norburn (3 for 67 from 14 overs), Limmer (3 for 52 from 9.1 overs) and Richley (4 for 23 from 11 overs).

With a fast outfield and a delightful batting track Rasen started their reply knowing that if they batted for 45 overs they’d be there or thereabouts.  As it transpired things unravelled much faster than that for Caistor as Ivan Nash and Rob Jeffery set about the visitors’ attack with relish.  A steady start saw 55 on the board in ten overs and 138 at drinks.  From that point on it became a case of how many Nash and Jeffery wanted to accumulate personally and when Rasen would seal the deal, as they rolled remorselessly over a weakened Caistor attack.

Ernie Allison rang the changes with the ball as much as possible and Caistor willingly chased leather but, on this occasion, it was to no avail.  Nash, who came of age last season for the 2nds, carried on where he left off in 2010; brutal on anything remotely legside and unfurling a range of shots all around the ground.  He found the ideal foil in the experienced Rob Jeffery, with the senior man playing a more cautious game, but punishing anything short, particularly through point and mid-wicket.

Betweem them Nash and Jeffery led Rasen to a convincing ten-wicket win in the 35th over, with Loughborough student Nash on 126 not out and Jeffery on 82 not out.  The pair’s partnership of 216 is a new divisional record for the first wicket and, it is hoped, presages great things to come from Nash.

Whilst the result on the day was emphatic, Rasen will have to take heed of the warnings provided by Caistor’s batsmen, as on another day they could have found themselves chasing down 250+ and the home side will look to improve both their attitude and their consistency in the field in time for next week’s game against Hykeham.

2nd XI 2011 Preview

Ivan Nash - Soft Hands. He moisturises...

Lincs League 4 will be lit up once more by the luminescent talents of Rasen’s second string in 2011. Having re-entered the league in 2009, the 2nd XI will be looking to continue their steady progress of the last two seasons (ninth in 2009 and sixth in 2010) with a tilt at the top four of the division.

The 2010 season saw Rasen forced to wait until June before they could notch a win, but once they were off and running the side thrived in the second half of the summer, only losing three more games to finish a comfortable seventh in the division. Last season’s success was built upon their batsmen, with Ivan Nash (319 runs @ 46), Rob Chamberlin (387 runs @43) and George Fussey (262 runs @ 20) all contributing consistently. Whilst the side have lost Fussey to the 1sts, Nash and Chamberlin both return in 2011 and they’ll be looking for support from veterans Andy Richley and Richard Limmer as well as youngsters Seb Darke and Will Sutton. On paper the lineup has the ability to mix it with the best the division has to offer and with a stronger pool of players to pick from this season, Rasen will be looking to be call on performers that are now experienced at this level – and higher – rather than having to throw another youngster into the breach.

With the ball Rasen will be looking to improve on last season. 2010 saw twenty-two bowlers used and whilst there were a number of outstanding performances from the likes of; Paul Bett, Luke Richards, Jonny Purkiss, Andy Richley, Dan Norburn and Darren Salmon, Richley (21 wickets @ 23) was the only one of those bowlers to feature regularly, with no-one else breaking the 10-wicket mark or sending down more than 60 overs. This season sees a number of boosts to the side’s attack:

1. Dan Norburn starts in the 2nds this term, looking to prove his ability and work his way back into the 1st XI’s starting lineup. His pace and incision will be vital as Rasen start the season.
2. James Fussey makes his full Lincs League debut – and the Lincolnshire U14 seamer is projected to be a mainstay of the side’s attack in 2011.
3. Veteran Paul Bett who shone brightly in three games for the 2nds in the middle of last season will be available for more games this year and his nous and experience will be invaluable.

In addition to this, youngsters like Sutton, Jonny Purkiss and Chamberlin will be looking to make their mark with the cherry as well as the willow and Richley will no doubt be sending down more of his filth.

So, on paper, Rasen 2nds start the 2011 season in rude health. Unfortunately, cricket seasons have to be physically endured and cannot simply be decided theoretically. Therefore it is certain that the other eight teams in the division will be looking to do their damndest to scupper whatever pretensions Rasen’s young side might have. With Old Lincolnians and South Kelsey 2nds gaining promotion in 2010, there is not a clear contender for the League 4 penant this season. Based on their form last year, Alford 2nds and Caistor 3rds will be confident about their chances of promotion and Keelby 2nds will be looking to kick on now they’ve acclimatised to life in the bottom tier. Of the relegated sides who’ve joined the basment division, Broughton 2nds look to have more chance of bouncing straight back up than do Holton le Clay 2nds. However, as Keelby and Caistor found out last season, promotion is not a given for relegated sides.

With their schedule balanced as it is – with Hykeham 2nds and Scunthorpe 3rds featuring home and away before the middle of June and five of their first seven games at home – Rasen will need to make a fast start in order to put themselves in contention for a top-four finish, starting with Saturday’s game at home to Caistor 3rds.

Here’s to a great season.

Captain Bunn Leads Rasen to Victory

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West Halton Lane was the venue for Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s 1st XI as their promotion push continued against Alkborough 2nds. Lying second in Division 2, four points ahead of Grimsby Town 2nds with only six games to play, Rasen ventured out onto the Isle of Axholme knowing that only maximum points would do. Their task was made harder by the absence of four regulars including; Ian Williams and Gary Bierlein who have been the mainstay of Rasen’s batting this season and Karl Bierlein, the division’s leading wicket taker. However, having drafted in some experience for the occasion (your correspondent excepted), Rasen’s enthusiasm was undimmed as the confidence provided by their last two bowling performances continued to run through the team.

With the rain ‘mizzling’ as the players arrived and covers still on it was immediately clear that it would be a vital toss to win and Rasen’s skipper, Simon Bunn, again found himself calling correctly and lost little time in offering Alkborough the opportunity to bat first.

Bunn took the first over and his teammates were unable to prise the ball from his hand as he turned in a remarkable spell of 20.3 overs, unchanged up the hill, to take 7 for 40. He had the batsmen in trouble from the off, getting the ball to seam and swing and Alkborough’s openers were reduced to fighting for survival. At the other end Dan Norburn backed his skipper up, tearing down the hill to deliver some fine swing bowling and keeping things tight.

With pressure at both ends, Jenkins essayed one drive too many and found himself cleaned up by Bunn at the start of the 5th over. Rasen’s skipper then sent Balderson Snr on his way in the same over, trapped LBW to reduce the home side to 9 for 2. Norburn then got in on the action, inducing two edges straight to a narrow gully, where Richley pulled off his best Andy ‘Chippy’ Clay impersonation to pouch both and further worsen Alkborough’s dire position. Tom Corden replaced Norburn at the top end and the youngster bowled an excellent spell. He should have picked up a wicket or two, as excellent line and length induced edges as well as beating the batsmen on a number of occasions.

Neil Gray was the only Alkborough batsman to appear capable of living with Rasen’s attack, playing with the soft hands that the conditions demanded and content to take runs where he could whilst he waited for the few bad balls that came along. He could only watch from the other end as his hard work was undone by the tireless Bunn, who snaffled the next three wickets to catches from Stephenson, Corden and Atkinson to reduce the home side to 89 for 7 from 35 overs.

Whilst Bunn had chugged tirelessly up the hill, the bowling at the other end, Corden and Norburn excepted, threatened to offer Alkborough a way back into the game as a range of full tosses and long hops were served up from Luke and Dean Richards that Alkborough fell on with glee as they veritably roared past 100. It was the return of Norburn that saw any fears that Rasen may have harboured laid to rest, as he ended Gray’s vigil, dismissing the opener LBW for a painstaking 46. Bunn cleaned up the tail in the next over to dismiss Alkborough for 121 in the 41st over.

Rasen’s reply was clinical and controlled, as Jon Stephenson (42) and Dean Richards (46) initially dug in and waited for anything loose, which they despatched with authority. As one might expect, Alkborough’s veteran seamer Russ Kirman led the way for the home side, giving little away and he was well supported by Jenkins, as they both caused the batsmen some initial trouble. However, with both batsmen setting themselves and proving comfortable putting the bad ball away Alkborough had to ring the changes, at which point Stephenson and Richards, in particular, cut loose.

Both players were particularly harsh on the spin of O. Kirman, who bravely continued to give the ball plenty of air, but was punished for it on this occasion; one on-drive from Stephenson being particularly delightful. Richards found the pace of S. Leek more to his liking as his favourite cut shot was fed regularly and the pair had put on 93 for the first wicket in 22 overs, before Richards was caught behind. Leek changed his angle of attack to the left-handed Richards, coming round the wicket, and got his reward immediately with an edge through to the ‘keeper. Stephenson then holed out to mid-on in the same over to cause a palpitation or two in the Rasen ranks. However,
Tom Corden was joined by Rob Jeffrey (18*) and the pair put Rasen back on course. A tight run-out decision left Corden back in the pavilion, a little bemused, but Rasen stuck to their task and cantered over the line in the 31st over to win by seven wickets.

Meanwhile at Rase Park….

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A reduced Rasen 2nd XI under the leadership of Shaun French, and inspired by Jonny Purkiss, stormed to an excellent four wicket win over fellow mid-table side, Morton. French won the toss and the Rasen attack, led by Purkiss’ 5 for 32, never let Morton get away and build the total they would have wanted. Purkiss was backed up by some fine fielding as well as keen bowling at the other end, particularly from Paul Bett (3 for 34). With Aaron Wells and George Fussey also turning in searching spells with the leather Morton were dismissed for 166 in only the 38th over.

With 51 overs to chase down the target Rasen’s openers might have been expected to take their time, but George Fussey (30) and Aaron Wells (29) attacked from the off, flaying the ball to all parts of Rase Park, putting on 47 in only 8 overs. The demise of Wells and Shaun French with the score on 68 put the game back in the melting pot, only for Rob Chamberlin (25) and Jonny Purkiss (61*) to put on 66 for the fourth wicket to take the game away from Morton. Purkiss shrugged off the loss of Chamberlin to continue his one-man crusade against the visitors from Gainsborough and lead Rasen to a comfortable 4 wicket win.

The wins see Rasen 1sts keep up their promotion push and the 2nds settling nicely into mid-table.

Caistor 3rds Maintain Promotion Push

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Market Rasen Town Cricket Club 2nd XI made the short journey north to Caistor’s Brigg Road ground on Saturday on the back of three straight wins. However, Caistor lost no time in demonstrating to Rasen the work still to be done if they are to progress further. Both teams had a good blend of youth and experience, but it was Caistor’s players, young and old alike, who grabbed their chances as the home side eased to an 8 wicket victory.

Rasen won the toss and lost little time in choosing to bat on a track that, as one might expect following the weather of the last few weeks, was hard and true, with plenty of grass left on top to keep the bowlers interested. Caistor’s opening bowlers; Alex McKitton and Matthew Brown, found themselves ambushed by a brisk start from Richard Limmer who went off like a train. Unfortunately, as has often been the case this season, Limmer’s innings was cut short before it had really begun, caught and bowled by Brown for 18 with one ball of the second over left.

Shaun French and Andy Richley looked to retrench and found differing challenges from Caistor’s young openers; McKitton gave little away and found seam movement both into, and away from, the batsmen at a reasonable pace. Brown meanwhile offered the batsmen more opportunities, whilst getting some prodigious in-swing.

French mixed doughty defence with sudden bursts of savagery, with one swipe over wide long-on for four, off the bowling of Brown, standing out. However, once Caistor’s keeper stood up, French found himself rooted to the spot and inevitably fell for 17, edging a ball from Brown to first slip where an excellent low catch was held. Brown also dismissed Rob Chamberlin, caught off a high ball that the young batsman probably shouldn’t have tried to smear over the clubhouse and it was left to Richley to rebuild the innings with Tom Bradford.

Unfortunately for the visitors their skipper had to call for a runner, thanks to an injury to his hamstring and, as is often the case, the unfamiliar situation led to disaster for the batsman. Having looked in little trouble in accumulating 19, Richley called for a single and proceeded to wander out of the way, inadvertently leaving his crease as he did so. Not one to look a gift-horse in the mouth, Caistor’s ‘keeper whipped the bails off when the ball came back in with Richley still stood outside his crease.

On the back of this farcical dismissal Rasen succumbed to the wiles of Ernie Allison and Terry McKitton as the veteran duo rolled up the rest of the line-up for a mere 25 runs to dismiss Rasen for 105, with Allison snaffling 4 for 12 in the process.

In the field Rasen’s performance was mixed, as a depleted attack created chances that they were unable, in the main, to take. With Nathan Davies bedding down at one end, Dave Gowshall and Andy Pearson felt free to crack on and whilst they flirted with danger on a number of occasions, Rasen’s fielders, Rob Chamberlin excepted, weren’t able to back their bowlers sufficiently to make the target a challenging one.

Two wickets for Paul Bett were the sole reward for Rasen’s efforts in the field as the home side eventually cantered to victory and left the Rase Park outfit with plenty to work on.

‘Gnasher’s’ fine effort in vain

Last season, two of Market Rasen 2nd XI’s six league victories came at Christ’s Hospital School against Old Lincolnians, as a Rasen side, boosted by the presence of a few veterans, were able to take advantage of the Lincoln side two weeks in a row.

2010’s first meeting between the two sides promised to be a rather different encounter, with Old Lincolnians top of the table, having won all three of their fixtures so far and a young Rasen side languishing in the bottom two, having failed to register a win. Whilst the weather did it’s best to halt Old Lincolnians’ run of form, a determined umpire and a quick-drying wicket put paid to any hopes Rasen might have had of an early afternoon with Jeff Stelling & Co..

With the pitch sodden on arrival, the chances of a match looked bleak. However, with a brisk breeze moving on the worst of the rain and offering to dry the pitch out, as well as both sides and the Umpire having turned out, the game was shortened to 36 overs a side and play commenced at 2.45pm. Old Lincolnians won the toss and inserted Rasen on the damp track, obviously keen to get the visitors’ brittle batting line-up to the crease in order to skittle them over before the rain returned.

The home side got the start they wanted with the second ball, as Richard Limmer was adjudged caught behind to Luke Jelly, with the scoreboard yet to start ticking. With Jelly and Tim Phipps extracting movement and bounce from the damp track, Rasen’s second wicket pair of Ivan Nash and Andy Richley set about digging in for the duration.

Nash’s fine, early-season, form continued as he kept out anything decent, whilst feasting on the loose deliveries that were offered. As usual Nash was particularly severe on anything short and ‘leggish’, but also unfurled some delightful cover drives. In contrast, Richley found himself becalmed, dealing, almost exclusively, in singles as the pair added 71 in 26 overs. Whilst neither batsman dominated during the stand, only one clear chance was offered, with Nash being dropped at slip off the bowling of Mike Savage, from a chance that was as easy as they come in that position.

Whilst Nash was to make the most of his chance, Richley failed to cash in on his steady start, perishing to Savage on 21, as he finally attempted to knock the ball off the square. However, the skipper’s demise proved timely, as it allowed the youngsters of the middle order to join Nash in opening their shoulders and setting a decent target. Darren Salmon (22) was Nash’s main accomplice as the pair set about the bowling, adding 55 runs in seven overs. Some savage treatment was handed out, with Old Lincolnians’ change bowling receiving rough treatment and even the usually parsimonious Lincolnshire League Secretary seeing his figures dented.

As the home side started to wilt a little in the field Nash moved through the gears and swept Rasen majestically to 145 for 4 from their 36 overs, helped by some lusty late blows from Rob Chamberlain. The innings closed with Nash having carried his bat for 89* and Old Lincolnians with more to do than they would have expected.

The home side’s reply saw contrasting approaches from their openers; Flint and Noble. With the pitch having dried considerably and the roller having been applied, the opposition skipper seemed happy to accumulate and wait for anything short outside his off peg, whilst Flint seemed keen to crack on – as appears to be the trend these days. Dropped twice early on, Flint went on to an enthusiastic 29 and his early bat-flinging ensured that Old Lincolnians were always ahead with regards to the run-rate.

Richard Limmer’s fine effort with the ball (3 for 38 from 12 overs) kept Rasen in touch, as the all-rounder ran in tirelessly to restrict the batsmen and offer enough movement to keep them honest. Unfortunately, as in previous weeks, the change bowling and Rasen’s catching – six chances grassed – meant that Rasen were unable to make the opposition batsmen really sweat. Whilst the attitude of the young side in the field was, again, commendable the only other bowler to tie the batsmen down for any length of time was Richley (1 for 27 from 9 overs). Led by an excellent innings from M. Duffy (47), who was ably supported by J Walieujukwick (30) – apologies if the spelling’s somewhat awry – Old Lincolnians knocked the runs off in the 31^st over for the loss of five wickets.

With a ‘bye’ week and Bob Welton Cup action to look forward to at Haxey on the 22^nd, Market Rasen 2nds won’t see league action again until the last weekend of the month when they visit Hibaldstow to take on Scunthorpe 3rds.

Rasen Dodge Storm-Clouds, but not Defeat

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The Bank Holiday weekend saw Lincs League Division 4 cricket return to Rase Park for the first time in 2010. The good burghers of Market Rasen had managed to control their enthusiasm for the event, but only barely. Alford and Rasen had fought tooth and nail for the last re-election place in 2009 and with both sides suffering contrasting defeats in their games so far in 2010 this was, rather tragically for the first weekend in May, a vital encounter. It was to be one that the more experienced lineup from Alford would, eventually, win with some comfort, emerging victorious by 62 runs and garnering maximum points.

With the storm clouds gathering and fresher conditions than had hitherto been encountered so far this season, Rasen won the toss and put Alford into bat on a track that was a little damp and looked as if it would reward bowlers hitting the seam. Unfortunately, the home side found themselves immediately under the pump. Kevin White and Jordan Dixon opened for Alford and in their contrasting styles they set about taking the game away from Rasen’s young side. Dixon crashed a quick-fire 80, teeing off at the first opportunity. Neither of Rasen’s openers were afforded the slightest respect as he set about dismantling the attack. Within four overs, Alford had raced out to 43 for 0, Rasen had dropped Dixon twice and White was yet to play a shot in anger!

With few options at his disposal, Rasen’s skipper, Andy Richley, brought himself on and, together with the spin of George Fussey, set about trying to stem the flow. The image of small dutch boys and dykes comes to mind though in retrospect, as Dixon continued to flail the ball to all corners of the ground. The umpire (Roy Sutton) managed to conjure up a brief shower at the end of the 10^th over, with Alford 77 for 0 and, in what could have been a mercy ruling, sent the players to the pavilion and the covers on.

After the resumption Dixon continued on his merry way, with White the silent partner as Alford forged to 104 before Dixon was the first man to fall for 80 (10 fours and 3 sixes) in the 17^th over. With the danger man finally dismissed, thanks to some fine glove-work from Rory Jackson, off the bowling of George Fussey, Alford suffered a minor collapse, slumping to 122 for 4 in the 22^nd over. This included a wicket for Luke Chambers with his first ball in senior cricket for Rasen. Unfortunately for the home side, Harry McHamilton (29) and Alan Irving (27 not out) steadied the ship, putting on 64 in 16 overs. McHamilton, in particular, was very strong off his legs and Irving’s studious effort was a lesson in crease-occupation for the young Rase Park outfit. J. Wood (25 not out) then joined Irving and the pair pushed Alford up to 213 for 5 in the 42^nd over before, conscious of the pendulous clouds, they declared. Rasen worked tirelessly in the field and rang the changes with the leather, looking for a breakthrough but, with the exception of Andy Richley (3 for 56 from 19 overs), were unable to restrain a strong Alford lineup.

In reply, Rasen put together their best batting performance of the summer so far. Unfortunately it was not enough to chase down Alford’s fine total. Aaron Wilkinson and Phil Fletcher both demonstrated the life that was available in the pitch, making the ball move around at a reasonable pace. Of Rasen’s top three, only Ivan Nash, again looking in good form, managed to make something of his start with Richard Limmer managing to nick an excellent delivery from Wilkinson and Richley flailing behind, needlessly, to a delivery from Fletcher. Nash, picking up from where he left off last week, was good value for his 34, but when he fell to Mike Smith, leaving Rasen 61 for 3, there was a lot for the young lineup to do. Fortunately, George Fussey again demonstrated his ability with a gritty, determined innings, batting 33 overs for 34. Eschewing the ambitious strokes that had led to the downfall of many of his colleagues, Fussey batted elegantly, and with composure, and whilst he was at the crease a glimmer of hope remained for the home side. Luke Chambers and Will Bunney both contributed some lusty blows and a quick-fire 20 from Rob Chamberlain threatened to un-nerve the visitors. However, Alford’s experienced attack never let Rasen get away and when Fussey was the ninth man out, for 34, in the 39^th over, the end came quickly enough. Alford’s skipper, Aaron Wilkinson, was the pick of their attack with a deserved 4 for 40, ably supported by Phil Fletcher (2 for 40), Kevin White (2 for 23) and Mike Smith (2 for 45).

Townhill’s ‘9-fer’ Rolls Rasen 2nds

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Looking to breathe life into their 2010 Lincs League Division 4 campaign after their inauspicious hammering at Morton, a ‘Young Rasen 2^nd XI’ (TM) travelled to Hykeham in both hope and, some, expectation.

Winning the toss on a balmy day at Memorial Field, Rasen decided to bat first on a track that, whilst it had plenty of grass on it, felt solid enough and was accompanied by a fast outfield. Simon Clark and Ivan Nash opened up for Rasen and made the decision look a sound one. Hykeham had struggled to get a side out for the match – eventually ending up with 10 men in the field – and the opening pair were happy to wait for the bad ball that they could hit into the numerous gaps. The pair eschewed the risky in favour of stolid defence and the occasional smite as Josh Taylor and Andy Fletcher made the openers work for their runs. A groin strain for Taylor brought Liam Townhill into the attack and whilst the debutant looked unassuming enough, his assortment of swing, seamers and cutters was, eventually, to take the game away from Rasen.

Clark and Nash settled into the game as they looked to meet their first objective – taking Rasen past the 41 they had totalled the week before. This was safely accomplished as Clark hung on doggedly, struggling to time the ball, but not often looking uncomfortable, to keep the belligerent Nash company. Dealing mainly in boundaries, Nash punished anything loose from the Hykeham attack, peppering the square leg boundary in particular, but also unfurling a couple of lovely cover drives.

Having taken Rasen to 81 in the 23^rd over, Clark (21) undid his patient work with a heave to leg, off Townhill, that was well taken by Taylor on the stroke of drinks. The same combination bagged the next wicket with an eerily familiar shot to leave Rasen 89 for 2 and 15 year-old George Fussey striding to the crease. A sparkling cameo from the youngster (19 with 4 fours) saw Rasen threaten to break the shackles, with Hykeham’s first team captain – playing with the 2nds because of work commitments – taken for 12 in the first over he bowled to Fussey. Nash continued to cash in, compiling his first senior half-century for the club [Ed – Clarification on this from Ivan. It was his first Saturday 50, but he’s scored buckets of senior runs on a Tuesday night in the West Wold League.] as he took advantage of Hykeham’s weakened attack and turned one of his ubiquitous good starts into an innings of real substance, until being the fifth man out for 76 (12 fours and 1 six).

Unfortunately, the good work of the top order was undone as a succession of rash shots to the excellent Townhill – and a surprisingly ambitious call for a quick single from Rasen’s skipper – saw the young line-up collapse from 130 for 2 to 151 all out in the 36^th over, with Liam Townhill claiming the extraordinary figures of 9 for 54 from 15 overs. Whilst the batting effort from the Rase Park outfit had been an immense improvement on the week before, the failure to bat out their overs was to cost them dear.

Hykeham’s reply got off to a rapid start with Jack Ward (22) performing a fine IPL audition as he led his team to 40 from the first five overs, before being the second man to perish, bowled by Aaron Wells. Rasen’s spinners did their best to pull the run-rate back with Fussey (1 for 25 from 7 overs) finding plenty of turn and the skipper, Andy Richley, back in parsimonious form, sending down ten overs for only 18 runs. However, catches – both easy (we’re looking at you Skip) and hard – were dropped and, as a result, Hykeham’s fourth wicket pair were able to settle in and take the game away from Rasen. Josh Taylor (70*, 13 fours) was the mainstay of Hykeham’s batting effort. His driving on the front foot was particularly strong, with some crunching cover drives and, in particular, an on-drive when he’d only just arrived at the crease being both brutal and classical at the same time.

Lee Buick (31*) kept Taylor company and, whilst he never looked entirely comfortable, the longer he ground out his time at the crease the less likely it appeared that he would perish. Rasen rung the changes in an attempt to ‘buy’ a wicket and continued to work hard in the field but were unable to stop Hykeham from chasing down the total in the 39^th over for the loss of 3 wickets.

A much improved performance from Rasen 2nds ended, frustratingly, with them garnering only one more point than they had in last week’s trouncing. However, with seven U-19s in the team, much heart can be taken from the overall improvement.

Morton Start Season in Style

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2010 got off to the worst possible start for Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s 2nd XI as they were marmalised by Morton, losing by a whopping 219 runs. With the football season still in full swing, a young and inexperienced Rasen side – with only 10 men – took to the Roses Ground on an unseasonably balmy Saturday afternoon. Morton won the toss and, having taken one look at the clear, blue skies, chose to bat. Rasen made the best possible start with Tom Corden castling Matt Gleadall in the fifth over to reduce Morton to 12 for 1. Unfortunately this was as good as it got for the visitors. Morton’s skipper, Gordon Moden, anounced his arrival with a straight-drive for four to his first ball and, from that point on, the Morton batsmen didn’t stop playing their shots.

Morton’s second-wicket put on 69 in ten overs before Morden played over a straight ball from Andy Richley to give Rasen a glimmer of hope at drinks. However, S. Turner, helped by J. Cooper, looked to extinguish this completely as the pair set about the bowling with gusto. Only George Fussey’s variations of flight and spin were able to offer Rasen’s skipper any kind of control, as the bowling was flogged to all corners by the men from Morton, with their third wicket pair putting on 91 in 17 overs. Both Turner and Cooper played positive, aggressive innings, with Turner’s straight-driving being particularly accomplished and both players keenly punishing anything not on a good line and length.

The return of Purkiss and Corden saw a brief flurry of wickets as Turner’s fine innings was cut short on 98 and Blagg and Bethell following in quick succession. However, Cooper (63*) found a willing accomplice in S. Cobb (38*), who excuted a couple of very fine late cuts. Whilst Rasen’s effort in the field was unstinting, the visitors would only attempt to limit the damage at this point, which was achieved to some extent, as Morton closed on 260 for 5 from the 45 overs.

With a big total to chase down and a long tail, Rasen’s opening pair crumbled, with both back in the hutch within the first 10 minutes of their reply. Their cheap dismissals set the tone for the rest of the lineup with Morton bundling Rasen out for, a mercifully brief, 41. Of the Rasen batsmen George Fussey and Tom Corden (14*) both showcased the fine technique that will stand them in good stead as the season progresses and Jonny Purkiss eschewed some lusty blows, but the poor start, compounded with the pressure of the scoreboard, did for the young lineup. The Morton bowlers whose averages benefited from the display were; D. Holland (3 for 13), C. Leonard (3 for 10), J. Cooper (2 for 10) and Levi Hoggard (1 for 8). Hoggard, an U14 age-group player, was playing his first Lincs League match and showed an ability to both flight and turn a ball that is rare in leg-spinners of his age and he looks set for a promising debut season in senior cricket.

What should, hopefully, be a stronger Rasen side travel to North Hykeham 2nds next week, where they’ll be looking to erase the memories of this trouncing by the Trent.

2nd XI 2010 Season Preview

Whilst the hedgerows are still resolutely russet and the mercury continues to hover around 10 celsius we are merely hours away from the start of another glorious season of cricket in Lincs League 4.  Market Rasen Town Cricket Club’s 2^nd XI reformed in 2009 after a six year hiatus and found it tough to adjust to life in the Lincolnshire League.  Confronted by older, more experienced teams, the season contained plenty of promise but wins were few and far between.  This meant the side had to be re-elected back into the League and although this was passed unanimously the side will be keen not find themselves in the same position in 2010.

If nothing else, the 2nds can take heart from the nucleus of U21 players that they have retained for 2009, with only As Rampal (now at Scunthorpe 3rds) and Luke Richards (off to the 1sts) having moved on.  With key players a year older and with some senior experience under their belts more can be expected in 2010.

Five to watch out for in 2010:

• Ivan Nash – the Loughborough student only managed to average 14 last season, but threatened to break through in a number of innings.  If he can develop a penchant for occupying the crease to add to his ability to time the ball he’ll have a big impact this season.

 

• George Fussey – the De Aston student will only be 15 in 2010, but returns as the side’s most consistent batsman from 2009 and will build on his promising debut season.  Another year’s growth will see him better able to get the ball off the square and attack the short ball and he looks set to benefit from this.  With Luke Richards off to the 1sts his abilities with the cherry will be counted on as well.

 

• Tom Corden – the Louth Grammar School pupil will also only be 15 in 2010 but is expected to burden even more responsibility than during his debut senior season.  More often than not he’ll be opening the bowling and batting in the top 5 and expectations are high for a fine all round season.

 

• Jonny Purkiss – in between Tennis commitments, hockey and assorted other Saturday afternoon options Jonny showed himself to be a talented seamer who enjoyed little or no luck.  2010 will see him leading the attack whenever he’s available and with only a normal amount of luck he’ll be in the wickets.

 

• Rory Jackson –  ended the 2009 as the side’s glove-man, having developed throughout the season.  2010 sees Rory as the side’s first-choice ‘keeper and great things are expected, both behind the stumps and with the bat as he looks to build on a promising first season in senior cricket.

 

In Summary:
Lincs League 4 in 2010 looks set to be a competitive division, and with Washingborough and Stamford Homes being replaced by Keelby 2nds and Caistor 3rds there do not, at this point, appear to be the obvious promotion contenders of last season.  Whilst any speculation is somewhat frivolous before a ball is bowled, especially as it’s always hard to tell how relegated sides will acclimatise to life in a new division, 2010 does seem full of promise for a young Rasen 2^nd team who will be looking for mid-table security as they continue to develop.

2nd XI End of Term Report

Roundup of the 2009 highs and lows and individual ‘pen-pics’

Market Rasen Town Cricket Club entered a 2nd XI in the Lincolnshire League for the first time since 2003 and used the team to introduce a number of juniors to senior cricket for the first time, with the team getting progressively younger as the season progressed. The following is a review of the highs and lows of the season and an individual assessment of each player who turned out for the 2nds this season.

High Point 1

25th April, 2009 – Lincoln. Two weeks into the 2009 season and the 2nds were top of the league, with two wins at Old Lincolnians having netted them 39 points. Little did we know that it would be July before we won again.   

High Point 2

12th September, 2009 – Rase Park. A 2nd XI with an average age of 17 defeat Alford 2nds in a must-win re-election clash. Child minder Andy Richley is said to have been ‘quite proud’.   

Low Point 1

25th July, 2009 – Hibaldstow. Having ended an 8 match losing streak at Brigg the week before, Rasen visited Scunthorpe 3rds for a vital basement clash with a young team, but high hopes. These were ended by a callow batting performance which saw tyro leg-spinner Josh Pashley (14) and wily veteran Fred Bachus (67) skittle Rasen for 64.    

Low Point 2

20th September, 2009 – Alford. Having won three of their last four to drag themselves out of the bottom two, Rasen were condemned to re-election as Alford bowled out Stamford Homes to garner the five bonus points they needed. To quote Captain Darling from Blackadder Goes Fourth, ‘Wrote a note in my diary. Simply says …. bugger.’    

What Went Right

Young players got the chance to play and, on the whole, flourished. George Fussey and Tom Corden showed composure at the crease that belied their years and, with the ball, Luke Richards, Jonny Purkiss, As Rampal and Tom Corden demonstrated their potential and caused batsmen plenty of problems. Andy Richley and Aaron Wells backed up the youngsters with the ball and when the veteran batsmen played, they strengthened the batting lineup.    

What Went Wrong

Two things; batting and catching.  

1. Batting – The side averaged 2 batting points a game, and that was inflated by a few batting second ‘5 point’ wins. Whilst the side were only ‘skittled’ for less than a 100 on three occasions, setting a competitive target of 170+ was something that the team only achieved on three occasions and we managed to lose one of those…

2. Catching – in one game alone, at Stamford Homes, more than ten chances were grassed. Whilst that was an extremely bad day at the office, it wasn’t an isolated case and holding onto chances offered is something the 2nds will have to work hard on in 2010 if they’re to improve. 

Player Assessments – The One Offs

The following gentlemen turned out just the once this season for the 2nds:
(Please Note – when we mention expectations for 2010, these are based on the hope that we will be re-elected, not the expectation.)  

Chris Janney

Canny swing bowling and reminaing undefeated at the crease highlighted Chris’ September call-up. More expected from him in 2010 in helping to ‘bring on’ the youngsters.  

Ian Smith

‘Bifter’ struck a pb of 6 not out at Hykeham and pouched a catch before football, girls and more entertaining pursuits called him away.  

Tom Bradford

We only managed to steal Tom away from the 1sts for one match and it was, unfortunately, the Mick Barton-led massacre of the batting when Stamford Homes visited Rase Park.  

James Telfer

We finally managed to get James a game on Bank Holiday Monday in August when, typically, the batting fired and the poor lad didn’t get to show his worth. 2010 should see him playing regularly – football and hockey permitting.  

Josh Colgan

A thrashing in Cleethorpes was all Josh had to show for his 2nd team season this year.  

Darren Salmon

The talented teenager showed glimpses of his ability at Washingborough, with both ball and bat, but was unavailable for the rest of the season. Would be a real asset in Lincs League 4 if he was available.  

Alex Norburn

Exams and injuries meant Alex was unable to fulfil his expected role of 2nd team regular. His outing in Cleethorpes was in a heavy defeat, but showcased his wicket-taking potential. Hopefully 2010 will see him able to play more regularly.  

Player Assessments – The Occasionals

The following gentlemen turned out less than seven times for the 2nds this season:  

Jon Stephenson

Club stalwart ‘Stavvers’ turned out twice for the seconds, ‘keeping respectably at Old Lincolnians and providing some ballast later in the season in-between he has had a reasonable season for the 1sts…  

Richard Limmer

28 runs at 14 and 3 for 43 from 12 overs in his two games are little indication of the value Richard provided when he played. Bubbly and encouraging in the field his 18 from 11 balls at Washingborough had the Champions-to-be running scared. Until he holed out.  

James Fussey

The team’s youngest player fielded for the 2nds’ last two games and, apart from nearly being decapitated against Alford, fielded excellently. Potentially he can’t bat and bowl for the team until 2011, which is gutting.  

Luke Robinson

The young county player turned out three times when the 1sts weren’t playing and helped the team to 2 of their 6 wins. Only one 50 meant his return with the bat was disappointing, compared to his usually high standards, but he ended the season with the second highest batting average (34.67) and 6 wickets.  

Chris Higgins

Another teenager for whom exams and injuries blighted the season. A fine 29 not out at Hibaldstow was the only bright spot of the side’s implosion there and showcased the ability ‘Titch’ possesses. His catch in the deep against Alford 2nds at Rase Park sealed the win.  

Rory Jackson

When not shooting things with his bow and arrow, or packing his bags for sixth form at the Grammar School, Rory turned out behind the ‘ash’ for the 2nds. The youngster grew in confidence with each performance, as well as showing some glimpses of potential with the willow. Looking to be the side’s regular ‘glove-man’ in 2010.  

Dean Richards

Limited to four appearances thanks to work commitments and the 1st team claiming him on more than one occasion, Dean still managed to hit the side’s highest score of the season (94 in April at Old Lincolnians), averaged 35 with the bat and 17 with the ball. His sure hands in the field saw him pouch 5 catches as well and his experience was invaluable when available.  

Will Bradford

Poached by the 1sts almost as soon as the season started Will didn’t get to live up to his fine start in Lincs League 4. Looks to be blossoming into a fine all-rounder though.  

Mick Corden

The veteran batsman was another player whose appearances were limited by work and 1st team poaching, but when he did turn out Mick showed his ability with the willow, averaging 43 in his three ‘digs’.  

Jonny Purkiss

Four wickets in five matches were not a fair reflection of Jonny’s efforts with the ball this season. The tall Tealby lad consistently troubled batsmen in his 34 overs and his last two games; at Alford and home against Hykeham, saw the opposition batsmen unstinting in their praise. An un-refined batting technique showed glimpses of potential for next season, when he promises to be a handful with both bat and ball.  

Will Bunney

The hockey-playing, middle-order batsman struggled to assert himself with the willow this season, but at 15 he has plenty of time to develop and showed enough at the crease, and in the field, to suggest there is plenty of talent there to build on.  

Rob Chamberlin

Another hockey-mad, middle order merchant, Rob’s fielding shined so brightly that the 1sts came calling with the season barely begun. His poor run with the bat actually improved at the higher level and his fielding continued to flourish in Lincs League 2.  

Richard Fussey

Veteran utility man Fussey was lost to the farm from mid-June onwards, but contributed key runs and effort before-hand. Key early-season veteran for 2010.  

Player Assessments – The Regulars

The following gentlemen featured regularly for the 2nds this season:  

Simon Clark

The Middle Rasen destroyer had a strangely subdued season with the bat for the 2nds. Only Ivan Nash and George Fussey topped his 171 league runs and, having picked them up in only 7 outings, his average of 28 was the highest of regular members of the side. With the 1sts poaching him and work commitments, Simon’s appearances were limited, but he made his mark on more than one occasion and his positive exhortations in the field were a constant encouragement to his young team-mates.  

Tom Hill

The tennis-playing ‘uni’ student was one of the senior players when he was available and showcased his excellent out-fielding and effective lower order batting. A steadying influence on the field and off, Tom’s overall contribution was worth far more than simply the runs he scored.  

Graham Charman

Whilst he only picked up one wicket, Graham showed glimpses of his old form with the ball towards the end of the season. A determined member of the squad, Graham was unfortunate to only play in one match the 2nds won, but his unflagging determination and enthusiasm were invaluable and bode well for 2010.  

Luke Richards

Despite a mid-season break where far off countries were gallivanted to, Luke still managed to finish the season as the side’s second-highest wicket taker, with 19 wickets at 15 in 10 games. His bowling during the season was not always consistent, but on his day batsmen were finding the youngster un-playable as his mixture of flight, guile and spin proved hard to cope with. With plenty of variation and ability Luke simply needs more overs in senior cricket and will continue to improve. Batting in the lower order Luke’s batting did not flourish to the same extent, but enough flashes were shown to provide encouragement for next season. 2010 should see Luke pushing for a place in the 1st XI.  

Aaron Wells

The early-season leader of the attack, pace man Aaron faded as the season progressed, due to injuries and work commitments. Still only 18, the youngster thrived initially, taking seven wickets in his first two games. He ended the season with 15 wickets at 23, but his unflagging determination was invaluable and, when riled, he continually showed the ability and pace to trouble batsmen up and down the order. With the willow Aaron displayed his potential on a number of occasions, but only managed to deliver once, at North Hykeham. 2010 should see Aaron leading the attack and pushing for a place in the 1st XI.  

Tom Corden

In his first season of senior cricket Tom showcased his potential as a fine all-round prospect, averaging 17 with the bat and taking 9 wickets at 23, going for only 3 an over. Along with George Fussey, 14-year-old Tom formed the core of the side’s middle order and, on a number of occasions, delivered innings of real quality. With a range of shots and confidence belying his years, Tom impressed all who saw him bat and, on a number of occasions, threatened to take games away from teams with the willow. Tom’s medium-fast bowling continued to improve throughout the season and he was unfortunate not to take more wickets.

As Rampal

15-year-old As Rampal finished the season 3rd in the bowling averages for the side with 15 wickets at 15, whilst ‘going’ for less than 3 an over. As’ medium-fast bowling improved throughout the season and his ability to move the ball, both in the air and off the seam, consistently troubled batsmen. With the bat As showed glimpses of potential and possess a bewildering array of shots, which once mastered will, we are certain, prove dangerous. 2010 will see As’ family moving to Scunthorpe and we wish him well.  

Shaun French

Vice-captain, wicket-keeper, cheerleader and all-round top chap, Shaun was the veteran presence behind the side in the field. Unflagging in his enthusiasm, tidy behind the ash and unfailing in his encouragement of the youngsters, Shaun was a key component of the side. His batting failed to flourish to the extent he would have liked, but this was more than made up for in effort and attitude. 2010 will see Shaun continue to vice-skip the team and, hopefully, start to flail visiting attacks around Rase Park a little more often.  

George Fussey

In his first season of senior cricket George demonstrated his ability and potential with the bat, as the rock of the 2nd team’s middle order. His fielding improved throughout the year and, in the limited opportunities he was provided, George showed his ability to flight and spin a ball with his looping leg-spin. In his first game of the season George put on 114 with Dean Richards at Old Lincolnians in a game-winning partnership. Whilst he only mustered 16 runs in the partnership, his unflustered batting and concentration at the crease were exemplary and were a sign of things to come for the season. Second in the batting aggregates with 172 runs at 16 in 14 games, George showed his penchant for occupying the crease on numerous occasions and received rave reviews from various opponents for his technique and ability. 2010 will see George back in the 2nds, looking to take his batting to the next level and start pushing for a place in the 1st XI.  

Ivan Nash

University student Ivan came back to Rasen following his ‘lost’ season of 2008 and had a frustrating year with the bat. He finished as the team’s leading run-scorer in the league with 187 runs at 14, but consistently found new and interesting ways of giving his wicket away. Strong on his legs and always able to score quickly Ivan seemingly had opposition attacks at his mercy on numerous occasions, but a top-score of only 31 tells its own tale. In the field Ivan was a constant encouragement to the youngsters in the side and pouched seven catches whilst fielding excellently throughout the year. 2010 will, we hope, see Ivan back in the 2nds (if the 1sts don’t whisk him away) and will, we confidently expect, witness him taking Lincs League 4 attacks to pieces.  

Andy Richley

The skipper had a good year with the ball, taking 29 wickets at 14 and sent down 137 overs at 3 an over. Andy’s batting was less impressive, with 166 runs at 17 a poor return on a number of promising starts. 2010 will see a svelte Andy back to skipper the side again and, potentially, he will not frighten quite so many opponents with his tight-white-polyester kit…