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.

Chammy’s Maiden Ton Hammers Hykeham

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Market Rasen’s 2^nd XI won their second game of their 2010 campaign in convincing style, winning by 146 runs thanks to an outstanding 133 not out from Rob Chamberlin and a fine team performance with the ball.

Rob Chamberlin and Trusty Willow

Both sides came into the game on the back of close defeats, Rasen to Alford and Hykeham at the hands of a Leonard-inspired Morton and both were obviously keen to move back up the table.  Unfortunately for the visitors, it was the home side who were to gain some much needed traction up the table. 

Hykeham won the toss and Steve Roe lost little time in putting Rasen in.  Whilst it was a lovely, hot afternoon at Rase Park Roe had few concerns with his decision early on as a mixture of fine bowling from Will Murray and some injudicious shot selection from Rasen’s top order reduced the home side to 34 for 4.  Little did Roe and his troops know what was to come as Rob Chamberlin ambled to the crease to join Rasen skipper Andy Richley with Rasen simply looking to give themselves something to bowl at.

Chamberlin’s fine knock put paid to any such fears from the home side, as he set about the bowling from the off.  Playing mainly off the back foot, Chamberlin made the Hykeham attack pay for their lack of discipline, cashing in on anything left remotely short to stroke 19 fours and two (DLF) maximums.  With Richley taking on what was, in the main, a watching brief, Hykeham rang the changes in an attempt to make a breakthrough.  However, only Mark Leverett was able to apply any kind of control once Chamberlin was under-way and Hykeham suffered in the sun as the pair put on 134 for the fifth wicket in 27 overs (two runs short of the Division record).  With the outfield hard and fast Chamberlin’s innings didn’t lack for boundaries, but the running of the pair between the wicket and the way in which they rotated the strike was notable – if a little hard on the Rasen skipper.

The return to the attack of Murray saw Richley bring up his maiden fifty and then depart next ball, to leave Rasen 168 for 5 and Hykeham a way back in.  However, that man Chamberlin closed the door behind his skipper, and motored on to, and past, his hundred.  With the lower order biffing away around him to good effect Rasen were able to post an imposing total of 246 for 8 from their 45 overs.

Hykeham toiled manfully in the field with Leverett particularly unlucky to garner no reward for his efforts.  Will Murray’s first spell threatened to take the game completely away from the home side and whilst his second spell saw the ball travelling more off the bat, he picked up another three wickets to finish with a deserved 5 for 45, having carried the fight for Hykeham.

In reply Hykeham started steadily, but positively, with Roe and Lee Buick looking to lay the foundations for a successful run-chase against Rasen’s new-ball pair of Aaron Wells and Dan Norburn.  Unfortunately for Hykeham, once Rasen’s opening bowlers found their range, any pretensions to victory melted into the early evening heat as their batting capitulated.  Wells made the break-through, castling Roe with a fine delivery and then sending Murray back.  Wells’ third wicket came thanks to a breath-taking catch from Rob Chamberlin.  Not done for the day after his efforts with the willow, he pulled off a magnificent one-handed, diving catch at mid-on from a full-blooded, albeit airy, Andy Pilgrim cover-drive that left the Hykeham ‘keeper well and truly ‘stumped’ (sorry about that) and the Rase Park crowd on their feet.

Not content to let his partner grab all the glory Dan Norburn the struck to remove three in one over from the River Rase end.  Once Lee Buick’s lonely vigil was undone by a sharp catch at gully from Dan Quinlan Hykeham were 37 for 7 Rasen thought themselves done and dusted, not allowing for the combative hitting of youngsters Matt Dunn (25) and Tyler Jelley (24).  The pair put on 56 for the eighth wicket, lending the scorecard some respectability for Hykeham until the spin of Luke Chambers tore through the tail to bowl them out for 100.  Apart from Rory Jackson’s lone scalp, the wickets were shared around the Rasen attack with Dan Norburn taking 3 for 21 and Aaron Wells and Luke Chambers each taking 3 for 11.

String out the Bunting, Rasen 2s Get a Win!

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A win!  Market Rasen 2nds had waited long enough to get off the mark in 2010, but finally found their feet with a hard-fought victory on the wide open plains of Keelby.  Put into bat, Rasen’s opening pair of Ivan Nash and Darren Salmon tucked into the bowling with gusto from the off.  After his brief sojurn with the 1sts last week, Nash picked up where he’d left off, dominating the bowling, as he has done so far this season.  With Salmon keen to take advantage of his opportunity at the top of the order the pair cracked on, putting on 50 in the first ten overs. 

Keelby turned to spin to try and calm the run rate and whilst this didn’t happen immediately, it did buy them a wicket.  Salmon had found the high, looping deliveries of James Cowie to his liking and, having already taken 14 off an over, took one chance too many, smearing the left-armer straight to Danny Bevis at long on.  Salmon’s 36 from 43 balls was an excellent innings, but his self-destruction was frustrating in the extreme and left Rasen on 83 for 1 after 14 overs.

With Salmon gone, Keelby rang the changes again, bringing on Bruce Roberts to share the burden with Udi Sheikh and whilst Nash continued on his merry way, the run rate came down, as he added 40 for the second wicket with a becalmed Andy Richley.  The dismissal of Rasen’s skipper by Roberts sparked a mini-collapse that was to bring Keelby right back into the game.  From 123 for 1, Rasen’s middle order crumbled to 147 for 7, with Udi Sheikh causing most of the damage after Roberts’ initial breakthrough.  Creating all sorts of problem with his loop and getting the ball to turn and bounce, the spinner revelled in his first long spell of the season, rolling up Rasen’s naive line-up to finish with 6 for 61 from 17.4 overs.  Rasen were grateful to Nash’s run-a-ball 82 that held the top half of the innings together.  Unleashing his full array of strokes and timing the ball delightfully Nash had looked set for his maiden ton until Sheikh pinned him LBW.

Amidst the carnage of the lower order, one man was allowed to stand firm; Luke Chambers.  The rugged middle-order slugger was dropped twice by Keelby, but made them pay for the missed chances with a perfectly timed innings. He added 27 runs for the 8^th wicket with Rory Jackson to turn the momentum back to the visitors and his 33 not out boosted the visitors to 194 all out.  For Keelby, Sheikh was assisted by Bruce Roberts (2 for 32 from 11 overs) and M. Phillips (1 for 38 from 9).

At tea-time consensus outside Keelby’s well-appointed pavilion was that Rasen’s score was probably below par for the conditions and the track, especially considering the start they’d had.  However, Keelby had to crack on at five an over from the off to be in with a chance and Rasen’s young attack set about their task with vigour and enthusiasm.

Aaron Wells and Graham Charman started with the new cherry and, in their contrasting styles, asked questions of the home side’s opening pair; Andy Sharp and skipper Jeremy Slater.  Wells generated some real pace, as he did last week at Hibaldstow.  Unlike last week, he found a fuller length and was unlucky not to reap the benefit, repeatedly beating the batsmen outside off stump and going for a miserly five runs from his first five overs.  At the other end Charman was sending down his medium-paced darts to good effect, particularly to the right-handers.

With the run rate climbing, Wells claimed a hand in both of Rasen’s early wickets.  Slater was found short of his ground with the stumps downed from a direct hit from Shaun French on what had seemed a routine single and then Danny Bevis was run out without facing a ball as Sharp called for a sharp single (sorry about that) on a well timed cover drive off Wells, only to see Rob Chamberlin pull off a fine stop and then throw the stumps down at the striker’s end.

Settling down from the madness, Sharp and youngster D. Mawer set about rebuilding the Keelby innings and the pair put on 75 for the third wicket, cashing in on the bad balls that came along and making the most of the chances that Rasen failed to take.  Sharp’s innings was watchfully aggressive, with a mixture of doughty defiance and well-executed attacking shots and it was a surprise when he finally fell to Richley for 38, sending the ball straight to Nash at square-leg for the first of his three catches.

With the looping, left-arm, spin of Luke Chambers now joining Richley’s efforts, Mawer, who’d played a fine hand to this point, found himself becalmed against the left-armed all-rounder and was lured into an unwise heave to fall for 30 and leave Keelby 90 for 4.

Despite the efforts of T. Renney (26), Keelby continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with the part-time medium pace of Rob Chamberlin bottling things up and Rasen rotating their other pace and spin options to keep the batsmen off-balance.  The home side faded with Darren Salmon finishing things off in the last over as, despite Rasen giving up 34 extras, Keelby were bowled out for 173.

Rasen’s wickets were shared around the attack by Salmon (2 for 41), Richley (2 for 39 from 13 overs), Chambers (2 for 28) and Chamberlin (1 for 10 from 5 overs), who were backed up by some fine fielding, even accounting for the, now regulation, dropped catches.

This vital win for Rasen 2nds sees them off the bottom of Lincs League 4 not a moment too soon, with two weeks off until they visit Alford at the end of the month.

Rasen 2nds make the most of rain-affected encounter

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Saturday saw a typical Market Rasen 2nds Bank Holiday Cricket match:

• Rain? – check
• Players on holiday? – check
• Players working? – check
• Away from home? – check

as the Rase Park outfit travelled through the gloaming to Hibaldstow to play Scunthorpe 3rds. This was an encounter both young sides were keen for. Scunthorpe have had not trouble racking up the runs this season but, to this point, had only notched one win. However, Rasen were yet to make their mark in the W column for 2010 and both sides were keen to make the most of this, potentially vital, re-election clash.

Out in the drizzle Alan Pashley won the toss and chose to make use of the damp, overcast conditions and put Market Rasen in to bat and Rasen’s rustic opener, Richard Limmer, set about the home attack with gusto as he attempted to make the decision look a tad questionable. Playing with more circumspection than normal, Limmer quickly worked into his stride, unfurling weighty shots all around the wicket and had moved swiftly to 29 by the 6th over when he eschewed one attacking stroke too many and popped up a high catch to gully, leaving Rasen on 34 for 1.

Scunthorpe took this as a chance to try and get things back under control and M. Carnell and As Rampal, a former Market Rasen junior, reined the run rate back in. With Limmer gone, the pitch started to help the bowlers a little as well, with some lift off just short of a length and some lateral movement and both batsmen found themselves beaten on a number of occasions.

Fred Bacchus admires the footwork of Richley....

With the opening bowling seen off, Rasen looked to cash in on the change bowlers and, rather shockingly for keen followers of the side, did so with aplomb. Dan Quinlan, opening for the first time for the 2nds, was playing a gutsy innings. Playing and missing on a fair number of occasions but, when connecting, giving the ball a fair whack and, throughout, playing very straight. Andy Richley, trying to justify his place at 3 in the order, was playing a more typical knock, with nudges off his legs featuring heavily. Richley benefited from a mis-placed late cut bissecting the slip cordon causing only recrimination in the home ranks and played his share of false shots but, rarely looked completely uncomfortable.

Rasen reached drinks on 105 for 1 with Scunthorpe searching for answers. J. Coulbeck had found plenty of life and movement at a good pace, but hadn’t managed to make the breakthrough and Fred Bacchus had not been able to provide his usual level of control. However, the introduction of Josh Pashley dragged Scunthorpe back into the game, first luring Quinlan down the track to have him stumped for 33 and then getting the skipper to send a heave to mid-wicket straight up, and straight back, to the bowler to send him back on 47. With Rasen reduced to 114 for 3 the middle order had to stand up but, as with last week in the Cup, wickets continued to fall cheaply. With their tails now well and truly up and left-armer Jake Smith tearing in from the far end the next two batsmen fell without anything being added to the score and Rasen were 114 for 5.

Higgins lands another lancing blow through the covers

This brought Rory Jackson to the crease to join Chris Higgins and, rather than folding under the pressure, the pair added 82 runs in quick time with Higgins taking the Scunthorpe attack to pieces as he racked up 65 in 12 overs with 14 fours and a six. Punishing on anything short and unfurling a number of trademark cover drives, Higgins’ innings swung the momentum away from the home team as the drizzle returned and the ball became harder to control for the bowlers. Even more surprisingly, once he’d fallen to become the persevering Carnell’s second victim, Graham Charman proceeded to send the ball all round the park as he and Jackson added 34 unbeaten runs for the seventh wicket to take Rasen up to 230 for 6 after 45 overs. Charman ending on 19 not out and Jackson on 24 not out. Scunthorpe’s wickets were shared out equally between Carnell (2 for 72), Pashley (2 for 33) and Smith (2 for 23).

With only nine men able to make the trek to Hibaldstow and the drizzle returned, Rasen had it all to do in the field, despite their competitive total. Limmer and Aaron Wells opened the bowling for Rasen and met contrasting fates. Wells bowled two well-directed overs at real pace, keeping the batsmen on their toes. Limmer found less success, with the damp ball and conditions not to his liking and Scunthorpe’s opener Jake Smith looking like a man on a mission. It took the introduction of Richley for Rasen to break through, Limmer taking a fine slip catch to dismiss A. Yeadon. However, with the drizzle not abating and the wide open spaces between Rasen’s chosen men Scunthorpe cracked on. Joined by ‘keeper L. Blades, Smith punished anything loose from Rasen’s seamers. He was helped by his partner, Blades, who was giving the ball a good whack and the pair were taking the game away from Rasen until the rain came down. With conditions deteriorating, Blades holed out to long on for 27 and, with Scunthope 91 for 2 from 15.5 overs, the umpires brought the players off, with Smith on 51 not out.

With the rain seemingly bedding in for the evening the umpires called the game half an hour later to bring a premature end to what had promised to be an entertaining encounter. Whilst disappointed not to get to finish the game, Rasen 2nds can take heart from their highest points tally so far this season, 10, and will be looking forward to their visit to Keelby next Saturday and the hope that, one day, they might get to play a league game at Rase Park again!

Thanks to Rob Chamberlin for the photos.

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.

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…

Rasen Cricket Season Review

With autumn poking its head above the parapet, the leaves beginning to turn and the nights drawing in, now seems as good a time as any to review the 2009 cricket season in Market Rasen.

Purely in terms of participation, 2009 was an immense success for the Rase Park outfit, with four senior and six junior sides representing the club in the Lincolnshire, McKinnells Lincoln, Lincoln Youth and West Wold Leagues. With the exception of the U15s and the 2nds, each team won more games than it lost. In the junior section the standout sides were again the U11s, who won 8 from 10 and finished second in their division and the U13s, who won 6 from 8.

The U11s were led by the fine batting of James Keast (143 runs @ 72), Paul Martin (98 runs @ 20) and Sam Williams (69 runs @ 17). They were backed up by some fine fielding from the team and some excellent bowling, in particular from Nick Keast (10 wickets @ 5), James Keast (8 wickets @ 5) and Paul Martin (6 wickets @ 12).

The U13s’ batting was dominated by Seb Darke (143 runs @ 29) and James Fussey (129 runs @ 32). With the ball James Keast (11 wickets @ 6) wreaked havoc playing two years above his age-group and Fred Fenwick (8 wickets @ 6) was the other main wicket-taker.

For Rasen’s senior sides the 1sts consolidated their position in Lincs League 2 with injuries and work-enforced absence leading to a curate’s egg of a season that had, at one point, promised much more than the eventual seventh place. ‘Keeper Mark Robinson finished the season with 23 victims to top the Division 2 averages and lead the way for Rasen in the field. Once again the Bierlein brothers (Gary and Karl) dominated with the ball, Gary Bierlein (37 wickets @ 15) placing 6th in the Division Two averages and Karl Bierlein (33 wickets @ 19) 11th. Whilst a variety of bowlers toiled manfully for the rest of the season, Chris Potter (15 wickets @ 12) was the only other player to break double-figures in his wickets tally.

With the bat, Rasen relied heavily on Jon Stephenson (450 runs @ 35) and Luke Robinson (325 runs @ 30). The pair blossomed both home and away this season with Stephenson’s 87 against Keelby and Robinson’s 98* at Hartsholme particular highlights. Gary Bierlein (238 runs @ 27) was again his consistent self with the bat, but no other player broke through the 200 run barrier for the year.

The 2nds fielded a young side against, on the whole, much older opposition and found themselves unfortunate to end up in ninth place. They require re-election for 2010, despite a haul of 167 points that left them only 23 points ‘off’ 5th place. The 2nds struggled to impose themselves with the bat, with only Simon Clark (207 runs @ 30) totalling more than 200 runs for the year. However, encouragement can be taken from the contributions of 14 year olds George Fussey (172 runs @ 17) and Tom Corden (129 runs @ 16) and more can be expected from Ivan Nash (199 runs @ 14).

With the ball the skipper, Andy Richley (30 wickets @ 14) led the way and finished 9th in the Division Four league averages, ably abetted by Luke Richards (19 wickets @ 15), As Rampal (15 wickets @ 15) and Aaron Wells (15 wickets @ 23). Richley was the only regular bowler who was not a teenager and, as such, the 2nds efforts with the ball this season were exceptional.

2009 saw Rasen’s Sunday XI looking to re-establish their pre-eminence in the Premier Division of the McKinnell’s Lincoln Sunday League after a year of consolidation following their promotion in 2007. Whilst the team were not able to scale the giddy heights of a pennant, their top-four finish was thoroughly deserved. Leading the way with the willow was Graeme Bell (568 runs @ 44) who had a breakthrough year with the bat, smiting five 50s and striking his maiden ton. This was one of four centuries the team’s batsmen compiled during the season, with Matthew Rutherford (492 runs @ 49) collecting two more and youngster Luke Robinson (185 runs at 92) accumulating the other.

Rutherford (22 wickets @ 11) and Bell (21 wickets @ 16) continued their fine efforts of recent seasons with the ball and received excellent support from Jon Darke (14 wickets @ 12) and skipper, Dale Chambers (12 wickets @ 19).

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 11-12/07/09

Market Rasen 1sts hosted Owmby in a vital Lincolnshire League Division Two encounter, with both sides striving to pick up maximum points and maintain their push for the promotion places. Despite a solid bowling performance from Rasen, with another five wicket haul for Gary Bierlein the highlight, Rasen’s batting capitulated to hand Owmby a convincing win.

Batting first, Owmby found runs hard to come by against Rasen’s new ball attack, with Simon Bunn and Chris Potter sending down 14 overs between them for 25 runs. Will Bradford and Karl Bierlein continued with the parsimonius approach and after 26 overs Owmby were 43 for none. Once Gary Bierlein was introduced Rasen made a breakthrough,which prompted Owmby to take up the cudgels in rather more earnest than they had to this point. With wickets in hand, they upped the run-rate and closed on 140 for 8 from their 45 overs, thanks to 44 from K. Bowring and 32 from J. Stanser. Gary Bierlein finished with 5 for 53, spinning a web around the Owmby lineup with assistance from Karl Bierlein (3 for 43).

In reply Rasen’s batting failed to fire as they collapsed to 94 all out, with C. Deegan being the main beneficiary for Owmby, picking up 6 for 19 from 11 overs. Dean Richards, with 24, was the only Rasen batsman to make an impact as Owmby took advantage of a callow batting performance.

In the Division Four basement dwellers encounter at Brigg the 2nds won an enthralling contest by 13 runs. Choosing to bat first on a sporting track, Rasen showed a rare willingness to graft for their runs and benefited accordingly. George Fussey was the mainstay of the innings, again demonstrating his penchant for occupying the crease, top scoring with 33. Batting around Fussey, the rest of the top order contributed,with 26 from Simon Clark and contrasting 20s from Ivan Nash and Andy Richley. With wickets in hand, the middle order were able to fling the bat and boost Rasen to 170 for 8 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Brigg made Rasen work hard for their wickets, with Aaron Wells and As Rampal bowling well initially with little luck. It was only the introduction of the spin of Richley and Fussey that saw wickets start to fall, reducing Brigg to 55 for 3. Hildreth (32) and Musslewhite (56) came together and accumulated steadily, putting on 95 for the 4th wicket and looked to have taken the game away from Rasen, until Richley (4 for 32) snaffled both of the danger men and left the way clear for Clark (2 for 13) to help him mop up the tail and see Rasen to a much-needed victory.

Market Rasen’s Sunday side, reduced to 10 men, defeated Hartsholme at Rase Park, winning by 40 runs. Rasen batted first and saw Graeme Bell continue his fine form for the Sunday side, picking up his third half-century of the season. Matt Rutherford (27) and Gary Bierlein (20) also contributed, but the rest of the lineup failed to fire, with Rasen all out for 121. However, that proved more than enough as an excellent effort in the field saw Hartsholme rolled for 81. Bell and Dale Chambers set the tone, taking 4 for 28 and 3 for 25 respectively and Rutherford (2 for 11) and Bierlein (1 for 14) wrapped things up. Excellent fielding and a consistent performance with the cherry proving too much for Hartsholme.

Rasen Cricket Roundup – 04/07/09

Market Rasen’s 1^st team got back to winning ways on Saturday, away at Hartsholme 2nds, thanks to an aggressive display in the field and a dominating performance with the willow from Luke Robinson.

Hartsholme batted first and, despite the hard track and bright weather, found runs hard to come by against Market Rasen’s bowling triumvirate of Chris Potter (3 for 33), Karl Bierlein (1 for 41) and Gary Bierlein (4 for 20). The bowlers were backed up by some fine fielding, with Luke Robinson shining as he pouched four fine catches. As a result, Hartsholme struggled to 155 for 9 from their 45 overs.

Missing a couple of batsmen, Rasen required a confident start to ensure there were no issues chasing down the modest total and this was exactly what they received from Robinson and Rob Jefferies (15). Robinson, not for the first time this season, played an innings of startling maturity and was the dominant partner, both in his opening stand with Jefferies and then with Gary Bierlein (24 not out), seeing Rasen over the line with nine wickets in hand and 98 not out to his name.

A weakened 2^nd XI, with only ten men, went down to North Hykeham 2nds by 2 wickets on Saturday, wasting a gilt-edged opportunity to garner some much needed points.

Rasen chose to bat first and Simon Clark and Chris Higgins set about making the skipper’s decision look a good one, putting on 48 for the second wicket in quick time, to leave Rasen 48 for 1 after ten overs. Unfortunately, that was as good as things got with the willow for Rasen, as the departure of Higgins saw Rasen’s middle order capitulate around Clark’s pyrrhic 67. Mixing his trademark blend of studied defence and brutal, if somewhat rustic, attacking strokes, Clark kept Rasen’s total moving. Unfortunately, until Aaron Wells’ 24 at the end, he was unable to find another partner worthy of the name. Rob Buckley was the main beneficiary in a modest Hykeham attack, picking up 6 for 38 from 16 overs as Rasen struggled to 132 all out from 35 overs.

With a paltry total to defend and having gifted the opposition an additional ten overs, Rasen had it all to do with the ball and Aaron Wells and As Rampal set about their work in fine style. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of Tom Corden and Andy Richley that Hykeham were given cause for concern. Corden bowled with intelligence, pace and plenty of movement to trouble Hykeham’s top order, to finish with 3 for 32 from his ten overs. He was ably supported by the skipper, who was finding plenty of turn and bounce with which to trouble Hykeham’s plenthora of left-handers, finishing with 3 for 43 from 15 overs. Rasen’s sub-par total came back to haunt them however, as Kevin Carlisle (37) hung on grimly to see Hykeham to within sight of the finish, with a second deserved wicket for Wells (2 for 35 from 10), proving too little too late.

Market Rasen Cricket – Weekend Roundup

Market Rasen’s teams saw defeat on all fronts over the weekend, with only the 2nd XI finding themselves in a tight game.

The 1st XI went down to their third defeat in as many games at Hykeham, losing by 30 runs.

The 2nd XI lost a thrilling encounter with South Kelsey 2nds by 3 wickets, in the final over of the match. Put into bat, Rasen made an inauspicious start, with both openers back in the hutch with only 12 runs on the board. Tom Corden, however, made light of the rocky beginnings to compile a composed 32 as he and Simon Clark put on 52 for the third wicket. Unfortunately, both fell with the score in the 60s to leave Rasen 69 for 4 after 22 overs and, based on the season so far, little batting to come. Fortunately for Rasen, the lower order contributed some invlaulable runs, led by the skipper, Andy Richley (35) with able assistance from Luke Richards (26) and As Rampal (22 not out), Rasen closed on 195 for 9 from their 45 overs. Lankton was, statistically, the pick of the bowling, snaffling 4 for 58, whilst Gopal took 2 for 27 from 11 overs.

South Kelsey got to a fine start, as Aaron Wells struggled to find the best length for the pitch and it took the introduction of Dean Richards to break the opening partnership, which had put on 50, bowling Burgess for a combative 33 in the 11th over. Rasen managed to stem the flow of runs, as Richley (2 for 35 from 12 overs), Dean Richards (2 for 38 from 9 overs) and Luke Richards bowled tight and agressive lines. Wickets proved harder to come by though, as a young Rasen side shelled five chances in the field and allowed Kelsey’s batsmen too many chances. This allowed Pearson (51) and B. Potter (36) to steer them to within sight of victory and left Rasen too much to do in the final overs. An enthralling match was finished in the last over as South Kelsey edged past Rasen.

The Sunday XI lost at Nettleham by 51 runs. The home side batted first and compiled an imposing 202 for 7, whilst Graeme Bell ran in tirelessly for scant reward, only Matt Rutherford and Gary Bierlein made an impact with the ball, both taking 3 wickets. They were backed up by some impeccable work behind the ash from Rasen’s ‘keeper; Lee ‘Che de Villiers’ Chambers.

Rasen struggled to put together the partnerships required to chase down Nettleham’s total and whilst Bierlein (37) and Chambers (32) rounded off good personal performances, the rest of the batting lineup failed to fire, with Rasen closing on 151 all out.

Published in Market Rasen Mail, Wednesday 1st July