Limmer’s All-round Efforts Rewarded

Rasen's heavyweight slip corden

Scorecard

This time last year, Rasen 2nds were in the midst of a frightful start to their Lincs League 4 campaign; played 4, lost 4.  What a difference a year makes. 2011 has seen MRTCC 2nds fly out of the blocks and they built on last week’s convincing win over Caistor 3rds with a comfortable six-wicket win over a depleted Hykeham 2nds.

With Rase Park receiving its first proper soaking in weeks an hour or so before the game, the toss was always going to be vital and, having won it, Rasen lost no time in inviting Stephen Roe’s Hykeham to have a bat.  With humid, overcast conditions to start the game and a substantial slip cordon – both in terms of numbers and combined tonnage – Dan Norburn roared in from the Gallamore Lane end and immediately had the ball hooping and moving at pace.

However, it was his young new ball partner; James Fussey, who made the first breakthrough, inducing Will Murray to steer a short ball outside off stump straight to the grateful hands of Liam Underwood in the covers.  This was the Lincolnshire U14 bowler’s first senior wicket for the club and the confidence this provided was plain for all to see, as the youngster turned in a sterling new ball spell, continually asking questions of the batsmen and despatching Roe with a ball that caught a thin edge through to the ‘keeper.  Fussey’s first spell left him with the figures of 2 for 19 from 6 overs and Hykeham in a hole.

At the other end, Dan Norburn was eager to join in the wicket-taking action, and did so in the third over, having Matt Scott snaffled at third slip by Andy Richley.  Norburn continued to beat the bat and was unlucky to see a couple of chances grassed in the slips.  The Hykeham batsmen looked to make the most of the chances they’d been given, with Matt Murray doggedly dropping anchor to support a pugnacious counter-attack from Mark Leverett.  The experienced all-rounder started circumspectly enough, but once he’d found the measure of the pitch and the bowling, he lost no time in despatching the cherry to all parts.  Norburn came in for some particularly severe treatment in his last over to ruin figures that would otherwise have been very tidy indeed, with Leverett smashing him for 14, with some mighty blows.

Rasen’s young side stuck at their task in the field as Hykeham’s 4th wicket pair started to build a partnership but, asa against Caistor 2nds last week, there was a noticeable drop in intensity that the side will need to work on going forward when the next wicket doesn’t magically appear.  Rasen rang the changes with the ball, with Jim Dodds and Paul Bett coming in for a little stick early on in their spells.  Bett was particularly unlucky to come away wicketless, beating Murray on numerous occasions, but the youngster stuck at his task and left the veteran without a scalp.

Richard Limmer reaped the rewards of Bett’s hard work, steaming in from the Gallamore Lane end to remove Murray, caught behind, and trigger a collapse that would see Hykeham lose their last 6 wickets for 36 runs.  Dodds’ left-arm seam asked some different questions of the batsmen, with his extra height and bounce when he hit the right areas keeping them honest and it was the veteran leftie who removed the danger man; Leverett, castling him for a battling 52 as he played down the wrong line.

With their tails up in the field, Limmer cashed in, tearing through the Hykeham lower order.  The all-rounder worked up a decent head of steam and beat the outside egde on numerous occasion.  With Mick Corden ready and waiting at slip, it only seemed a matter of time until the next chance came his way and, on this occasion, the game didn’t disappoint, with Corden flinging himself to his right to pluck the ball, one-handed, from the ether and hand Limmer his second wicket.  Hykeham continued to battle, but when Limmer picked up Jones, caught at cover, and then clean bowled Tyler Jelley with a ball that swung back from leg to take off, the visitors had 91 on the board and their last pair at the crease.

With plenty of overs remaining and the pitch drying out, Hykeham’s last wicket pair had some fun, putting on 23 before the return of James Fussey saw Phil Baker’s stumps uprooted and the innings ended on 114.  With the ball, the key men for Rasen were; Richard Limmer (4 for 9 from 6 overs) and James Fussey (3 for 31 from 7.1 overs), with Norburn and Dodds picking up a wicket apiece.

With the sun now out, the pitch and outfield dry, and a small total to defend, Hykeham had to make early inroads.  Unfortunately for Rasen the visitors did just that, removing Mick Corden for 0 as he steered a short ball from Phil Baker straight to gully.  With only the openers getting a hit last week, Rasen’s untried middle order could have been vulnerable, but Andy Richley joined Ivan Nash in a stand of 59 for the second wicket that seemed to put the home side well on their way to victory.  Both Nash and Richley played and missed against Baker and Leverett early on, but the pair dug in and were soon looking relatively comfortable, with only an ill-advised ‘quick’ single from Richley seeing the pair split thanks to some excellent fielding from Hykeham.

The skipper’s ill-advised flight of fancy over his pace – or lack thereof – sparked a mini collapse, as Nash holed out for what, to that point, had been an untroubled 36.  It was all the more surprising as Nash had looked set fair for another fifty after last week’s fine effort.  James Fussey then came and went without troubling the scorers and Rasen had slumped to 64 for 4.  Thankfully Rob Chamberlin (33 not out) and Richard Limmer (16 not out) got the job done, with Chamberlin unfurling a couple of delightful cover drives and both players hitting the cover off the ball whenever they were given the chance.  The pair saw Rasen over the line in the 22nd over to hand a 6 wicket win and 20 points to the home side.

Wickets, Sunshine and 20 Points – Rasen 1sts Off and Running

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Live Over by Over Blog

Market Rasen Town Cricket Club 1st XI’s Lincs League 2 campaign got off to the best possible start as Nettleham 2nds were brushed aside on an unseasonably warm afternoon at Rase Park. Relegated into Division Two in 2010, Nettleham got off to false start last week; losing to Haxey and their talented, but young, line-up were unable to make much of an impression on a clinical Rasen performance.

The balmy weather brought out a bumper crowd and the home supporters were treated to a dominating performance by the men in green. Close-season signing, Graeme Bell, took the new ball from the River Rase end and started the season with an anguished, but unsuccessful, LBW appeal against Dave Lea. This was the precursor to a hostile and accurate spell from Bell that would see him take 1 for 8 from seven overs. Will Bradford took the new cherry from the Gallamore Lane end and having loosened up with a leg stump half volley, that Mark Thornton clipped for one, Lea found his stumps splayed by a Jaffa and Rasen were up and running.

Will Bradford

Bradford’s second over saw the stumps spread again, this time Thornton perishing, playing on as he tried to cut a ball that was too straight for the shot. With Nettleham 4 for 2, shaggy-haired youngster Joe Naughton set about repairing the damage. Unafraid to play his shots, Naughton needed some luck to get going, but he was rewarded for his confidence with a string of boundaries and Bradford came in for some punishment. Naughton was particularly strong on his legs; his strong wrists flicking anything even remotely short into the on-side. It wasn’t until he was joined by Alex Willerton that he was joined by a batsman able to master the conditions and Rasen’s new-ball attack. Willerton showed some glimpses of class, particularly with his straight driving, but with the young pair keen to cash in on anything loose it was not surprising when Karl Bierlein – on for his first bowl of the summer – castled the left-handed Willerton on the stroke of drinks for 14. The fourth wicket pair had added 30 in 8 overs, but Bierlein’s breakthrough left Nettleham a perilous 47 for 4 after 15 overs.

With their tails up from the wicket before the drinks break an invigorated Karl Bierlein quickly picked up two more scalps in the overs following the break. Naughton was the first to go, caught and bowled for an aggressive 27. Nettleham Skipper, Martin Strawson, also prodded back to Bierlein in his next over and then Danny Lea fell to a slick catch by Ian Williams at first slip off the bowling of Gary Bierlein Rasen had reduced their opponents to 53 for 8 and a swift denouement seemed certain. However, Rasen had figured without the red-cloth cap, and broad bat, of Chris Dobbs who set about righting the innings with a mixture of idiosyncratic clips to leg and some cover drives which were far more pleasing to the eye.

The ninth wicket pair had put on 29 before Will Bradford was brought back into the attack and his impact was instant, prompting Dobbs’ partner to pop a catch up to Luke Richards at point. There was still time for Jack Neil to clear his front leg and cleanly smite a delivery from Karl Bierlein into the River Rase; however, this was simply the tail raging against the dying of the light. Bradford dismissed Dobbs for a determined 21 in the 32nd over to end the innings with Nettleham on 90. Bradford had led the way for the home side with 4 for 29 from 8.1 overs, backed up by Karl Bierlein (3 for 31 from 9 overs), Gary Bierlein (2 for 19 from 8 overs) and Graeme Bell.

The Brain Trust at Tea

Rasen’s reply began rapidly, with Graeme Bell and Jon Stephenson putting on 24 before they saw the need to take a single, in the fourth over. Bell was particularly keen to crack on, unfurling a number of crunching drives through the off-side, whilst Stephenson (27 not out) was more than happy to wait for the short ball and punish it. After six overs, Rasen had 48 on the board already and, the odd Jaffa excepted, the Nettleham was looking understandably ragged.

Determined not to go down without a fight, Strawson got his reward in the seventh over, as Bell played on, looking to smear the ball over deep mid-wicket. The all-rounder’s brisk cameo of 27 contained 6 fours, as well as a ‘2’ and a solitary single. George Fussey, making his 1st XI debut, carried on in the same vein, pulling and cutting two fours in his first couple of overs. Unfortunately the Lincs U16 batsman’s afternoon was cut short as Stephenson called for a sharp single that was, by the time both players had ‘ummed’ and ‘aahed’, simply not there. The brief flurry of wickets left Rasen 64 for 2 and lifted Nettleham’s spirits; however these were crushed mercilessly by Ian Williams, whose brutal cameo of 22 not out sealed the deal for the home side. Williams put the icing on the cake with a straight six that scattered the veterans watching at the long-off boundary.

One match does not make a summer and Nettleham’s team was talented, but rather young for this level, but if Rasen can turn in consistent performances in the same vein this summer then they must surely have a good chance of being in the frame for promotion.

A crowd! At Rase Park!

Rasen 1st XI vs Nettleham 2nds – Live!

Click on the link below to view all of the glorious live blogging action…

MRTCC 1st XI vs Nettleham 2nd XI

1st XI vs Nettleham Live Blog – Coming Soon

Team selection, weather and wife permitting I’m planning on tapping out a live blog on the first game of the season at Rase Park. This could be disastrous, or it could be mildly diverting for any keen followers of Lincolnshire League cricket who happen to be near a computer.

Anyway, having no doubt completely sold you on the idea, click on the link below to be taken to a CoveritLive

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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….

Scorecard

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.

Notes on a Lincoln Sunday Premier League Game: Market Rasen vs Nettleham – 13/06/10

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Rather than the usual match report for a game I’ve been involved in I thought I’d try something different for this match, as turning out for the Sunday side these days involves far more of a ‘watching brief’ than when I’m playing Lincs League 4 cricket with the 2nds. There follows a set of thoughts that might, or might not, hang together.

• Scoring’s fun. 40 overs of looking after Nettleham’s ‘book reminded me of the pleasure that can be gained from scoring properly – especially when it all adds up at the end. Taking down all of the detail; when the batsmen went in, when they came out, balls faced etc. is just plain satisfying. It’s not better than playing, but it was satisfying. I’ll be getting a multi-coloured set of pens next…
   
• Just ‘cos a team’s young, doesn’t mean they’ll roll over. Nettleham turned up at Rase Park with Ed Bosworth, Warren Nel (their South African Pro) and eight youngsters. The plethora of Lincolnshire jumpers and caps should have given the Rasen side a heads-up that they weren’t complete mugs, but young Danny Lea still had us 2 down in the first ten overs.
  

  Matt Rutherford, whose 85 led Rasen to 204 for 6

  Interestingly, it wasn’t until they turned to the experienced spin of Nel and Bosworth that Rasen’s batsmen were able to really kick on. The pair went for 109 from their 20 overs as Matt Rutherford (85) built a decent total of 204 for 6, with help from Graeme Bell (42) and Dale Christie (42 not out from 29 balls).

• It’s not essential to be quick out of the gate. Time and again I’ve watched teams do this to Rasen 2nds in the Lincs League and Rasen’s Sunday XI did the same to Nettleham. Rasen were 30 for 2 after ten overs and 75 for 2 after twenty. But wickets in hand meant they could crack on for the second half of the innings and still amass a competitive total. It’s an obvious point, but one that so many young players fail to heed.
   
• One man doesn’t make a team. Whilst Nettleham’s youngsters flung themselves around in the field to great effect, with the bat the visitors’ lineup consisted of Warren Nel (114 not out) and not much else. Once Bell bowled Bosworth for 22 it was a case of attacking one end for the home side and trying to give Nel the single wherever possible. The South African’s innings was even more impressive in that other than Bosworth, no other player got more than 6 as Rasen’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Nel even managed to tighten things up, taking 27 off Karl Bierlein in the 35^th over off. Bierlein’s previous nine overs had garnered him 3 for 27. Nel’s attempts to turn a defiant last-wicket stand into a dash for victory were only undone in the 37^th over, with Lea the last man to fall.
   
• What could have been? Anyone who’s been in the bar at Rase Park on a Sunday will have heard this before, but Sunday’s game was a prime example of this question. Rasen’s side on the day contained:
  • Nine players who were educated at De Aston in Market Rasen.
  • All of whom played youth cricket at Rase Park.
  • Eight players who’ve played Lincolnshire ECB Premier League cricket.
  • Of whom six have turned out for ECB sides this season.
    Unfortunately, only four of the side turn out for Rasen in the Lincs League. Most of the team are plying their trade at higher-levels than Lincs League 2 or 4 and this is the ultimate dichotomy of Rasen’s Sunday XI. When we’re somewhere near full-strength, like we were last weekend, we’re a handy outfit, even with your correspondent lumbering around in the outfield, it’s just a pity that Rasen aren’t playing at a level on a Saturday that means most of these lads are playing for us all weekend. 

The win cements Rasen’s place, for the time being, in the top four of what is a competitive Premier League competition and sets things up nicely for the next few months, as long as someone can turn Boston over.

Haxey Crush 2nds Cup Hopes

Ivan Nash and Shaun French prepare to do battle with Haxey 2s in the Cup

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The 2nd XI entertained Haxey 2nds at Rase Park and went down to the Division 2 side by 8 wickets. Put into bat Rasen’s opening pair of Ivan Nash and Shaun French bucked the visitors’ expectations by laying a solid foundation. The pair put on 70 in good time before Nash was bowled for 52. French continued the fine work before top-edging an attempted swipe to the keeper, to fall for 26 and leave Rasen 94 for 2 after 22 overs.

George outlines some home truths to the Skipper whilst Gary Mann looks on

This was the cue for Rasen’s middle-order to kick on, but unfortunately only George Fussey hung around long enough to even look like contributing and only a cultured 28 from Dan Quinlan at the end got Rasen up to respectability, with the home side all out for 159. Haxey’s wickets were shared between the wile of Paul Bradley ( 3 for 27) and the enthusiastic pace of youngsters Aaron Moody (3 for 32) and J. Needham (3 for 33).

Aaron Moody hurls down another arrow

In reply Rasen’s opening bowlers stood up well to the challenge from the Division 2 side’s opening pair, with Graham Charman and Quinlan both asking questions of the batsmen. Charman struck to remove Skelton, unfortunately S. Ryan (40) and S. Barlow (62*) then put on 72 for the second wicket and eased any worries that the visitors might have harboured. Rasen’s change bowling was punished by the experienced outfit as the Isle of Axeholme side eased themselves into the next round.

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).

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…