Cardiff Cavaliers 2016 Archive In this document you will find: Officers Awards Notable achievements Results Averages AGM details Match Reports 2016 Officers 2016 Honorary President – Graham ‘Joey’ Newbury Chairman – Jason Duffy Captain – James Marchant Vice Captain – Kieran Gandhi Secretary – Glenn Chapman Treasurer – Jonathan Thomas Non-elected Fixture secretary – Gareth Payne/Nigel Adams Director of Communications – Bill Ward Awards (presented at the 2016 dinner Holland House Cardiff) Player of the Year - Kieran Gandhi Clubman – James Marchant Top batsman –Kieran Gandhi Top Bowler – Sanjeev Bidurguppa Testimonial – James Marchant Champagne Moment – David Davies Most Improved Player – Gareth Payne Notable Achievements Willow League champions, Cup runners-up. Kieran Gandhi – 109 v Llanvapley, 21st July 2016 Ross Bowen - 5-22 v Medics 24th May 2016 Joey Newbury – 5-6 v Glenwood Church 10th August 2016 David Davies – 5 dismissals (4 ct, 1 st) v WAG Housing, 21st July 2016 James Marchant - 100 career catches

FIXTURES/RESULTS 2016

Game No

Midwk

Wkend Date Time Opposition Comp H/A Venue Played Win/Loss

1 Sat 16-Apr 1.30 Barry Wand’rs F A Hayes Point No N/A 2 Wed 04-May 6pm Eclipse WL A St Fagans Yes W WL Willow League

3 Sun 08-May 1.30 Sri Lankans F A Caerphilly Yes L Cup Willow League Cup

4 Tue 10-May 6pm Rhiwbina WL H Cathedral School No N/A F Friendly

5 Thu 12-May 6pm Hurricanes F H Cathedral School No N/A FTW Full Toss/Willow Cup

6 Tue 17-May 6pm Media Wales F H Cathedral School No N/A 7 Wed 18-May 6pm Glamorgan Cen. FTW A Lantwit Fadre Yes W 8 Sun 22-May 1.30 Rogerstone F A Rogerstone No N/A 9 Tue 24-May 6pm Cardiff Medics F H Cathedral School Yes W 10 Thu 26-May 6pm Hostel XI F H Cathedral School Yes W 11 Tue 31-May 6pm Chartered Trust WL H Cathedral School Yes W 12 Tue 14-Jun 6pm Casuals WL H Cathedral School Yes W 13 Tue 21-Jun 6pm Hurricanes F H Cathedral School Yes W 14 Thu 23-Jun 6pm CBB'S F H Cathedral School Yes W 15 Thu 30-Jun 6pm Spartans FTW H Cathedral School Yes L 16 Sun 03-Jul 12.30 Casuals F H Cathedral School Yes L 17 Mon 11-Jul 6pm Card Games WC A St Fagans Yes W 18 Thu 14-Jul 6pm Hurricanes F H Cathedral School Yes L 19 Wed 20-Jul 6pm Eclipse WC A St Fagans Yes L 20 Thu 21-Jul 6pm WAG Housing F H Cathedral School Yes W 21 Wed 27-Jul 6pm Chartered Trust WL A St Fagans Yes L 22 Sun 31-Jul 2pm Llanvapley F A Llanvapley Yes D 23 Thu 04-Aug 6pm CBB'S F H Cathedral School Yes L 24 Sun 07-Aug 1pm Barry West End F H Cathedral School Yes L 25 Tue 09-Aug 6pm Glamorgan Cen. F H Cathedral School Yes L 26 Wed 10-Aug 6pm G’wood Church F H Cathedral School Yes L 27 Tue 16-Aug 6pm CBB'S F H Cathedral School Yes W 28 Sun 04-Sep 1pm Lisvane F A St Mellons Yes L 29 Sun 11-Sep 1pm Sully Centurions F A Sully Yes L 30 Sat 17-Sep 1pm Barry Wand’rs F A Hayes Point Yes W

CARDIFF CAVALIERS CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2017 6.30pm Thursday 26th January 2017 Upstairs bar, The Cameo Club, Pontcanna

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the previous AGM (provided via Mailchimp) 3. Officers’ reports on the 2016 Season (provided via Mailchimp) a. Chairman b. Captain c. Secretary d. Treasurer 4. Election of Officers for the 2017 Season a. Chairman b. Captain c. Secretary d. Treasurer 5. Willow League 2017 6. Subscriptions, match fees and budget for 2017 7. Fixtures 8. Tour arrangements for 2017 & 2018 9. Nets, 2017 10. Kit inventory 11. Any Other Business - Testimonial - Dinner - Curry night - Match reports

Chairman’s report on 2016 season

As the 2017 AGM approaches it’s a time to reflect on the previous season and look forward to this season. Firstly I would like to thank your committee members, your captain James Marchant for efforts on and off the field, Glenn Chapman (secretary) and Jonathan Thomas (treasurer). I would also like to thank our fixture secretaries Nigel Adams & Gareth Payne. And other members without portfolio who are active behind the scenes, Mike Dawkins, Glyn Poulsom, Bill Ward, Mike McVeigh and Graeme Brown. Your dedication keeps the club strong. On the field saw Rhiwbina pull out of the Willow League competition. This left 4 remaining member teams. 2016 saw a trial cup with The Full Toss League. This will hopefully see our leagues come closer together in 2017 as clearly 4 teams is not ideal. Discussions are ongoing and a formal request has been put forward to The Full Toss League to join with us. Glyn Poulsom will be chairman of the Willow League for 2017. Updates will be provided in due course. Our own performance on the field resulted in us being crowned champions for the

second season running. Although we have only four teams in the league it must be noted that only the strongest teams remain, and it’s another excellent achievement for the Cavaliers. We once again reached the final of the cup competition. It was another highlight for the season although it did end up in defeat. We had had a good mix of friendlies in the week and the weekend. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to tour this year due to several injuries and players not being available. A closer tour to Bristol has been arranged for 2017 which will hopefully see a return in numbers. Next year marks our 40th anniversary and we are keen to repeat the success of 2008 and 2013 which marked our 30th and 35th with tours to Amsterdam and Toulouse. Plans are in place with a proposed trip to Majorca. We had a good show of hands at the dinner, which was positive. Deposits are now due to secure your place, and to allow us to make some firm decisions. The annual dinner at Holland House in November was very well attended and I would we had a number of award winners. I would like to congratulate them once again. 2016 was the Testimonial season of our long-term captain James Marchant. We had an excellent game of interclub cricket and an evening at the Cameo in June. Jim has been a tremendous servant to the club on and off the field. And finally we look forward in 2017 to a new larger league, a successful tour and hopefully some new faces so the club can continue to grow. Jason Duffy

Captain’s Report on 2016 Season Summary: Played: 25 Won: 12 Lost: 12 Draw: 1 As mentioned previously I know it’s fairly customary to recycle the content of past reports but these are becoming identical now…..decent season, good form in parts and another cup final lost! I would like to start by thanking my fellow committee members for their support, advice and input this season - Jase, Kieran, Glenn, JT, Glyn & Bill (dic). Thanks to Grizz and Payney for arranging our fixtures for the year. Thanks to Dawko for undertaking the baggage management and kit inspection duties, Steaders for compiling the career stats, Browny & Glyn for organising another splendid dinner. Mike for sorting our clothing and Payney for sourcing the new club ties. Our performances on the pitch were overall pretty decent, the early season league form was brilliant with some really good wins. As ever there was the customary loss in the Cup Final, if it was connect 4 then we would be winners! No need to go over the disappointment again, just put it right should we get another chance. We lost that night to the strongest Eclipse side I’ve ever played against, congratulations to them. The end of the league campaign became a washout but this still enabled us to narrowly claim the Willow League title by the smallest of margins. Well done to all involved. Again we competed admirably in our weekend/friendly fixtures, there were some great wins and more importantly we had fun while playing. There are plenty of repeat fixtures to look forward to this season. The wickets and runs have been shared about the club with some fine individual performances. I’ll spare the details as the averages are available for all to see. As ever there are always areas we can look to improve on, but more often than not a

game can be turned with a moment of brilliance or luck and preparation is out of the window. I have no doubt that the club is in a really healthy place and is looking in good shape to have a successful 2017. We have great group of members who all get on and have the same enthusiasm for enjoying the game. -Kieran topped the batting with a superb average of 82.57 including a splendid ton and was deservedly our player of the season. -Sanjeev topped the bowling averages claiming 9 victims at miserly 6.89. -Special mentions to Ross & Joey for claiming 5 wicket hauls. -David deservedly took the champagne moment for his 5 dismissals -Gareth was a worthy winner of the most improved award. We welcomed 4 new members to the club last season – Matt, Geraint, Jack & Danny. All good players, fine blokes and great acquisitions. The club is fortunate that we keep acquiring such decent guys. I hope you all enjoyed your debut seasons and will be sticking around for forthcoming years. Again can I just remind everyone that the onus is still on you to update you availability should it change. An early indication of a change in your availability makes things so much easier on the selectors, as is a prompt reply to a team announcement. Sunday availability is still a struggle, we are having to pick from the same pool of 13/14 players every week. I’ve said before that the weekend games give you the chance to bat for longer and bowl more overs so get involved with those fixtures. Match reports on the whole improved with regard to the time in which they were submitted. But again just a gentle reminder that it really is best to get them submitted within a few days of the game being completed. We all enjoy reading a match report so when it’s your turn please do you best for a speedy report. We have just one outstanding from last season after the influx of reports on the day of the dinner! It was extremely disappointing that we had to cancel the annual tour. It was real shame and a worry for future tours that we were not able to raise enough numbers. Let’s hope this was just a one off and numbers will be healthy for this year’s trip to Bristol and for the looming 40th anniversary tour. We do need your commitment for this one should we pursue the option to travel abroad. It was a great honor for me to receive a testimonial last season and I must thank all of you who gave up their evening to attend. The turnout was fantastic and it was a great night on and off the pitch. Cheers to you all for coming along. Finally, I would like to thank all the club members for your support and effort on and off the field. Let’s hope for a fantastic 2017 season. It has been a privilege to Captain the club once again. Jim Marchant

Secretary’s report - 2016 season Other reports will have covered it, but I would like to reiterate the thanks expressed to all those who have contributed to the smooth running of the club again this year.

Well organised clubs don’t happen by accident, they are the result of the hard work of those involved so please make every effort to contribute. The key points of the 2016 season are: - Membership numbers were excellent with around 30 signed up members. The website still helps with recruitment and we will aim to keep the information on there as up to date and relevant as possible to help ensure that it continues to attract new members. - It was great to welcome Jack, Matt, Danny and Geraint for their first season with the Cavaliers and I thank you for your patience during the early part of the season when the selectors traditionally have the tricky task of getting to know and assessing new players and selecting balanced teams. I hope we see you again this year and you can continue to enjoy the ethos, spirit and sense of fun that the Cavaliers strive for. - The Willow League again struggled as Rhiwbina pulled out part way through the season, leaving us with just four teams. We had the welcome introduction of a new Cup competition involving the Full Toss League and this collaboration will hopefully continue in some form in 2017 to provide more meaningful cricket. The uncertainty at the start of the season meant that Grizz and Gareth had to work hard to find fixtures without much notice and it is to their credit, we completed 25 fixtures, with 12 wins, 12 defeats and a draw. Weekend availability still remains an issue. - There was success on the field, as we retained the Willow League trophy, a more meaningful achievement this season as there were home and away fixtures amongst the 4 remaining teams involved. We yet again reached the Cup Final but suffered the now predictable defeat, this time to our friends from Eclipse. We exited the new WFT Cup to the Spartans on a wet evening, falling short of chasing a small total, a result which will haunt us for some time to come! - Mailchimp continues to aid the selection and communication processes within the club, and it has never been so easy to keep the club informed if you are available to play cricket. Please continue to take individual responsibility for maintaining your availability and responding promptly when team announcements are made. It is a difficult job trying to balance team selection to ensure that everyone gets their fair share of games, whilst also trying to assemble competitive teams for each fixture. This has been much improved recently so many thanks for your efforts and keep it up. - The abandonment of the tour will have been covered off in other reports but it was disappointing that we could not raise sufficient numbers to tour to Salisbury, especially after JT had worked hard to secure fixtures for us. This is the first time in many, many years that the club has not managed to raise a touring squad and I will take the optimistic view that it was just an unfortunate series of events that meant so many were unable to tour. The tour this year is a short hop over to Bristol but planning is in place for the foreign tour in 2018 and I hope that this will be well supported by the membership, to suitably celebrate the 40th

anniversary of the club. - The committee will again be looking for volunteers to assist with certain tasks and events, such as organising the pre-season curry night, tour management, net management, assisting with organising the dinner, ordering trophies and assisting with maintaining the club history, statistics and the website. Please think about what role you can play and put yourselves forward to help out rather

than wait to be asked. Succession planning will also be needed for the committee roles so if you would like to be considered for a role on the committee then please let us know. - Finally, the dinner & awards night at the Holland House again proved to be a highlight of the year and was a great way to close off the season, especially with their being so many award winners this year. There were 26 attendees, which is an excellent turn out. Many thanks to Browny, Glyn and Jason for their time and efforts in arranging this as a lot of unseen work goes into getting this event to run so smoothly for the attendees. Glenn Chapman

vs Eclipse, St Fagans, Willow League 4/5/16

Eclipse 132-8 / Cavaliers 136-2

Cavaliers Win

Good… it’s the cricket season again.

The Cavaliers side for our seasonal opener had a slightly younger look to it than in

times past; promising in terms of improved fielding this year perhaps?

Congratulations and welcome to Jack Parry and Danny Seaward who each made

their Cavaliers debuts in this fixture.

The first over of the season was entrusted to your author, fresh from an economical

spell in the South Wales Premier League the weekend prior. It was dispatched

around the entire park. Jim’s a man who trusts his bowlers, so your author was duly

given another over to put matters straight.

Thus Eclipse amassed 29 after three overs – with Jason Duffy’s single excellent over

at this point of the game having gone for just two runs.

Things got better from here, with the skipper’s canny introduction of a new bowler

who wasn’t crap. Wickets fell steadily, keeping a lid on the Eclipse score. We even

held three catches, though sadly catch spillage does appear to remain an issue for

our squad to work upon.

Eclipse did however go into the interval with a solid 132 on the board. Something for

them to work with if the Cavaliers didn’t bat really well.

What do you need in a scenario like this? Two hard-hitting fast-scoring openers to

seize the initiative would be nice. Phil and Kieran looked the part.

Phil, while hampered slightly by being unable to lift his bat without the use of a

winch, put 13 quick runs on the board. Kieran meanwhile pushed and prodded a

single here, a forward defensive there – people might have started to think his new

managerial responsibilities were weighing heavily. Then he got bored, smashed a

few fours and sixes, and got himself caught.

Siva, a very welcome returnee to the Cavaliers fold, had come in at number three.

For those that don’t know Siva very well, his favourite things are:

1. Smashing cricket balls pretty hard.

2. Adjusting his batting kit after a quickly run single while getting his breath back.

3. Enjoying a full five minute tea-break after all twos and threes.

He was accompanied at the crease by a disconcertingly relaxed and jolly Jimmy

Marchant. Still… there’s plenty of this campaign left for the red mist to descend.

Siva batted brilliantly – scoring 50 not out, seven cups of tea, and fourteen hobnobs.

Jim played an expert supporting role; with 30 chilled-out and content runs in their

unbeaten match-winning partnership of 80.

It was all fairly comfortable in the end, though it quite easily might have been

otherwise if we’d lost a couple more wickets at the wrong times.

So we were all pretty pleased, and went off to the bar for a drink with Terry.

vs South Wales Sri Lankans, Caerphilly, Sun 8th May 2016

Cavaliers Lost.

On the hottest day of the year the teams met at Morgan Jones park in Caerphilly for

this annual match. The hot under the collar events were about but generally the

game was played with the usual good spirit and fairness emphasised by Cavaliers

with the recall of the Sri Lankan batsman given out LBW when he had hit the ball.

There were crowd invasions as well when a “hot under the collar” woman demanded

to know why her young children could not play at cow corner oblivious of the danger

of a hard cricket ball and running male brutes and small bodies being a dangerous

combination on a cricket field. The Pied Piper aka Steaders then gracefully played

his pipe and the kids marched off in the direction of Neverland with a mother who

was still bemoaning the point that this was a public park and open to all not just a

gang of Morris dancers dressed in white.

Now even before the game there was drama as the day before an e mail had been

sent pleading for players as David and Grizz had found better things to do with their

time than join the Morris dancers on Morgan Jones park on a hot Sunday afternoon.

The gallant replacements Phil & Steaders were most welcome to this team of

athletes in white. We had supporters as well including the hop along McVeigh on his

crutches, Mr & Mrs Steaders, Jacks girlfriend who had helped to dress him earlier

when his whites had gone astray and ex Cardiff prop Bob Newman and mate. The

ex Chairman Panda was there with the twins who were keeping him on his toes and

playing in the play park – Ross enjoyed the swings particularly until they collapsed

under the pressure.

It is a point worth noting that the match ball was sponsored by Glyn Poulsom and

this generosity is something that all Cavaliers playing on a weekend are requested to

partake of and sponsor a ball when they are playing on Sundays. I am sure Glyn will

provide information on how this is arranged in future games.

The game got underway and the pitch being an unprepared pudding was challenging

to bat on, the Sri Lankans batted first and Cavaliers opened the bowling with the Gog

and Ali P. Despite Ali having a well earned hangover he bowled well taking 2 for 15

off 5 overs the Gog went wicketless ending his 5 over spell with 0 for 21. Then first

change came on El Presidente Joey Newberry and debutant Jack Parry. Newberry

was as tight as a fleas snatch with 5 overs 0 for 18 and the deb Parry lost his

bowling virginity taking 1 for 26 off 6 overs. Phil D came on next to deliver 1 for 15 off

5 in another tight spell and the “spin Doctor” Poulsom supported at the other end

with 1 for 19 off 4. Havers turned his arm over for one over but the skipper stole the

thunder with a very good 5 over spell taking 4 for 17. The man of Payne had a

couple of overs and then finally Steve Nash finished off the Sri Lankan innings

dismissing Jezza Sparkes for a golden duck and having 1 for 5 off 1.1 overs. Dilum

top scored for Sri Lankans of South Wales with 48 and the score was 169 all out

leaving 170 to chase down. There were some good catches taken in the field 3 each

for Philly D and Cynthia Payne and Havers taking one with his new technique of not

chest bouncing it. The best catch in my humble opinion was Gareth Payne’s take off

Marchant at deep mid wicket running in and taken at testicle height earning him a

black bruised thumb. The Gog would have got to a chance off poulsom but

unfortunately his starter motor stalled and his feet would not get going – in other

words he never made it.

A pleasant tea was taken and it came time for the Cavaliers to bat, Steaders and

Nash leading the chase and putting on 52 before they each fell for 25 and 21

respectively. The going was not easy after that and wickets fell regularly with Payne

going for 1, JT for 8 and Jack Sparrow for a Quacker on debut. The ex, ex Chairman

Poulsom came in and set anchor retiring not out on 19 having a sugar low in the

heat. Phillyharmonic Davies was looking good but got one high on the bat for a catch

at mid on and gone for 11. Cyril Marchant was done for 4 and El Presidente was

fighting on before being bowled for 11. Ali Parkhurst was last man out bowled for 3

and Gog was not out 2 in the 40th over. [Editor’s note: To clarify, it appears our

intrepid Cavaliers failed to make their target]

We retired for a pint to the White Cross at Hendredenny which was a pleasant small

local pub out in the country with a great view over Caerphilly. There was a diplomatic

incident when Beau Nash of the Cavaliers returned from the bar carrying 3 pints and

set them down and then proceeded to have a “Jack Douglas” twitch sending half his

pint over Brian of the Sri lankans sandals and the sound of slopping feet was

resplendent for the remainder of the evening.

vs Cardiff Medics, 24/5/16. Cathedral School, Friendly

Cavaliers 173/2 – Cardiff Medics 47 all out

Brilliant Cavaliers Win and performance.

On a fine but blustery night at the Cathedral School all Cavaliers were present and

correct and ready for action. Our opponents seemed to arrive in two groups but

eventually we were ready to go. There was some excitement in the changing room

when the skipper produced a new pair of what I can only describe as ‘Poachers

Pants’, it was a pity the Gog was not present to offer his opinion on this new

innovative garment the skipper proudly displayed!! The skipper’s preference after

consultation with his vice was for a stint in the field allowing the Medics to set a score

for us to chase. Unfortunately that was the choice of the Medics skipper also so a

coin was tossed to decide order of play and we came second and were put in to bat.

The innings was opened by Messrs Chapman and Payne, with the former being

dropped off the very first ball, and a very expensive drop it turned out to be.

Caveman proceeded to smash the ball to the boundary but also managed in this

eventful innings to nearly break Glens hand when driving an exocet at him and Glen

did well to take the speed off it with his hand but nearly lost it in the process.

Caveman also managed to fit in some treatment for cramp from our on field Doctor,

Twaitsy, stick to the day job my son. He was eventually bowled for a fine 38 after an

excellent opening stand with Glen of 72. Glen then carried on the fine work ably

assisted by Steve and went to his fifty with a fine 6 after which he retired and opened

the door for another Cavalier innings from Kieran who smashed the ball to all areas

of the ground scoring 42 from 15 balls. He was helped by Steve who was run out

with a fine throw from the deep and Sanj. The innings closing on 173/2 with Glen

having retired on 52.

After a quick turnaround the Medics inning commenced with the bowling being

opened by Al Fraser who quickly got the break through in his first over. The past

chairman, Deadly Doug Bowen lived up to his name and produced a stunning spell

of bowling taking 5 wickets for not many runs, unfortunately the opposition did not

complete our book and their own book was pretty bad also, so details of the bowling

performance are pretty vague. However we had our first 5 wicket haul for a while and

every bowler chipped in to support Deadly with some outstanding performances from

Al, Ali, Sanj, Doctor Twaits and the Skipper.

The fielding overall was excellent and we kept the pressure on the Medics with

regular wickets, backed up with some good fielding performances by everyone, an

excellent win, one of the best I have been involved in, but there again I haven’t been

involved in that many!!

Batting

Chapman 52 Retired

Payne 38

Nash 8

Gandhi 42 Not out

Sanj 2 Not out

Bowling

Figures not available but Deadly Doug Bowen 5 wickets

Man of the Match – Deadly Doug Bowen

Champagne Moment – Glen going to his 50 with a 6 over the top.

James Marchant Testimonial, 3rd June 2016, Cathedral School

Marchant XI 109-4

Gandhi XI – 106-6

Marchant XI win by three runs

The sun shone gloriously, the drinks flowed freely and the distant basslines from

Bute Park (where rumours abounded that Craig David’s headline set was

‘catastrophically delayed’ because he fancied a crack at Kieran from the Pavilion

End – note to lawyers: this is a reference to Mr David’s early career as a promising

offspinner) all conspired to make a perfect evening for Jimmy’s well-deserved

testimonial.

Fittingly, the game was an absolute cracker. Set a modest 110, and coasting along

at 69-1 in the 13th over, Gandhi’s Gazelles were pegged back by an increasingly

determined effort in the field by Marchant’s Mallards, leaving Brownie and Grizz (who

fell victim to yet another run-out from the skipper) eleven to make off the final over –

bowled of course by our captain, who took great pleasure in moving his fielders

around in a manner that would have done Garry Kasparov proud (having earlier

shelled a catch at mid-on to the ill-disguised glee of his team-mates). Needing six to

win off the last ball, and with every man save the keeper on the boundary, Fraser

could manage only two, leaving the captain’s men victorious by three runs – a

miracle given the solid start from Steadman, Payne (who fell to a fine catch by

Sanjeev, straight out of the sun and taken at the third attempt) and new Cavalier

Danny Seaward. But the credit for the revival must go to the welcome returnee

behind the stumps of Dave Davies who pulled off two stumpings and a catch to stall

the run-chase.

Earlier, Marchant’s men had enjoyed mixed success with the bat. An eventful first

over bowled by Brownie saw Bill (who later engaged in some hair-raising fielding,

juggling both a camera and glass of red wine at mid-off) club three boundaries, be

given out stumped only to be recalled by Steaders and then dropped by Twaites.

Duffy, having been dropped (Twaites again the culprit) then perished LBW to Brown

– Umpire Nash’s interpretation of the LBW law being loudly barracked from the

boundary. Siva fell first ball, gently lobbing a catch off Grizz to the grateful Al Fraser

at square leg. Bill followed shortly afterwards, yorked by Ross for a hard-hit 20 and

suddenly runs were very hard to come by in the face of some accurate bowling,

especially the aforementioned Messrs Bowen and Fraser who conceded just five

runs between them. Gog (who took guard with three slips and a gully behind him) fell

to Jack for nought and debutant Matt Thorpe was struggling to pierce the infield.

Enter the skipper who cut, carved and pulled in typical fashion to retire for a brisk 26.

Meanwhile, Matt had finally started middling a few and accelerated til he too retired.

A good first effort and hopefully the first of many for Cavaliers. Sanjeev, your

correspondent and JT (whose two wickets later on would pull the captain’s XI back

into the game) cobbled together a few to set a seemingly undemanding total for the

vice-captain’s XI to chase.

During a longer than usual interval, more drinks were taken and amidst much banter

the chairman paid tribute to Jimmy’s long and successful career with Cavaliers. After

a mind-boggling array of statistics from the great man’s time with the club, he was

presented with a very stylish baggy maroon cap, complete with name printed on the

back. All hail our new captain Jimmy Marchnall…

On a personal note, as one of the newer (younger would be pushing it) Cavaliers, I

must also pay tribute to Jimmy – our club is one that plays the game in the correct

spirit, welcomes newcomers with open arms and is rightly the envy of our opponents

at a time when other clubs are struggling. This is in no small part down to the captain

who carries out his duties in the tradition of our great club. All we need now is that

elusive Cup win…

Thanks also to Adi and Mike who came down to lend support and to Umpire Moore,

whose not unreasonable requests for a square-leg colleague fell on deaf ears from

an increasingly relaxed crowd.

V Casuals, Willow League, Cathedral School, 14/06/16

Cardiff Casual 123/5

Cardiff Cavaliers 124/2

Cardiff win by 8 wickets (17.4overs)

It was to be the rivalry reignited with the casuals tonight; overcast, cold conditions

greeted the Cavs and the casuals. Causals requested to bat first as waiting on

players to turn up, although this was to be deliberated like the European in and out

campaign with Farage aka steaders demanding that we bat first. Jimmy decided to

listen to reason (not listen to steaders) and decided to allow them to bat first.

Opening the bowling was ward and Davies and they kept a good line and length with

each taking wickets with excellent caching in the field a stunning towering catch by

Jimmy to remove the dangerous Kim whom had previous been dropped on

1. Fraser aka Pickles came on with Duffy with both bowling well and taking wickets

during their spell reducing the casuals for 66 -5 after 13 overs.

Jimmy and Twaits came on with the Casuals on attack with wickets in hand, the last

6 overs going for 54 runs. Pick of the bowlers was Davies (4 overs 1 wicker 13 runs

including wicket maiden) and Fraser (3 overs 2 wickets for 12 runs) Casuals ended

with 123 runs for 5 wickets of their allotted 20 overs, which may have been fewer if

we had held our catches in the field; but still a great score to keep them too. So the

cavaliers had a target of 124. Cavaliers had a strong batting line and have

demonstrated over the season so far that they are able of chasing down a score.

The innings was opened by Steaders (7) and Payne (17) Payne appeared to just

start seeing the ball and produced 2 cave man smashes to the boundary, though he

then tried another though departed after being caught by Kim in the deep on the leg

side.

Kieran (55 not out – dropped on 37 – 30 runs in boundaries) and Davies (40 not out

– 32 runs in boundaries) then went on the attack and produced numerous good

cricket shots with Kieran hitting a huge on drive for 6, with Davies showing his quality

hitting a picturesque cover drive for 4.

A great win for the Cavs.

Champagne moment: a brilliant performance again from Kieran with a notable knock from Phil; although champagne moment goes to an excellent towering catch taken by the skipper to remove the casuals danger man Kim for 17 runs coming in of the boundary.

Batting details

Steadman 7 runs 1/0

Payne 17 runs 2/0

Gandhi 55 not out 6/1

Davies 40 not out 8/0

Bowling details

Seaward 4-0-25-1

davies 4-2-13-1(included wicket maiden)

fraser 3-0-12-2

duffy 3-0-18-1

Jimmy 4-0-37-0

Twaits 2-0-17-0

Steaders took 1 stumping off the bowling of Fraser

Catches –

Jimmy 1

Kieran 1

Paine 1

Fraser 1

vs. Highway Hurricanes, friendly, 21st June 2016

The summer solstice! Alas there wasn’t much sun as cloud descended over the

Cathedral School for the friendly with our old friends the Hurricanes. It looked as

though they’d be struggling for numbers and so reinforcements from the Cavaliers

arrived in the form of Phil. As it turned out we had plenty of players and both

captains agreed to a 12-a-side game and in an agreed toss the Hurricanes batted

first.

Bowen and Newbury opened the attack for the first four overs without success, and

Nathan Rees opening for the Hurricanes ominously found the bowling to his liking

hitting 3 maximums in the first 3 overs. Phil Davies made the crucial breakthrough to

bowl Rees, and followed it up with another in the same over. Duffy also struck in his

only over to firmly put the brakes on Highways. The innings never recovered and the

Cavaliers gradually chipped away, with some excellent bowling from Poulsom,

including an excellent caught behind with Davies taking an edge stood up to the

wicket – a fantastic take. The star of the innings was the old druid that is Mr G.

Brown, who once he managed to sort out a rather embarrassing personal protection

equipment malfunction, produced a cracking spell of bowling to take three

wickets. Valiant attempts were made by the said druid in attempting to take catches

as Griffo seemed to take years of pent-up aggression on him at mid wicket.

Thankfully he emerged unhurt and his ill-fitting box unscathed. Jimmy picked up his

usual soft tail ender wicket to keep his stats looking good, and congrats to Mr Thorpe

for his first Cavalier wicket! Special mention to Jason for taking 3 catches and also

to Kieran for an outstanding direct hit run out, though it must be noted that before

that can an abysmal piece of fielding that should result in a fine. The Hurricanes all

out for 89.

With a modest target and no issues with daylight the Cavs were in buoyant mood as

their innings started. Thorpe (13) and JT (15) opened and put on a solid stand of 31

to take us well towards the target. Parkhurst (5) and Duffy (4) kept us ticking, as did

Davies (8). Newbury (12) and Marchant saw us home with 2 overs to spare, with

Jimmy clearly fed up of hanging around and finishing it with urgency to top score on

17 not out. All this with Phil, Kieran and Ross still to come J.

This winning lark is proving to be a very welcome habit!

Champagne Moment: The excellent caught behind from Davies of the bowling of

Poulsom. His reactions would have been impressive for a 20 year old keeper, let

alone a veteran Cavalier. Superb stuff.

Bowling Details:

Bowen 2-0-13-0

Newbury 2-0-24-0

Duffy 1-0-5-1

P Davies 1-0-2-2

Poulsom 2-0-6-1

Brown 3-0-12-3

Marchant 2-0-3-1

Thorpe 1-0-5-1

Run Outs:

1 (Gandhi)

Catches:

Duffy 3

D Davies 1

Batting Details (runs, 4s, 6s):

Thorpe 13 runs; 2,0

Thomas 15 runs; 2,0

Parkhurst 5 runs, 0,0

Duffy 4 runs, 1,0

Davies 8 runs 0,0

Newbury 12 runs not out, 1,0

Marchant 17 runs not out, 1,0

Vs. CBBs, 23rd June 2016. Cathedral School, friendly.

At 6pm on a bright warm 23rd of June, 11 eager Cavaliers were buzzing around

eager for what promised to be an exciting game of cricket. The stumps were placed,

the pitch rolled out and the boundary marked, there was just one thing missing, an

opposition. At 6:10 there were just two members of CBBs side there. Jimmy

instantly clamed the toss and put the opposition into bat with their batting order

seemingly selected on players arrival.

Dawko opened the bowling with a quick if slightly wayward spell, with his pace twin

Twaitsy joining him at the other end. Despite bowling 7 wides, these two restricted

CBB to 26 of the first 4 overs with Twaitsy bowling Sam with the last ball of his

second over. This led to a bowling change from Skipper Marchant, bringing on the

spin twins of Jack and Matt who kept the run rate in check. After Matt bowled his

second over he then ran off to put his keeping pads on. This led to a change of

bowling with Al and Ali keeping things tight, both batsman taking runs when they

could. N Harrison’s preferred shot was planting his big dog down the wicket and

mowing everything he could across the line, Taj however seemed to be playing the

long game, patting back two or three waist high leg stump full tosses. After 4 more

unsuccessful, yet economical overs, Jimmy brought on his 7th and 8th bowlers of the

innings, JT and himself. The breakthrough came in the 14th over, with both batsmen

going for a two that was never there, Payney gave a direct as ever throw from the

deep and Taj was run out by half the wicket after Jimmy clinically whipped off the

bails. After two more uneventful overs, the captain decided now was the time to call

on our golden arm and he didn’t disappoint. Payney had been our standout fielder,

on a day with 4 dropped catches (one each by Ali, Matt, Jack and Geraint), Payney

rushed to everything with his bullet arm and even took a catch in the deep before

flicking it back as he went over the ropes. It seemed to be his day in the field, his

first over was a run a ball but in his second over he struck. Twice. Firing it into the

blockhole he bowled first N. Harrison with his first ball and then Toby with his last

ball. The innings was completed with a final over from Jack with the Cavaliers

restricting CBB to 126-4 of their 20 overs with N Harrison (66) and Extras (26) being

their only double figure scores.

After his day in the field it only seemed right that Payney should open the

batting. Joined by Geraint at the crease, Payney batted with his usual gusto scoring

8 off 10 balls before taking one swipe too many and getting bowled with one that

kept low from Bayer. Jack then joined Geraint at the crease and the two started to

knock the ball around batting nicely. Geraint was then bowled through the gate by

Bayer with an inswinging ball from round the wicket for a run a ball 11. This brought

Al to the crease and together with Jack milked the bowling in a partnership of 52 off

8 overs. Jack got lucky chipping a few over the heads of the fielders before trying to

go big and chipping it to cover who took a good one handed catch, thus he was out

for 19 off 24. Matt then joined Al at the crease, getting 4 good balls in a row before

hitting one that bounced back at the bowler for a duck. With two wickets falling with

81 on the board, 43 runs were needed off the final 6.1 overs. Captain Marchant took

it upon himself to get the job done. Together with Al (who was on 25 at the fall of

wicket) they began to chip away at the required total. 38 needed off 6, then 28 off 5,

23 off 4, 14 off 3. Things were getting tighter and tighter even though Jimmy and Al

were taking runs when they could, punishing the bad balls for 4. With 8 needed in

the last 2 overs it seemed like it was the Cavaliers game to lose however the over

only went for 4 meaning that it was 4 to win off the last over with Jimmy on strike on

8 and Al at the non-strikers end on 47. First ball, dot, 4 off 5. Second ball, quick

single to Jimmy, 3 off 4. This brought Al on strike. With three needed for the win

and his first ever 50 for the Cavaliers, what would happen. The opposition captain

then took his time bringing in and repositioning the field. The pressure was

mounting, utter silence as the bowler was running in, it seemed like even the cars

stopped to listen to watch the ball, what would Al do, play it safe and try and knock a

single or go for a massive swish. As nonchalantly as you like Al stepped forward and

smoked it over mid-wicket for a one bounce for. He’d done it, he won the game for

the Cavaliers and brought up his maiden 50 all in one stroke, finishing on 51* off 55

balls with Jimmy at the other end 9 off 13.

Champagne moment: Payney’s catch and flick back on the boundary.

Man of the Match: Al for his 2-0-6-0 and 51*

Bowling:

Dawko 2 – 0 – 12 – 0

Twaisty 2 – 0 – 13 – 1

Jack 3 – 0 – 18 – 0

Matt 2 – 0 – 8 – 0

Al 2 – 0 – 6 – 0

Ali 3 – 0 – 19 – 0

JT 2 – 0 – 12 – 0

Jimmy 2 – 0 – 19 – 0

Payney 2 – 0 – 14 – 2

Batting Stats: fours/sixes

Payney 8(10) 1/0

Gareth 11(11) 0/0

Jack 19(24) 0/0

Al 51*(55) 7/0

Matt 0(5) 0/0

Jimmy 9*(13) 0/0

v Spartans, Full Toss Willow League Semi-Final, Cathedral School, Thu

30th June 2016

Toss won by Cavaliers

Spartans 97/8 off 18 overs

Cavaliers 89/9 18 overs

Spartans win by 7 runs

Cricket to me is about playing cricket, not winning games by the toss of a coin or a

bowl off. Unfortunately, due to the weather over the past few weeks we were unable

to get our rearranged quarter final game with Chartered Trust played on the Tuesday

to play the Semi Final on the Thursday. Chartered Trust themselves had delay

playing their first round in this completion due to the weather. Unfortunately, our

semi-final opponents do not share the sentiment about my first sentence and forced

upon ourselves a situation where we had to have a result on the Tuesday as they

would not accommodate a rearranged semi-final. In a gentleman’s agreement with

our good friends Chartered Trust we were put through to the semi-final against the

Sully Spartans. Cardiff Casuals had already been forced to forfeit their game

because they were unable to play on the suggested date. It should also be noted

that the game itself on the Thursday would not normally be played due to the amount

of rain we had and that fact it was actually raining.

Nevertheless, the Cavaliers were all there and ready to go.

Having won the toss Jim decided with his fellow batsmen that we should chase and

Spartans were put into bat. Their opening batsman got off to a fast start scoring 43

off the first 5 overs. This is where a change of bowlers was required. Phil & Sanjeev

bowling a superb spell each of 3 overs. Phil taking 3/16 & Sanj a miserly 2/7. 2 of

Phil’s wickets were clean bowled and one lbw. Sanj repeatedly had the batsmen

tricked and Steadman took the bails off twice. The Cavaliers were firmly back in the

game now, the next 5 overs only added 20 runs. We continued in this vain with Al

0/15 and Jim 1/9 off their respective 3, including a superb catch by Gravy off Jims

bowling. It was very good to claw the Spartans back and we felt we were firmly in

control for two thirds of the innings. The Spartans finished on 97/8. Boundaries were

however difficult to come by and the wicket and outfield was getting wetter and

wetter.

Steaders and Gareth opened the batting for the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, it was to

be our poorest batting card of the season with only 3 players getting in to double

figures. The fourth highest score was 3. The pitch was no doubt difficult but I feel we

could have made better of the situation. Spartans managed to get quite a few 2’s

and this made a difference. Steaders retired on 30 and came back in with an over or

2 to spare. Jimmy really took the game to them and scored a quick sensible 16 runs.

If another batsman had played like this, we would have won the game. He looked to

rotate the strike rather than just waiting for the bad ball. We fell 9 runs short of

victory, but in truth we were rarely in the chase.

We had a good showing at the pub later were jimmy checked the book on a number

of occasions to check the scorecard was real! We on in a good league position and

still have our forthcoming Willow league Cup where I’m sure the spirit of the cup will

return. We have had a very good season so far, so let’s learn from this and move on.

Champagne moment: A superb catch at long off for Andrew Graveson.

Batting details

A Steadman 35no 2 x 4’s/0 x 6’s (retired at 30 and returned)

G Payne 0

Siva 0

P Davies 2

J Marchant 16 1/0

Chapman 1

Sanjeev 3

Graveson 2

Fraser 2

Gandhi 11

Duffy 3

13 Extras

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

Graveson 3-0-19-0

Duffy 3-0-28-1

P Davies 3-0-16-3

Sanjeev 3-0-7-2

Marchant 3-0-9-1

Fraser 3-0-15-0

Catches

Graveson x 1

Stumpings

Steadman x 2

Vs Casuals, 3/7/16, Cathedral School, Friendly

Casuals 199/7, Cavaliers 112 all out.

A sunny day but a damp slow pitch and outfield greeted the players. Casuals

openers Swain and Stevens had booked in for a long stay unlike Deano in France

and Mike and Ali were treated with respect.

Brown and Davies were milked for easy singles and the short legside boundary

proved attractive. Parry and Adams took over but at 20 over drinks it was 100 with

no wickets down. Grizz got the breakthrough courtesy of Jimmy at long on. He

followed up with another success and with Jack at the pavilion end also picking up 2

wickets it had become an even contest at 138-4 in over 31. However the pirateical

(looked like a pirate!) came to the party. He swept, pulled and drove to the leg side

boundary. It liked as if deep on the boundary Geraint had pouched him but he

sportingly acknowledged a toe over the line. Well done and much appreciated by the

Casuals. Payne eventually dismissed him and picked up another but the Casuals

posted an impressive 199-7. Tea was taken on the balcony and a most impressive

one. Thanks to everyone concerned, especially Mrs Adams who saved her

husband’s reputation.

Cavaliers “New wave” openers Geraint and Jack set about the task with brio and it

was a shock when Jack was bowled for 11,with 18 on the board in the 4th. Geraint

was scoring with ease until he charged the bowler and was stumped for 36 with 52

on the board in the 11thDawkins was given caught behind off the glove. The

Laughing Cavalier &wore a frown temporarily. Grizz mistimed a pull and gave 78

year old John Prior a wicket. Worryingly this has encouraged Brown and the Gog to

keep going! Ali and Glyn perished quickly and Jimmy and Dave got to drinks on 94-

6. Jimmy’s brave effort ended on 35 (5 4s,1 6) Dave departed, soon followed by the

Gog and that was it. 112 all out. The players left the field in beautiful sunshine with

bells of Llandaff Cathedral ringing in the distance. How many more younger men had

enjoyed such simple pleasures before signing up in1914. We have much to be

grateful for.

Many thanks to Gareth who rearranged this fixture when our original opponents

scratched. He also played at short notice when we were short. Cavaliers lost by 87

runs.

Bowling

Dawkins 4 0 13

Parkhurst 4 0 11

Brown 5 0 36

Davis 5 0 29

Poulsom 4 0 10

Adams 6 2 24

Parry 6 2 38

Marchant 5 0 24

Payne 2 2 9

Batting

Parry 11

Morgans 36

Dawkins 9

Adams 0

Parkhurst 0

Poulsom 0

Davies 4

Marchant 35

Payne 0

Davis 0

Brown 0*

vs. Card Games, Willow Cup semi-final, St Fagans, 11/7/16

Cavaliers (149-9) beat Card Games (141-1) by 8 runs.

He wouldn’t would he? He bloody would!

A mere 36 hours after experiencing the traumatic sight of his first child being born

and a mere 30 minutes after collecting his family from the hospital to return them

home, Jim showed what a true club man/mentalist he is by rocking up (only a little

late) at this important fixture to try and help get the Cavaliers into the Willow Cup

Final for another year.

We were unsure he would make it, so JT, being the club man he is, turned up to fulfil

12th man duties, adorned in immaculately pressed whites, befitting of the housewives

favourite. Our thanks to JT, Glyn and Mike at this point for coming along and

umpiring/scoring for the duration of the game – we are extremely grateful for this

level of support as it really lets the players concentrate at the job in hand. It was also

nice to see Adi and Siddi come to support the team and we all hope to see Adi

joining us on the field before the season is out.

Card Games were a good side – a team made up of ‘Radyr Dads’ whose children all

play age group cricket at Radyr. Although they were a bit of an unknown, there was

the odd familiar face and they all looked like they knew which end of the bat to hold

and then some.

Vice-Caramac Kieran took over tossing duties and decided to be brave when the

coin landed his way. We were to bat first, have best use of the slow looking pitch and

try and set a defendable total. The format of this cup competition – 2 overs per

bowler and retire at 25 – meant that our depth in both disciplines would hopefully

give us the advantage.

VC & Caveman Payne strode to the crease and instantly encountered some tight,

effective bowling and a pitch which was certainly doing a bit. After a cautious start,

Gareth was first to depart, bowled for 5 by one which swung late.

Phil (23) joined Kieran and instantly looked to up the rate, cleanly striking 4 quick

boundaries before being caught at long off, attempting to hit a boundary which would

have seen him retire. Shortly afterwards, Kieran showed him how to do it in style by

dispatching the offspinner over deep square leg for 6 to retire on a watchful 28.

This bought Jimmy & Glenn (4) to the crease with the latter not lasting long before

being out leg before. Siva was next and he and the skip both batted aggressively in

order to boost the run rate. Siva took just 16 balls to retire on 25 and Jim was

unlucky not to join him with red ink, caught for 21 hooking a full toss down to fine leg.

Although Jim felt it may have been a no ball, it was probably only waist height on

most fully formed adult men, so he can have little to complain about (I’ll just leave

that grenade there…).

We were now looking in a better place, with Gravy swinging his way to a hard hit 20

not out, although we were losing regular wickets as we tried to set a daunting total.

Sanj (1), Pickles (0), Chairman Duffy (2), Danny C-word (0) and a returning Kieran

all perished in the pursuit of quick runs, leaving us on 149-9 from our 18 overs, which

was a good return after a tricky start.

It was important that we didn’t lose wickets to their opening pair of bowlers, which

would have put the team under pressure, so the pace of the innings was just about

right, thanks to some watchful batting and strong hitting from Kieran, Phil, Jim, Siva

& Gravy.

We didn’t know how deep Card Games would bat but our bowling and fielding would

have to be tight and it certainly started off in the exactly the right vein with Phil (1-9)

and Sanj (0-4) restricting them to just 13 off the first 4 overs, which was no mean feat

given how useful both openers looked. Phil made the breakthrough, with what would

be our only wicket of the evening, clean bowling the opener who had slog swept him

to the boundary the previous delivery. Sanj was really unlucky not to pick up wickets

and had the batsmen playing regular false shots with his leggies.

The Card Games batsmen then picked up their scoring rate and started to not just

find the boundaries but cleared the ropes more regularly then we had.

One by one the opposition batsmen retired, 4 of them ending up back on the

boundary edge with red ink to their name. Duffy (0-24), Graveson (0-13), Seaward

(0-23), Gandhi (0-14), Marchant (0-16), Frazer (0-23) and Chapman (0-12) all toiled

away, trying to get the breakthrough which never came.

Our fielding was not as tight as it had been on previous occasions and we were

trying to defend some big spaces, but thankfully, we bowled just enough dot balls

and conceded less extras than the opposition and this always kept them just behind

the run rate.

34 were needed off two overs and then 19 off the last and although the last ball of

the innings was smeared over long on for 6, Danny held his nerve and they finished

8 short of what was almost an excellent chase.

Special mention to Al ‘Pickles’ Fraser and Phil “Mitchell’ Davies who both donned the

keeping gloves and each kept really well on a tricky track. Ice those bruises boys!

If I’m honest, we could not have had many complaints had the result gone the other

way, as ultimately we had taken only one wicket and 4 of their guys had retired on

25+. We did just enough though and I believe our togetherness and experience got

us through in the end.

This was a good hard game of cricket, played in the right spirit and was the type of

game that I believe we all enjoy playing in. Card Games are a good team and would

be a very welcome addition to the Willow League if they do decide to join us in future

seasons.

We now have a cup final to prepare for and look forward to. After three successive

failures, we are fortunate to get another chance, so let’s get out in force to support

the team against Eclipse at St Fagans next Wednesday.

Champagne moment

Some sweetly struck sixes and some tight bowling early up but this week it belongs

to the early hours of Sunday morning when baby ‘Jimima’ Marchant safely entered

the world. Well done skip..

Cavaliers Batting (149-9)

Payne 5

Gandhi 28 (4×4, 1×6)

Davies 23 (4×4)

Marchant 21 (1×4, 1×6)

Chapman 4 (1×4)

Siva 25* (1×4, 1×6)

Sanj 1

Graveson 20* (2×4, 1×6)

Fraser 0

Duffy 2

Seaward 0

Extras 21

Cavaliers Bowling

Davies (1-9)

Sanj (0-4)

Duffy (0-24)

Graveson (0-13)

Seaward (0-23)

Gandhi (0-14)

Marchant (0-16)

Fraser (0-23)

Chapman (0-12)

Extras 14

Vs Eclipse, Willow Cup Final, St Fagans, Wednesday, 20th July 2016

Eclipse 154/5, Cavaliers 129/10

Lost by 25 Runs

I saved the duties of this match report for myself in the hope of finally being able to

write about a Cavaliers victory…the wait continues.

It would be very easy for me to just tell you all to read the match reports from the

Cup Finals of 2015, 2014, 2013 as it’s kind of the same story that we were just not

good enough on the night. So I guess I had better write a few words about another

disappointing result.

First my congratulations to Eclipse, they were worthy winners and the better team on

the night. They batted aggressively from the start and their desire to push for 2’s

when they were batting proved to be the difference in the end. They managed twice

as many 2’s as we did. Our bowling was decent enough with no one giving anything

anyway and no one taking any real punishment. The pitch was a good one and the

batsmen got value for their shots. It was very good Eclipse side that went on to be

victorious.

As just mentioned the Eclipse bating was aggressive from the start with Mike looking

to tee off from ball one, he scored a quick 17 before bowled by Adi. It was also Adi

who picked up the next wicket of Collier with a c&b to a ball that rushed the batsman.

The Eclipse skipper (Chris) and other opener was in fine form, he played some great

shots and hit the ball hard. He retired on 25 off only 11 balls and only 1 dot.

Sanj picked up the next wicket of Fakher (caught by Jase) when he out foxed him

with one his mystery spin balls. Sanj bowled extremely well with not many batsmen

being able to read the deliveries he was sending down and was unlucky not to get

another wicket after we put Fari down to a difficult chance when he was on 0. Fari

eventually went on to retire on 25. Eclipse had got off to an absolute flyer and after 6

overs the score was already on 61.

We pegged them bag in the middle part of the innings only conceding 40 runs in the

next 6 overs, the flurry of boundaries had somewhat subsided but it was hard

running and relentless 2’s they were picking up that was starting to increase the run

rate again. By running the first one hard they were always going to make 2’s on a

large outfield against an “ageing, slowish, not many bullet arms” team, with Kieran

being the standout fielder patrolling out on the far side of the field. We can’t do much

about getting older but what we can do is be smarter, let’s start by anticipating the

ball coming to you, not being flat footed and always moving in with the bowler. This

wasn’t a bad fielding performance, a couple of catches went down that cost a few

runs, a few were shelled with guys pretty much over the boundary rope (hard to

class them as drops really).

Eclipse finished up on 154 and with the wicket playing well this was target we felt we

could get.

Our reply didn’t get off to the best start when we lost our linchpin Steaders for only 6

but with Kieran and Siva at the crease we kept up with the required run rate. Both

have been in fine form this season and played some powerful shots to keep us in the

game. Siva was next to go when he was run out for 15 off 13 balls (start sliding that

bat in Siva). Kieran retired on 29 including 2 big sixes off 18 balls. I came and went

for 0 which I’m extremely disappointed with. Our run rate was still good and after 7

overs the score was 62. The boundaries had dried up a little and with lack of the 2’s

we started to fall behind the required rate. Gravy perished for 12 in the push for big

runs. Sanj retired on 25 off 24 balls.

Wickets now began to fall regularly as the rate crept higher, the boundaries became

hard to find as we often hit fielders out on the ropes. Adi was run out for 4, JT retired

hurt after being snipered, and Al & Jase selflessly gave their wickets away cheaply to

allow Kieran to come back in. This was always going to be too much even for big

hitter like Kieran. We required 27 off the last over and with a decent bowler like Fari

charging it was not to be. Kieran fell for a fine 40 off 26 balls. Danny was the last

man to fall and we were all out for 129 and another final was lost.

For me the difference was the 2’s that Eclipse picked up when batting and saved

when fielding, our bowling was decent but they batted better and fielded tighter.

These are the areas we need to improve on, we are in a good position in the league

and it would be a real shame to let the position slip. We must be positive in our

remaining games against CT, Casuals & Eclipse. We are still a talented side with

good players and we need these players to perform for us to compete.

I must thank Mike for scoring again it’s a well-kept book and received praise from the

two CT umpires Dale and Adrian, our thanks to them for volunteering to umpire.

Thanks to Ali for taking some pictures for us and to all the other Cavaliers who gave

up their evening to support us – Glyn, David, Grizz, Browny, Joey, JD & family,

Dawko & family, Ross & family, Payney & Steve. Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.

Champagne moment: Nothing for me I’m afraid.

Batting details

Steaders – 6, 1×4

Kieran – 40, 2×4, 2×6

Siva – 15, 1×4

Jim – 0

Gravy – 12, 1×4

Sanj – 25 n.o, 3×4

Adi – 2

JT – 4 retired hurt

Al – 1

Jase – 0

Danny – 0

Bowling details + catches/stumping’s

Gravy – 2-0-18-0

Jim – 2-0-19-1

Adi – 2-0-17-2 1 catch

Sanj – 2-0-10-1

Jase – 2-0-16-0 1 catch

Danny – 2-0-13-0

Kieran – 2-0-14-0

Al – 2-0-15-0

Siva – 2-0-16-0 1 catch

Vs. WAG Housing, friendly, Cathedral School, Thursday, 21st July 2016

Cavaliers 154 for 3

WAG Housing 120 for 8

Cavaliers won by 34 runs

After the disappointment of the Cavaliers performance in the Willow Cup Final the

previous evening the Team needed to re-establish itself with a convincing win

against WAG Housing.

Arriving at the ground at 1730 there appeared to be a great shortage of cars in the

car park; had I got the venue wrong??? However, our club’s vice captain, but captain

for the evening was relaxing in the one car present in the car park. His report that he

had not got in from the nights drowning of sorrows until 0430 was not a little

concerning, but he had obviously set out to present a good example to the rest of the

team with his prompt arrival. It was a cool dry evening, lacking in sunshine due to

some high cirrostratus, but as the evening wore on the cloud did increase and the

light was fading quite badly by the time the game finished making fielding in the deep

very difficult to pick up the flight of the ball.

The pitch itself looked a treat so hard it was impossible to put the stumps into the

wicket. Glyn with a large bottle of water attempted to soften up the holes to accept

the wickets, and after some time managed to set the wickets, with some assistance

from Kieran battering the top of one stump with another to drive the stump into the

wicket, much to the chagrin of Glyn who reminded Kieran that the stumps were

newly purchased and should be treated more respectfully. Perhaps the club’s

purchase of a mallet might solve the problem for future matches. Finally, the stumps

were in position, rock steady – we wouldn’t realise just how rock steady until later in

the match when a stumping attempt was made by the team’s aged wicket

keeper. Although a clean take, and a swipe of the stumps, had the batsman walking

back to the pavilion with the square leg umpire raising his finger for the batsman

being out of his ground, he had to be recalled when inspection of the bails showed

that they had not moved from the top of the stumps. Further attempts at hitting the

sides of the stumps, increasing is force, showed that maybe the only way to dislodge

the bails was to demolish the stumps “a la Steaders.”

Approaching the 6pm start most of the players of both teams had arrived. Not sure

whether we won the toss and elected to bat first or were put into bat by the

opposition, but our opening batsmen were told to “pad up.” Unfortunately, with the

injury to JT the previous evening and Ali being unable to play there had been a bit of

a mix up of who was to replace them; we were one player short which necessitated

an emergency call to “Steaders,” and his acceptance to ensure we would have a full

side. The batting lineup remained fluid as we awaited his arrival and the indomitable

Browny with Matt Thorpe opened our innings. After Browny’s criticism of the lack of

urgency of some of the running between the wickets the previous evening, he was

determined not to have the same criticism leveled at him and was intent on pushing

for two at every opportunity. However, the pair made a very slow start, with

seventeen “dot balls” in the first four overs before Browny was caught off the bowling

of the opposition opening bowler for 5. With Kieran now taking to the field with

instructions to slot Steaders in at No5 on his arrival we anticipated an upping of the

tempo of the scoring, but with only 6 runs coming from the first twelve balls he faced,

it looked as if his partying the previous night/ morning might be having a detrimental

effect on his batting. Matt at the other end was also slow in his run accumulation,

but then the fours started to flow from Kieran. This success prompted Matt to get in

on the act as well and he started to find the boundary before he was caught and

departed for a well earned 29. Steaders had by now arrived and was padded up, but

adhering to the skippers instructions on the batting lineup, it was Grizz that joined

Kieran in the middle. His cautious start was complimented by Kieran’s now

dominating innings with some mighty 6’s beginning to flow from his bat – any

hangover from which he might have been suffering had truly dissipated. Grizz

another supporter at the cup game the previous evening was also keen to show how

ones should be made twos. Kieran was now in overdrive with sixes flying to all parts

of the ground, plundering 28 runs off one over; then reaching a score of 85 he

retired. Steaders replaced him in the middle taking much flack for taking the No 5

slot from “El Presidente” (Joe Newbury) and he settled with Grizz in pushing the run

rate along until Grizz was caught for a nice little cameo of an innings of 13. With

Grizz on his way back to the pavilion it was down to “El Presidente” to join Steaders,

but with a single taken by Steaders on the last but one ball of the final over it was

down to “El Presidente” to face the last ball of the innings which he stoically blocked

to ensure his “not out” status in the end of season statistics.

The Cavaliers took to the field with a score of 154 to defend; Mark Twaite opened

the bowing with Glyn Poulson. The opposition were making a steady start, finding

boundaries at this stage of their innings a little easier to find than we had in ours, but

in the third over the aged wicket keeper, standing up to the stumps and belying his

age took a smart catch behind off Mark. Mark struck again with his next ball yorking

the oppositions No 3 bat. The field closed up in the expectancy of another wicket

and hat trick from Mark, but a wayward head high “no ball” deprived him of this

honour. Glyn was next to strike when the No 2 opener chasing a wide on the offside

got a nick and was caught behind; then in his next over dismissing their No 5 getting

a flick down the legside to be the keepers third catch behind. Their No 4 and No 6

batsmen were batting well with very few “dot balls” and the opposition’s score was

mounting steadily when Steve Nash held a straightforward catch to dismiss their No

6 batsman off the bowling of “El Presidente,” who struck again in the 15th over

bowling the opposition’s No 7 batsman with a delightful ball that cut back inches to

totally bamboozle him. Kieran and Browny entered the fray for the final two overs

with the opposition by this time in some disarray, although their No 4 batsman was

still at the crease and scoring freely whenever facing, but on Kieran’s third ball he

was dismissed with a smart stumping for a well earned 43. Browny, following a wide

on his first delivery, dismissed their No 9 batsman with the wicket keeper’s fifth victim

of the match with another caught behind. The WAG Housing’s innings closed at the

end of the 20 overs with a score of 120, giving the Cavaliers a well earned victory by

34 runs.

The game was played with good sportsmanship from both sides, and the Cavaliers

were back on the winning track again with Kieran earning a victory on his first outing

as captain. Fielding was of a generally good standard with Glyn Poulson making two

notable sliding stops in the covers. Steaders took some good natured flack in the

field when the ball appeared to follow him and he misjudged a number of fielding

attempts, and for a dropped catch to which he managed to get his two hands to the

ball, but to be fair, he wasn’t wearing his keepers gloves.

Although there were no champagne moments as such in the match, the win was set

up with Kieran’s magnificent innings of 85 Not Out and the five dismissals behind the

stumps by yours truly.

Cavaliers Batting (154 -3)

G Brown 05

M Thorpe 29 (4 x 3)

K Gandhi (Capt) 85 (retired) (4 x 8) (6 x6)

N Adams 13 (4 x 1)

A Steadman 12 (NO) (4 x 1)

J Newbury 0 (NO)

S Nash

M Twaite

S Davis

G Poulson

D Davies (Wk)

Extras 11

Cavaliers Bowling

M Twaite (3 -0 -11-2) 1 x ct bhd

G Poulson (3-0-21-2) 2 x ct bhd

S Nash (3-0-13-0)

S Davis (3-0-24-0)

J Newbury (3-0-23-2) 1 ct

N Adams (3-0-18-0)

K Gandhi (1-0-9-1) 1 x st

G Brown (1-0-4-1) 1 x ct bhd

Extras (6) (Wd – 3) (Nb -3)

Vs Hurricanes, Friendly @ Cathedral School, Thursday 14th July 2016

Cavaliers 154/4 (20 ovs) lost to Hurricanes 155/5 (19.3 ovs) by 6 wkts

Lovely evening for a friendly against local rivals, Hurricanes. Even though we play

them in friendlies, these games are quite competitive, and we don’t like losing to

them. We know they like to swing (in the batting sense of course), so we usually get

a close game, and this one no different. There was some initial confusion regarding

numbers of players, with both sides thinking they didn’t have enough players. Both

sides in the end had 12, so we played a 12 a side game. Format was 20 overs, 2

overs per bowler, 10 bowlers.

VC Kieran was skipper for this one, won the toss and elected for the Cavaliers to bat.

Payney and Nash opened up, quite a slow start, taking us to 12 off 5 overs. Kieran

spotted this, and an encouraging chirp of ‘chop chop’ out to the middle, responded to

by Payney giving a notable frown back. Fraser, seeing this, immediately bet McVeigh

his house and Porsche on Payney being out next over, at 6/1. The worked up

Payney, conscious of now having to up the pace then got bowled that next over, for

4 off 14 balls. McVeigh owes Fraser c£2m+. In came Geraint, and played some nice

strokes, Nash was next to go bowled in the 8th over for 9 off 23 balls. Kieran came in

and set about it pretty much straight away, ballooning the score from 31/2 off 8, to

81/2 off 14. Geraint supported but got out caught for 13 off 19 balls. In came Grizz,

and a mix up in the middle, got run out without even facing a ball. Obviously either

too many Jaffa Cakes, or not enough gone off Lucozade. We were then 83/4 off 15.

Fraser came in and supported Kieran, who in the last 5 overs, played some of the

most brutal shots to all parts of the ground. There is some great slow mo video

available from Payney who was umpiring, or rather directing Matrix style. The score

went from 83 off 15 to 154 off 20 overs, with Kieran in fine form, and resulting in a 51

ball 94. There was a slim chance of a ton for him in the last over, Fraser nudging for

1 to give Caramel the strike, he got a 6 away, but ended up being bowled, with 6

short. A brutal innings, and a good target set, one we thought was good enough.

Spartans nemesis Morgan opened up the Hurricanes batting, ably supported by

Evans. Gog and Terry opened the bowling, and although wicketless, kept the rate

down. Duffy then came in with Browny, runs ticked over, but no major blows. Duffy

struck first, and ended up with fine figures of 2 overs, 1 wicket for 0 runs. Fraser took

Morgan, which was particularly satisfying, ably stumped by Dave D. Morgan

mumbled as he walked off, something about not being sporting. Don’t lift your foot

out of the crease then. Fraser then got Saeed LBW, and Nash got Satish, but they

were now up on the rate at 81/4 off 14. In came Griffiths and Stagg, and Griffiths hit

a nice 31, mostly in 4s and 6s. Griffiths eventually went to Geraint, Hyder came in,

also swinging and they reached the target with 3 balls to spare. We were on to win

the game, but not tight enough with the ball or in the field in the last 5 or 6 overs, and

with hurricanes swinging like keys in a fruit bowl, they had it in the bag. Thoroughly

enjoyable game all round, good bunch of lads the Hurricanes – cricket was the real

winner here. Couple of pints, a good browse of the bar maids in the Butchers,

followed obligatory Chinese or City road kebabs.

Champagne moment: Absolutely no doubt, Kieran’s 51 ball 94, a brutal knock,

smashing the ball to all parts of the ground, and unlucky not to get a ton in a 20 over

match!

Batting details

G Payne 4 (14 balls) bowled

S Nash 9 (23 balls) bowled

G Morgans 13 (19 balls) caught

K Ghandi 94 (51 balls) bowled

N Adams 0 (0 balls) run out

A Fraser 10 (14 balls) Not Out

DNB – J Duffy, G Browne, M Twaits, S Davis, D Davies

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

M Twaits 2-0-11-0

S Davis 2-0-15-0

J Duffy 2-2-0-1

G Browne 2-0-19-0

A Fraser 2-0-2-2

N Adams 2-0-10-0

G Payne 2-0-31-0

S Nash 2-0-14-1

G Morgans 2-0-27-1

K Ghandi 1.3-0-16-0

Catches – Grizz, Fraser

Stumpings – 1 (Davies off Fraser)

Vs. Chartered Trust – League Game, St. Fagans, 27th July 2016

Chartered Trust 130/9 – Cavaliers 120/9

Cavaliers lost by 10 runs

Chartered Trust won the toss and chose to bat first. Sanj and C-word opened the

bowling with Sanj making the breakthrough in his second over and following up with

a 2nd wicket in his third over to bring chartered trust to 24-2 after 5 overs. Things

were looking good and the Cavs looked to turn the screw and restrict CT to a low

total.

The pressure mounted on CT after a first ball wicket from Adi followed up with a very

economical spell (including a maiden) to leave him with great figures of 1-18 from 4

overs. Duffy, Frazer and the Skipper finished off the CT innings bowling very tight

and continuing to take wickets and restricting the runs with the next 3 wickets coming

for just 3 runs (CT limping along at 68-6). However, CT managed to claw back some

runs, hitting some boundaries towards the back end to finish with 130

runs. Probably a below par score and very achievable. (Drops – Matt, Jimmy and

Jason).

The Cavs innings began with two experienced ol’ dogs walking to the crease, one

Andrew Steadman and Jimmy Marchant would need to make a solid start but with

Andrew ‘James Vince’ Steadman chasing a wide one in the first over, it was not so.

The Cavs were standing at 1-1. Glenn came in at three to try and rebuild the innings

making 10 before being caught behind. In came young Matt, who looked comfortable

at the crease with Jimmy, making a partnership of 25. The Cavs were building and

looking good until Jimmy was caught behind for a well made 30. Wickets continued

to tumble at regular intervals after this, with Matt sticking in there playing some very

classy shots, keeping us in the game before there was probably too much to do and

was caught trying to force the boundary. A solid 36 from 38 balls. With 18 runs

needed off the last over, all we needed was three sixes/ a miracle with C-Word and

Duffy at the crease. Needless to say all that could be managed was 8 runs with C-

Word being run out on the last ball calling for the third run “Go on! I wanna try and up

my average” (which now stands at 1.67).

Champagne moment: Matts solid innings to keep the Cavs in the game.

Batting details

Steaders – 0 (4 balls)

Jimmy – 30 (26 balls – 5 x 4s)

Glenn – 10 (20 balls – 2 x 4s)

Matt – 36 (38 balls – 3 x 4s)

Sanj – 2 (3 balls)

Adi – 5 (9 balls)

JT – 14 (10 balls – 2 x 4s)

Frazer – 5 (7 balls)

C-Word – 5 (3 balls)

Duffy – 0 (0 balls)

Nash – DNB

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

Sanj 4-0-25-2

C-Word 4-0-31-0

Adi 4-1-18-1

Jase 3-0-18-2

Frazer 3-0-24-2

Marchant 2-0-11-1

Catches Duffy, Matt, Steve, Marchant x 2.

Vs. CBB’S – Friendly – CATHEDRAL SCHOOL – 04/08/2016

CBB’S 114/4 – 108/7 CAVS

CAVS LOST

*** Please excuse the vagueness of this report. It was thrust on me at the last

minute! ***

(“Yes I did ask him to do this as we were walking to the car park, it was one of many

things I forgot to do on the night – jim”)

The school was a beautiful venue as usual – as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our

opposition. I am unsure who won the toss, but the cavaliers began the game in the

field.

Brief run-down of our performances;

Fielding

Not a great performance. We were not at our usual standard. After the CBB’s got off

to a slow start, we seemed to relax and let them get away with too many 2’s. We all

need to gain that ‘killer instinct’ and attack at all times. This game would have been

all over by half-time had we have shown more enthusiasm and will to win.

However, Jack was outstanding. Stalking the boundary like a doped-up cheetah and

using his rocket arm to good effect. I must also mention Paynie – who again showed

what an attribute his to the team with his fielding prowess, fitness and willingness to

leave it all on the field. The only two of us to make any kind of impression.

Bowling

Not an awful performance, but need to tighten up on the extras. I believe that we

gifted them about 1/3 of the runs. Jimmy started well with a tight over and finished off

the innings perfectly also. Joey was his ever reliable self. Ali was accurate and on

the spot. Siva had his obligatory over. Paynie also bowled nicely. Grizz was turning

the ball a mile – and Jack followed in his footsteps.

Overall, we restricted the opposition to a very gettable total.

Batting

Opening up with Steaders and Paynie. Some mighty blows by the Caveman made

him a quick 28. One particular shot that sticks in my mind was a giant six over long-

on, which resulted in the ball being chased onto the public path at the rugby club

end. Steaders is starting to look his usual self, playing some delicate cut shots and

running hard between the wickets. Siva hit one into the heavens and was pouched

by an uncomfortable looking fielder. Jack played all around a straight one – after

crunching a beautiful cover drive straight to a fielder. Grizz stuck around at the

crease and looked very comfortable against the bowling. With a strong defence and

a professional looking cut shot, he proved to be the backbone of our innings. Ali was

dismissed by the bowler taking an outstanding c&b effort (very unlucky as he

absolutely creamed the shot!). At this point the run rate was climbing and the

batsmen needed to attack. Jimmy obliged and hammered the ball to the long-off

boundary for a classy 4 runs, before being caught out while forcing the pace. This

left your author facing the last over needing 18 to win….and I couldn’t hit the ball off

the f***ing square.

Special mentions to Paynie for a swashbuckling opening innings, and to Grizz for

being not out in the end!

Summary

A difficult loss to swallow. We had the game in the bag, but let it slip away. On this

occasion I believe that we were not beaten….we lost the game ourselves!

However – lets not lose sight of why we play the game. We play for fun, some

exercise and most of all get us away from our partners for a few hours! I believe we

achieved all of the above.

Onwards and upwards you beautiful b****rds!!

Batting Details

Payney Bowled 28

Steaders Ct 20

Siva Ct 0

Jack Bowled 0

Grizz Not Out 32

Ali Ct 2

Jim Ct 9

Phil Run Out 2

Joey DNB

David DNB

Steve DNB

Bowling Details

Phil 3-0-10-0

Jim 3-1-10-2

Ali 3-0-14-2

Joey 3-0-22-0

Siva 1-0-10-0

Jack 3-0-19-0

Grizz 3-0-14-0

Gareth 1-0-14-0

Vs Barry West End (friendly), Cathedral School, Sunday 7th Aug 2016

Cavaliers 179-7 (40 overs); West End 180-2 (38 overs)

West End win by 8 wickets

After a week in which we had won the league despite a ball not being bowled in our

2 fixtures; the Cavaliers enjoyed a pleasant Sunday afternoon friendly in warm

breezy conditions at Cathedral School despite eventually succumbing to a strong

batting display from the visiting Barry West End side.

Cavs won the toss and Matt and JT were sent in to open the batting. The pair batted

patiently against some tight new ball bowling and both found the boundary before

both got themselves out playing slightly erratic shots. A good partnership between Ali

and Joey then developed and after a watchful few overs, Joey in particular began to

accelerate. Ali departed for a well-made 13 leaving Joey to be joined at the crease

by Adi who immediately looked to accelerate the scoring rate, making a quick fire 19

from just 14 balls before being caught on the boundary. This brought the skipper to

the crease and the runs began to flow freely with the batsmen rotating the strike with

ease. By the time Jim was bowled by the leg spinner for 18, Joey was batting

effortlessly and the boundaries were flowing from his bat and soon he brought up a

very well earned half century. West End, struggling to find a way to peg him back,

turned to their strike bowler, a 10 year old named Ellis wearing shorts, t shirt and 5 a

side boots. Needless to say the change worked and he had Joey out caught behind

with the third ball of his spell. An excellent 62 from 73 balls. The young seamer

continued to cause havoc, Payney should have gone first ball but for a poor dropped

catch at square leg. And the lad was in the action again as he ran out Grizz who had

looked good for his swiftly made 13. The Cavaliers were content having batted

through the 40 overs and made a competitive 179.

After the tea interval, Adi and Glyn opened the bowling against 2 experienced

opening batsmen. The bowling was high quality and both kept very tight lines and

lengths. The batsmen were however equal to the task and were content to be patient

and unconcerned with the low scoring rate. After 10 overs, Grizz and Gog came into

the attack but by this stage the watchful opening pair had their eye in and were

starting to up the scoring rate. The overall standard of fielding was good and

particular mention goes to Payney and Adi whose athleticism in the field cut off

several boundaries. In spite of this, the visitors accelerated the score up to 99-0 off

20 overs without giving a chance. Ali and Jim were next to turn their arm over and

this change began to create some opportunities in the field. Unfortunately the

Cavaliers were unable to capitalise as 3 catches were dropped in quick succession.

The next bowling change brought Joey into the attack and buoyed by his success

with the bat he got the breakthrough with his second ball, David doing his bit behind

the stumps to complete the stumping. In the same over, Jim and David combined to

run out the new batsmen for 0. The double success provided some much needed

cheer to the Cavaliers, however West End now needed just 45 from the remaining

13 overs and with one of their opening batsmen still at the crease, they batted

sensibly and completed the run chase with 2 overs to spare. Congratulations to the

opposition opener (Oram) who finished 106 not out.

Champagne moment: Joey’s magnificent 62. The oldest Cavalier to achieve a half

century (59 years 111 days).

Batting details

Matt 8 (1×4)

JT 8 (1×4)

Ali 13 (1×4)

Joey 62 (8×4)

Adi 19 (2×4,1×6)

Jim 18 (1×4)

Grizz 13

Payney 12 (1×4)

David 2

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

Glyn 5-0-15-0

Adi 7-2-17-0

Gog 5-0-37-0

Grizz 5-0-36-0

Ali 3-0-22-0

Jim 7-1-28-0

Joey 3-1-7-1

Payney 2-0-9-0

Matt 1-0-6-0

Drops: Jim, Adi, Matt

vs Llanvapley, away, 31st July. Friendly

Declaration match played at Llanvapley on Sunday 31 July. Conditions: warm with

bright sunshine. MATCH DRAWN.

Llanvapley won the toss and chose to bat first. About 2:25pm the innings

commenced. Powell and Harding opened for the hosts. Kieran as captain chose to

open with Twaites and Parkhurst. The shiny new ball proved a little too glossy for

Twaites, as it slipped from his hands. Kieran was quick to recognize this and Twaites

was replaced by Seaward. A wicket quickly followed, as Seaward dismissed

Harding, caught and bowled, for 5.

Parkhurst bowled steadily, his eventual figures 7 overs no wickets for 29 runs. Whilst

Twaites, returning to bowl with a ball that had now lost its lustre, recovered well and

bowled with control to record figures of 6 overs, 2 wickets for 34 runs.

The pick of the bowlers were Phil Davies, 6 overs, 2 maidens, no wickets, for 9 runs;

and Danny Seaward, 9 overs, 2 wickets for 36 runs. Davies bowled with variation,

accuracy and guile. He bowled a tight line and cleverly flighted the ball. Seaward

extracted life from the pitch and a number of deliveries of his seamed off the wicket,

with some deliveries swinging late.

Steve “golden arm” Davies, The Honourable Nigel Moore, and Graeme “the spin

king” Brown completed the bowling line-up, with Davies taking the only victim from

this trio of bowlers.

A different Davies kept well for Cavaliers, enjoying a stumping off “golden arm” and

catching the opener Powell, but not before he had scored 66. Llanvapley were glad

of contributions from Breeze, 32 not out, Lorell, 28, Harding, 18, and Kerby, 14 not

out. Tea was taken at 5pm and with this Llanvapley declared on 208 for 5 from 40

overs.

During the day, and with some emphasis on these subject-matters during the tea

interval, I learned of various conflicts between the cricket team, the local council, the

lottery funders and a few local residents, over the funding for, the construction and

the use of the cricket pavilion, whose other purpose is as a village hall. Whilst

fielding I also learned of Phil’s habits during a typical Sunday at home. It involved,

amongst other things, plenty of relaxation and the preparation of a traditional Sunday

lunch.

Cavaliers opened the batting with Gandhi and Steadman (me!). Despite plenty of

support and encouragement – thank you, everyone! – I continued to bat poorly,

dismissing myself for 6 with an ill-advised and poorly-executed shot. JT, next man in,

seemed as frustrated as me, as he managed to find a way of being bowled for

nought.

This brought Phil Davies to the wicket, who played some lovely shots until he was

bowled for 26. Danny looked good, until he was caught on the boundary, much to his

consternation, for 11. And Twaites struck some forceful blows, before he was bowled

for 15.

Gandhi was superb, playing shots all around the ground, mixing delicate placing of

the ball with bludgeoning and beautifully-timed hits, to reach a masterful century,

eventually being dismissed for 109 from 103 balls.

Gandhi needed just a little more support from the rest of the batting side, however, to

ensure we achieved a victory. It would have been particularly helpful if we had

rotated the strike a little more, so that the run-rate kept ticking over and so as not to

deny Gandhi the strike. More alertness about placing the ball into gaps and running

aggressively was really required from the batsmen whose role was to support

Gandhi.

As it was, the pressure on Gandhi to do too much on his own eventually took its toll,

as Gandhi was bowled, trying to defy the odds off yet another delivery and hit us to

victory. Yet he almost did it. A remarkable innings!

Cavaliers finished on 189 for 7, from 37 overs.

MATCH DRAWN.

Champagne moment: Gandhi passing 100!

Following the match we retired to The Warwick Arms, where our hosts continued to

make us feel welcome. Overall, a fine day out!

Vs Glenwood Church, 10/8/16, Cathedral School, friendly.

A rather dull, muggy night greeted the teams as we made a prompt start and batted first.

After losing an early wicket, Matt Thorpe and the skipper took the score slowly, but steadily to

27,before disaster struck. A quick single saw Jimmy pull up, possibly with a pulled Achilles’

tendon, in agony compounded by being run out! After a ten minute delay with messers Twaits

and Payne going cheaply, young Matt was batting steadily and with assistance from Al Fraser

put on 55 by the end of the 20 overs. Matt got his first club 50 in 51 balls to take us to 107-4.

In reply, the two experienced glenwood openers took the game away in the first 10 overs, where

Matt learnt, if he didn’t already know, what a fickle mistress cricket can be by dropping two

difficult chances. Don’t worry Matt, it’s called character building!

Finally, a pumped up Fraser took the first wicket, as a prelude to el presidente, for the second

time in 4 days being remarkable this time with the ball. In his three overs he took 5 wickets for 6

runs, surely both the quickest and most economical ‘fifer’ in the clubs history. The oldest ‘fifer’ in

the clubs history? Not according to the honourable Moore “I took five in 2013 at Dinas Powys and

I was 60″he reliably informed me! Hard cheese Joey, only 3 records this week.

Anyway, this sensational spell distracted from the inevitable but now respectable defeat by 4

wickets with 8 balls to spare.

Batting

Morgan b 4

Thorpe n.o.60(55 balls) 5×4

Marchant run out 11

Twaits ct 7 1×4

Payne st 4

Fraser not out 13,1×4

Adams dnb

D.Davies dnb

Newbury dnb

Parkhurst dnb

S.Davis dnb

Total 107-4(20 overs)

Bowling

Adams 3-0-18-0

Twaits 3-0-14-0

S.Davis 2-0-26-0

Fraser 3-0-23-1

Parkhurst 3-0-16-0

Newbury 3-1-6-5

Payne 1.2-0-4-0

Glenwood 108-6(18.2 overs) won by 4 wickets.

Vs. CBB’s, Friendly], Cathedral School 16.8.16

Cav’s 131/2 CBB’s 100 all out

Cav’s Win

The match was supposed to be the Cavaliers send off game before the annual

cricket tour took place. Unfortunately the tour was not to be. So thoughts were about

enjoying the evening’s game of cricket and taking our frustrations out on the

opponents and putting in a fine performance to ease the pain of an unplanned

weekend at home, thinking of what could have been. No more bad news could be

received tonight surely?

Well that was not quite the case as on arrival the skipper was there donning a pair of

crutches. Bad news for the skipper as he had “done his Achilles”. So G. Payne took

charge and was skipper for the game in what was his first outing as captain for the

Cav’s. Wasn’t an easy start for him as CBB’s were lets say a little late in arriving so

much so that their skipper decided to call in for a conference call from somewhere

deep in Cardiff to give his instructions. There was no need really as Gareth won the

toss and elected to bat. Noticing that the CBB’s were still short of player or two the

new skipper offered two cavaliers to assist in the field. (Some for the entire innings,

oh actually one particular cavalier ended up fielding for the entire game! Advanced

punishment I’d say for the anticipated late match report.

Matt and JT opened the batting and with a slow start the CBB’s managed to take the

wicket of JT. Mat and Glenn then managed to get on top of the bowlers hitting some

big 4’s between them. Matt was the first to retire reaching 30 shortly followed by

Glenn who retired on 31. Sanj and Gareth then took up where the others had left off

forming a good partnership before Sanj was caught for 14 going for one big shot too

many in an attempt to push the score on further. Gareth was then joined by Grizz

who supported the skipper to the end making 9 not out. The skipper had a good start

to his new role, firstly to step in (as Jimmy couldn’t “step” that is) at such short notice,

win the toss and put 25 not out on the board. Cav’s ended the innings on 131/2.

So to the filed for the Cav’s (second time for some)! Opening the bowling for the

Cavs was Duffy and Dawkins. CBB’s started off pretty well in chasing down the

score, hitting 19 runs off the first two overs. Duffy managed to get his line and length

and in his second over took the wickets of the CBB’s opening pair. Gog and

Pankhurst were the next pairing and managed to keep the pressure up with Gog

taking a wicket in each of his two over’s one going around the back of the legs of the

batsman. Short of players and short of wickets a further bowling change took place

with Sanj and Adam’s coming into see if they could inflict some more misery on the

CBB’s batsmen. Well Sanj took two from two balls. On his hat trick, ball there was a

huge shout for lbw. It wasn’t given. Adam’s got another wicket to add to his stats

followed by Glenn and who managed to also pick up a wicket in his spell.

The Cav’s won the game quite convincingly with a really good performance with both

bat and ball and were very tight in the field. Congratulations to Grizz who managed

to take his 107th catch in his cavalier’s career and big congratulations to Gareth

taking charge of his first game.

Batting details

1. Thorpe 30 (retired) 4/4’s

2. Thomas 9 Bowled 1/ 4

G, Chapman 31 (retired) 4/4’s

Sanj 14 Ct 14

1. Payne 25 not out 2/6’s

2. Adams 9 not out

J Newbury DNB

A Parkhurst DNB

1. Duffy DNB

2. Dawkins DNB

3. Davies DNB

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

Duffy 4-1-18-2

Dawkins 1-0-7-0

Davies 2-0-8-2

Parkhurst 2-0-23-1

Sanj 2-1-2-2

Adams 2-0-5-1

Chapman 2-0-13-1

Newbury 2-0-12-0

Vs Lisvane – Friendly, St Mellons, Sunday 4th September

Lisvane 289/4 Cav’s 89 all out

Lisvane Win

The Saturday before the game the heaven’s opened with a deluge of rain… like

most other cav’s thought the game was off already when awaking on another gloomy

Sunday. However Cpt Payne confirmed early morning that the game was most

defiantly on….. However later maybe wishing that more rain had fallen.

Upon arrival at the ground to which my first visit I was impressed by the setup,

however the grey skies had not cleared and the Lisvane players working on the pitch

to ensure the game could start.

With the toss won I think we elected to field first not sure of what type of team we

were facing we set about our task. Maybe the writing was on the wall when the

opening batsmen came down the wicket on the 3rd ball and dispatched the ball for 4!!

The next 40 overs were not much fun for any of the fielding cav’s as the ball was

dispatched all over the place with the opposition scoring 37, 31, 72, 50 and 51!! The

highlight was a good catch by P.Davies but in doing so injured is finger to which he

retreated to the club house for a respite from the onslaught of runs!

At tea we discovered that Lisvane who had 3 teams on a Sunday I think had other

games called off so we were facing one of their strongest line ups! However tea was

nice and thoughts turned to how we were going to chase down 290 to win.

Siva and JT opened the batting and put on 24 for the opening wicket which turned

out to be the second highest stand of our innings! Once the first wicket fell others

followed pretty swiftly! With only cpt Payne offering any resistance with a clubbed 29

before being bowled. We lost our last four wickets for 2 runs ending up with 89 all

out.

All the while Parkhurst was in a world of his own in the electric scoreboard!! I think

he was reluctant to leave the scorebox to go and bat!

However with the match done we showered and changed and stayed for a can or

two with our friendly opposition.

Apart from the score and weather still an enjoyable days cricket.

Champagne moment: Great catch by P.Davies

Batting details

JT – 18

G.Payne – 29

P.Davies – 17

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

I will leave this blank!!!

Wickets taken by

Duffy -2

Adams – 1

Parry – 2

vs Sully Centurions (friendly), Sully, Sunday 11th September 2016

Sully 298-4 – Cavaliers 112-6

Sully won by 196 runs

Cavaliers were welcomed to a sunny sea side beautiful ground of sully centurions. It

was an ideal day for a game of cricket. We had a delayed start to the game with only

9 cavaliers at the venue which was 3 more than the opposition. Not sure if there was

a toss or our very own gentleman JT agreed for the opposition to bat first.

JT briefed us with the game plan which would have been derailed had our opening

bowler Dwako not strolled in at 2pm for 1.30 start.

10 cavs took to the field and were pleasantly surprised to see Sanj, jogging in with

his whites and flip flops!! Before we could get our hopes up he declared that he was

umpiring, he had chosen to ignore Jimmy’s email and had decided to play for the

opposition….

Al and Dwako opened the bowling for the cavs, both bowled decent spells

considering they were bowling to what looked like sully’s first team league players.

The 2 openers made a cautious but steady start and were keeping up the rate by

scoring boundaries at regular intervals. Both went wicket less during their first spell.

Adi and Glyn replaced the opening bowlers. Glyn “ the spin doctor” took his time to

set the field and took a wicket in his very first ball, with Adi taking the catch and as a

result breaking the 42 run opening partnership. Another wicket fell in the very next

over with Adi bowling their number 3 batsman. Glyn in particular bowled brilliantly

and troubled the batsman giving very little room for them to score freely. With 48 for

2 we believed that we had made inroads into the opposition batting which, to say the

least was a complete misjudgement.

For the next 20 overs we were left to run all around the field with very frequent visits

to the boundary line by Sully’s batsman J. Griffiths and L Bruce. It was a brilliant

batting display and they went on to score centuries, 123 and 128 NO respectively. A

few of the older members of the sully team were left to enjoy the batting display from

the side lines.

Ali.P finally took the wicket of A. Griffith, who was trying what looked like an un

successful reverse Dil Scoop and was trapped leg before. This resulted in Sanj

walking to the crease and yes we made sure it was a booing welcome. Sanj made

20 before completely misjudging a brilliant ball by Glyn and falling leg

before. Steve D, Steve N and Nigel A bowled 2 overs each. Special mention to

David who did a brilliant job behind the wickets and JT who led by example and kept

the cavs spirits high despite the run feast.

Sully ended their innings at 298/4 in their 35 overs.

Cavs walked off the field and were overheard muttering of how some of us would

retire on scoring 50 as a matter of principle and in the spirit of the friendly game to

give everyone a chance. Al went a step further and declared that he would retire on

99 just to make a point !!!

Following Tea, JT gave us the batting order and we agreed that we should try and

score 300, an extra run just to make sure we have definitely won the game. With that

spirit Steve N and Ali P took to the crease. Sully opened with a combination of pace

and spin and the spinner was none other than Sanj who out foxed Steve N and got

him out for 1. Grizz quickly followed out done by pace and was bowled for 1. Adi and

Ali then had a partnership of 28 runs before Adi was clean bowled for 15. Al followed

Adi without troubling the scorers. Ali was batting well scoring boundaries at regular

intervals. He looked in good touch and was enjoying his time in the middle. He was

joined by JT and the 2 had a good partnership of 66 runs. JT was the aggressive one

of the 2 and played some brilliant shots. He scored 6 boundaries during his well

made 34 before being caught. Ali went on to make his highest score for the cavaliers

with his 30 which included 3 shots to the boundary. One particular shot to the mid

wicket boundary was impressive. Dwako and David D remained unbeaten on 7 and

5 respectively to end the Cavs innings on 112.

Cavs dug in through the entire game against a decent league side of Sully

Centurions.

A shout out to our injured captain Jimmy who made an appearance with his new

fashionable footwear. Hope he gets well soon and is back fit and healthy for the next

season. He was accompanied by his better half Natalie and beautiful baby daughter

Ffion .

Thanks to Brownie for helping out with the umpiring.

Champagne moment: None

Batting details

Ali P 30 (3×4)

Steve N 1

Nigel A 1

Adi 15 (2×4)

Al 0

JT 34 (6×4)

Dwako 2

David D 5

Bowling details + catches/stumpings

Al 7-0-39-0

Dwako 5-0-47-0

Glyn 5-0-24-2

Adi 7-0-59-1 1 catch

Steve D 3-0-23-0

Grizz 2-0-25-0

Ali 2-0-20-1

Steve n 2-0-24-1

Vs Barry Wanderers at Hayes Point, Sully on Saturday 17 September 2016.

Cavaliers win by 5 Wickets.

It is rare to have a Saturday fixture for the Cavaliers and some might say rarer to

have a full 11 in recent times or win so convincingly. They both happened in this

fixture and the leader of the pack Gareth “ Cynthia “ Payne was in charge of the

team on this lovely sunny day in mid- September at Hayes point. The final game of

the season.

When we first started playing against the Wanderers this was an old hospital and is

now a cricket ground behind luxury apartments which are barriered to vehicle entry

and the lovely JT and I arrived through the heavy traffic to wait at said barrier

listening to Roxy music for a few minutes before being admitted to the inner

sanctum. Luckily we were early as although setting off for a 1pm start it looked like

1.30 was the correct time, the ground was being cut as we arrived.

It was also Sanjeev’s birthday on Saturday and he was very coy about his age,

which was estimated between 12 and 52? He did bring a chocolate cake which was

very tasty as was his all round performance. The name Sanjeev means giving life

and he did indeed give life to our performance. He was a Sully centurion 6 days

earlier in the game we lost by a margin. It was also uncovered that our wicketkeeper

Dafydd Davies is 69 in a couple of weeks; his sharp reflexes are due to bathing in

baked beans and linseed oil every morning before breakfast.

I always like to educate and the ground we were playing on has a converted hospital

building adjacent to it , now luxury apartments original building from the 1930’s and

is Grade 2* listed.

“Hayes Point, formerly Sully Hospital, a tuberculosis and

subsequently psychiatric facility, is located to the south of Hayes Road, Sully. It

comprises land and buildings totalling some 57 hectares, overlooking the Severn

Channel. It is not true to say that Mad Moore was seen staring from the roof of the

facility looking for the remains of Brownies hamstring which had been taken at

Llanvapley to restrict his international career in Bangladesh coming to fruition.” A

picture for posterity with the ground to the upper right:

Well my dear old things I had better say a little about the game – we won, whoopee!!

The Wanderers batted and I the old Gog of the North was paired with Ravy gravy to

open the bowling, obviously Cynth recognises talent in Gravy and has a pity for me.

Gravy bowled really well and was witnessed by his wife and two boys who enjoy

cricket, the older one enjoys being bowled to and utters the immortal phrase of

children everywhere when enjoying batting of “ one more “ bowl please – he has a

similar batting style to Gravy of swing for cow corner. Gravy ended with 8 overs 2

maidens 1 for 14. I was taken off after 3 overs but returned later for more

punishment and finished with 6 overs 2 for 36. The Tenby terror Duffy came on and

bowled well in his first 4 but was punished by an in form batsman in the latter overs

he finished 6 overs 1 for 44. The birthday boy Sanjeev spun and twirled and had one

batsman playing and missing a dozen times he had the same figures as gravy of 8

overs 2 maidens 1 for 14. The Lost boy Dwako Dawkins had arrived fashionably late

and was the bowler number 5, he bowled 3 overs 0 for 30. Mr Trallwng Chapman

bowled a nice line of variety and sent down 5 overs with 1 for 19. Siva came on and

sent down 2 overs 0 for 10 and Beau Nash (a deluded Liverpool FC supporter) was

utilised and had 2 overs 1 for 28. There were two catches one by Siva and one for

the skipper Payney. The Wanderers innings concluded at a respectable 195 for 7

with 50’s for Rafzal and Iram.

We had a pleasant tea with Andy Murray on the TV in the Davis cup which was

blurred and crackling until Chris of the Wanderers demanded to know who was

sitting on the ariel, it was then unceremoniously picked up and wedged in an upper

window which perfect reception and helped Murray in his game.

The Cavaliers innings opened with Chapman and Nash who started well until Glenn

was caught by Rafzal who took a stunning low catch from a Chapman pile driver you

will not see any better on the county circuit out for 4. Steve Nash used the Gog

Kookaburra to good effect until falling for 15. Siva was going well and was hitting 4’s

to the square and cover boundary he along with the remaining batsmen carried us to

victory he was out for a well-crafted 66. Gareth Payne went for 24, Graveson

smashed a well-constructed 28. Birthday boy Sanjeev came in and was dominant in

a celebratory 38 not out and Havers Thomas supported him fully finishing on 7 not

out from a few balls.

Cavaliers 200 for 5 and the magic moment was when in the 34th over we were on

194, Sanjay smashed a six onto the pavilion roof that was marvellous timing and

cemented the win on the final day of season 2016 for the Cavaliers.

So my friends there you have it a wonderful win playing against a very sporting team

who understand friendly cricket played in good spirit without any arguments or

acrimony. On a final note the rumours are unfounded that Jimmy Marchant &

Graham Brown were at the Paralympics with a damaged Achilles and hammy they

were in fact watching Cardiff city FC against Leeds and seeing the Bluebirds take a

downward lunge towards relegation so early in the season. They will have to take

lessons from the Cavaliers who are second to none at the seasons end.

Enjoy the Winter break and we look forward to 2017.