Cardiff Cavaliers Cricket Club

2007 match summaries

Match reports are in chronological order with the most recent game first. Scroll down the page for reports on earlier matches. Click here if you want to know about the underlying principle behind this section of the web site.

Barry Wanderers, 22 Sep. Barry Wanderers 159/3 (Brown 1/15, J Thomas 1/19). Cavaliers 87ao (29.3ovs, Duffy 22, Marchant 18). Lost by 72 runs

The Cavaliers reported for duty at the less frequent time of early Saturday afternoon for the curtain call to what has been an historic season in many ways, with good levels of success in both league and cup competitions, not to mention some personal milestones.

Fitting it was then that the last game was to be at the hospitable Wanderer’s home ground (anyone else see the irony there?) to complete the year, with the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic behind the trees. The Wanderer’s were clearly expecting the now commonplace large number of travelling Cavalier supporters, and had prepared by going through the trouble of erecting no less than 3 advertising boards.

Jimmy Marchant looking to protect his 100% “as long as you don’t count the tour match” winning record as captain lost the toss, and the Wanderers decided to take to the middle first. Jason Duffy opened the bowling and produced an aggressive but unlucky spell including 3 maidens. Several edges were found, with the clearest opportunity being created of a thick outside edge that the diving ‘Papa’ Roake was unable to hold onto at second slip (N.B there was no first slip, Gog had it covered). Duffy was rewarded for his good form by being bowled straight through and finishing with economical figures of 8-3-23-0.

Papa Roake opened at the other end, starting well with two maidens, and causing problems for the batsman with no small amount of help from a steeply in-sloping pitch. Unfortunately the best opportunity of Roake’s early bowling was a caught and bowled that was dropped, leading Brownie to comment “even I would have caught that one!” However, in a subsequent over the first wicket of the Wanderers innings fell clean bowled by Roake (6-2-22-1).

Next on was Derek ‘Geisha’ Lewis who managed to find a good line and length immediately, again using the bowler friendly slope of the pitch to good effect, keeping things tight and being unlucky not to claim our second wicket (6-0-21-0). He was partnered by the equally miserly Warwick ‘Wazza’ Armstrong who was bowling a similar combination of varying speeds and lines to good effect, ending with respectable figures of 5-1-24-0.

The captain, sensing the need for more wickets to fall, brought himself into the attack bowling his combination of various spinners sprinkled with the odd ‘moody’ outburst. Jimmy, like several other bowlers before him was unlucky not to take a wicket, but did succeed in keeping the run rate achievable and finishing with figures of 8-0-29-0 and closing the innings from his end [Ed: there were loaud groans when Papa, mistaking his fielding position on the square leg boundary, was directed by Jez towards the boundary board, the one that was “the Surridge with the fringe on top”].

From the other end of the wicket breakthroughs were made. Firstly JT managed to secure a wicket from his 3 overs, ending with 3-0-19-1, while the king of spin Graeme Brown bowled well, teasing one Wanderers batsman with a 6, before having him clean bowled next ball, with his self proclaimed ‘quicker one’.

The Cavaliers generally fielded well, with the exception of a few dropped catches. However, as has been commonplace this season all fielders worked hard to support their bowlers, notably with Wyn ‘Rabbit’ Pritchard living up to his nickname and diving (or falling – its ok he doesn’t have the internet) all over the place to stop certain boundaries [Ed: it has been another feature of the Club this year that several of our novices and/or older players have clearly been working on improving their game particularly on the field, and Rabbit followed up this fine display with another good one and an economical spell of bowling at the indoor game on Tuesday.]

The Wanderers finished on 159 from their 40 overs, and the mood amongst the Cavaliers was one of optimism, with a run rate of 4 an over feeling achievable. A mood that was certainly helped by an excellent tea, and a slightly less excellent win in the rugby for England (buoying at least some of the less Welsh Cavaliers.)

We opened our innings with the two most successful batsman in the Club's history (at least in one season) Wazza and the Dog Crusher. The two showed their contrasting but equally effective styles in the first few overs, with Warwick ever watchfully accumulating runs, while Steaders was all out on attack, perhaps worried that Warwick may score a quick 500 and overtake his newly established record. Initially the runs were flowing and if the pace could have been continued, the target would have been met with ease.

Unfortunately Steaders attacking style led to his downfall, catching a top edge when attempting a pull, that was well caught on the boundary for 15 (9 balls, 3x4). JT came to join Warwick at the crease, but he was out in a similar way to Steaders, also top-edging a pull shot and being caught for 1 (8 balls).

Warwick was next to depart, having played a well paced innings being clean bowled for 17 (27 balls, 3x4). This left the new partnership of captain Jimmy and newly discovered all rounder Jason Duffy. [Ed: Our erstwhile Oracle had all his cricketing knowledge and wisdom called upon when, at the start of one Mike Ashton over, the bowler stopped at the crease and veered suddenly towards short mid-off at a rate of knots, doubtless in search of purer air as the non-striking Mr Marchant found it necessary to release the effect of some of the fine tea at that juncture.] Both played some attacking shots in an effort to push on with the run rate, with attacking intent leading to Jimmy’s wicket, being bowled for 18 (3x4). Steve Roake was next out to join Duffy at the crease.

After some wise words of advice from a friendly umpire to ‘nudge and nurdle’ our way back into the innings Jason had clearly not been listening (or needs to have explained to him the meaning of nudge and nurdle), opening up and hitting the very next delivery for a great 6 over mid on, and following it up with another attacking shot for 4 off the same over. Roake meanwhile was more conservative at the other end, hitting one boundary before departing for 7 (10 balls) being bowled by a straight one [Ed: such tautology – if it wasn’t straight, it wouldn’t have bowled him. QED.]

[Ed: there was much discussion and debate about whether this tail was the oldest in Cavalier history, with Sparky being the “junior” just a few years short of his half century, Gog, Brownie and Rabbit being past that milestone, and Geisha having declared his 67 years earlier in the season. Only the late withdrawal of Swash to protect an Achilles niggle meant that it stayed under a combined total of 300.]

The Gog was next in but never looked settled and was soon back in the pavilion (0, 5 balls). Next in was Brownie, who unfortunately was not on the same wavelength as Jason and a misunderstanding and run-out brought to an end Jason’s entertaining innings, finishing with the Cavalier’s top score of 22 (23 balls, 1x6, 3x4). At the same time that wicket ushered in an era of what was phrased ‘Master’s cricket’ by one of the unruly boundary-side crowd. Derek Lewis, Graeme Brown and Wyn Pritchard were unlucky not to put on more runs between them. Jez was last man in, but was unfortunate not to face a ball, but will console himself with a N.O to bolster his average [Ed: no such luck as the miserly statistician advises that he hasn’t had enough innings to get an average this season.]

The Wanderers thoroughly deserved their win, putting on a determined show with both bat and ball.

Following the game many of the players retired to the Wanderer’s local, The Sully Arms, where Steaders bought a jug to celebrate his record-breaking feat and a fines court was presided over by Judge Gog where the heinous crimes of the day were discussed and enjoyed the end of a successful and enjoyable season.

[Ed: on your behalf I’d like to thank all of this season’s match reporters for the time and considerable attention they have given to the task. Their accounts have contributed much to the enjoyment of the season and we’re grateful to them. Cheers, lads, a job well done.]

Barry Athletic, 16 Sep. Cavaliers 219/4 (Marchant 71 , Armstrong 54no, Steadman jnr 36).  Barry Athletic 221/2 (29.3 ovs, Buckland 95no, Baker 66, Phillips 41). Lost by 8 wkts

At 1.55 on Sunday 16 September, the Red Arrows flew over the picturesque Barry Athletic Cricket Club in perfect formation to celebrate Andy Steadman breaking the record for most runs scored in a season. Unfortunately, they had obviously anticipated Steaders reaching the 36 runs he needed a little quicker than he actually did and we couldn’t arrange for them to turn around and do it again quarter of an hour later when, in the 20^th over, a lovely square cut took him to 36, 671 for the season and relief all round.

Let’s rewind a bit. As we pulled into the Island, all Cavaliers shared the same thoughts – will he? Won’t he? There was a distinct “end of the summer” feel to the afternoon. Seagulls were circling, the faint smell of chips was wafting from the seafront and the warmth of the September sun was tempered by increasing cloud cover and a blustery breeze. With just two games of the season left Steaders seemed quite relaxed at the prospect of becoming a record breaker. With Simmo winning the toss and electing to bat, he didn’t have too much time to think about it and was soon marching out to his date with destiny as he prepared to open the innings with Dave Parsons.

Our first pair made steady progress against an all spin attack with 50 coming up in the 11^th over. The watching Cavaliers were entertained by a ball by ball commentary from our own Test Match Special team – Bishan Brown and the Gog QC. It’s fair to say that the microphone was hogged by Browny who was delighted to be able to comment not only on the occasional passing bus, but, more importantly on the constant flow of trains bringing day-trippers to the Island for their last 99 of the summer. Arriva train followed Arriva train followed Ar... no, wait a moment, which company operates trains bearing such a smart dark green livery? Our hosts couldn’t tell us but thanks to the marvels of the interweb the author is please to be able to confirm that this was a Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) set out in a two car combination (as opposed to the 4 car version) operated by the Barry Island Railway company. We can all rest happy.

The Gog’s musings tended to be more along the lines of “there’s a cloud up there that looks like Keira Knightley”. A few minutes later he spotted a cloud “that looks like Lord Voldemort”. Oh dear. The very mention of “you know who” set all kinds of mystical forces in motion and we lost our first wicket – Dave being caught in the covers for a patient 22 with the score standing at 69.

Jimmy joined Steaders at the crease but it was clear that the weight of expectation was getting to the dog-crushing run machine. He scratched around, trying to get the ball away with little success until that lovely cut in the 20^th: 671 runs for the season, one ahead of Warwick who, typically, led the applause from the boundary. With the shackles off, Steaders moved his feet freely for the first time in the innings and was promptly bowled without adding any more to his score!

In walked Warwick and proved from the outset why he has been such an important part of the Cavaliers batting line up for so long. He and Jimmy batted splendidly. Jimmy scored an excellent 75 last year at this ground and was determined to do the same again this year. He batted aggressively and was accumulating runs quickly, peppering the boundary all around field and shouting his displeasure when he felt he’d missed out on giving a bad ball the treatment. It was a surprise that he only hit one 6 in his innings but what a 6 - a magnificent straight hit over the distant rope at mid-on. Warwick wasn’t going to be overshadowed by this display of hitting and was building another significant score at over a run a ball. The pair took the score from 79 for 2 in the 20^th over to 198 in the 38^th when Jimmy was the victim of a smart stumping. He’d scored 71 in 66 balls with 50 of his runs coming in boundaries.

Next up was JT, the Havers-haired charmer. He stayed until the final over, pushed a ball towards midwicket, scampered for a single but was little too slow to respond to the call for a second. Despite a game attempt to emulate his hero in Havers’ finest hour, Chariots of Fire, the Honorary Embezzler couldn’t cross the line before the stumps were broken which meant that the Gog QC was able to join Warwick at the wicket for the last couple of balls. At the end of the innings Warwick had racked up another 54 not out, the Gog had a well crafted 2 and the Cavaliers had set their hosts a challenging 220 to win.

After a lovely tea we walked back onto the pitch to find the sun disappearing, the clouds rolling in and the wind picking up. Late summer appeared to have turned to autumn in the space of 25 minutes!

A couple of weeks ago the young Barry openers had started very cautiously on the agricultural disgrace of the Llandaff Oval. No such fears this afternoon as they were much more at home in familiar surroundings with a decent pitch to play on.

The Cavaliers started with a Parsons and Parsons attack but with little joy. Athletic were 50 up in just 5 overs but even the loss of Phillips, bowled by a beauty from Huw, didn’t stop the flow of runs. The brothers were replaced by Warwick and Jimmy but both batsmen were “in” and seeing the ball really well. Drinks were brought out after 20 overs with the score standing at 146 for 1, the skies were becoming darker by the minute and the first spits of rain were blowing in off the sea.

The spits became drizzle, which became swirling rain in the space of a couple of overs. The boundary was deserted as all the Athletic players were taking shelter and it was clear that the batsmen wanted to secure their victory and get off the pitch as quickly as possible. Jules “do the” Boardman and Bishan Brown were asked to bowl with an increasingly slippery ball and it was getting more and more difficult for the Cavalier fielders to back them up due to the conditions. Steaders, Swash, Warwick and Dave manfully chased balls to all corners of the pitch but the batsmen were always in control.

Wet cricket shirts stuck to flabby tummies more tightly than a Wales rugby jersey but it wasn’t just the fielders suffering at the hands of the weather. The batsmen were finding it difficult to hold onto their bats and on a couple of occasions a Gunn and Moore flew further than the ball it had just hit.

There was a brief moment of joy as Jules picked up a wicket in his third over when Baker chipped a catch to Jimmy in the covers but by this stage the result was never in doubt. A few more big hits saw the Athletic reach 221 for 2 in the 30^th over, at which point both teams legged it of the field and into the clubhouse as quickly as possible.

Okay, so it was a comprehensive victory for the Athletic in the end but a memorable one for the Cavaliers and for Andy Steadman in particular. Who’ll nudge ahead of 671 next year? Andy? Jimmy? Warwick again? That’ll keep for the 2008 season. Right now we’re waiting for Steaders to get a jug in!!

South Wales Sri Lankans, 9 Sep. SWSL 214/5 (Armstrong 2/19). Cavaliers 171ao (37ovs, Marchant 79no). Lost by 43 runs

This was expected to be a keenly fought contest, following the Sri Lankans’ narrow victory early in the season, and so it proved. Cavaliers captain Mark Simpson, commenting prior to the toss, concluded that 200 would be a good score on this wicket. He clearly knows the Llandaff Oval well.

Having won the toss, the Sri Lankans opted to bat, but must have questioned their choice, as Cavaliers opening bowlers Armstrong and Adams (not the quickest opening pair around) quickly found line and length. Runs were hard to come by and, as the pressure began to tell, two batsmen were quickly back in the pavilion (or at least the tea gazebo). However, as Saeed joined Siva to raise the run rate, and the back up bowlers were unable to maintain the hold exerted by their predecessors, the balance of the game gradually shifted towards the visitors.

Simpson rotated his attack diligently, using seven bowlers in all, but not until Saeed retired hurt on 56 towards the end of the innings [Ed: an unfortunate run for Saaed who has had to retire on several occasions in games against us], were they able to make a further breakthrough. Siva eventually fell after an impressive innings of 111, taken by Steadman with a typically fine catch off the bowling of Jimmy Marchant.

The Sri Lankans completed their 40 overs on 214 for 5. Warwick Armstrong, having bowled his 8 overs straight through at the outset, finished with the best figures of 2 for 19. Simpson took the other two wickets to fall. While the visitors batted well, the bowlers did not always benefit from quality support in the field. Nevertheless, there were some highlights in the fielding performance, with Armstrong demonstrating his more exotic dancing skills trying to stop a boundary and Adams, over a typically fine Cavaliers tea, exhibiting badly bloodied knees. He did, however, admit this was in part down to spending too much time on them.

Cavaliers opened their innings brightly with Armstrong and Andy Steadman keeping close to the required run rate. However, after Steadman nicked an inside edge onto his stumps [Ed: a clever bit of thinking by the left-arm bowler who’d changed his attack to round the wicket and the new angle of delivery brought instant rewards], Armstrong was bowled by a quality ball which turned and lifted, taking the top of the off stump. At this point Marchant was joined by Adams, and again the run rate was restored [Ed: both showed excellent judgment, defending the good ball but then dispatching the bad ball, often for the maximum, and were suitably cheered by Hon Sec's faithful hound who had earlier been much disappointed to find no errant sandwiches or other teatime accoutrements festooned upon the floor.]

However, after Adams went lbw for 14 out of a partnership of 53, the Cavaliers middle and lower orders proved fragile in the face of consistent bowling [Ed: concentration was focussed when Caesar strode to the wicket with everyone willing him a run to open his season’s account but, alas, the lack of pace on the ball again did for him when he was through the perfectly correct shot an instant before the ball arrived while Gog then continued to underline his reputation for eschewing running with yet another crunching boundary]. Despite keeping tantalizingly close to the run rate, the innings eventually folded on 171 with 3 overs remaining.

Marchant, displaying power and versatility in his choice of shots, gained some compensation for an unusually torrid time as a bowler, and finished marooned on 79 not out [Ed: a pity that no-one could keep Jimmy company long enough that might have made it possible for him to reach the three figure landmark that will surely come if he continues in this rich vein of form]. Brian Condon was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers, taking 3 for 40 off his 8 overs.

At the outset the visitors had claimed a lack of match practice due to the poor summer weather, but in the event they looked well in tune. Cavaliers performed competently, but will need to sharpen their fielding and see more application in the middle and lower order batting, if they are to turn more of these competitive performances into victories. [Ed: UWIC continued to 'endear' themselves to us when several of the team found it impossible to leave the grounds as the security guard had gone off on his rounds – or popped out for a cuppa perhaps – and had to wait for what seemed a considerable length of time before the car park barrier could be raised. Clearly, the incoming committee for 2008 will have to address the question of how we manage these September home games in the future.]

Highways Hurricanes, 6 Sep. C&H Cup series decider. Cavaliers 116/5 (Poulsom 2/2, Chapman 43, Steadman jnr 31). Hurricanes 93/6 (AD Parsons 3/4, D Lewis 1/5). Won by 23 runs and reclaim the C&H Cup with a 2-0 series victory

Silverware for the Cavaliers - The C & H trophy has returned home!

Herds of wildebeest grazed on the high veldt meadowland, formerly known as Llandaff Oval, as the Hurricanes took to the field following an “engineered” toss of the coin. Late changes saw some familiar names appearing on the Hurricanes team sheet – Brown, Davis, Poulsom and Sparkes [Ed: they’d been promised the cream of our youth academy and looks like they certainly got it!].

Vince and Andy opened the batting for the Cavaliers. Steaders Junior looked nervous at the start, the pressure of chasing the run-record clearly evident! After a cautious start the runs began to flow before Vince was bowled for 13. Jimmy, captaining, was soon into his stride but unfortunately chased a wide delivery only to be well caught by Griffo off his own bowling.

A solid partnership then developed between Glen (43) and Andy (31) who played their shots all around the field, and were eventually well caught on the boundary. Despite a late flurry of wickets, including a fantastic run-out by Chris O’Brien of Dave Parsons [Ed: eliciting the following ‘sledge’, if it might be termed such from the Oracle, who growled at the outgoing batsman, “No-one takes two off my bowling, son!”], the Cavaliers finished on a very commendable 116 for 5 from 16 overs. [Ed: later recriminations among the Hurricanes, as they sought long and hard into the night and then continued into Friday afternoon to seek to explain how they had ben so completely outplayed for two weeks running, highlighted that fact their Cavalier ‘loans’ had bowled just 19% of the overs, but conceded only 12% of the runs and yet 60% of the wickets fell in these overs – a fine testament to the excellent quality of cricketers that Jimmy had allowed to appear for the opposition.]

(There were claims that the Cavaliers’ batsmen were dazzled by one of the Hurricanes’ fielders who was, regrettably, wearing shorts and whose legs were sponsored by Persil!)

The Hurricanes innings started well, with Griffo in particular scoring freely including one magnificent straight 6 off Geisha Lewis. A fine bowling spell from Wyn the Rabbit Pritchard (0-14) and Derek Geisha Lewis (1-5) slowed the scoring and the pressure began to mount on the Hurricanes batsmen. Fine wicket keeping from Mark “the cat” Searle, yet another catch and great support in the field, ensured that the Hurricanes were always behind the run rate. Excellent bowling from Jimmy (1-7) and a superb over from Dave P (3-4) saw the Hurricanes innings crumble away, but not before there were some fine lusty blows from our Chairman guesting for the Hurricanes – “too late” was the cry from the boundary.

Jimmy retained his 100% record as captain and the Cavaliers, therefore, regained the C & H trophy which had been residing with the Hurricanes for too long!  Deep analysis of the game followed in the Butchers Arms as usual.

There were disturbing reports that the amateur status of the guesting players was placed in jeopardy when the Hurricanes were seen handing over brown envelopes to the “mercenaries” – I mean Cavaliers – anyone with information on this heinous crime should contact the web-master!! [Ed: sadly we have yet to get our hands physically on the trophy as Griffo managed to ‘forget’ to bring it but he has been asked by Hurricanes C-in-C to ensure it is handed over in time for the dinner where, he says, “it will be formally presented, to a rapturous reception with Glyn and Jeremy being carried shoulder-high through the throng, followed by a ticker-tape parade through the city centre”.]

Barry Athletic, 2 September. Barry Ath 194/8 (Brown 3/25 Simpson 2/19). Cavaliers 142ao (32ovs, Steadman jnr 54, Duffy 22). Lost by 52 runs

A distinctly Autumnal day greeted the teams at a windswept Oval. However before the action commenced the Cavaliers bonding exercise took place, ie. erecting the Gazebo. Due note was taken of Armstrong’s instruction as to the siting of the Gazebo in relation to the setting sun (sun in this summer Warwick?).

Rhidian caused some wry amusement in innocently enquiring as to his full duties as 12^th man. The wry reply was that as the starting eleven contained four members in their sixth decade a quick visit to an alternative medicine outlet in town would assist these veterans in matters both within and beyond the boundary.

Play eventually started at 1.50pm [Ed: Barry Ath having asked that the match revert to its traditional start time were then delayed in their departure but fortunately rang to warn us of their late arrival} with Duffy opening from the Llandaff end. His opening salvo contained a brutal snorter which flew off a length and Thomas did well to avoid injury. His lively opening spell brought its reward with Thomas playing on (9) but Taylor introduced himself by cutting a rare loose delivery to the point boundary. The Barry boys quickly assessed the track and concluded that to set the base for a competitive total concentration rather than flamboyance would be required. They therefore were not tempted by Parsons (D) variations of pace and length (0-29)

The introduction of “Jiffy” and Adams almost saw the breakthrough by dint of imaginative field positioning by the bowlers. JD (0-22) request for a slip saw Eastman edge agonisingly close to Moore and Adams strengthening of his offside was almost rewarded with Brown’s fingernails grazing the ball following his despairing dive (sort of). Adams continued his rich vein of form with the ball with the southpaw Eastman jabbing to backward point where Davies (R) did the necessary with little fuss.

Buckland and Taylor then commenced a mature partnership that belied their tender years. It was a master class of how to build a total on an uneven wicket and a slow outfield. They harried the field with quick running and punished any loose deliveries. Parsons (H) joined his brother in having little luck in an accurate spell (0-12). Clearly Mrs Parsons must have been some bowler in view of the consistently good performances of her offspring (a bit of an in joke here for Senior Cavaliers). That wise head Moore produced a tidy spell against a partnership looking to cut loose and was unlucky not to get in the wicket column (0-28).

Simpson ended their 72 run partnership by removing Buckland (46) courtesy of a fine over the shoulder catch by Duffy and he followed up to by taking a return catch from the impressive Taylor (57) (Simpson 2-19 ).

Simpson then took the considerable risk of inviting Brown to the attack. This erstwhile prolific wicket taker has endured a dark summer of the soul with the current generation of batsmen treating his teasing off spin with little respect and distant spectators have been in more danger than the stumps. Indeed watching him bowl this season has been the cricketing equivalent of Leslie Phillips attempting to attend a weekend rave still believing that his blazer, cravat and louche demeanour can pull the modern day chicks. Concern for his fate had spread beyond the human world as the Hon Sec's canine companion Suka ran on the pitch and re-inforced the legside field. She need not have fret as Brown’s balls began to sing a redemption song.

He deceived both Phillips (5) and Roberts (0) with flight and gently disturbed their timbers. He induced a mistimed drive from Dodds (0) to cover where Moore exhibited the safe pair of hands that graced the no.15 jersey at the Old Cantonians and Llanishen. His figures were damaged when Regie struck a sumptuous straight six but he happily accepted the gifts of the cricketing Gods (Brown 3-25) [Ed: and Suka was happy to bark her support at the fall of each wicket.]

Duffy returned and removed the dangerous Regie (12) with the gloveman Davis pouching a stinging edge and the innings closed with the visitors reaching 194-8. This was a stiff target but the home side had stuck to the task well with disciplined bowling backed up with keen out fielding. Tea was taken with the Cavaliers spread much appreciated by all [Ed: including the faithful hound when an errant ham sandwich found its way on to the grass.]

The Cavaliers openers Steadman and Parsons (D) took the field inevitable in this dreadful season in a light drizzle which fortunately relented. They faced a youthful but well versed opening attack. Roberts in particular gave a delightful exhibition of accurate leg spin. To grasp this most elusive art at such an early age is a credit both to himself and his coaches.

The Cavaliers duo were clearly intent on a long stay and it was a surprise when Parsons departed bowled by Eastman in the 8^th over for 11 with a score on 33. JD greeted the Vale men with typical pulls through midwicket but perished for 16 when feathering a catch through to the keeper. Moore fell to Baker (0) which was an inappropriate seasonal end for the Honourable whose return to the colours is welcomed by all Cavaliers.

Baker accounted for Davies (R) and Adams cheaply [Ed: a rare failure for Grizz who, until this game, has rarely failed to make runs against this side.] Steadman despite playing a typical innings of studied defence, quick singles and elegant strokemaking was in danger of being marooned. The drinks break at the halfway point of 88 for 5 indicated that the Cavaliers chances were undone not by the run rate but by the steady stream of wickets.

Steadman again passed the half century and was only defeated by a stunning catch on the midwicket boundary worthy of any stage for 54 giving Eastman a third victim. Duffy refused to give up hope and counter attacked with a belligerent knock highlighted by a front foot smash which fell inches short of the long off boundary and a midwicket maximum as the fielder fumbled a gallant attempt to pull of another memorable catch. Davis provided worthy assistance although his running between wickets did suggest that the Chairman’s haemorrhoids may still be troubling him.

This brave 7^th wicket partnership yielded 33 runs before Duffy was bowled by Thomas for 22 [Ed: good to see 'Mystic' getting over his disappointment of being denied the opportunity by the weather to add to his Penarth folklore but it's not know whether the light was good enough for his cameraphone to take another snap] and Davis followed soon afterwards for 10. The final acts were quick and painless with Simpson and Parsons (H) dismissed in consecutive balls leaving Dodd tantalisingly on a hatrick. The Cavaliers were bowled out for 142 at 6.33pm with 8 overs unused.

Sadly no match report would be complete without reference to the state of the outfield which looked more like a harvest festival from the nearby Cathedral than a cricket ground. What made it more galling is the alacrity with which the college authorities now charge for car parking through their private contractors in comparison to their tardiness in removing newly cut grass from the field [Ed: the Wurzels would've felt at home in this hay field and if ever vindication was needed of the club's decision to make the Cathedral School its home base this season - several visiting batsmen have opined that they liked Llandaff Oval - the state of UWIC's outfield and the slow and unpredictable nature of the wicket itself provided it.]

Nonetheless this did not diminish the sheer pleasure of playing our first 40 over fixture on a Sunday since mid June. Hopefully the weather will now allow the Club to play the remaining fixtures including the return at Barry Island. There is still much to play for in September this most evocative of cricketing months.

Match Attendance: 9 (8 Humans, 1 Canine)

Away Support: 4

Highways Hurricanes, 30 Aug. C&H Cup series. Hurricanes 68ao (15.3ovs, Armstrong1/0, Chapman 2/6, Dafydd 2/9). Cavaliers 71/1 (13.2ovs, Chapman 25no, Marchant 23no). Won by 9 wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the series

On a bright Thursday evening, the Cavaliers met the Highway Hurricanes for the first time this season on a wicket that can only be described as green (some may say under-prepared) and an outfield which can only be described as lush (some may say grassy).

The talk before the game centred around the merits of attempting to clear the grass from the outfield which had recently been cut, but unfortunately Jimmy only had two rakes in the back of his van, and on calculating that it would take two people, with a rake each, until lunchtime on Saturday to clear the excess grass, it was decided to abandon the idea and just have a kickabout with Rhidian’s football as a warm up instead.

The square looked like it was getting its first action of the season and this was reinforced when it was established that there were no holes in the pitch for the stumps! Gog, Glyn and Simmo battled manfully for twenty minutes to force the stumps into the ground and allow play to get under way. An engineered toss allowed the Hurricanes to bat first to allow some of their team to get to the ground.

Looking keen and sounding vocal the Cavaliers took to the field and opened up with Ross (1-6) and ‘Geisha’ Lewis (1-17), who, fresh from his wicket taking exploits in the previous match, was on the hunt for a 4^th career hat-trick. Both struck early as the Hurricanes started slowly and lost wickets at regular intervals, with the first five batsmen all departing after being clean bowled with only 38 on the board.

Ross and Geisha were replaced by Rhidian the Riddler (2-9) who earned his new nickname as the opposing batsmen seemed to have no answer to his well directed, full pitched bowling which earned him 2 more clean bowled victims. In keeping with the Batman theme, Jimmy the Joker (1-5) was next up and he went through his full repertoire of deliveries including an attempted googly which deceived the batsman by bouncing twice. Incidentally, Jimmy earned his new nickname just by looking a bit funny, and it has a better ring to it than Jimmy the Penguin, although with his knees ...

Glyn (2-17) came on to bowl next and was unlucky when Rhidian, who was stood at long on, did his best Peter Shilton (or should that be Paris Hilton?) impression and tipped the ball over the bar for a six – a great save considering he was staring straight into a setting sun. [Ed: allegedly the Hurricanes had upbraided Hon Sec when he guested for them in their recent victory over Willow League champions Casuals for a reference in a match report last year concerning the inability of their batsmen to recognise the forward defensive, let alone know how to essay one. He could claim, were he such a man to do so, that this evening’s game simply reinforced the accurate observation of the obviously keen eyed reporter as 8 Hurricanes were clean bowled on this occasion, with some of them attempting an agricultural heave of straight balls in the direction of cow corner. Not even the presence of Mr Clive Campbell QC among their number could find a shred of evidence to weave a defence so Hon Sec rests his case, m’lord.] 

The Hurricanes tail wagged [Ed: and you always thought it was the eye of the hurricane you had to look out for ...] with some lusty blows and took them up to 68 with their last wicket falling in the final over bowled by Warwick (1-0), who came on following spells by Simmo (0-7) and Glenn (2-6).

The Cavaliers bowling and ground fielding was excellent and Caesar excelled behind the stumps, managing not to concede a bye on what was a difficult seaming track, which was no mean feat. Equally impressive was the enthusiastic appealing from Jez throughout the game, particularly for LBW shouts, from his perfect vantage point of backward point, all of which proved fruitless. [Ed: he claimed he was only helping out Caesar who, on removing the bails with some alacrity on one occasion, whirled round like a top, saying “Where is he? Where’s the umpire? Who do I appeal to?” – a somewhat tall story even by the normal standards applied to the erstwhile Mr Sparkes.]  

With the sun setting Steaders jnr and Glenn were sent in with team orders to be there at the end. Team orders however started to change somewhat when, at 6-0 from 5 overs, both openers looked as if they were having a competition to see who could look the most out of touch, with the general feeling beyond the boundary ropes that both players were decidedly ‘scratchy’ [Ed: so much so that there was considerable debate whether we'd better off jettisoning the calypso cry of "Give it da long handle!" in favour of sending out some flea powder with a drink.]

Steaders however pushed the pace with a few quick singles (much to the distaste of his much heavier batting partner) and seemed determined not to let anything through his defences – including two balls which were so wide he had to catch a Cardiff cab just to hit them [Ed: verily, one was almost in the adjoining parish].

With 30 on the board Steaders unfortunately played on for 11, still 126 runs short of Warwick’s record run total for the season, but this only served to bring Jimmy to the crease who made light of the conditions by smacking a couple of moon balls to the boundary, before sensibly deciding to defend the balls that pitched [Ed: in the light of his new moniker, should this now be known alongside "Powerplays" and "Taking the new ball" as a stage in the game of "Playing one's Joker" ...] An unbeaten stand of 41 saw the game won in the 13^th over with Glenn on 25 [Ed: including 2 huge sixes, perhaps a sign of his displeasure at being made to run singles] and Jimmy 23, completing a resounding Cavaliers victory.

All in all a good team performance, enjoyed by all, and a good attendance at the Butchers afterwards [Ed: it has long been thought that the Cavaliers is a broad church but even so, Caesar & Son were espied in earnest discussion with Father Ted in the beer garden, but it is not known whether they were receiving catechism on the triumvirate LBW or simply had designs on Rome] with even the non-playing Duffy making an appearance as he’d forgotten there was cricket on the telly. Roll on Thursday for the rematch [Ed: and the C&H Cup series decider]!!

Chartered Trust, 21 Aug. ‘Ashes’ series decider. Ch Trust 143-8 (D Lewis 4/2, Dafydd 1/14). Cavaliers 104-6 (Bowen 2/1; Steadman jnr 32, D Parsons 24). Lost by 39 runs

On one of these rare occasions this wet Summer the Cavaliers arrived at the Cathedral School to take on the Chartered Trust in our annual cup game. I say a wet Summer as if you look at the web site for this season 18 times games have been cancelled because of the wrong type of rain from the skies. If it is the right type you can play on and win cup semi-finals or make record scores against Sri Lankans, but the wrong type and you are washed away on a range of excuses from wet outfield to waterlogged wickets. Anyway I ramble on about that great British Tradition the weather and I should be concentrating on the game that made heroes of Laker & Bradman, Botham & Richards and Jones.S & Flintoff. Those great players who have graced the playing fields of these shores and overseas for the past decades and have been an inspiration and model to all budding Cavaliers in both cricket and the Art of Alcohol consumption.

This game was to be the last at the Cathedral school this season as soon those rosy cheeked choristers would be lifting on their cassocks and rising from sublimation off their hassocks and wending their way to the playing fields of this suburb of Cardiff to partake once again of the school they love. We Cavaliers had been kindly given the opportunity to sample the manicured strip this season that those young budding stars of the future would soon be back running and singing over these green fields – little sods.

A prelude to this delightful days sport was a message at 15.00 from the Hon Sec to announce it was game on and a veiled threat that my preparation of this report in advance would be scrutinised for copying. In addition a reference to that mysterious figure of the webmaster (aka Kaiser Soeze) was mentioned and the possibility of incurring the masters displeasure was woven through the second message with undertones of retribution should the master be displeased by my report [Ed: to avoid confusion, Hon Sec was only following orders for no-one would wish to incur the wrath of Kaiser Soza]. I am therefore taking the precaution of sticking to the cricket from here on in – well as best as I can. A subsequent message from the Hon Sec proclaimed that 3 Trust gentlemen had been swept away by a surge of tidal effluence up the Taff and they were now marooned in Roger Thorney’s net at the Barrage – Roger was thinking of keeping them as pets but they were proving difficult to train. Therefore as they were now in thrall to said Thorney “King of the Barrage” he would hold them for ransom until the morrow. This allows Hon Sec and Captain Simmo to muster the reserve force of the Cavaliers to rescue the Trust and make good the deficit for the game.

As I ponder the game I must also mention an incident last night (Monday 20^th August) with some Welshpool cricketers, one Steve Monk and others who were inebriated and know our latest recruit Glenn – Mr Monk tells me he taught Glenn all he knows and proceeded to insist on hugging me and spraying me with beer fumes during the night at Sophia Gardens. He delighted in shaking hands with the Yorkshire players and having his photo taken while the gent with him (Stanners) insisted on waving to Barnsley Gough and calling him the Dancing Queen.

Drunken cricketers are a pain – some want to hug, others want to scrap as Panda Villa will testify.  It was also noted that some Cavaliers attended the thrashing by the white rose county and appreciated the search & pat down by the security staff (Grizz Adams was particularly grateful to be touched up). Trigger was also in attendance in a smart looking Saville Row number [Ed: by all accounts it was a really dashing ‘flute’ and one feared if chilli dog stains are easy to remove] and was carrying hotdogs laced with mustard and tomato sauce by the handful to feed presumably the remaining Cavalier throng of The Honourable, Bishen Brown and Hon Sec.

Anyway to the great game for the Cavaliers/Trust trophy 2007 – the Trust were late and three men down so the Cavaliers with great kindness gave them Caesar, Gog and Panda from their unlimited resources [Ed: Panda had offered to forego his place for Jez to have a game but this was felt to be too unfair to our opposition and so the Panda played on]. Chartered Trust was given first use of the wicket as they only had 6 guys in attendance and Gog and Panda volunteered for umpiring duties. Rhidian Llewellyn ap Wyn Pugh Dafydd opened the bowling and had a tidy spell taking a wicket bowled middle stump. Trigger Thomas at the other end kept a steady pace but Captain Craig of the Trust took a liking to his “half trackers” on leg and smacked him for a couple of maximums. One of which was sailing towards his offspring who had to be shouted at to avoid the flying object.

This brought Simmo to the fray who bowled a peach of a first ball that missed the stumps by a flea’s dick, a subsequent delivery took an inside edge to go onto the pads but direction down leg and Simmo went up like a whirling dervish of Kurdiststan screaming howzat into the face of the handsome and debonair umpire at the river end. Sadly he had to be informed that edges and direction of ball travel do not allow for lbw decisions in favour of the bowler under present MCC laws of cricket – it was a shame because the batsman was 6 hitting Craig [Ed: even the assembled throng of Trust batsman, who’d now gathered at the pavilion, felt that it was deserving of a referral to the third umpire as the Gog’s eyesight has not been as keen of late and they were all convinced it was out].

All our bowlers stuck to the task well and Dave P, Bish Brown, Grizz and Golden Knuckles Moore each twirled their magic with little joy against some good batsmen, the Pars (3-0-21-1) and Grizz (3-0-27-1) each got a wicket so did Rhidian who had some creditable  figures 3-0-14-1, as did the Skip with 3-0-18-1. Young JT was prominent behind the stumps sporting a new pair of wickies gloves to go with his Havers Hairstyle and claiming a stumping with his speed of hand.

However the star of the show was Geisha Lewis who came on to bowl the penultimate over when all seemed lost and he destroyed the cream of a generation of batting in a few minutes of this precious and fragile life. Young Lewis a master of dip, swerve and spin sent his first ball down to the Gog who delicately swept to the Pars at short fine leg (this was the same son of Garry who earlier had taken a good catch at point) result no run.

Next ball the elegant yet wild number seven bat from the Northern sweeps of Cymru smashed the second ball of Geisha’s over towards mid-wicket where panther Brown was prowling, the panther of Roath parried and dived towards the hurtling object and held onto a tremendous catch that Jonty Rhodes would have been proud of [Ed: to the neutral onlooker it seemed more a case of “catching practice or dental practice” with Brownie deciding on the cheaper option but managing to make it look nonchalant as though he pocketed these in his sleep].

The Gog was mendicant at this stage but all wishes were in vain as the traitor of his team was seen off to the pavilion with Brown screaming his delight like a porn star on heat. The crowd knew this was something special and went silent but expectant. Caesar was next in Geisha’s firing line and the silent white haired assassin bowled him “neck & crop” next ball to have two in two off 3 deliveries. [Ed: Caesar reports that he was done for pace, the lack of it, having got into position and played his shot before the ball pitched.] Dooley of the Trust entered the fray and took guard; all were expectant; the bowl was delivered from the fingers of the Geisha it swerved, stopped, did a backflip – came on straight and true and up went the umpire’s digit – out roared the baying mob and Geisha was swamped by excited men showing delight at the sight of Derek’s might. A single off the next ball brought Panda into the firing line a vicious spitting cobra leapt at him and took his bails – Lewis the destroyer had 4 wickets in 5 balls, the final ball recorded a run and it was job done for the journeyman of this precious but unpredictable game. The final over was bowled and a score of 143 was posted leaving Derek (Geisha) Lewis unable to improve on his enviable figures of 1-0-2-4.

The Cavaliers innings started well with a good opening partnership between the Dogcrusher and Pars which covered 8.3 overs and 55 runs (Steaders of the Bailey scored 32 was retired, returned and run out in confusing circumstances [Ed: his team cheered and clapped when the total reached 50 and Steaders thought it was summonsing him to the bar and he bade his farewells only to be sent back, his concentration cruelly broken] – Pars was C&B’d for 24. The white ball was introduced at over 8 and this seemed to herald the demise of the Cavaliers batting as only Mooro 13 and JT 12 got into double figures after the openers. [Ed: Grizz was ‘done’ by JT’s alacrity and penchant for a quick single that he had previously been declining with other partners, leaving Grizz somewhat vainly stretching for the safety of the crease.] The last man standing was Wyn the Rocky Rabbit who gave a fine display of holding up one end to allow JT to smack a couple of fours. Cavaliers were 104 for 6 off their allocated overs [Ed: with Panda having excelled in opposition colours with 2/1 so he and Geisha took 6 of the 14 wickets in the match for a combined total of 3 runs off 12 deliveries.]

[Ed: there was, again, a fine crowd with Trust nippers outnumbering Cavaliers once we'd been dragooned into playing for the oppo, and several of the Welsh Asians who were sizing up the changing rooms with a builder. There was also a brief interruption when men in black appeared and wished to know who was in charge. Never one to shirk responsibility, Hon Sec was pointed out by everybody. However, these upstanding gentleman - at least, no-one offered them a seat - were pitch-to-pitch insurance salesmen who claimed they wanted to offload policies upon unsuspecting sportsmen and women. Hon Sec was suspicious when they asked if we had any youngsters playing they could talk to and diverted them successfully so they went off to bother the rugby lads training on the far side of the field.] 

The trophy was presented at the victory bash to the winning skipper of the Trust who cried and swayed with the emotion of the event and then it was off to the Butchers for a beer were the Trust held a Kangaroo court to lift money off their chaps and also impinged on my territory. It wouldn’t have happened in the King’s day and I am sure Kaiser soeze (aka Verbal Kint) will have something to say about this. Did you know the word Kaiser originates from the word Caesar?

All magicians thrive on misdirection (as does the Soeze) and there is no better an exponent than a spin bowler so the mystery of this dark figure continues to haunt us. Only those in the inner sanctum have the vaguest inkling of who the webmaster may be [Ed: apparently several players were noticed with a limp or, at least, it looked as if they had a limp but decency does not allow us to postulate further; or could this be yet more subterfuge or maybe even a double, triple or quadruple bluff], can he be unveiled, will the Hon Sec give in under torture or bribe to reveal His/her name – watch this space for the next exciting instalment of “who is the Webmaster?”

Cup final. South Glam, 16 August. South Glam 143/3 (D Parsons 1/6, Simpson 1/21). Cavaliers 83ao (15.4ovs, Marchant 34, Steadman jnr 15). Lost by 60 runs

Click here for a link to the match day photos on the web album

Cavaliers: Mark Simpson (capt), James Marchant (vice capt), Andrew Steadman, Nick Hutchings (wkt), Glenn Chapman, Jonathan Davies, Nigel Adams, David Parsons, Jason Duffy, Rhidian Dafydd, Ross Bowen. 12^th men and reserves: Richard Davies, Matt Thomas, Warwick Armstrong, Steve Roake

Umpires: John Furnham (Cardiff Casuals), Chris Vanstone (The Consmen)

Scorers: Mark Searle, Warwick Armstrong

With South Glam needing 7 attempts to play their semi final due to the soggy summer, the final took place a full month after its appointed date with both teams relieved to get the “all systems go” signal from the Cathedral School groundsman to say that everything had dried sufficiently for the pitch to be readied.

South Glam did a unique treble last year, winning the League title, Cup and Shield and went into this game having retained the Shield and having lost only 2 competitive games in the whole of the last two seasons, so were clearly the form side. The Cavaliers, though, had found the Cup format more suited to their all round depth, overwhelming both The Consmen and the newly crowned 2007 League champions Casuals on our way to the Cathedral School [Ed: yes, we know it doesn’t have quite the same ring as “the road to Wembley” but it’s certainly much easier to get to it]. The bookies would probably make South Glam favourites but may have hedged their bets a bit given the Cavaliers Cup form.

The selectors had been posed some interesting and tricky questions in deciding on the line up for the Cavaliers with 15 players in the reckoning and it was heartening to get the full support of the four who missed out [Ed: indeed it’s been a feature of every Cavaliers fixture so far this season, not so much a case of “how on earth do we find 11”, but “which ones do we leave out for this match”, such has been the strength and commitment in player availability.]

As has been the case for many matches this year (only 2 games played in the pouring rain so far this season have attracted less than 2 supporters), the Cavaliers past and present were out in full strength and could probably have fielded 2 or even three teams given the vast numbers that thronged the boundary; even Hon Sec’s faithful hound Suka was in attendance for a large part of the game and barked encouragement at the right time. And, as has been the case throughout the history of the Cavaliers, excellent performances by players of both teams were warmly applauded.

The toss was won by Simmo who decided with a firm pitch that we would probably be best placed to chase down a target and so he summoned his men for a team talk on the edge of the square [Ed: see photo link at the top of this report for some visual impressions.]

Hon Sec may have made a huge error in raiding the cupboard for a pucker brand new ball that had a good seam and was really shiny. The drawback was that both Rhidian and Ross, opening the bowling, got too much movement beating not just the bat but the keeper too on several occasions. With the League’s unforgiving rule on wides and faced with a left/right batting combination that was adept at rotating the strike both struggled at first but then posed questions that lesser batsmen might well have found unanswerable. There were several plays and misses, inside edges that just missed the stumps and a few mishits later on that fell tantalising between fielders.

The introduction of JD and Jimmy slowed the scoring, conceding just 5 and 3 respectively each off their first overs. The switch to Dave P so that Jimmy could bowl at the death brought immediate rewards when Dave completely outfoxed South Glam’s captain and leading batsman, Nick Allen, clean bowling him with his first delivery for 21. Dave continued with some great flight and accuracy to be the pick of our attack returning figures from his 12 deliveries of 1/6.

However, Jack Lansdown coming in at no3, was quickly into his stride, using his feet well to play some authentic shots, including 3 straight sixes and 2 fours, retiring at 40 off just 21 balls. This looked to set South Glam up for a push to a total of 160plus but there was some superb fielding by the Cavaliers with what seemed like easy 2s turned into singles and boundaries saved with wholehearted (and, at times, wholebody) commitment. Everyone played their part, with particular mention to Rhidan, JD, Dave P, Steaders and Jimmy who all had several excellent saves, but each Cavalier was involved, including tremendous backing up at both wickets to ensure there were no silly overthrows or gimme runs.

There was a moment of mirth after a straight six that ended on the footpath on the other side of the railings. With JD, Jason and Jez deliberating who should try and shimmy over the 6 foot high spiked fence, a cyclist was spotted coming along the path. “Oi, love”, chirped JD (which he later claimed was said by Jase), “can you toss our ball back?” The cyclist dismounted and collected the ball; “I will this time but don’t call me ‘love’ again” said the young man as he handed it through the rails to Jason.

A memorable moment of magic occurred when another of South Glam’s top batsman, Andy Parry, was sent back from attempting a quick single only for Steaders to have a direct hit from square leg with just one stump to aim at.

This was followed by a well judged catch by Ross off Simmo’s bowling (who finished with 1/21). Jason and Jimmy bowled well at the death with no boundary scored off the final three overs even though South Glam had plenty of wickets in hand. A total of 143 was certainly going to be competitive but was not the imposing score that it might have been but for the excellent fielding performance.

Steaders and Nick set out knowing that we needed to ensure that the asking rate of 8/over never got too high and set the right tone with 17 off the opening two overs. With our new set of boundary markers, recently liberated from the darkest recesses of Martin’s attic, making it easier for the batsmen to see when they needed to keep going, we continued to show excellent judgement in running between the wickets that has been one of the many improvements in our play this year. It included a 3 that appeared to be a single, put pressure on the fielder by taking 2 who then gave a weak throw and so a 3^rd was stolen before anyone in South Glam realised what was happening.

With a steep run rate, though, we had to go for the shots and Nick was the first to perish in the cause, bowled for 5 and then Steaders suffered the most unfortunate of dismissals (on a par with being run out backing up when the ball is deflected on to the stumps). In attempting to play a ball to leg, it caught his toe, glanced off at an acute angle, only to strike the keeper’s foot and ricochet at another acute angle and on to the stumps with Steaders out of his ground, just, It goes down as stumped but surely there should be a more equitable way of attributing such a dismissal. He made 15 in 12 balls, with one 4.

Jimmy was playing well but a mix up with Glenn on a misfield saw Glenn run out for 1, JD perish first ball and Grizz (1), Dave (0), Jason (0) and Simmo (1) all went trying to ensure that we kept up with the rate as 4 wickets fell in as many overs to effectively end the contest. South Glam took all their catches well and we were faced with needing 100 off 10 overs but with only 2 wickets left.

The towel could’ve been flung in but both Rhidian and Ross played sensibly and ran excellently as Jimmy tried valiantly to pull the game round our way with some judicious hitting and nearly doubled our total before he was last out for our top score of 34 (from just 28 balls with 3 fours.)

South Glam’s all round strength made them worthy winners in a game played in the best spirit by both teams but the Cavaliers can hold their heads high that they gave their all and performed well on the day. We're no the first team to have struggled against them but never caved in and, with a little more luck going our way (eg. with the Chinese cuts just missing the wickets and mishits not going to the field), it could have been a much closer affair.

Our thanks to John and Chris of Casuals and The Consmen respectively who gave up their evening to umpire the final – their willingness to assist in this way was much appreciated.

Finally, to all the fans who turned up – your support and sportsmanship was excellent and appreciated by everyone; it made the final a great occasion and it will stay in the mind for a long time. Those in attendance were (all Cavaliers unless otherwise shown): Warwick Armstrong, Graeme Brown, Martin Buckle, Richard Davies, Steve Davis, Dan Lewis (Casuals) Derek Lewis, Nigel Moore, Joey Newbury, Glyn Poulsom, Wyn Pritchard, Steve Roake, Richard Saunders (The Consmen), Mark Searle, Jeremy Sparkes, Valerie Sparkes, Suka Sparkes, Chris Stork (Sevenoaks), Jonathan Thomas and Roger Thorney.

South Glam, Shield 9 August. Cavaliers 97/4 (Marchant 25, Steadman jnr  21). South Glam 101/0 (13.5 ovs, Alan 57 no, Sparks 34 no). Lost by 10 wkts

With a week to go before the Willow League Cup final a curious twist of fixture fate saw the Cavaliers up against our fellow finalists, South Glam, in this latest Shield match. On a lovely evening Simmo won the toss and chose to bat. With a strong batting line up, why not set a challenging target for our bowlers to defend? Nick and Steaders jnr opened the innings and made steady progress. The bowling was accurate but both Cavaliers were quick to latch on to the bad ball and most of our early runs came from boundaries[Ed: shades of the England bowling here, then].

Nick was bowled for 18 in the 8^th over when the score stood at 48 and Jimmy joined Steaders jnr at the crease. Tight bowling and well placed fields clearly frustrated the batsmen - Steaders jnr holed out to a well taken catch on the deep long off boundary for 21, while Jimmy had to work hard to keep the score ticking along. 70 for 2 soon became 78 for 3 when Jimmy was bowled for 25 and the fourth wicket fell at 84 as a straight full toss clattered into the stumps, removing Glenn for 6. Our final pairing, JD and Richie D, looked to force the pace. Both stayed in until the close of the innings but our total of 97 looked a little light.

One plus point during our innings was the continuing development of Jason Duffy’s umpiring skills. He’s clearly been working on his range of signals, all of which are followed by a thumbs-up to the scorers just to show them he’s in control. His economical “4” is a particular joy but his leg bye remains a bit wobbly.

So, to the fielding. While the Cavaliers were waiting for the South Glam batsmen, Rhidian was spotted assuming the press-up position, lowering himself to the turf until his nose touched the grass, before standing up and preparing to bowl. We hope this was some kind of Pope John Paul-type ritual so that Rhidian could be “as one” with the pitch. However, there is a suspicion that he was actually warming up and if this is found to be true he will surely incur the wrath of The Gog QC and many of the older members of the club for bringing such new-fangled techniques onto the field.

Whereas we had found it difficult to pick up the tempo of our innings the South Glam openers were soon scoring freely. Simmo rotated his bowling attack but 46 off 6 soon became 67 off 9 and the batsmen were looking comfortable. We seemed “flat” in the field. There was very little chatter. We weren’t really encouraging our bowlers. Perhaps we knew that our total was never going to be enough.

We kept at the task but South Glam reached the target with a boundary in the 14^th over, both openers unbeaten with Alan on 57 and John Sparks [Ed: no relation, he ain’t got any ‘e’s] on 34.

In the Hon Sec’s recent email advising us of a website update, he invited new match reporters to “take on this exciting and fulfilling role”. Oh dear! If only I’d had a more exciting and fulfilling match to report on! Put it down to a post-tour hangover, or to having no luck on the day, or facing opponents at the top of their game – let’s hope that we’ve got our bad day at the office out of the system before we meet again for the silverware.

Photo album: click on this link for the on-line photo album with pictures from the 2007 tour. [Ed: our thanks to Lord Snowdon of Penylan for his efforts, we use the word advisedly, in this respect.]

Haverfordwest, 5 August. Tour match. Cavaliers 101ao (19.5ovs, Adams 40, Marchant 21). H’west 104/3 (16.2ovs, Duffy 2/9, D Parsons 1/16). Lost by 7 wickets

Upon arriving at the main ground of Haverfordwest, it was commented on that the excellent teams at the under 12 tournament currently being played might have what it took to roll-over a tired, hungover and possibly drunk team of Cavaliers. The sight to greet the Cavaliers upon entering the visitors changing rooms did nothing to dispel this feeling, with the facilities fully equipped with disabled additions.

However, upon reaching the ring-fenced oval open to the natural elements of West Wales, the Cavaliers appeared invigorated and ready to rise to the challenge, especially after the toss resulted in the Cavaliers batting, with a comfortable bed of grass provided for some leisurely Sunday afternoon viewing. Adding to the occasion was the introduction of a new trailblazing form of cricket by the Cavaliers, 18:18. Not quite as catchy as 20:20, but at 4 overs shorter, far more action packed!

The Cavaliers opened their batting with the underused opening partnership of, (in the Red corner) Rabbit ‘The Destroyer’ Pritchard and (in the blue corner) Ross ‘Panda’ Bowen. The destroyer ironically played more defensively than his more docile counterpart, and was unfortunate not to score before being caught and bowled after 5 balls. The Panda provided an attacking start to the innings, with one lofty blow for 4 in his score of 8 (9 balls). Next in was the second bear, the Grizzly Adams, determined not to let the rambling of the previous day show any ill effect. He was shortly joined by his rambling partner Buckle, and together they built a steady partnership, with Buckle falling first for 5 (13 balls).

Grizz was joined at the crease by captain for the day, and prized wicket for the opposition, Jimmy ‘Moody’ Marchant. Both both played their shots, with Grizz the first to fall for a well built innings of 40, which included 4x4 and 1x6 at a run-a-ball. Out to join his captain, after being disturbed from his comfortable spectating position of lying down eyes closed, came Jason Duffy. Jason battled for longer than his 3 balls for 2 runs would suggest, before being replaced by equally tired looking Steve ‘Papa’ Roake.

Seeing the deteriorating mental and physical state of his younger team-mates coming and going at the other end, Jimmy decided to attack. He timed the ball well and clearly was enjoying himself, so much that he decided to set cricket back 5 years by adding 2 overs to the match to extend his innings and reverting the game to 20:20. However the tactic didn’t pay off as he was caught after a mistimed shot for a rapid 21 of 21 balls, (including 2x4 and a 6).

Dave Parsons was next in, and after his Boycott anchoring heroics of the last game clearly felt that he had done enough batting for one tour, and was promptly bowled by a straight one for a golden duck. The Dog Whisperer came next to join the Papa at the crease. Despite the Whisperer’s rather loud and repeated shouting of no, there was no stopping Papa Roake, who was desperate to add to his total of 2 off 3 balls.

He ran to the non-strikers end (after a misfield gave the opportunity of a single), before retreating too late to his crease and being run out. [Ed: Papa covered 40 yards so it would not be stretching too fine a point to suggest that while the Dog Whisperer’s cricketing skills would not normally lead us to put him in the same bracket as Sir Geoffrey Boycott, his culpability in this incident ranked alongside that of Boycs in running out Derek Randall in the test match at Trent Bridge, at a time so long ago that some of our younger members may not have been weaned, and would require the barristorial services of one with far greater ability than even Rumpole - if one exists - to get him acquitted.]

Huw Parsons (0 off 2 balls), Gog Davis (1 not out, 1 ball) and the Dog Whisperer (10, off 8 balls, 1x4) brought the innings to an end 1 ball short of the extended 20 overs, with the Cavaliers total at a respectable 101 all out. [Ed: apparently the Dog Whisperer had been unsettled by Gog informing him that the lads were doing a wagon wheel for his innings but currently it only had two spokes on it, both backward of square, and it wouldn’t be much use on a cart, or any other vehicle for that matter.]

Huw Parsons (2-0-6-0) and the Panda (2-0-12-0) opened the bowling in controlled style to two talented youngsters from the hosts’ team [Ed: Dave P pondered aloud whether the age of the batsmen meant that if Huw took a wicket it would only count as a fifth in the averages].

However, the tourists managed to always remain ahead of the run rate, with most bowlers going for a few runs with Grizz (2-0-14-0), Papa Roake (1-0-6-0), Buckle (2-0-21-0) and The Destroyer (2-0-11-0) all without luck. [Ed: Buckle was unlucky to miss out on a wicket when the ball, travelling at pace, ricocheted off his arm, on to his upper chest, then travelled vertically up his chest, over and long the top of his head, back along the right shoulder before eventually falling to ground]. However, Dave Parsons made amends for his golden duck with a good wicket (2-0-16-1), and, after shaking off the worst of a hangover, Jason Duffy bowled accurately to deliver excellent figures of 3-0-9-2.

Despite acquitting themselves respectably with the bat the Cavaliers toiled in the field, with one potential catch helped on its way over the boundary for 6, some unsightly Bruce Grobelaar goal-keeping antics from Grizz in attempting (and succeeding) in stopping a boundary [Ed: those with more of a public school upbringing may have mistaken it for an intriguing variation on the august game of Eton fives], as well as some complaints of tiredness from some of the older Cavaliers such as Papa Roake [Ed: who was chided by the Dog Whisperer for his feeble attempt at a run out only to commit a worse howler himself three balls later.]

The hosts reached their target off Jimmy’s second ball (0.2-0-8-0), totalling 104 with the loss of three wickets after 16.2 overs.

Haverfordwest, 5 August. Tour match. H’west 42/2 (7ovs, Chapman 2/14). Match abandoned – rain

After a quick turnaround, and some personnel changes, the second game of this tense double header was underway, with the Cavaliers asked to field.

Hutchings, making a substitute appearance following the first game opened the bowling, and was promptly taken off after 1 over (10/0) by the ruthless Marchant, clearly out to avenge the first game defeat. From the other end Jimmy bowled tidily for his 3 overs (18/0). However, the damage was done at the other end, by Chapman (3-0-14-2) (another substitute from the first game) [Ed: well, after all his howlers, perhaps fitting in other circumstances for a dog whisperer, he was demoted in favour of Glenn as the skipper sought a cutting edge]. First he took a caught and bowled, and then having Jimmy’s team mate caught, by Jimmy, something that will surely be talked about in next week’s game at Haverfordwest.

Shortly after this wicket the rain came, and the match was abandoned, with Haverfordwest on 42/2. After some improvised washing and possibly some burning in the shower in the name of cleanliness, many of the Cavaliers retired to the dry of the club bar, and enjoyed the hospitality of our hosts and the climax of a successful tour.

[Ed: our thanks to Havefordwest for a warm welcome and games played in a great spirit, and to Jimmy for making the arrangements for this leg of the tour.]

Ynystawe, 3 August. Tour. Ynystawe 266/4 declared (D Parsons 2/18, Chapman 1/20). Cavaliers 200/9 (43ovs, D Parsons 70, Chapman 45).  Match drawn

Tour had arrived and our first game was on route to Haverfordwest at Ynystawe in the Swansea Valley. Everybody arrived bright and early and waited in anticipation on the selection (everybody apart from Grizz who had to turn around at Pencoed as he forgot his Good Beer Guide 1985!!, apparently essential for tour).

Team selected and Simmo won the toss (finally) after discussions with a select few, he chose to put our hosts into bat on a wicket that was at best a little green! in a time game.

Simmo elected Duffy and Bowen to open the bowling. Duffy started well with his first ball then the batsman seemed to read his action so he decided to vary his length. (Short to shorter!) He finished with figures of 4-0-41-0. Simmo opened the other end with Bowen (5-0-36-1) running up the hill and into the wind. With the short leg-side boundary to defend Ross did well to dismiss the opener who was done by a little bit of extra bounce. He cut the ball to a juggling Dave Parsons who, on the 5th attempt, settled the ball in his palms.

The skipper then looked to the big guys Chapman and Davies. Chapman bowled a disciplined line and length and deserved his wicket caught by his good mate Duffy. Chapman continued and finished up with respectable figures of 4-0-20-1.

For JD it was a different story. Bowling up the hill and into the wind he struggled to find a good length and not helped by some questionable fielding finished up with figures of 4-0-44-0 much to Duffy's delight.

Needing to capitalise on Chapman’s breakthrough, Simmo brought himself on alongside Dave Parsons. Simmo (3-0-24-0) tied down the one end while Parsons (5-1-18-2) put paid to Ynystawe's middle order. Firstly, forcing the batsmen into a mistimed cut towards Chapman who took a solid catch. Parsons second wicket came when he beat the batsmen with turn and the Gog padded/gloved the ball to take off the stumps [Ed: in the meantime Panda, perhaps with due regard to the limits of his Bupa cover, decided that discretion was the better part of cosmetic surgery and misjudged his dash for a skier that might otherwise have slipped through his hands and landed on the nose again.]

With time running out Simmo looked to slow our hosts’ run rate down. After informing Air traffic control he brought on the Cavaliers’ legend Brown. He was unfortunate that, after a few retirements, Ynystawe brought on their 1^st Team opening Batsman who also opens for Wales minor counties. Brown (2-0-32-0)
bowled a good line and length but was picked off with two superb reverse sweeps and one off drive all for 6. The latter nearly killing an elderly man who was watching! (No, not Rabbit aka Rocky). Huw Parsons (3-0-20-0) and Papa Roake (3-0-27-0) bowled the final overs and Ynystawe finished their timed innings with a massive 266/5 declared (33 overs).

Set 267 to win Hutchings and Boycott, sorry D Parsons, strode out to the wicket to open the innings. Hutchings knowing that time at the crease was needed started very cautiously. After a steady start Nick finally fell for 13 (17 balls), caught off the bowling of his boss. Read into that what you think, but my money is on Nick getting a pay rise soon!

Next in was the imposing figure of Chapman. With Boycott, sorry D Parsons, holding the one end up Chapman decided to take on the Ynystawe attack, scoring an impressive 45 of 53 balls including 9 fours putting on a partnership of 75 with Boycott, sorry D Parsons.

[Ed: at the halfway stage a drink was sent to the middle with instructions from the captain, “Great foundations, now time to press on and give it a go”. The start of Dave’s response is unrepeatable in polite circles but the rest of it was something like “*******, I’m enjoying myself!”]

Next to the crease was Davies. JD after having a net before his innings felt in good form and was relishing facing his first ball, however this was not to be the case. Boycott, sorry D Parsons, played a ball straight to mid on. He called the run, JD suffering from a massive turbo lag failed to make the ground and was run out without facing. He strode off back from where he had come with a long face, although he did get to see the 4:30 at Kempton! [Ed: some thought the distance was a short head while others suggested a steward's inquiry but we shall leave further equine similies there.]

Next to partner our anchor man was S Roake. Boycott, sorry D Parsons, now took the lead and upped his run rate. Roake finally fell for 8 (7 balls) but he backed Parsons up in a 4^th Wicket partnership that brought 33 runs.

Dave finally fell for a magnificent 70 off 116 balls, he batted for 2hrs 10 minutes and was only 2 balls short of carrying his bat through the innings [Ed: there was some consternation at square leg where Hon Sec attempted to consult the umpiring Gog at the bowler’s end concerning the legitimacy of the delivery, it having appeared to be above the waist, hence should be called a no-ball and so Dave should stay at the wicket. However, he was given short shrift by Gog and, to add insult to injury, was fined for his temerity after the game.]

There were also telling contributions with the bat from S Davis 4 (1x4) 5 balls, Duffy 8 (2x4) 7 balls, Simpson 8 (1x4) 16 balls, Bowen 2 (11 balls), Brown 6 not out (6 balls) and H Parsons 4 not out (2 balls) [Ed: Huw deciding that attack was the best form of defence, punch drove his first ball to the long on boundary and, despite the cluster of close in fielders, only just vfailed to repeat the feat with his second, and our innings' final, ball] and so the Cavaliers held on for a well earned draw.

Man of the Match: Dave Parsons.

[Ed: Ynystawe proved very hospitable, using the time game and switch round of their batting and bowling to ensure that an obvious discrepancy in class didn’t ruin a tour friendly. The tea was excellent and they joined in the judicial proceedings in the bar afterwards with a good sense of fun. Our thanks to them and to Nick for organising the fixture.]

Sevenoaks, Shield 31 July. Cavaliers 144/5 (Steadman jnr 52, Marchant 47). Sevenoaks 70 all out (13.3ovs, Marchant 2/2, J Davies 2/8). Won by 74 runs. Cavaliers 2pts, Sevenoaks 0pts

The first ever Shield match for the Cavaliers and it was great to see several supporters during the course of the game. At last, a beautiful evening. Alas, Sevenoaks had been hit by holidays and night shifts and had only 9 on the field, later reduced to just 8 batsman as one player hurt his shoulder attempting what would have been a spectacular catch.

Simmo won the toss and opted to bat, almost immediately wondering if he’d the right thing when Glen was bowled by a beautiful, pacey delivery that cut back and just flicked the off bail. The same bowler appeared to trouble Steaders at times too so Steaders and Jimmy set about building the innings with sensible cricket that firstly eschewed risk. Later, as they built momentum, they turned on the gas and the style, running eagerly between the wickets and both playing some delightful shots all round the wicket. On one occasion, the two were side by side as Jimmy thought the ball would reach the ropes and Steaders kept on running. Fortunately the scorers, Waz and Steve Roake, had been keeping a keen eye on proceedings and scored the correct number of runs.

They added 109 for the 2^nd wicket in just 12 overs, before Jimmy was bowled trying to pull a ball that kept a little low. He’d tried it a bit earlier and, chastising himself, caused the ripple of “moody, moody, moody” to echo among the crowd. Our support, as mentioned, was great and particular thanks go to Waz, Gog and Jez who all turned up as reserves in case anyone should be delayed or injured; especial thanks to Waz who kept an immaculate scorebook throughout both innings.

Jimmy made 47 off just 34 balls, including 1 six and 3 fours. Steaders followed him in the same over, perishing in similar fashion. He’d made 52 off 40 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes. JD kept things moving along with 17 not out, although the old timers in the crowd reckoned that a few 2s were missed out on as, with wickets in hand in the closing overs, fielders could’ve been taken on.

We closed on 144/5 which didn’t feel particularly high as several teams have scored more at the School this year, including Sevenoaks on their last visit here when they slayed us in the League. There were exceptionally good bowling figures from Brian Condon who took 2/6 off 3 overs and Mike Williams who had 1/10 off 3.

Ross and Rhidian started off in excellent fashion, bowling tightly to well placed fields and, knowing that they had only 7 wickets in effect, meant that Sevenoaks couldn’t afford to take risks early on. When Glenn was introduced for the 5^th over, he made the breakthrough and Ross followed this up with a maiden to leave them 23/1 with a third of their overs gone and a mountainous run rate that was now in excess of 10 an over.

Steady inroads were made as Simmo switched his bowlers around to great effect. Grizz finished with 2/17 courtesy of two very different but equally impressive catches. The first was the captain leading by example, running back from a very short mid-off and taking the ball arms stretched out fully with the ball coming blind to him over his head. This disposed of their opener and top scorer, Mike Williams, for 25.

The second catch was a superb take by Steve Roake making excellent ground from mid-wicket and, sun in his eyes, sliding in but holding on to the ball as he over balanced. As has been the case on many occasions this summer Steve’s fielding in the deep has been of an exceptionally high standard and has saved countless runs.

Jimmy’s only over put paid to any hope Sevenoaks may have harboured of a late order flourish, firstly bowling their skipper Chris Stork for a golden duck with a wicked delivery that kept low, a horrible ball to receive first up. Then he repeated it 4 balls later to claim 2/2.

JD wrapped up the innings, one bowled and one LBW, taking 2/8 and we ended up winning our first ever Shield game by 74 runs to set us in good heart heading into the tour weekend.

Welsh Water, 24 July. Cavaliers 114/7 (Dafydd 28, Newbury 27, Steadman jnr 27no); Welsh Water 115/4 (17.2ovs, M Thomas 53 ret, H Parsons 3/9, Strawson 1/4). ‘Technical’ loss by 6 wickets

This is what social cricket is all about – a beautiful sunny evening, 22 eager and willing men, a mix of ages, abilities and attire, and a fun atmosphere. There was even one who took to the field in white braces to match his flannels and shirt, it having been a number of years apparently since he’d last been summoned into cricketing action. [Ed: thankfully the Cavaliers had rallied to Hon Sec’s lunchtime plea for extra players as WW had thought they’d have to cry off with only 6 being available on the day. As so much cricket had been lost to rain, Hon Sec was desperate to get the guys a game and so it was 15 Cavaliers who played.]

Jez was captain for the day as Simmo and Jimmy opted to forego the fixture to allow more places for others to get a game and he decided to stick with the 11 originally selected to carry the Cavaliers colours but this meant that WW was supplemented by some of our younger leading lights this year as JD, Ross, Matt and Dave P all guested for them. [Ed: it was probably a bit of a mismatch as, pound for pound, when you try and put Rabbit up against JD.]

He lost the toss and we were put in to bat. Apparently, Jez claims that the batting line up was in accordance with some selectorial policy and discussions but there was some amazement – and, it must be said, pleasure – when the likes of Joey and Rhidian found themselves in the top 3, with Vince adding some firepower at the top of the order. [Ed: Hon Sec says the selectors’ aim was to give some of the bowlers a go up the order so that if they found themselves having to bat at a crucial stage in a Shield/Cup game then they’d had the chance of a proper knock and so would feel more confident about it.]

Whether this will pay dividends for the Club, only time will tell, but certainly both Joey and Rhidian set out strong claims to be considered genuine all rounders. After the early loss of Vince for 3 when he mistimed an off drive that should’ve sailed to the long off boundary and instead picked out the man at mid-off [Ed: with all the tales of leaky pipes, who’d have thought that Welsh water could’ve held on to a catch] 41 was added for the 2^nd wicket in just 4 overs as Joey hit 27 off 21 balls including 2 fours and a six, and Rhidian a stylish 28 (4 fours) that was an innings of authentic cricket shots and mixed sound defence with some lovely drives.

George was the victim of a most despicable piece of cricket one could ever see in this sort of amicable fixture – JD getting him caught and bowled off his first ball, as if JD needed the wicket [Ed: and it doesn’t count in the Cavaliers stats anyway.] It didn't help that JD then tried to be all apologetic and would've been much better off just giving the batsman a gesture to point out the location of the dressing room or some sledging comment.

Enter the immediate former ex Chair in the form of Mr Poulsom who decided that he’d try and keep pace with Steaders and was run out for his efforts for 10. Brownie, after handing the umpire his false teeth for safe keeping, tried to do likewise and perished in the same way for 4. Huw thought he’d manage it but was also run out off the last ball for 3, attempting a Caesar [Ed: not moving an inch after he’s played the shot and looking surprised when his partner joins him at the crease.]

We closed on 114 for 7 with Steaders finishing on 27 not out from 17 balls including 3 fours. Given the firepower we had loaned them it was probably going to be hard, but not impossible, to defend and it would be interesting to see how Cap’n Sparky approached it as he’d, perhaps somewhat foolishly with himself and Rabbit in the side, agreed with his opposite number that everyone had to bowl.

He opened conventionally [Ed: is this first recorded instance of Hon Sec ever being conventional ...] with Rhidian and Huw. The latter was on fire, tempting WW’s captain into an attempted lofted drive only to pick out Glyn, carefully stationed by our astute [Ed: astute??] captain at mid-on, with his first delivery and clean bowling the incoming man with the next ball. The hat trick ball was survived by Matt Thomas and a single nicked to bring JD down to face his first ball from Huw. It was an absolute cracker of a delivery, beating the well executed forward defensive shot that was perhaps a tad late for the extra pace Huw generated when seeking to appease the treatment JD had meted out to George, and literally ripped leg stump out from the ground.

At 6 for 3, the Cavaliers may have sensed that the game was going their way but Jez knew he had to fiddle in the occasional overs somewhere as well as, again following selectorial orders, giving Steaders a bowl. He opted for a daring strategy [Ed: that’s an interesting way of describing it] as Steaders struggled to find his radar, keeping Sean Taylor, in his first appearance of the season after his nuptials, busy behind the stumps. Some excellent deliveries were mixed up with, well, some not so excellent ones. 

George got his first bowl for the Cavaliers and returned very respectable figures, conceding just the one boundary, a brace of singles and a wide from his over. Vince bowled brilliantly, giving away just 2 singles in first over and getting a wicket in his second to finish with 1/4.

Sadly, the oft worn cricket phrases are just that because they reflect the truth of this sporting contest, and so it came to pass that "catches win matches". A certain fielder moaned that he'd been set too far back to attempt a catch a few balls earlier was sent back by the Captain to the original position given to him at a deep mid-on position. When Bishen Brown bowled to his field, the said fielder then dropped a relatively easy looking chance offered by the ever dangerous Matt Thomas and this was, probably, the difference in the game as Matt eventually went on to retire having reached his 50 with 4 fours and a six. As no later WW batsman was able to hit the ball as well or as hard, it was a costly drop. [Ed: since this report was first uploaded concern has been expressed about this paragraph and so we would like to make it clear that it was not intended to cause any offence and have no hesitation in apologising if it has done so. The aim of the match reports is to try to give a flavour of the game for those who weren't there, to celebrate good individual and club performances, to share the fun and reflect, when it happens, on the game's ironies and it was felt that this incident was one of those occasions. The web is perhaps not always the easiest medium when working with irony and if this, together with the choice of words, has caused any upset then it is regrettable and will be a learning point.]

We got no more sniff of wickets despite several encouraging LBW appeals from the captain at cover point [Ed: an excellent vantage point for such things] and some good rehab for JD, back on the field as an umpire.

Sean came out from behind the stumps for a bowl and, when he pitched it on the wicket, caused problems for the batsman which bodes well for the future when he gets some overs under his belt and has confidence in his length. Joey also bowled well, conceding just 9 from his 2 overs and the Rabbit acquitted himself well too.

It fell to Jez to bowl the last over with just 4 needed. Despite a carefully placed ring of fielders to save the singles, the WW batsman managed to find the gaps and the match was theirs with a few balls to spare.

Everyone was glad just to have got to play and WW were very happy that they’d not actually cried off and were very hospitable and good fun down at the Butchers afterwards.

[Ed: thanks to all the Cavaliers who turned out at short notice otherwise we would’ve lost the opportunity for a game in a rare bit of sunshine.]

Casuals, 16 July, Willow League Cup semi-final. Casuals 110/7 (Dafydd 3/11,  Adams 1/3, R Davies 1/11, Simpson 1/11, Marchant 1/13). Cavaliers 113/1  (14.3 ovs, Steadman jnr 41 rtd, Hutchings 32, Chapman 17no). Cavaliers won by 9 wickets and progress to the final

Venue: Llandaff Fields

Weather …Wet!!

[Ed: some quick and inventive thinking from Hon Sec’s opposite number at Casuals had switched the venue to the artificial strip at Llandaff Fields as Wenvoe was, like every other pitch that day, under water.]

5.30 pm the heavens opened and it looked like the ongoing saga of postponements was to continue. It did not look good and it was obvious amongst the players that they wanted to just get the game out of way. Simmo, Jimmy and others were quite content to settle the game by a bowl off [Ed: Hon Sec was, as one might expect from a polished diplomat, making the correct noises to both Cavaliers and Casuals skippers and their entourages, suggesting that a pitch inspection should at least be undertaken and that he had provisionally booked the Cathedral School for next week should that be required].

The Casuals were quite keen to play the game judging by the way that they unloaded the kit bags from their cars, understandable as they had won the League and were unbeaten. Simmo and Jimmy strolled over to inspect the artificial wicket and came back to announce that the game was ON … shock horror amongst the players … were we hearing things? No ….the game was on; quite unbelievable!

Simmo had lost the toss and the Casuals elected to bat first, something that they may have regretted after Rhidian’s first over which resulted in 3 wickets falling to some superb bowling [Ed: all clean bowled on a strip that was true, if a little squidgy, so high class indeed]. Duffers was unlucky not to add to his haul for the season and in difficult conditions bowled 2 overs for just 6 runs, an excellent effort. The rain re-appeared and the Casuals looked to step up the run rate just in case the Duckworth-Lewis method came into play. The wickets continued to fall with a maiden wicket in Cavaliers’ colours for Richard Davies, a superb full toss which should have been dispatched into Western Avenue but ended up hitting off stump.

Smith for the Casuals provided some resistance with a good innings of 44 though if it wasn’t for Steader’s honesty he might have departed the scene a lot earlier before a cry from the Hon Sec, trying to shelter the scorebook from the worst of the storm by hiding under a tree, “Batsmen retire”. A sharp chance saw Steaders sliding in from the boundary to take a low catch only to say that he caught it on the bounce … didn’t look like it from where I was standing but a great piece of fielding and, as typifies a true Cavalier, nothing but honesty from the fielder.

Hood chipped in with 22 not out for the Casuals as they reached a very achievable target of 110 for 7 from their allotted 18 overs. Grizz, Simmo and Jimmy chipped in with the other wickets [Ed: Grizz had remarkable figures of 12 balls, 1 wicket and just 3 singles, applying the tourniquet just when Casuals were looking to be aggressive and, had there been a 3^rd umpire, might well have had further victims]. This can be put down to a fine display in the field and from Nick behind the stumps as most of the Casuals innings was bowled in the rain, the total of just 9 extras was even more remarkable. [Ed: there was a fine catch by Jason at long off who had the rain in his face for a long time while waiting for the ball to come down, and a very smart stumping by Nick off Jimmy which needed no 3^rd umpire as the batsman continued his wander down the track to head back to the boundary without even a backward glance].

In bright sunshine, a rarity this summer, the opening duo of Hutchings and Steadman set about the target at a great rate punishing the bad ball, running the singles and never allowing the Casuals to settle in the field. [Ed: a curious tactical decision by Casuals to hold back their main strike bowlers in the hope they could ‘fiddle’ a few overs from part-timers before the batsmen settled went horribly wrong when 35 was posted off the opening 4 overs].

This great start put us so far ahead of the run rate that we could afford to see off the bowling of Hood and Lewis [Ed: who conceded just 13 runs off their 4 overs] before restarting the onslaught. Steadman hit 3 fours and 2 sixes in a chanceless innings of 41 before retiring. His partner in crime Hutchings departed for a fine 32 off just 21 balls with 3 fours and 1 six before a leading edge off Stephens led to his dismissal.

The foundations had been set enabling Jimmy and Glenn to complete the chase with the latter hitting two fours and a six in his 17 not out … the final shot clearing the ropes to finish the game which saw scenes of jubilation from the players and supporters as our place in the final was secured. The celebrations were carried on in the Halfway after the game. It might have taken four attempts to get the game to be played but after the frustrations of a wet summer and many postponements but in the end it has been well worth it.

[Ed: with the other semi final having fallen victim to the rain, we are still waiting to hear who our opponents will be, and sorting out the venue and date for the final.]

Rhiwbina. 27 June. Willow League. Rhiwbina 144/6 (J Davies 2/13, Duffy 2/33); Cavaliers 115/6 (Steadman jnr 29, J Davies 21). Lost by 29 runs. Cavaliers 1 pt, Rhiwbina 14 pts

With steady rain pouring over Llanrhymni, it looked unlikely any play would take place. Fortunately, Derek Brockway’s weather predictions came true and the game in the end was played under glorious sunshine. Having discussed at length whether we should field or bat first, Simmo lost the toss and the Cavaliers were asked to field.

Bowen and Dafydd opened the bowling and the first wicket fell in Dafydd’s first over. It turned out to be a wicket maiden, however it was his worst ball which took the wicket, a loose full toss caught by Richard Davies [Ed: good to see Radar restored to full working capacity after his recuperative holiday].

Marchant and JD took over the bowling duties which proved to be a successful partnership. Marchant picked up his wicket bowling straight and trapping his man leg before and he ended with very economical figures: 4-0-14-1. JD, “the one hip wonder”, bowled a disciplined line and picked up two wickets. The first was a good catch by Dafydd running in from the boundary and the other clean bowling Carter for 4. JD ended with our best figures of 4-0-13-2 and Rhiwbina were ominously placed at a mere 41 runs with only 9 overs left in the innings.

Newbury and Duffy bowled next but found the going tough to start with. A special mention should be made however to Rhiwbina’s top scorer, Morgan, who batted well and reached 56 not out. After a few wides by Duffy he showed great character to dismiss another of their dangerous batsmen for 29. He quickly picked up his second wicket and ended up with very commendable figures: 3-0-33-2. An over each from Strawson and Armstrong wrapped up the innings and the Cavaliers were left facing a total of 144.

One couldn’t help but feel frustrated however by gifting Rhiwbina 23 runs in extras [Ed: it must also have been difficult to keep tabs on things as the erstwhile Mr Duffy, on failing to find batteries for his desk calculator, had clearly decided to cannibalise our scoreboard to aid his mortgage repayment reckonings and had left in his office.]

With just over 7 runs an over required, Steadman and Armstrong started well picking up runs at every given opportunity. As ever, Steadman was running like a whippet [Ed: strange how he could manage it without a Rabbit there …] and Armstrong was pushing the ball nicely into the gaps. But with boundaries hard to come by, the pressure tolled and, after pushing for a run that wasn’t really there, Armstrong was run out for 12.

Having seen out Rhiwbina’s competent opening bowlers Richard Davies and Steadman looked to pick up the run rate. Rhiwbina’s bowling attack was relentless, however. Crowter dismissed Davies for 7 and Steadman was caught off his bowling for 29 – our