(Most recent first)

v Stragglers of Asia          Cryptics won by 7 wickets
Stragglers of Asia 69 all out
Cryptics 70-3
 
A squad of 12 Cryptics was appointed for this fixture with a late fitness test on Marcus Ward determining the final line up.  IThis was inconclusive and a compromise was reached whereby the son was 12th man in the field and promised a bat, and the father fielded and declined to bat.  The toss was miscalled by the Cryptics who were sent forth to field.  It must be pointed out at this stage that the captain was of the opinion that he had a strong batting line up with a selection of bowlers who would perform well but were not necessarily going to dismiss the opposition and therefore the opportunity to bat second would have probably been his preference.  The Stragglers made a slow start on a slow wicket.  After 14 overs they were 25-4, with the upper third all bowled by Chris Ward (1-8) and Sam Sargant (3-24) - Sam's second wicket dismissing first ball Reid who had almost single handedly defeated the Cryptics in 2010.  The umpire was of the opinion that the delivery would have undone many good batsman with its vicious rip in from outside the off stump to take out the leg bail.  A bowling change was an attempt in part to open the game up a bit.  However, Mike Price and Sal Butt yielded very few runs and only succeeded in drawing almost identical mistimed shots from batsmen for catches to Chris Ward and Seb Phillips.  A further change brought Seb Phillips and Jason Doole to the attack.  Seb delivered a light buffet of occasional full tosses but even he could not avoid having Bond caught behind by Dan Hodder and later J.Patel playing on.  At the other end Doole sent down four maiden overs and lured a further ill-timed shot to Rob Walker for a catch at mid on.  Andrew Ward had earlier declined the opportunity to bowl saying he would wait until after lunch.  It was just after 1pm and the score was 68-9.  He loosened up with a wide and the next ball clipped bat and keeper and came to rest in Matt Baggs' hands at first slip - thus leaving him with the intriguing analysis of 0.1-0-1-1.  Seven bowlers had taken part in the gentle destruction of the Stragglers.  The captain was left wondering what else he could have done to open things up when so many wickets seemed self inflicted.  The only member of the side not to have appeared on the score book in any form to this point was Will Gilgrass who was therefore directed to open the batting with Baggs after a leisurely lunch.  Fears of an incisive Stagglers bowling attack were perhaps unfounded.  After three overs 27 runs had been plundered.  Perhaps it seemed to too easy for before a run was added Gilgrass and Baggs had both holed out to deep square leg.  The captain watched with anxiety as Marcus Ward entered the fray closely followed by Rob Walker.  Their approach to the bowling was different to the opening salvo and with great patience they slowly nurdled and nudged their way towards the target - a policy which might have better served the Stragglers.  Five runs short, Rob was athletically caught one handed by Reid at deep mid wicket but a few balls later Marcus pushed through the off side to finish the game at 3.18 pm and with his 19 not out banish the spectre of his golden duck at Belbroughton five days earlier. 
There is no need to reproduce the team list here as the observant reader will have identified the Cryptics 12 from this brief account, every player having contributed in some way to the result. 
Chris Ward
v Eton Ramblers

The Cryptics headed to the splendid surrounds of Eton College and the thought of a usual run-fest were confirmed upon approaching the wicket; hard with a horribly long, yet quick outfield awaited us all. 

With the Ramblers only having 6 players at the toss, with 2 more on their way and the final 3 stuck in traffic in London, it made the toss rather non-existent and ‘The Spirit of Cricket’ was utilised which made the captain rather unpopular but turned out possibly to be a blessing in disguise as the Cryptics took to the field.

Early pressure was exerted by Stuart Summers and James Cowie before Summers removed the openers with a tidy spell of seam bowling.  Hutchinson and Ashton carried on the good work from the openers and it was apparent that, as the overs ticked by, that we were on top for the first session.  After lunch some lusty blows from the Ramblers increased the scoring rate and after 58 overs, managed to declare on 264/8.

Chris Barras and Paul Armstrong managed an unbeaten opening stand before tea and all seemed rosy in the batting side’s camp.  After tea, Barras (27) steered one to gully, followed quickly by Armstrong (36) but these foundations were imperative to the success of the run chase.  Enter James Wyatt and Sal Butt.  They produced very sensible and mature innings to nullify the Rambler’s attack and after Wyatt (104*) passed through to his magnificent century, Sal (64) went through to his half century.  Together the pair put on 179 for the third wicket to steer the club to an emphatic victory.  Many thanks to all who turned out for the club for what was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Team: Dominic Pike, Alex Hutchinson, Sal Butt, James Wyatt, Nick Priestnall, Nick Ashton, Paul Armstrong, Chris Barras, James Cowie, Stuart Summers, Gary Blunt

v Warwickshure Imps

The first game of the West Midlands Tour took place in the glorious setting of Malvern College in superb hot and dry conditions. It was certainly a good toss to win. Skipper Lewis elected the Cryptics would bat first, and, alongside Pymm, opened the account with metronomic aplomb. We were off to the races. Or so it seemed for a brief while.
 
There soon followed a calamitous domino effect of wickets falling at one end; and the Cryptics declared on a solid but unspectacular 210 for 9. Lewis, however, merits special mention for anchoring the innings with his leonine 124 not out. To borrow from Graham Gooch's parlance, this was a "daddy hundred", although the junior Lewis' appeared more interested in ensuring sufficiency of scones at tea than applauding their father's endeavours.
 
It should be noted that the opposition ranks were depleted at the hands of a road accident (mercifully no lasting damage we learned) but it left them with only 9 men. Although the outfield was quick, the Malvern wicket clearly suited our attack. In particular, the Gross brothers' beguiling spin caused problems. Also seamer Will Buckland was eager to make amends for an ignominious dropped catch whilst fielding for the opposition, and produced a consistent and probing spell of line, length and occasional slower ball bouncers finishing with 4 for 35.
 
Despite valiant and high quality resistance from the Imps' skipper, the opposition were all out for 180 with The Cryptics winning by 30 runs.

 

Ed Murray

Southern Tour

A beautiful day dawned at Ardingly to mark the beginning of the Southern Tour. No less a prize than the Wingers Trophy enticed the Cryptics and Free Foresters to defend the honour of their two famous wandering clubs. Unfortunately for the Cryptics, late drop-outs had reduced their numbers and they were obliged to field first.

A bumping pitch and a blinding light to fire Newbolt’s imagination encouraged Max McAlister to dig in an occasional short one and William Buckland to steam in. Aside from a sharp chance to the ‘keeper, everything else seemed to hit the middle of Jack Berrisford’s bat and crash into the fence a moment later. McAlister took out his frustration by hurling a return from the boundary inches over the bails to execute a run-out, but little else went for the Cryptics until the spinners were introduced. 108-1 off 16 overs became 212 all out off 45 as Joe Ireland (1-47), Mike Stafford (2-25), Sasha Barras (2-17) and Chris Grammer (3-9) turned the screw. Berrisford’s 121 was an excellent innings and would ultimately prove the difference between the teams.

But at half-way the Cryptics were well in the game and 213 was at least 50 below par. A succession of single-figure scores, including three ‘ducks’ put paid to the hosts’ victory ambitions. Only Stafford batted with assurance, and his three fours in an over from Jordan Leppan were the highlight of the batting. When Jim Chaudry bowled his fourth successive maiden the Cryptics had all but surrendered and 87 all out was a tame end.

 

Mon 1 August v Old Amplefordians

On the same belter of a wicket which the players enjoyed on Sunday, the Cryptics set about a modest Old Amplefordians attack. Nathan Williamson, on his debut for the club, stroked a brisk and elegant 65. He was a class apart and scored 52 in boundaries. Last year’s hero Paul Armstrong departed for 0 to one of the few chances the OAs held on to. Thankfully, Matt Baggs (66) and Dave Leadbitter (104) opened their shoulders and dominated the opposition. Leadbitter was particularly brutal and hit six sixes during the course of his innings. Buckland would challenge all the batsmen to do this in one over as the tale of victory was told later, but that will have to wait for next year.

The OAs achieved respectability with the bat and when Roger Davis (54) and Anthony Williams (60) were compiling a partnership of 50 for the fourth wicket they pushed the Cryptics onto the defensive. But 312 was always likely to be too many. Jordan Leppan bowled two spells of fast right-arm and left-arm spin. Brushing aside nicknames of ‘Bipolar’, ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ and ‘Seventies Mullet’ , Leppan’s figures of 17-4-58-4 were deserved reward for his myriad talents. Support from Seb Phillips (2-28) and Ireland (2-43 and two sharp catches at slip) helped the Cryptics to a victory by 78 runs.

Tues 2 August v Sussex Martlets

Sandy Ross, whose legacy this match is a part, would have enjoyed a close, high-scoring game in which his own son Will scored 53 for the Martlets. The Cryptics won the toss and batted with ease. Ireland (40), James Wyatt (39), Leadbitter (35) and Williamson (34) all got themselves ‘in’ before tossing their wickets away, believing the next man in would do the job for them. Baggs peppered the leg-side boundary in his 77, before becoming wily skipper Mike Murray’s fourth wicket as the Cryptics were dismissed for 253.

The Martlets’ strong batting could not be contained for most of the second innings, despite a hostile spell from Leppan (who would finish with figures of 3-65) and a good contribution from debutant Wyatt, whose off-breaks claimed three victims at the cost of 42 runs.  Eventually the Cryptics sniffed an opportunity when Armstrong held on to a brilliant diving catch at deep mid-wicket to remove Adam Davies for 66. Two more wickets fell cheaply and the Martlets were 223-8 approaching the last hour. Alas, Murray (21*) could not be removed and a caught and bowled chance went begging at the other end. Sussex Martlets won the game by two wickets.

 

Wednesday 3rd August v Old Hurstjohnians

The swashbuckling Cryptics, who had hit 11 sixes in the previous two games, resolved to play with more responsibility – and most of the tourists had treated themselves to an early night.

OHJs won the toss and batted on a wicket which seemed full of runs. Chris Parsons, joining the tour, was immediately thrown the new ball and a fast inswinger castled the recently departed Hurstpierpoint captain, Levene. This was a perfect start for the visitors but a spate of wides, byes and leg-byes alleviated the pressure. This came to a head when Stuart Turner bowled his third accidental beamer and was ordered from the attack for the rest of the game. Somewhat bewildered by the notoriety, the mild-mannered Stuart departed for deep-midwicket as James Balcombe formed a spin partnership with Ireland to wrest control back to the Cryptics.

The pitch spun sharply at times and good catching from Baggs, Armstrong and the excellent grab from Phil Elwood at slip reduced OHJs to 121-6 at lunch. Flight, guile and an in-out field induced confusion and only Menzies (59) occupied the crease for long enough. Ireland conceded just one boundary in his figures of 14-2-20-5 and as Balcombe took three wickets at the other end, the Cryptics dismissed the home side for 181.

A lively seam attack soon had the Cryptics rocking at 40-4 and 85-6. Five Cryptics were clean bowled, often to sharp nip-backers from Noble, who finished with 5-64. Thank heavens for Jason Doole, who anchored the innings and batted throughout. His combination of glances, nudges, cuts and biffs over cover broke OHJ hearts. Parsons survived a crucial drop at gully to play a very useful supporting hand and the Cryptics triumphed by 2 wickets with 19 overs still in hand. A very satisfied touring side repaired to the New Inn to celebrate their first win in this fixture since 2002. All toasted Jason Doole whose 93* was the decisive factor.

Thursday and Friday’s games were abandoned; Thursday due to heavy rain and Friday because the Cryptics could not raise a side to play Lindfield.

v Exeats

CRYPTICS 252 for 6 vs EXEATS (match abandoned)
 
The Cryptics won the toss and batted and struggled early on to cope with the Exeats bowling. Perhaps they were simply overawed by the fantastic surrounds at the Newclose County Cricket Ground. The venue had been kind enough to donate the ground for the day in lieu of the weather.
 
Worth mentioning though, of course, were the contributions of the brutal Tom Chapman (72) and Cycling to the Ashes' Oli Broom (130) who took the score from a dnagerous 105 for 5, to a commanding 252 for 6 when the rain came in after 44 overs. Hopefully you can use the phot of the scoreboard attached. This was some ground to play on.

v MCC                                     Lost by 47 runs

MCC won the toss and elected to bat on a typically true Radley wicket. The Cryptics opening pair of Matt McEwan and Rhys Davenport bowled accurately, encouraging errors from the classy MCC upper order. At 41 for 4 and then 73 for 5, the Cryptics were firmly on top and lunch was taken at 124 for 6. The bowling remained consistent after lunch, without the threat of the new ball and, aided by an excellent innings of 130 not out by opener Ben Jeffery, the MCC were able to declare at 228 for 7 in even time.

The target seemed eminently gettable and the Cryptics made steady progress. 3 or 4 batsmen got a start but only Francois Vainker went on and his 80 was the only major contribution. We were probably guilty of looking for the odd big shot rather than accumulating and it was disappointing to fall well short on 181 all out.

This was an excellent game of cricket however and the MCC made it clear that they saw no reason why it should not be repeated on an annual basis. If this is confirmed, it will be a major feather in the Cryptics’ cap as very few nomadic sides will have a regular fixture against them.

v St Edward's Martyrs

A Strange game where the Cryptics managed to field 13 different players at various stages of the day. On a showery day the Cryptics won the toss and decided to bowl. Hastings and Hicks bowled tightly on track where there was some assistance, but little margin for error, and wickets fell steadily through the morning. Ward (appearing for the morning only) bowled his usual miserly spell from the bottom end and Scott Wall came on to bowl from the top end. Then disaster struck; two balls into his spell Wall had to leave the pitch with a trapped nerve in his neck (useful having Dr. Walker in the side!). Paul Armstrong stepped up to complete the over – conceding just the two boundaries with his selection of long-hops. Ward plugged away from the bottom end and Armstrong found a little better length, stealing a wicket in the process. Eventually the Martyrs had crept to 102-5 at lunch. Ward disappeared back to work, Vadivale failed to appear,  so we borrowed the Martyrs’ 12th man. Roger Wall appeared to replace his injured son Scott and we moved on to the afternoon session. Nicholl continued to bat for the Martyrs, eventually reaching 101, while wickets continued to fall around him. Some lusty blows from the last wicket pair crucially moved the score on from 168 – 9 to 191 all out, despite an impressive 6-55 from Hicks, including a balletic catch from Rippon at midwicket and an impressive leg side  stumping by Kerridge.. With showers looking and time limited, a competitive target. Things started well with Wall (R.) and Chaffer (our two guests) opening the batting. We moved serenely to 34-0 before Wall picked out mid-off with a rasping cover drive (nothing to do with his sons imminent doctor’s appointment I am certain). Kerridge got a beauty first up which pegged back his off stump, and it  was a struggle from then on in. Lots of players got starts but none went on and we eventually ran out 40 runs short. It was another very good game against the Martyrs and we greatly appreciated their hospitality.

v Warborough & Shillingford

After two years of rained off matches, finally a glorious sunny day greeted the Cryptics as they arrived at the beautiful Warborough green. Match manager Armstrong had taken a novel approach to management, failing to arrive until lunch was served, so a variety of experienced Cryptics drew straws for the captaincy, with Buckland ending up with the job – resulting in his usual eccentric antics. The morning session (I am told) started slowly as the cryptic got to grips with an uncovered pitch that would have made Geoffrey Boycott purr. Chairman Lewis led the way with a steady 41 while Major and Vadivale supported ably. Lunch was taken at 97-4 and  very fine lunch it was too! The spread under the Oak tree meaning that play resumed a full 1 hour and 10 minutes later. Ashton and Gibson were urged  by the captain to up the scoring rate and duly obliged, with the former putting together a classy 48 in good time. Ward minor struck some pleasing shots before Buckland and Armstrong were sent in to “give it the long handle”. Comic moments ensued with Armstrong nearly being lapped during an all-run four, but rapid progress was made allowing the Cryptics to declare at 204 – 7. Warborough & Shillingford started slowly against the all-Ward opening attack, and were slowed further by of Donaldson and Montague. At tea Warbrough were 27-1 off 15 and the target seemed a long way off. Some increasingly eccentric captaincy from Buckland kept W&S interested and wickets began to fall at regular intervals, with some fine catches from Ward senior and Montague. Eventually bang on the dot of 7pm the final wicket fell leaving the Cryptics as victors by a margin of 30 runs. A thoroughly pleasant day was had by all.

v Oxford Downs.  19th June 2011

 For 101-years Cryptics school masters have been telling their teams ‘catches win matches’ and using it as justification for 20-minutes of extra fielding practice on a freezing cold April afternoon. Well, against Oxford Downs on a sunny afternoon, the Cryptics proved this theory was in fact nonsense.

Indeed it was the hosts who grasped onto every opportunity which came their way in the first innings after winning the toss and throwing the Cryptics into bat, but this wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-run defeat.

The Cryptics innings was littered with ill-discipline and batsmen getting themselves out. Will Sandbach looked comfortable hurrying to 31 before he got himself out, and the rest of the top order succumbed around him.

Chris Crouch picked up four wickets for the Downs, and then some generous bowling changes allowed Will Gilgrass to reach 31 and Man of the Match, Marcus Ward, top score with one more.

The final total of 151all-out was a much better score than what previously looked like a disaster, and solid bowling at the top of the second innings made a game of it. Karl Noll, who put in a monstrous effort bowling 16-overs for his 3-41 and Will Sandbach (2-14) knocked over a couple of the Downs’ key batsmen – but they were stacked throughout the innings and the game was constantly in the balance.

Wildman top scored for Downs (45) and his run-out was a crucial moment in the match. More wickets fell, despite the fielders’ inability to catch around the pitch – Marcus Ward and Jack McRobert the exception – they could throw and three run-outs in the Downs’ innings was the difference.

The final over saw Oxford Downs require four to win with one wicket in hand – 12-year old Gus Watts batting with age-never-affecting-his-ability-to-turn-up-on-a-green-field-in-a-pair-of-whites Tony Lurcock occupying the non-strikers end – who afterwards expressed his disappointment not to see Simon Smith turn up in 2011.

Nick Ashton had the honour/poor-fate of taking the ball for the final six balls – and sealed the game with the third.

It was a very well spirited match, played in great conditions with some great moments of cricketing skill. The Cryptics can be proud of their win, and long may the strong relationship with Standlake’s Oxford Downs continue.

v Sandhurst Wanderers

On a disappointingly inclement day at the Royal Military Academy, a strong Cryptics side lost the toss on a green top and were inserted.  Openers still stuck on the A30, a makeshift opening pair got of to a flyer with guest doc Gough accumulating quickly.  Lunch after an hour with the score at 85-2 was greeted with further drizzle.  Play was slightly delayed before Rob Hastings climbed into some errant bowling easing to a fine debut for the Cryptics with 42 and with Gough continuing to 62, batting looked easy.  Club President helped a leg side long hop to short fine leg before Doole, playing orthodoxically for 31* and Payne, playing without reference to any text except Farmer’s weekly, mowed his way to 32*.  An extremely generous declaration left the Wanderers plenty of time to accumulate.  A great start had the Wanderers at 0-2 before persistent drizzle turned the cherry into a bar of red soap and OCdt Hicks despatched the varied Cryptics attack to all parts in a fine display of controlled batting.  The umpires finally had enough and pulled the players off with the Wanderers on 119-3. 
Harvey Pynn

 

v Brook  Match Drawn

Cryptics 311-5 (James Balcombe 91, Matt Baggs 89. Rob Walker 63*)

Brook 217-8

The Cryptics won the toss and elected to bat on what turned out to be a benevolent and fruitful wicket.  The start faltered at 21-2 allowing James Balcombe and Matt Baggs to become acquainted over the next 20 overs during which they put on 171 runs.  After racing to 31, Baggs found himself the spectator as Balcombe bludgeoned his way past him to 50, being dropped at slip on 49. This was his’ first 50 and as he moved on to 91 he notched up six 6’s and only six 4’s.  One of the sixes skimmed the roof of the elegant new electronic score box and the ball was lost to the game.  He holed out just before lunch but there was to be little respite for Brook.  The Cryptics took lunch on 204-3 off just 30 over; Baggs having been challenged to see if we could make the 200 by the break duly obliged with a reverse sweep to clear the target.  A score such as this created a quandary for the captain – just how long should we bat on and what sort of target should we be looking at?  With Baggs succumbing shortly after lunch for 89, it was hoped that perhaps things would ease up a little and we might bat out for 50 overs and set a good target.  However, Rob Walker and Robin White added a further 59 runs in just over seven overs before the latter holed out for 25.  Guy Gibson joined Rob Walker to accompany him past a faultless 50 and at the end of the 45th over with a score in excess of 300, the run machine was turned off.

The Cryptics took to the field shortly after 3pm with plenty of time to bowl but only ten fielders.  Brook’s opening pair put on 76 with a couple of chances going adrift.  Marcus Ward claimed his first domestic Cryptics wicket of the season when the more prolific of the two drove him hard and low straight to Nick Ashton at mid off and departed for 49.  Robin White joined the attack after tea and after his first two balls were dispatched for 6, he settled into a steadier rhythm. He claimed the next wicket when at 135, Brook’s number three miscued to mid off and Chris Ward and Nick Ashton combined to take the catch.  Nick was denied this catch but was plugging away at the opposite end to Robin and was eventually rewarded with the only LBW of the day as the remaining opener once again played across the line but missed.  A few overs later a shocking call saw Robin White’s accurate throw to Matt Baggs gift the Cryptics a fourth wicket with the score on 143.  Brook rallied briefly as the last hour approached and needed to score at about 7 an over on a track where batsmen had been harvesting runs.  However, the Brook skipper holed out off White and when Jamie Balcombe joined the attack and took a return catch the shutters came down.  Nick Hodgson and Chris Ward returned to try to breach defences through the last half hour.  There were two further successes but dogged defence frustrated our endeavours and Brook ended eight down and some way short.  The effort had been formidable – the Cryptics bowled 64 overs in reply and the quality of the fielding was of a very high standard depriving Brook of a large number of runs as Cryptics slid, dived or tumbled with purpose to thwart the batsmen.  Furthermore, for the first time that the captain could recall in four visits to Brook, we finished in the field with the same ball we had started with.

There are few better ways to finish the game than sitting in the Dog and Pheasant after a hard day’s work watching the shadows lengthen across Brook Cricket Club. 

The Team: Chris Ward, Matt Baggs (wk), Nigel Fletcher, Rob Walker, Harvey Pynn, Guy Gibson, Nick Ashton, Robin White, James Balcombe, Nick Hodgson and Marcus Ward.

 

CRYPTICS v HURLINGHAM

 A game,as they say of two halves, and we got stuffed in the second half.

 Could say smashed to SMITHereens, of which more later.

 Mike Noaln lost the toss on my behalf and to our surprise they put us in.  At 103 for one things were going according to plan, then a quick flurry of wickets before the bacon seemed to be saved by a remarkable stand of 80 between Jono Atkinson and Hamish Nolan,( the latest in the long line of Nolan heritage!) the remarkable thing being that Hamish is 13!! and contributed a classy 29 to the stand - no surprise then, in a completely unbiased way, who my man of the match was! 

 He also bowled 6 overs of leg-spin for 14, most of it to Ed Smith, some Cryptic debut! (excuse all the !!!! but difficult not to) 

 All out for 228 - never enough at H'ham - (and the two senior Nolans contributed 0 between them!)

 Then the second half - and at 13 for two we were- unwisely- feeling a bit smug. Enter Ed Smith (Kent and England) 140 n.o. and the rest as they say is history, rather like us!

 All in all, good fun, and the picture of Ed Smith giving Hamish a bit of one- on -one coaching during the tea interval was one to treasure.

Paddy Nolan

SPAIN 2011

Cryptics v. Harrow School  

The Cryptics launched themselves into the first game of the Spanish tour, several team-members with some exhaustive preparations. Unfortunately, these were undertaken the night before and thus rendered fielding practice, stretching or any form of exercise, largely redundant.

Harrow won the toss and elected to bat. Nick Hodgson opened the season with what can best be described as a rather full, full toss and we were on our way. On an artificial wicket, the openers had to deal with some steepling bounce from Sam Sargant and Marcus Ward, who troubled batsmen with aggressive-length bowling. After settling down, the game took on a steady pace with the Harrow batsmen playing themselves in. Chris Ward started to take some early wickets, ably assisted by some phenomenal Chris Barras wicket-keeping. Midway through the innings, the game looked fairly balanced. However, a strong 7th wicket partnership between M.Ward and A. Macintyre saw Harrow post a challenging 241 for the loss of 9 wickets off their 45 overs. Chris Ward was the pick of the bowlers with 4-64.

After a hearty lunch of a burger, replete with onions or cheese – whatever took your fancy, supplemented by some well-priced beer, the Cryptics strode out to bat. Simon Halliday and J Grist, a Harrow pupil who the master-in-charge assured the Cryptics was good for some runs, opening the innings.  Mr Grist was bowled second ball!  Ben Hardy was bowled two overs later. 5-2 looked potentially worse when Simon Halliday was hit a nasty blow on the elbow when failing to react at all to a quick short ball from K.Daley (who may have had to write a good many times “I must not hit my teacher”).   Chris Barras and Simon Halliday, under pressure from some penetrative line and length bowling, blunted the Harrow attack with some determined batting. Once Barras was bowled the early-season defences of the Cryptics batting soon gave way and wickets fell at a steady rate around the obdurate Halliday. He put a dear price on his wicket, especially given he was facing his blood-thirsty students. What better wicket to take than that of your teacher?

Unfortunately, the scoring rate was a little too slow to keep pace with the stretching target set by the Harrow boys, who bowled with guile and fielded with great energy. The fielding accounted for the author as Halliday pushed the ball into the on-side and called for an ‘Usain Bolt’ quick single. A direct hit sent me back to the hutch and Harrow closer to a well deserved victory. The Cryptics finished on 154-9, some way short of the target set with Simon carrying his bat for an unbeaten 75.

The match was played in an excellent spirit, in slightly cloudy conditions and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A wonderful experience for my first match on a Cryptics tour, and moreover, hopefully the first of many more to come!

Nick Ashton

Cryptics CC v Sporting Alfas CC – 17th May 2011

The Cryptics took to the field for the final tour match feeling confident and fresh after 3 days and nights of cricket chat, beer and late nights (led by Nick Hodgson), not to mention a previous game on the Friday and lots of ‘spotting’ around the swimming pool. Alex Hutchinson led his troops onto the field in glorious sunshine with everyone eager to force a victory and level the tour series.

The hostile bowling of Sam Sargant and the ever reliable Nick Hodgson made a good start for the Cryptics and the home side found themselves losing regular wickets. Chris Ward only increased the pressure with some tight bowling and picked up a couple of wickets also. He was aided by his son Marcus, who at only 14 is an excellent prospect for the club with his left arm seam bowling which included a well controlled bouncer! Nick Ashton bowled well for little reward and the skipper brought himself on to pick up a couple of late wickets. Nick Priestnall and Chris Barras shared the glove work and special mention should go to Chris Barras for what can only be described as a masterclass for spectators. The home side were restricted to 171-6 off 40 overs with their opener Crowley making 44.

The tea interval was relaxed with what has now become a regular sight of burgers, sausage sandwiches and sunshine ever present at Alfas. In reply, the Cryptics were forced into a controversial change in the batting order due to Chris and Marcus Ward having to leave early for the airport, aided by their chauffeur, Chris Barras. The two Chris’ opened (the first time Chris Ward has opened the batting for the Cryptics) and did not disappoint in despatching some fairly weak bowling to all parts of the field. Chris Barras was eventually given out lbw for 32 which led to father and son batting together for the first time. This was a pleasure to watch and Chris soon brought up not only his maiden half century for the club but his first ever half century. Marcus departed for 19 attempting his trademark sweep shot and Chris Ward was finally out for an excellent 77. They rushed off to the airport and left Ben Hardy and Nick Priestnall to see the Cryptics home for the loss of only 3 wickets.

The Yellow Submarine bar (and bar ladies) that had been regularly frequented would be proud and with a final evening of Spanish food and drink the tour was brought to an end, an enjoyable time had by all. Thanks must go to Nick Priestnall for his ever efficient organisation of the tour and our host club Sporting Alfas for having us again.

A new destination for the pre-season tour is currently being looked at so sign up fast when it is announced in the coming months.… the Scandinavian women’s’ football teams are eager to also learn our destination after accompanying us extremely well around the swimming pool for all 4 days!

Alex Hutchinson

Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 October 2011 20:31 )