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Busiest Season ever at Mulbarton
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2010 will see the largest and most ambitious programme ever run
by The Club. There will be league cricket at U11, U13, U15 and U17
level; a brand new
U13 girls softball league and opportunities for older girls to
play in the hardball fixtures. Combined with our kwik cricket
tournament and five day Cricket Carnival at the end of August, The
Club offers one of the most comprehensive programmes of cricket
activities in the county
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More Coaches this summer
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In 2010 The Club will have the services of eight ECB qualified
coaches. Our new girls section will boast two coaches and an
assistant dedicated to raising standards and participation next
summer.
Congratulations to John Bainbridge who has achieved ECB Level 1
accreditation and will be assisting with the U11 squad this season.
In addition, five of our members; Chris George, Bradley Button,
Ben Wilford, Jordan Culling and Stephanie Bond have completed the
young leaders award. Well done to them all.
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Extra Cricket for U11s
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With the large numbers of U11 cricketers at The Club, we shall
be providing additional league cricket this summer to provide match
experience for more members.
As well as the elite Junior Alliance competition, we shall be
entering a team in The South Norfolk Community League.
The U11’s young side put in some fantastic performances last year
and have the capability of proceeding to the last eight in the
county.
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2010 Season
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Carnival Day Five
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The ninth annual Cricket Carnival
finished in glorious weather with the parents’ and siblings' match.
Often the most entertaining sport is on offer here as Dad’s dust off
their equipment and roll back the years to their glorious prime. In
readiness, a can of Deep Heat had been added to the first aid kit.
Pairs cricket was the format for the game contested between a
Nick Morton and John Allen XI. After some time to arrange the teams,
John Allen’s team had first knock and a good start from Bradley and
Gary Button threatened a large score before the middle order were
becalmed by good bowling and fielding. The Farrow brothers, Josh and
William, got things moving again with a brutal big hitting
partnership, adding 52 off their four overs; awesome stuff. The
pairing of Angela Farrow, the only mum to play – shame on you all,
with John Allen was not as fruitful but no less entertaining. Ben
Gibbins concluded the innings with a quick fire 27 to take the score
to 195 for 8 (155 net).
This was a good score but not untouchable, and after a slow
start good contributions from Nick “slogger” Watson, Ben and Gary
Wilford soon had the board quickly moving again. The rate slowed
after this amidst muttering from some that the teams were not really
fair, but Steve Thelwell rejuvenated the attack with some sizzling
boundaries bringing the target back in sight as the last pair of
Nick and Sam Morton strode to the crease, needing 26 runs off the
last four overs. With the adrenaline coursing the boys set to their
task and, for a moment, victory looked possible before Nick ran out
his son taking a quick single that even Usain Bolt would have
struggled to complete in time. But they nearly made it; just six
short at the end of an entertaining game that marked the finale of
the eleventh year of youth cricket on Orchard Park.
The five day Carnival has been adjudged a great success with
several people contributing to making the event so enjoyable; but
none more so than Gary & Kay Wilford who have provided scrumptious
refreshments throughout the five days, often under very difficult
conditions, and we all owe them a massive vote of thanks
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Carnival Day Four
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Orchard Park Trophy
Bees v Falcons
First up was a low scoring game with Bees batting first and
posting a below par 277 for 7 (net 235). This was an excellent
opportunity for Falcons to spring the first surprise of the day
against the holders and favourites to retain the trophy. Falcons
scored faster but after a great start steadily lost wickets
throughout their innings with the final total of 283 for 10 (net
223) a frustrating dozen short of their target.
Bees: 36 points. Falcons: 18 points.
Falcons v St.Johns
In this must win game, Falcons batted more aggressively
amassing a large total against a patchy attack. Despite the
slower outfield after heavy rain during lunch, they accumulated
an impressive 327 for 5 (net 297), a more competitive total for
this form of cricket. St.Johns also batted well but lost two
more wickets and scored fewer runs, totalling 303 for 7 (net
261) off their sixteen overs.
Falcons: 42 points. St.Johns 22 points.
Bees v St.Johns
With both Bees and Falcons having won one game it was
essential St.Johns perform well in this final game. Bees,
needing a good win to see them over the winning line, produced a
steady performance in the last match of the day managing 290 for
7 (net 248). A good innings could have seen St.Johns snatch back
the trophy but a determined Bees side fielded and bowled
determinedly to restrict them to just 269 for 6 (net 233) and
ensure that the trophy would be remaining in the hive for
another year.
Bees: 30 points. St.Johns 20 points.
Result
 1st
Bees 66 points.
2nd Falcons 60 points.
3rd St.Johns 42 points.
There was passion a plenty on view today as the sides
scrapped it out for The Trophy. Much credit is due to the older
boys who managed and marshalled their younger charges in an
unselfish and considerate manner. Well done everyone.
Single Wicket
With the final usually only played on Orchard Park Trophy
Day, several other earlier rounds had to be accommodated because
of rain earlier in the summer.
Wilford (31) v Button (32)
In a close encounter, the current holder’s power was enough
to hold at bay the determined challenge from Wilford.
Everett (29) v Rhatigan (16 for 1)
Rhatigan had done well to reach this far in the competition
but was overwhelmed by a determined and stronger opponent.
Everett (27 for 1) v George (30)
Another close game with George matching Everett for big
hitting and winning by dint of taking one wicket.
Final. Button (34) v George (20 for 2)
Button, in cracking form recently, proved too strong for the
improving George whose time will surely come.
Presentations
With the assembled throng crowded under the tent as
torrential rain made conversation almost impossible, The Club
welcomed Mr. Mark Ferguson of Castle Colour Press to present the
annual awards.
Nick Morton presented his young squad with mini bats
detailing their achievements over the summer.
Joe Harris thanked Steve Thelwell and Bob Mackenzie for
their tireless work on pitch preparation, Nick Morton and Chris
Samson for their coaching along with thanks to Jane Morton for
organising the club’s embroidered shirts. Also thanks to Nick
Mackenzie and William Farrow for their help with training. He
made a presentation of an inscribed tankard to John Allen’s
wife, Nancy, in his absence as recognition of his ten year’s
coaching at The Club. Gary and Kay Wilford were presented with
flowers and a voucher for their outstanding services at The
Carnival.
Mark Ferguson then presented the club awards to the winners.
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U11 Best Bowling: Sam Morton
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U11 Best Batting: Matthew Samson
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U11 Player of the Year: Jonny Whitlock
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U13 Best Bowling, Best Batting and Player of the Year:
James Whitlock
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U15 Best Bowling: Ben Wilford
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U15 Best Batting: Ben Gibbins
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Player’s Player of the Year: Matthew Samson
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Single Wicket Trophy: Bradley Button
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Orchard Park Trophy: Bees
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John Allen Future Player Award: Daniel Bainbridge
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Carnival Day Three v Garboldisham
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U11
The U11s picked up where they left off yesterday with
another convincing performance. Batting first, the visitors
found runs hard to come by. A consistent bowling attack, well
supported by enthusiastic fielding stifled stroke play and
Garboldisham became bogged down. Only Turner (14) looked
comfortable as the visitors struggled to 71 for 9.
Reversing the batting order gave Garboldisham early hope,
but as the wickets fell, the run rate increased with good
contributions from A.Bainbridge (12), J.Hill (11no) and
D.Bainbridge (13no) guiding the team to another accomplished
victory with two overs to spare.
Garboldisham 71 for 9. Mulbarton 72 for 5. Mulbarton won by
5 wickets.
U13
The excitement of yesterday's encounter was not to be
repeated as Garboldisham piled up the runs with some impressive
stroke play. The bowlers all suffered as Phoenix (51no),
Halliwell (35) and Snowling (28) stylishly steered the team to a
total of 130.
The heroics of the previous twenty four hours were not to be
repeated as Mulbarton’s reply quickly fell away. Holden (12),
Pennington (11) and Jonny Whitlock (10) all made a start but no
one was able to go on and mount a challenge to the visitors’
total.
Garboldisham 130 for 2. Mulbarton 80 all out. Garboldisham
won by 50 runs.
U16
The best was very definitely saved ‘til last in a pulsating
game that ebbed and flowed right from the start.
Batting first and losing two quick wickets, Mulbarton
recovered and a sparkling partnership of 56 between the
dependable Gibbins (32) and George (20) repaired the damage and
soon had the score rattling along. A large total looked possible
but the loss of both within three overs slowed the rate to a
crawl with at one stage just seven runs coming from five overs.
Fortunately, salvation was provided by the increasingly
impressive Button (34no), who with Bradley (11no), put on an
unbroken 49 partnership off the last six overs to post a
competitive 137.
 Garboldisham
bristle with quality batsmen and this total seemed a little shy
but a wicket off the first ball and then three more in the
seventh and eighth over left the visitors reeling on 31 for 4.
Freake (22) along with Phoenix (41) rebuilt the innings, adding
57 for the fifth wicket and it was game on. 38 off 5 became 16
off two and with only 1 run coming from the penultimate over
(Batch), 15 off one. With Mulbarton panicking it was one ball
left and four to win. A skied shot that spun wildly evaded the
despairing fielder and trickled over the line to clinch a win by
one run.
This was pulsating cricket at its most exciting - a
fantastic showcase match to conclude the club tournament section
of The Carnival.
Mulbarton 137 for 5. Garboldisham 138 for 8. Garboldisham
won by 1 run
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Carnival Day Two v Gt.Melton
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U11
Asked to bat by the visitors, a sparkling half century from
M.Samson, well supported in a partnership of 71 with
D.Bainbridge (10no), propelled Mulbarton to a commanding total
of 122 off their twenty overs.
Gt.Melton’s cautious approach in reply left them quickly
behind the run rate with the promising Stearman (18) and
Tonnison (20) both removed in an excellent spell from M.Samson.
Well supported by the other bowlers and some excellent fielding,
the visitor’s response fizzled out leaving them well short of
their target.
Mulbarton 122 for 2. Gt.Melton 87 for 4. Mulbarton won by 35
runs.
U13
Melton’s 138 for 4 in this 8 a side encounter, led by
entertaining knocks from Greenslade (51no) and Malcolm (42),
should have been more than enough against a Mulbarton side that
has struggled to score runs all season. None off the bowlers,
except Alex Pocklington (1 for 4), escaped punishment in this
high scoring total.
Although fearing an early finish to this game, career best
innings from Jonny Whitlock (33) and Chris Pennington (41) took
the home side to within a whisker of victory in this high energy
and absorbing encounter. With just nine required from the last
six balls it was anyone’s game, but the Melton side held their
nerve to restrict Mulbarton to just two runs and the narrowest
of victories.
Gt.Melton 138 for 4. Mulbarton 133 for 5. Gt.Melton won by 5
runs.
U16
This long awaited tussle after the excitement of the U13
game saw Melton posting an under par total of 119 all out. Only
Allen (39) and Fryer (13) reached double figures. Supported by
excellent fielding from a highly motivated side, Gibbins (3 for
14), George (2 for 8) and Wilford (2 for 23) did the damage.
Mulbarton fizzed in reply with Button (34), Batch (27) and
Mackenzie (24) seemingly steering the team to an early victory.
But the self destruct button triggered and a sudden collapse saw
the home side slump from 71 for 1 to 110 for 6. Fortunately,
Wilford and Farrow regained control of the situation and, in the
end, steered Mulbarton to an easy win.
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Girls impress at Carnival
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It was definitely girls allowed as Mulbarton Youth Cricket Club
hosted the first dedicated girls’ club tournament in the county on
day one of their annual Cricket Carnival.
As well as fielding their own team, Mulbarton welcomed Rocklands,
Garboldisham, Old Buckenham and N.Norfolk for a day’s softball
competition organised to showcase the skills and enthusiasm now
gaining pace in the women’s game.
Played in a straight league format, the standard was extremely
high featuring some impressive performances with both bat and ball.
Competition was fierce with three of the teams finishing on equal
points. But the spirit of cricket was always much in evidence, with
all of the games played in a competitive and generous manner.
Pitted against several teams containing county girls who had
been playing the game far longer, Mulbarton produced a spirited and
accomplished performance promising much for the future.
But on the day, Garboldisham were the most consistent and well
organised, turning in a polished and cohesive team effort to win all
of their games.
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Without a win in their league season, Mulbarton U13s headed west
for their final match of the competition; a bottom of the table
clash with Gt.Ellingham.
Winning the toss and opting for first use of a well worn strip,
the visitors started brightly with a quick fire innings from
Pennington (9), supported by Rhatigan (11), before James Whitlock
(39) produced his best performance of the summer featuring some
beautiful punched drives. Well supported by Samson (26no), this pair
put on 57 for the third wicket and added 47 off the last five overs
with some controlled stroke play and quick running. For the first
time this summer the team mustered three figures, finishing on 116
off their sixteen overs.
Only Perry (27) offered any resistance in reply and it was soon
clear long before his dismissal clear that the target was far beyond
Ellingham’s reach. Good bowling from James Whitlock, Samson and
Morton along with a couple of run outs and two good catches
consigned the home side to the sort of crushing defeat all too often
experienced by Mulbarton this season.
Gt.Ellingham were undeniably very weak, particularly with the
bat, but this was a far more cohesive team effort ahead of our
Carnival games next week.
Match facts: Mulbarton 116 for 3. Rocklands 47 all out.
Mulbarton won by 69 runs.
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After their mauling at the hands of league leaders Melton the
previous week, it was time for the U15 team to stop pretending they
were cricketers and to fulfil a little of their latent potential.
Batting first, there was a dramatic transformation with the
openers Gibbins (38) and Button (44) hustling for runs on a green
pitch offering plenty of help to the bowlers. With 50 off the first
eight overs a top total looked possible. Pushing on, both were
caught and a brief cameo from George (11no) with aggressive running
from his partner, Wilford, panicked the home side completely, adding
28 runs off the last two overs to finish on 124.
Rocklands never got going with the bat and with a wicket almost
every over their reply fell away in the face of accurate bowling and
energetic fielding. Mulbarton were a changed side and their
demolition of Rocklands for 34 demonstrated the potential from this
rejuvenated team.
This was a remarkable conversion promising hope for our final
league match of the summer and Carnival games against Melton and
Garboldisham. Well done lads.
Match facts: Mulbarton 124 for 2. Rocklands 34 all out.
Mulbarton won by 90 runs
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Purely by chance both the U13 and U15 fixtures against Gt.Melton
were in the same week away at Melton Park. Their U15 side would
prove formidable, having won through to the Junior Alliance League
county final, and the U13s, although less awesome, would provide
stiff opposition for Mulbarton.
In the U15 fixture, winning the toss, Melton opted to bat first,
scoring freely with top knocks from Brett (67no), valuably supported
by Wyatt (29) and Brooker (21no). Mulbarton again bowled too short
and were punished with 22 boundaries in the final total of 128.
Everett (2 for 17) and Culling (1 for 21) bowled well.
In reply only the dependable Gibbins (33) provided any
resistance. The rest of the batting collapsed, adding just 20 runs
before being all out for 62 in the fourteenth over.
Match facts: Gt.Melton 128 for 3. Mulbarton 62 all out.
Gt.Melton won by 66 runs.
Two days later it was the U13’s turn and again, winning the
toss, Melton chose to bat. This was pretty much a one man show with
Greenshire (80no) dominating the innings with only limited support
from his partners. Most of the Mulbarton attack had a torrid time
and must have been relieved when the innings closed on 139.
Again it was just the skipper, James Whitlock (14no), briefly
supported by Pennington (7), who provided any resistance at all. The
other six batsmen managed just 1 run between them. Enough said.
Match facts: Gt.Melton 139 for 5. Mulbarton 34 all out.
Gt.Melton won by 105 runs.
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There was a hint that it might not be Mulbarton’s day when their
first over to Hardingham went for nine runs, five of those wides.
Having won the toss and put the visitors into bat, Mulbarton
struggled to exercise any control with the ball and apart from an
excellent spell by Bradley, adopting the novel tactic of bowling
straight and full, the bowling was universally dismal.
With quick running and lethargic fielding from the home side,
Hardingham kept the scoreboard rapidly ticking over. Putting on 77
for the first wicket they never looked troubled and when J.Scott
(43) was bowled by Culling, there were still six overs left. The
improving George finally had B.Scott (44) stumped off Bradley before
the innings ended on 119.
So step forward a couple of players to challenge this total?
Well perhaps not. There was no real sense of urgency from the
openers and they were quickly slipping behind the rate. Belatedly
sensing the need to hustle on, several chose the wrong runs at the
wrong time, with the team suffering three run outs. No one looked
like posting a decent score apart from George (12), who looked
dangerous before being a little unluckily adjudged run out. That
Mulbarton finally managed 85 was more a testament to the 41 extras
gifted by Hardingham’s part time bowlers than any finesse with the
bat. With just 44 in scoring strokes this was a disappointing and
depressing performance from a team capable of so much more.
Match facts: Hardingham 119 for 3. Mulbarton 85 all out.
Hardingham won by 34 runs.
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At one of the most picturesque and well tended grounds in the
county, Mulbarton’s girls’ played their very first competitive match
against a well turned out Old Buckenham team.
The home side looked rather small in comparison to the Mulbarton
girls as they posed for photos before the game.
Losing the toss and asked to bat, the visitors made good
progress against a competent bowling attack with particularly good
knocks from S.Leek (13), R.Armes (12) and E.Downes (9) finishing on
a net total of 74.
In reply, chasing this substantial target, the Old Buckenham
girls struggled to get the ball through the infield and had to rely
largely on extras to fuel their total. All of the Mulbarton girls
bowled well but R.Armes and E.Downes were particularly outstanding,
conceding only 19 runs between them off their six overs.
Buckenham’s last pair needed 31 to win, always a big ask, and
two wickets in the last over from J.Leek, one a great catch, snuffed
out any chance of a victory with the home side 22 short of their
target.
This was an outstanding debut performance from a team bristling
with enormous potential; promising a bright future for girls’
cricket at Mulbarton.
Match facts: Mulbarton 299 for 5 (net 274). Old Buckenham 272
for 4 (net 252). Mulbarton won by 22 runs.
Confused? Don’t understand the scoring system?
Girls bat in four pairs for four overs each. Their score
starts on 200. Runs are scored as normal but each time a wicket
is lost five runs are deducted from the total.
Everyone must bowl at least one over and not more than
three.
The team with the highest score wins.
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Mulbarton rolled out the welcome mat to Rocklands for their
fourth league match of the summer. Whilst a heavy shower passed
overhead, the visitors huddled in their cars and the home side made
use of what shelter was available, all rather sceptical of the
possibility of any cricket.
But cricket there was, and only ten minutes late, having lost
the toss, the Rocklands openers strode forth. Apart from an early
success by Samson, removing one of the first pair in the second
over, Godling (22 no) and Ellis (37 no) made steady progress against
a bowling attack that lacked any real venom. They could have scored
a lot more but for their over cautious approach towards running
between the wickets, flattering Mulbarton whose ground fielding was
generally rather lacklustre. Chris Pennington kept well behind the
sticks and Rocklands total of 92 was probably going to be enough.
With ominous clouds gathering, although the rain did not fall,
the wickets did, with only a dogged 10 by Rhatigan and a feisty 13
from Samson the innings of any note. Even with Rocklands'
contribution of 24 in extras, the result of the game was never in
any doubt, and the visitors ran out easy winners before the rain
started to fall again.
Match facts: Rocklands 92 for 1. Mulbarton 57 for 6. Rocklands
won by 35 runs.
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U10s Crowned champions
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Mulbarton took a team of 8 to compete in the Topcroft U10 Kwik
cricket tournament on Sunday 12 July 2009. This was our first knock
out tournament of the summer and we took the opportunity to include
some boys who had yet to make the U11 league team. The attitude was
let's go and play some cricket and have some fun! Winning was far
from our minds.
The other teams were Topcroft A & B, Hales, Sprowston,
Garboldisham, Bunwell, Blundeston divided into 2 leagues of 4 teams
with the top two going through to the semi-finals. We drew Hales,
Topcroft B and Garboldisham in our group. We came top of the group
with 3 victories and became the "team to watch".
It would be very wrong to single out any one player as everyone
made a contribution in winning a match along the route to the final
against Blundeston - it was very much a "team effort". The boys
developed with their cricket and match skills. It was lovely to hear
the comments from other coaches and parents - "well drilled", "play
as a team" and "enjoying their cricket" were just a few. This was
apparent as within minutes of arriving at Topcroft CC they had
sorted out a semi circle and were doing catching practice with bat
and ball without any prompting from coaches or parents. This
continued throughout the day with all 8 sticking together between
matches and making good use of the Topcroft nets.
The final against Blundeston came at the end of a very long
sunny day! The boys won with Mulbarton scoring 282 for 6 wickets
(net 252) and Blundeston being held to 251 for 4 wickets (net 231)
gi ving us a victory by 21 runs.
Particular thanks must go to the parents (and one sister) who
enthusiastically supported our team throughout seven hours of youth
cricket. Topcroft CC and David Reeder deserved our thanks for a
particularly well run and friendly tournament. We will look forward
to returning next year if invited!
The team: Matthew Samson (capt), Sam Morton (vice captain), Sam
Paterson, Jamie Wear, Tom Osborne, Tom Williams, Quin Arundel and
Harry Paterson.
Congratulations to the U10 squad who won the Kwik Cricket Trophy
against seven other teams at Topcroft CC. A fantastic performance.
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Cricket was made for evenings such as this as the U11s welcomed
neighbours Tas Valley to Orchard Park for the final Alliance Junior
League match of the season.
Tas, winning the toss, chose to bowl, and Mulbarton’s first pair,
Paterson (25) and Whitlock (10) set about plundering runs in a
frenzied show of lusty hitting and kamikaze running between the
wickets. Although this suicidal approach eventually led to a run
out, the runs gained through this cunning plan far outweighed those
lost, and the quick singles were to be a welcome feature of the
Mulbarton innings.
Having taken our breath away, the remaining three pairs
consolidated this impressive start and the home side made steady
progress with excellent contributions from Watson (12) and Samson
(19) towards an impressive final total of 318 for 4 (net 298).
Tas needed to score quickly and although their reply started
brightly, good bowling and tight ground fielding made life difficult
for the strikers, and when the second pair were becalmed, it became
clear that the distant target would remain just that. This silenced
the rather inappropriate soccer style exhortations from the Tas
posse as the match slipped away, going from bad to worse. There were
wickets for all of the bowlers with Hodges particularly impressive,
and in the end this was a crushing defeat by a rampant Mulbarton
team who, on the evening, could do little wrong.
Tas had won the same number of games against the same teams as
us; hard to believe on an evening when the enormous gulf between the
two sides was exposed, clearly illustrating just how far this
talented and precocious young squad have travelled over the summer.
Match facts: Mulbarton 318 for 4 (net 298), Tas Valley 243 for 9
(net 198). Mulbarton won by 100 runs.
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This has to have been the best "team" performance so far this
season with contributions in equal measure by every player. Sunday
mornings can have a damp edge to them but not this one. We travelled
to Thetford in blistering heat to find a sloping pitch with a bone
dry outfield. It did not need saying (but the coaches did!) that
well hit balls were going to find the boundary with some ease. We
were rewarded with 10 boundaries from Mulbarton. The team is
learning that good strokes score runs and it was lovely to hear the
opposition's parents and supporters comment on the stroke play by
the Mulbarton side. There was some good bowling by Thetford but they
gave away 26 runs in extras.
A much needed drinks break between innings allowed a reminder
that pitching the ball up and being alert in the field would see
this match won. The team were up for it and the enthusiasm in the
field showed - you CAN concentrate and have fun at the same time.
The first Thetford pair made a good score of 32 in their 4 overs and
it looked like we had a match on however there was nothing left in
the Thetford attack. Ben Watson took a great catch although at one
point we thought it was going to be Sam Bartholomew - it had the
makings of an almighty collision. The very next ball off Sam
Morton's bowling a half chance was seized by an energetic Daniel
Bainbridge who launched himself forwards taking a superb low down
catch. He can be very proud of the scraped elbows that resulted from
these heroics. There was good running and backing up with a couple
of boundaries saved by fielders flinging themselves onto the ball -
every run saved counts. The Mulbarton team only conceded 6 byes
which is testament to a fine performance.
Whitlock 14, Bartholomew 15 with 1 wicket lost, Watson 14,
Morton 11, Paterson 11, D Bainbridge 10
Watson 1 for 7 runs, Bartholomew 1 for 16 runs, A Bainbridge
1 for 5 runs, Morton 2 for 11 runs
Mulbarton 111 for 1 wicket (net 106) Thetford 66 for 5
wickets (net 41) Mulbarton won by 65 runs
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Ninth Annual Cricket Carnival 25th-29th August 2009
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The Club will again be running its highly successful and popular
Carnival towards the end of August. Older members will be familiar
with the format but many of our new recruits may be unaware of
exactly what this event has to offer them. The main purpose of the
days is to offer ALL members of The Club the chance to showcase
their skills against local opposition. So here is an idea of what
will be on offer.
Tuesday August 25th - Girls' Day
To consolidate the success of our new girls' section, coached
and guided by Kerry Holl, we shall be running a girls only day
featuring our own squad and welcoming teams from across the
county. Several clubs have already committed to take part;
Bunwell, Garboldisham, Swardeston, Old Buckenham and this will
be an exciting opportunity to place the Club at the forefront of
girls development in the county.
Wednesday August 26th - v Gt.Melton
U9 Eight a side softball match for our youngest members.
U12 Eight a side 16 over fixture
U14 Eleven a side 20 over match
U16 Eleven a side 25 over match - a chance for our prospective
U17 players of next season to turn out for The Club.
Thursday August 27th - v Garboldisham
Same format as Wednesday with matches again at U9, U12, U14
& U16 level.
Friday August 28th - Orchard Park Trophy & Presentations
Single Wicket Final - Can Bradley Button retain the trophy he
won last year?
Orchard Park Trophy - Club competition for ALL hardball
cricketers. Can Bees lift the cup for the third consecutive
year?
Presentations - The annual awards presented by our sponsors
Sekura-Byk and The Castle Colour Press.
Saturday August 29th - Parents & siblings' match
Mums and Dads, brothers and sisters, strap on your pads for our
popular curtain down on the 2009 season.
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On a gloriously warm summer evening, Mulbarton welcomed visitors
Garboldisham to Orchard Park for a top of the table encounter.
Garboldisham have yet to lose a game in the U15 league since it
started in 2007, and it would take an inspirational performance from
an improving team to unsettle the visitors.
Put into bat by Mulbarton, Garboldisham started brightly, their
total boosted by extras (29) and four dropped catches. The
introduction of Wilford produced another classic bowling performance
(3 for 7) accounting for Tippett (11), Yallop (12) and Lamb (0),
while Gibbins bowled the dangerous Seaman (21). But Garboldisham are
a cohesive and determined team that took advantage of the home
side’s generosity, and a late order assault by Grimwood (17),
combined with tight running between the wickets boosted the score to
97, 30 beyond what it should have been.
Mulbarton’s reply started brightly with Gibbins and Button
putting on 33 by the fifth over before Gibbins (21) was caught
poking an easy catch to cover and Button was clean bowled (14) by
Tippett. After the departure of these two, despite the best efforts
of George (25no) and Wilford (9), the innings was becalmed by
controlled bowling from the visitors and the rate slackened, with
just 17 coming from the next five overs. As the match slipped away
the big hitting George finally broke free and the board stated
moving again, but after Wilford’s departure none of his partners was
able to hang around, and Mulbarton needed seven to win with one
wicket remaining off the final over. They managed just four, leaving
them a frustrating three runs short of their target.
Match facts: Garboldisham 97 for 6. Mulbarton 95 all out.
Garboldisham won by 2 runs.
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Heavy overnight rain had softened the ground and with the air
still damp, it was not a toss to lose. But lose it Mulbarton did and
Garboldisham unsurprisingly chose to bowl.
In this same fixture last season, the Mulbarton U13s were bowled
out for 23 in less than 10 overs, setting a new record for the
lowest club total. At 17 for 3 we looked perilously close to
repeating this performance with Holden (0), Pennington (3) and James
Whitlock (5) all sent packing before the end of the sixth over,
courtesy some accurate bowling and top catching by the visitors. But
debutant Bartholomew (10) and Jonny Whitlock (12) put together a
decent partnership of 30 to give the score some respectability, with
the team finishing on 59 all out in the penultimate over.
 This
was rather a slender total to defend and the visitors set about the
task in style, pillaging 20 runs from the first three overs despite
an excellent spell from James Whitlock and Samson. A corking catch
by Pennington removed the dangerous looking Tippet (12) and from
then the rate slowed. Tight fielding and an astonishing reaction
catch from Holden helped keep the wickets falling and while
Garboldisham made rather heavy weather in chasing down such a modest
target, in the end they managed it comfortably, led by Branfield
(22no) with 19 balls to spare.
Another twenty runs and this would have been a classic
encounter, but 59 was never going to be enough against a team of
this calibre. This was an excellent team effort though with all of
the boys encouraging each other and maximising their potential
during this absorbing and entertaining fixture, watched by a large
and appreciative crowd.
Match facts: Mulbarton 59 all out (14.3 overs). Garboldisham
61 for 4 (12.5 overs). Garboldisham won by 3 wickets.
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The U15s headed to Gt.Ellingham for their second league game of
the season. Lucky to have achieved a reasonably comfortable win
against Bunwell despite a distinctly tepid performance, much more
was required if they are intent on achieving a top three finish.
Winning the toss, Mulbarton chose to field first, starting the
match in light rain. This was a different team; focussed and
determined with excellent opening spells by Button, Everett and
Bradley pinning the home side down. Only Ledeboer (39) really
troubled the scorers with a decent knock while his partners came and
went at the other end, and when Wilford removed him as part of his
excellent spell of 3 for 11, the innings quickly collapsed to 71 all
out.
Suddenly this was a team fizzing with enthusiasm; supporting
each other, fielding and catching brilliantly and with a top notch
effort by George in his debut behind the stumps.
Could we win easily? Despite Ellingham bowling and fielding
pretty well, Gibbins (24no) and Button (25no) put together an
unbroken partnership of 72 to win the match by 7 wickets. With
plenty left in the tank, this was a much improved team performance.
Match facts: Gt.Ellingham 71 all out (13.1overs) Mulbarton 72
for 0 (10.3 overs). Mulbarton won by 7 wickets
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The team was in buoyant mood on a sunny warm Sunday morning at
Orchard Park and this was further reinforced by Jonny Whitlock
winning the toss (the first this season) and deciding that the best
option was to bat. This would have been the better option had the
team played as they had last week against Mundford.
Sam Paterson had a good innings with some excellent calling and
snatching runs where parental support on the boundary thought there
was none! What do they know? The final pair of Matthew Samson and Ed
Hodges did the damage that should have been inflicted earlier.
Matthew scored a spirited 20 runs with Ed Hodges providing some
creditable support with 7 runs without loss. Mulbarton ended with a
net total of 68 runs.
There was a sense that this was possible to defend if everyone
concentrated on their fielding. It started well with Callum Arthurs
bowling well and being rewarded with a maiden in his second over but
generally the standard of bowling we have seen from this team has
been better. There is work to be done! Daniel Bainbridge bowled a
maiden over at his first end and produced some difficult balls.
However, the fielding has improved enormously from the beginning of
the season. Sam Paterson was unlucky with a couple of possible
catches but otherwise backed up and threw in with lots of energy.
The other Sams produced some valiant efforts in preventing
boundaries by flinging themselves around - every run saved counts.
The last over produced a comedy of errors when a simple tossed ball
to the bowler would have resulted in a run out but instead an Exocet
delivery was unleashed missing the stumps then the whole scenario
was repeated with the same result. Thank goodness we had runs to
spare. Old Bucknham finished with a net total of 48.
A well deserved victory on a lovely morning.
nm
Matthew Samson 20 no, Ed Hodges 7 no, Mulbarton 93 for the
loss of 5 wickets (net 68 runs)
Matthew Samson 1 for 11 runs, Daniel Bainbridge 1 for 9
runs, Ed Hodges 2 for 6 runs, Old Buckenham 78 for the loss of 6
wickets (net 48 runs)
Mulbarton win by 20 runs
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The U11s travelled all the way down to Mundford for a Tuesday
evening match that had been threatened by dire forecasts of heavy
rain all day. Callum Arthurs decided to have a practice in the nets
thus delaying our departure as no-one knew where he was - dedication
is laudable but so is time keeping!
Yet again our captain Jonny Whitlock lost the toss and the
opposition put Mulbarton into field - this was a mistake by them.
The Mulbarton side showed an early determination and spirit. The
bowling was opened by Theo Lynds and Ed Hodges with some robust
balls that set the tone. The first half a dozen overs were well
bowled with hardly any runs conceded. There was good fielding and
backing up detering Mundford from even considering singles. This
happy state of affairs could have continued had it not been for the
"Sams" - we had 3 Sams playing in our side (the opposition even had
one!). Sam Paterson changed the course of the game with 2 excellent
catches and one run out. The mood of the team changed. Sam Morton
came on to deliver 3 overs of his deceptive slow full length but
very accurate balls ending with 6 wickets for the loss of only 4
runs and no extras. The tide had well and truly turned and Sam
Bartholomew and Matthew Samson were not going to be upstaged and
closed down the batting so that Mundford ended with 256 for the loss
of 10 wickets giving them a net total of 206.
Jonny Whitlock and Theo Lynds opened the batting and the pair
set the side up for an easy victory by scoring 31 runs for the loss
of only one wicket. Jonny Whitlock played some beautiful cricket
with some fluid stroke play that resulted in 4 boundaries. The Sam's
(Bartholomew and Morton) as the second pair added 14 for the loss of
the second wicket but with some excellent calling. Sam Paterson
paired up with Callum Arthurs (as there were no more Sam's) to add
13 more runs without loss - 11 of these were made by Sam P with some
shots that suggest a rising star of the side. The big hitters of
Matthew Samson and Ed Hodges had little to do but enjoy themselves
and punish some weak and demoralised bowling with a partnership that
made 23 runs. Mulbarton finished on 314 for the loss of only 3
wickets giving them a net score of 299.
The team were gracious in victory and once parents were prised
from the club bar we all wended a happy way homewards. A very
satisfying evening when a lot of team effort and concentration paid
dividends.
Sam Morton 6 wickets for 4 runs, Sam Paterson 2 wickets for 2
runs, Matthew Samson 2 wickets for 5 runs
Jonny Whitlock 27 no, Matthew Samson 15 no , Sam Paterson 11 no,
Sam Morton 11 no
Mulbarton won by 93 runs
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Mulbarton U13s headed east to the seaside under leaden skies for
their second league fixture against Belton who, winning the toss
chose first use of another baked pitch, more reminiscent of late
August than early June.
A bright opening spell by James Whitlock and Matthew Samson
pitching the ball up set problems for the Belton openers, with
Samson removing one of them clean bowled.
The rest of the attack though generally bowled too short and, on
such a hard track, the ball simply sat up to be smacked away at will
by the elegant Romish (67), well supported by his partner George
(32no). These two put on 107 for the second wicket, leaving
Mulbarton to chase 125. Of the other bowlers, only Sam Bartholomew
troubled the strikers.
On Thursday we made 92, and with a short boundary and fast
outfield the stage was set for a thrilling run chase. But it proved
more of a stagger with the visitors becalmed and managing only 11
runs of their first five overs. Wickets also fell alarmingly with
several batsmen spending only the briefest of sojourns at the
crease. Belton bowled well, exploiting the hard pitch with full
bowling that pinned the visitors down.
Only James Whitlock (12), removed by an excellent catch, managed
double figures and apart from a gutsy last wicket partnership of 22
by the Sams, Bartholomew and Morton, this was a disappointing
batting performance, with Mulbarton not even able to bat out their
full 16 overs, and finishing well short on 54 all out.
Belton played well and this was their first ever victory. With
their attractive batting, accurate bowling and excellent team
spirit, it will not be their last; a dark horse to watch in this
league.
Match facts: Belton 125 for 2. Mulbarton 54 all out (13.1 overs).
Belton won by 71 runs.
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Tas Valley were the visitors to Orchard Park for the first match
of the U13 league campaign. Winning the toss and batting first they
set to work against an accurate opening attack from James Whitlock
and Matthew Samson. But their no.2 Howard (111), soon established
himself in punishing pretty much anything the Mulbarton side could
throw at him, and the runs flowed freely. The score rattled along at
an alarming pace, and despite the home side’s tenacious fielding and
excellent backing up, the total continued to mount alarmingly.
Howard reached his well earned century, the first of any player
in this league, in the twelfth over before finally being removed by
a deceptive and well flighted slower delivery from Morton. The rate
slowed considerably after this with Tas managing only 20 runs off
their last four overs, finishing on 150.
With a mountain before them, Mulbarton could only bat sensibly
and try to score at least one point by reaching 91.Tas bowled with
real purpose and the openers Samson (3) and Pennington (4) were soon
sent packing. At this stage an embarrassing defeat looked possible
before the skipper, James Whitlock (34), well supported by Rhatigan
(10), put on 63 for the third wicket. Jonny Whitlock contributed 8
before a late flurry of wickets left Mulbarton finishing on 92 for 6
to gain a solitary point.
To see a century at this age group is a rarity, and this one was
largely chanceless and full of glorious strokes. Mulbarton played
well though, led intelligently by Whitlock, sticking to their task
and batting sensibly even when faced with such an intimidating
total. 92 would win many games and they can all feel immensely proud
of their efforts. jh
Match facts: Hethersett & Tas Valley 150 for 1. Mulbarton 92 for
6.
Tas Valley won by 58 runs.
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Girls Cricket
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Today was a historic day in the history of The Club with our
first full girls' training session led by Kerry Holl, senior coach
for women's county cricket. We are most fortunate to have secured
her services for the rest of the season and together we will be
spearheading the drive to deliver development opportunities and
activities for girls of all ages and abilities.
Our principal objectives this season will be to organise some
games and a competition day later in the summer for girls across the
county, most likely as part of our annual Cricket Carnival.
Many thanks to Steve Leek for his enthusiastic recruitment
efforts.
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The U15s headed south to neighbours Bunwell for the start of
their South Norfolk Community League campaign.
Winning the toss and batting first on a very flat track with
short boundary and fast outfield there was the prospect of runs
aplenty. Mulbarton started brightly and after the early loss of
Button (8), Gibbins and George put together a stylish and untroubled
partnership of 58 before Gibbins (42) and then George (25) were
removed, both to soft dismissals. Willford (11) batted sensibly in
taking the final score to 136. This was certainly a good total but
Bunwell themselves were the biggest contributors, with 49 in extras.
With such a large target, the task should have been well beyond
the home side. Just bowl straight and pitch the ball up. Not the
case though and the bowling attack was largely woeful and the
openers Spink (29) and Dallas (39) put on 69 by the eighth over
before Everett removed Spink with a good catch off the bowling of
Bradley. Paterson (21no) continued to take the attack to the
visitors, helped by several spilled catches. The match should really
have been over by now and it was only the introduction of Gibbins,
the single bowler to exercise any control that slowed the run rate
sufficiently for the target to prove just out of reach.
Without the copious extras generously donated by our opponents,
this would have been an embarrassing defeat on Mulbarton’s first
outing. Far better opposition waits round the corner and the team
will have to up their performance if they are to achieve a top three
finish, something well within their capability.
Match facts; Mulbarton 136 for 5. Bunwell 117 for 2.
Mulbarton won by 19 runs.
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The match day was so full of promise - sun and warmth,
pitch in good order, parents a plenty - so what happened??? The day
started on a high with a team photo showing the equipment purchased
with a generous donation to the U11s by Lovewell Blake. The new
balls were admired and handled lovingly by their new owners as all
new cricket equipment must be!
The toss was lost and we were asked to bat first. The opening
pair of Jonny Whitlock and Jamie Wear strode purposefully to the
wicket but then got penned down with some good early bowling from a
team who knew what line and length means. Two early wickets lost by
this pair meant that some stabilisation was required. Matches are
won at this age by denying wickets as much as by hitting runs.
Daniel Bainbridge and Sam Morton did just that. We were left hoping
for some sizzling runs by the boisterous pairing of Sam Bartholomew
and Matthew Samson and were not to be disappointed after a hesitant
start. They could have had more , if like all the pairs, they had
spotted the runs available when the ball goes past the wicketkeeper.
Sam B walked off with the best personal total of 16 runs but having
lost one wicket. The final pairing of Alex Bainbridge and Will
Garson found the Garboldisham bowling and fielding much too good and
this resulted in 5 wickets being lost during their four overs at the
crease.
The team were a credit to themselves as there was no
downheartedness or recriminations whilst we rehydrated and discussed
the tactics for the fielding session. It looked good with both
Bainbridges starting the bowling - always good to bring a left and
right handed bowler on early. Daniel had a good session with an
early maiden to inspire his team that anything was possible. Bowlers
must learn to take their time to get their breath back - there was
too much rushing back to bowl when a more sedate approach would have
yielded deadlier balls being bowled. After an over each from Jamie
Wear and Mattie Samson we then had the two Sams come on to bowl.
This appears to be a good combination and unsettled the batsmen. Sam
Morton finished the match with the best bowling figures and was
rewarded in his third over with a well deserved wicket from a
stunning diving catch by Matthew Samson - our first of the match. It
was warm and sunny and this had a sort of soporific effect on the
team. Few persisted with walking in when the bowler bowled other
than the noticeable exception of Will Garson who valiantly kept
reminding his side of the field of play. Matthew Samson finished the
match off with an over that accounted for two wickets for the loss
of only 3 runs. If only the other 15 overs had been like that!
Garboldisham 53 runs +25 extras minus 3 wickets = 63
Mulbarton 51 runs + 26 extra minus 8 wicktes = 37
Garboldisham deservedly won the match by 26 runs.
Sam Bartholomew 16 runs - 1 wicket lost, Daniel Bainbridge 11
runs - no wickets lost
Sam Morton 1 wicket for 4 runs, Matthew Samson 2 wickets for the
loss of 10 runs
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The second match of the summer for the U11s saw us make
the trip down to Diss (by a very scenic route thanks to Joe Harris
who was lead car in the convoy!). They have a lovely ground and with
the warm air and setting sun it mellowed those parents who came to
watch and who could still remember the arctic conditions the
previous week at Swardeston CC. The bar in the clubhouse was also a
factor in parental contentment as their offspring paraded in their
new club shirts. A very smart team with a good spirit - we were
proud of them.
The toss was lost but we were rewarded by being asked to field
first which is what Jonny Whitlock had wanted had the toss had gone
our way. It augured well for the rest of the match and we were not
to be disappointed.
The fielding was sharp and those gentle words about backing up
on Saturday's training session appeared to have been heeded. The
team had a banter and confidence about them that appeared to
paralyse the Diss batting. Daniel Bainbridge took the first wicket
maiden of the season and took a run out with an quick and accurate
throw. There were a couple of missed opportunities to get catches
but with some accurate bowling Sam Morton took the second wicket.
The match might have been longer had Chris Samson realised overs
have 6 balls not 5 - Matthew have a word with your Dad please?
It was apparent that Diss had mentally lost when we started to
bat and Mulbarton managed to get to the 11th over without losing a
wicket further compounding their despondency. This should have meant
an easy run in to victory but that would have been too easy!
Concentration and application should have been our watchwords
instead we let them get some easy wickets. The calling between
wickets was loud and decisive and their were some quick runs taken.
Matthew Samson exploited some particularly weak bowling with some
classic stroke play coming away from the crease finally with 21 to
his name.
At the end of the 16th over Mulbarton had eased to victory by 18
runs - a well earned victory.
Diss 243 for 3 ( (Daniel Bainbridge 6 for 1, Alex Bainbridge 4
for 0, Sam Morton 9 for 1) , Mulbarton 261 for 4 (Matthew Samson 21
no, Sam Morton 8 no, Daniel Bainbridge 8 no) Nick Morton
The fortnight ahead
Saturday 23rd May Orchard Park Training 9.30-11.00
Saturday 30th May U13/U15 Warm up Hardball game 9.30-12.00
Training for others 9.30-11.00
Sunday 31st May U11 v Garboldisham (H) 10.00
Monday June 1st U15 v Bunwell (A) 6.00
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It was difficult not to feel sorry for the sixteen children
contesting their first league fixture of the summer. Did I say
summer? On an evening when a ferocious north easterly sliced its way
across the open expanses of Hilltops, and the spectators retreated
to the refuge of their cars, it was not an evening for cricket.
But cricket there was, with Swardeston winning the toss and
opting to bat first. Mulbarton enjoyed early success with the home
side’s first pair losing two wickets, but their later pairs dug in,
and with the bowling a little wayward at times, the runs came
steadily. But the visitors stuck to their task in the bitter
conditions, fielding well and making the home side work hard for
their total.
With a suicidal run out off a wide towards the end of the
innings, Swardeston finished on 323 for 3.
An explosive reply by the skipper, J.Whitlock, 18 not out, the
highest score of the evening on either side, got the visitors off to
a cracking start,. After this excitement, the momentum slowed, until
an excellent innings of 16 not out by M.Samson, well supported by
debutant S.Bartholomew, picked the rate up again.
Swardeston bowled well, gifting the visitors few extras, but the
Mulbarton batting stood firm with the team losing only three
wickets, and finishing on 268 for 3.
This was a cracking performance by both teams played under the
most difficult of conditions. Swardeston were gracious in victory,
and Mulbarton thoroughly deserved to feel proud of their competent
and spirited effort.
Match facts.
Swardeston 323 for 3 (net 308)
Mulbarton 268 for 3 (net 253) Swardeston won by 55 runs.
J.Whitlock 18no, M.Samson 16no.
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Club Shirts
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Our swanky embroidered club shirts with logos will be available
in 2009 at a heavily subsidised price so don't buy a cricket shirt
yet.
These can be ordered at indoor net sessions and be ready for the
start of the season. Full details will follow in the New Year. A big
thank you to Jane Morton who has kindly offered to organise this.
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Congratulations to...
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Nick Morton and Chris Samson who have completed their UKCC1 ECB
coaching course and will be managing the U11 section in 2009.
This means that MCC will boast five fully qualified and
accredited coaches next summer. Well done guys and thank you.
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