Welcome to this week’s Wizzy news which features a number of match reports from the various games and some great pics of the historic Goodwood Estate grounds in Chichester where our Under 16’s took on Chichester in a Festival game. We have also included a pic of the first rules of cricket – drawn up in 1727 for a game involvng a Duke of Richmond side and a side based in Peper Harrow near Godalming played at the Goodwood Estate on 28 August 1727.
Friday night training
Just a quick reminder that our Under 5, 6 and 7, under 8, under 9 and all girls age groups have finished their training for the season.
The under 10 – under 16 mixed age groups will continue with their informal training sessions on Friday evening as usual.
Honours Boards
Congratulations to all those who made it onto the Board this week
First X1 vs Burgess Hill
Wiz won the toss and batted first.
Dan got out early but Green had a good start with both Chris Douglas and Will Dixon getting 50’s.
A quick cameo of 30 from18 balls by Ash Perry with a destructive hitting and a further 50 from Jimma set a good target of 265.
Hugo bowled well at the start taking the wicket of Chadburn who scored 100 against us previously and continued to make the batman play and miss. Unfortunately no pressure was built at the other end until Jimma and Ash came on to bowl both taking wickets.
A devastating innings by their slogger took required rate from 9 to 5 and over and ultimately we couldn’t get the wickets we needed on a fast scoring ground and lost.
Extras were significant, a couple of dropped catches didnt help and fielding with 10 men not easy making it a rather dissapointing weekend.
James Rainford
Please click here for the full scorecard
Second X1 vs Kilnwood Vale
Please click here for the full scorecard
Women’s team vs Chiddingfold
Wisborough Women’s latest league outing was on Sunday, away against Chiddingfold. To a backdrop of the rolling Surrey hills, the oppo won the toss and elected to field.
Having played Chiddingfold before, we knew their bowlers were good and this was going to be a challenge. The pairings were Natalie & Edie, Nadia & Jill, Hannah & Suzana, and Bex & Fiona. The bowling proved to be very good and Wizzy lost wickets to full length, straight balls. We were in deficit by -14 runs after the first three pairs. Steadying the ship, the 4th pair pulled it back by 31 runs to a vulnerable target of 217.
Time for a team chat and re-group. The focus this week was to sharpen our fielding, with good positioning and by reading the game. Drawing a line under the first innings, we set about our bowling attack putting the fielding strategies into place. First ball, brilliantly bowled by Hannah, was edged by the opening batter. What followed was a truly outstanding catch by keeper Natalie! Reacting faster than a teenage boy to the call of ‘supper’s ready’, Nat caught the ball at full stretch to her right. A great start.
Hannah and Nadia continued bowling the first 4 overs holding the oppo to dot balls and singles. With another wicket from Hannah, and Nadia bowling an impressive 10 dot balls in her first 2 overs, the oppo’s first pair finished on a deficit of -1.
Second batting pair had their eye in, and despite wickets from Bex and Natalie, put on 17 runs in their four overs and started to pull away. Continuing the campaign, Wizzy tried to keep the pressure on the final two pairs. With a 3rd wicket from Hannah, another catch from keeper Natalie, a cracking over from Jill who finished on 1-12 off her 2 overs, and probably the most satisfying wicket – a run out from leg side – we were taking a shot at the title. Edie was versatile at mid-wicket, stopping singles. Suzana was kept busy at long on, stopping multiple boundaries. Fluff and Jill kept the fielding tight on the off-side. However, the target was too low and the final score landed on a win for Chiddingfold by 52 runs.
Wizzy can certainly improve their defensive batting, but we brought a solid fielding campaign to the game and made a decent effort at bowling, amassing a total of 7 wickets.
With the usual tea, and in good spirits, we thanked the oppo for their hospitality. A big thanks to Josh for expertly scoring, and to those that made the journey to Witley. Your support is always hugely appreciated.
Sunday Supplements X1 vs Twickenham
The Sunday Supplements had a run out on The Green against Twickenham Cricket Club. It was the third attempt at this fixture having been thwarted by the Euro Final in 2021 and the ditches in the outfield last year. Twickenham is my former club, and they assembled an XI made largely of players I knew, even if they too had since moved on from the club. One travelled from South Wales. My Dad John travelled from Cambridgeshire. At least five South Africans made the trip, although probably from closer to home.
Twickenham won the toss and elected to bat.
A strong looking Wisborough Sunday Supplements side boasted Hugo March and Leon Kilford as opening bowlers. Both steamed in and asked questions of the opening batmen. Leon welcomed their number 2 to Wisborough Green with a throat high beamer first ball, but adjusted his length to a kinder one. After 5 overs Twickenham had made 5 runs. They slipped to 23-3 as Hugo and Leon nipped and swung the ball beyond the batmen’s reach.
Enter the suitably named South African, JP Cronje of South Wales. Built like a young Mike Gatting, he took guard and politely asked Peter Klein for “middle and leg please, sir”. Sir !!! Peter was beside himself with excitement. The well mannered South African had shown such respect it took Peter back to his school days in Cape Town. There’s no way Cronje was getting a borderline LBW now….
11-year-old Josh Braddock, making his senior debut looked very much a star of the future. He bowled with great rythmn and pace and troubled batsmen 4 times his age. Josh was Under 10 Player of the Year last year, and has been known to be found coaching the ladies’ team on the Green (to great effect it must be said) – so much so that his peers refer to him as Josh Klein.
Strong bowling from Josh Dixon, Ollie Warmington, Rupert Warmington, and Chris Marshall should have tied Twickenham down. Ash Perry was the pick of the bowlers. However, the small square boundaries and some talented batsmen rolling back the years, meant they reached a score of 221 in their 35 overs.
Tea was a selection of sandwiches, pies, quiches and cakes, rounded off with strawberries and ice-cream. A relatively budget friendly crowd pleaser and welcome on the first warm day for a while.
Tarni Dixon (29) and Chris Marshall (34) opened the Wisborough innings with a stand of 46. Tarni was seen cutting and driving to all corners of the ground, until his wife Trish arrived and sat down to watch. Next ball he missed a dreadful delivery, stumps were splayed, Trish stood back up and walked home and Tarni shook his head all the way back to the dressing room.
Chris hung around with Tim Dent. A mixture of dot balls and boundaries, it wasn’t easy to hit the required run rate, which began to build. Hugo March (20), Ollie Warmington (22) and his father Rupert (7) helped move the score along, but we were always behind the pace. Until Ash Perry walked to the crease. Ash started in 5th gear and crashed 47 not out in the remaining few overs. Along with Leon Kilford (13), he brought Wisborough’s total to a respectable 195.
26 runs short but the result was far less important than the manner in which the game was played. Getting a Sunday side out is not easy. Those that do volunteer are much appreciated and will always be given their chance. The Twickenham players were a thoroughly decent bunch and are keen to make this a regular fixture. Thanks to all involved, including Peter Klein and my Dad. I had a lovely old day.
Chris Marshall
Please click here for a great match report by the Twickenham Veterans.
Please click here for the full scorecard
Under 16 Festival
The under 16’s have been taking part in the Sussex Under 16 festival this week with games against Horley, Chichester and Lindfield with the final game against to be played against East Grinstead on Friday.
Please click here for the Scorecard of the game against Horley which was played in rather wet conditions on the Green.
Under 16 vs Chichester
Not the worst place in the world to have a game of cricket – Goodwood Estate in Chichester
Chocolate box Clubhouse at the gounds
Inside the Pavilian was a framed copy of the oldest Rules of Cricket still in existence – drawn up in 1727 for a game between a Duke of Richmond side vs a Mr A Brodrick of Peper Harrow (near Godalming) side played on the same ground on 28 August 1727
The Pavilian is littered with pictures of historic games including a match played in September 1871 which featured WG Grace and members of the Lillywhite family who worked for the Duke of Richmond on the Goodwood Estate. The Lillywhite family now own the Lillywhite Sports shop in Piccadilly Circus London.
Match report – by Will Dixon (Capt)
The Wis played at a lovely venue at Goodwood, the ground still moist from Monday’s rain. The oppo won the toss and decided to bowl first which turned out to be a good toss to win.
Jack Woodage and Will Reed opened the batting for the Wis and started solid with Will hitting the first ball for 4. Jack got caught at square leg with a good catch leading to Will coming into bat. Will Reed continue to play some nice shots but fell shortly after. The weather started to get hot and the wicket started playing more true. Oscar utilised this by striking a quick 22 with 5 fours but then got trapped infront lbw off a good delivery. Matt came in to join Will at the crease. The oppo bowling got more loose allowing the Wis to score more freely with more boundaries. Both Will and Matt got their eye in and scored at a good rate throughout. Will brought up his century and then pushed forward with a few boundaries. Matt just fell short of his half century on the second to last ball of the innings trying to go big, ending the 189 partnership. The Wis ended on 251 off 42 overs, par score for the pitch.
Due to the weather, the pitch became favourable for the batsmen with the ball playing a lot truer. The oppo opening partnership was good, playing the ball nicely and putting away the bad ones. Their run rate was below the required however. The opening stand was 116 before Jack Woodage picked up the first wicket with an lbw. Their number 3 batsman got dismissed early trying to push on, getting caught on the boundary. The opener and number 4 batsman played well to push the run rate, hitting the gaps hard. They needed 228 for a winning draw in which they surpassed on the 37th over, the opener picking up a century and the number 4 get a fifty.
Overall, a good result for the Green against a strong oppo with a good team performance especially in the field.
Please click here for the Scorecard of the game
Will Dixon (Captain)
Under 16 vs Lindfield
Please click here for the Scorecard of the game against Lindfield which included a fantastic knock of 172 no by Jack Woodage for Wisborough Green (drafted in from West Chiltington for the Festival games)
Under 16 vs East Grinstead
To be played on Friday 18 August at East Grinstead.
Under 16 Champions League final
It is with excitement that the U16s will finish their week’s matches within the Sussex Junior Cricket Festival on Friday with the prospect of the Sussex Champions League Semi-Final T20 to be played away at Chichester Priory on Sunday 21st August starting at 9:30am.
The team has performed courageously in tight games and outstandingly well in all areas to get to this stage, winning 7 of their last 8 matches, and they will no doubt be looking forward to another closely fought contest against a strong Chichester side. Both teams are striving for the ultimate prize of playing the Sussex Champions League Final at the Sussex County Ground in Hove on Sunday 17th September. On behalf of WGCC we salute what you have achieved so far and will all be right behind you on Sunday morning.
Tarni Dixon – Chairman
Presidents Day
Presidents Day – a viewpoint of sorts – by Mr President Steve Calder Smith
Whilst Saturday was a bleak day for cricket, with most matches called off by 10am, there was hope that Presidents Day could go ahead the following day. With guests expected including Kongoni supporters, it was decided to erect a small marquee to keep the rain off, to serve food from or both.
At 10am sharp a small group all in waterproofs set up to erect the tent under the watchful eyes of Andy Burbridge – the tent owner – and SCS (bad back meant a managerial role was required). The plans were consulted, and the giant Meccano set was sorted into its constituent parts. Half the crew were tasked with making the A frames for the roof, whilst the other half were charged with making the struts and the horizontals to build the beast. What could go wrong.
By 10.30, it was clear what could go wrong – the plans had been misread and the struts didn’t fit. Twenty minutes to undo the good work, 15 minutes of reading the plans again and the team were back on it, a little more disgruntled than before. Finally, the frame was built but due to forecasted high winds the final assembly was planned for the following morning. Drenched the party of volunteers trooped home. A big thanks to Hugo, Dan, DJ, Andy, Andy, Alen, Angus, Tim and his screwdriver, James and Mark who produced the finest A frame of them all.
Sunday at 10.00 saw the tent completed, another smaller tent put up and the tables and chairs organised. It still looked a bit barren; the ladies’ game had started. Then Jenny and Pheobe arrived. What a transformation. Tables were covered with tablecloths and flowers were added. The food was brought, the urn was filled and suddenly with the sun out we knew it was going to be a good president’s day. Thank you to you both and to Anne – all was in order. The President placed a few bottles of Albanian Merlot and Icelandic SB on the tables, and all was good with the world.
The BBQ was fired up and Raggy and Tarni in particular set to work. Thank you both, no one has reported food poisoning!………… yet!
By the time the WGCC team and the Kongonis arrived all was set. Food was being served to the players and conversations were being had about the format of the game that needed to be over before the annual Kongonis tour dinner. I had just agreed that we would play a declaration game and how our 13 players would play and was introducing the respective umpires and scorers when I realised Mr Trestrail had played his best cards.
In a side conversation with Jonny Farmer (our captain for the day), and claiming a weak side, Neil managed to get it agreed that Wizzy would bat first on a wet wicket and outfield – there would be no limits to bowling overs and that there would be no batting retirements. Cunning work.
As the match started, the guests sat down to a fine lunch and watched the game unfold. Wizzy did not get off to the best of starts but Will Dixon batted beautiful to restore parity. He hit splendid shots all around the wicket, but many pulled up short of the boundary and 4s later in the afternoon were hard run 2s at this stage. Chris dug in and built solidly and when Will departed, he was the man in form. He went on to make 46.
Farms on the instruction of the President was to take on Raj Maru, (you know the 527 first class wickets Raj Maru who “apparently couldn’t really bowl too well after a recent shoulder operation”) His 14 overs, 3 for 25 seemed to dispel that myth. 2 balls after the instruction Farms charged Raj, the footwork looked ok, the bat speed was magnificent, but unfortunately the willow and the leather bypassed each other. Out stumped. Tactic over.
A succession of batsmen came in and out and I will save their blushes by not describing the innings. At 108-7 WGCC needed a hero. Was it to be Junior who was to be our saviour or someone else. Junior was stumped for 12 and after the 9th wicket fell for 122 it looked like we would be all over by 5pm. Tommy Colbran decided it was time to show the world what he was made of. He grew in confidence and whether the ball was tossed up or bowled faster he had one intention and that was to play proper cricket shots. The final wicket put on 50 runs with DJ not out 2. It was like watching Jack Leach and Ben Stokes in their memorable stand. Sadly, Tommy was out for 50 and the innings ended slightly too early for tea. This duly arrived, and after a few overs of the Kongonis reply, tea was taken with Kleiny having picked up the wicket of one of the openers.
A couple of short speeches and the latest draw of the Bi-century club were made. Congratulations to the winners. Trish Dixon was presented with her official first-class scorer’s coloured pens and her birthday celebrated. The tents came into use as a small shower prevailed, and then on with the action.
A steady partnership of 50, despite Nick and Hugo bowling good lines, seemed to have got Kongonis into a very dominant position and the President went for a stroll round the outfield in search of ibuprofen (for the back not the headache!). Looking back at the pavilion from the Ken Vickery end everything seemed right with the world, plenty of people milling around in front of the pav and around the green, a game of cricket, a beautiful setting – what’s not to like?! Wisborough at its finest.
Something needed to happen. The ball was tossed to Josh Dixon. First ball he clean-bowled their number 3. Were Wizzy back in the match? A little later, a Josh appeal and the finger of doom was raised. The obdurate opener was out LBW. Their skipper and number 4 came to the wicket – double Cambridge Blue and Captain for their team for the last 2 years – weak team.. my derriere!. Farms after a couple of interesting overs decided that off spin form both ends was the order of the day.
Ash bowled well and was rewarded with the wicket of the skipper, a fine catch in the deep by Tommy Colbran. Jimmer started to wreak havoc at the other end and a flurry of wickets saw Kongonis slump to 153 for 7, then 153 for 8 and then 154 for 9. Neil and the President stood side by side, both agreeing what a great game of cricket it was, and both secretly wanting the result to go their way.
Will Dixon stepped in up the hill and there was much excitement over a couple of LBWs but in the end the Kongonis won. A good game of cricket and a lovely social occasion was over. Thank you to all who tidied up and Andy and Robyn for taking the tent down.
Mr and Mrs President joined the Kongonis for dinner and reflected on a fine day of company, comradeship, and cricket. Without exception the Kongonis were in praise of the welcome they received.
Thank you all for being there and for those who weren’t hopefully see you next year.
End of Season Dinner
Our End of Season dinner and awards will be held at the Sir Roger Tichborne Country Pub in Alfold on Friday 15th September. Tickets are limited so please book early. The awards evening is as always a great way to finish off the season . Please see details below
Upcoming Fixtures this week
- Our First X1 are at home to Crawley at 12:30 on Saturday and our Second X1 are away to Pagham at 1pm. Please click here for this weekend’s teamsheet
- The Women’s team are taking on Petworth at home at 9am on Sunday morning (finishing in time to watch the Women’s World Cup final ) and the Sunday X1 are taking on the Sussex Disability team which includes Josh Dixon.
- The under 16’s are playing in the Under 16 Champions league semi final against Chichester at Chichester Priory Park at 9:30 am on Sunday morning. If they win the game they will be playing on the County Ground at Hove on Sunday 17 Sept
The Lionesses
Congratulations to the England Women’s Football team for a magnificent victory against Australia to reach the World Cup Final.
The Pavillion will be opening on Sunday morning for the game. Why not come a bit ealier and watch the curtain-raiser to the game as the Wisborough Green Women’s team take on Fernhurst & Petworth Women’s team at 9 am.
Spotted on the Green
Spotted out and about
That’s it for this week.
Have a great cricketing week 🏏😊
Cheers
Wizzy
