2009 reports

Season 2009

Saturday Aug 22

First eleven Abingdon Vale (A)

Challow turned up to play with some serious ghosts of the past. A reputation for being a team of stylists and aggressive batsmen on flat tracks has always been our downfall at the renowned dog-track that is Abingdon Vale. Upon arrival we were not surprised to be greeted with a pitch that made The Oval dustbowl look like a highway. Not to be perturbed we set about the usual routine of football warm-up only to discover that AV were so confident of victory over their nemesis that they had decided to play their under 15 side. Nevertheless this same young side had just knocked over the heavy weights of Bourton Vale so nobody was about to take them lightly.
After a toss that barely mattered considering the irregularity of the pitch Challow were asked to bowl first. It was a tense start with a brief vision of chasing well over 200 but Skipper Olly quickly asserted himself by grabbing 2 wickets including the danger man Dan King. It was just the beginning for the big man as his Freddy Flintoff-like back-of-a-length deliveries proved too much for the youngsters of AV. It was a true captain’s performance claiming 6 wickets and he was well backed up by Jonesy (1 wicket), Sladey (3 wickets) and a solid fielding effort. Little Chav also chipped in with his own contribution on the boundary showing that you can take the chav out of Abingdon but you can’t take the Abingdon out of the chav. Whilst AV were all out for 90 anyone who knows Challow knows there was still a closet full of ghosts to be dealt with.
Nicko and Jimmy headed out to lay rest to miseries of the past. Jimmy quickly gave their young school boy some “don’t bowl there lessons” and after his brief cameo Jonesy and Nicko (44 no) made sure of the result by scratching their way to 91 for 1. Interestingly our previous destroyer “the freak that tweaks” was left in the cage until the dying overs preventing any last minute scares – Victory at Abingdon and 25 points in the bag. Nicko grabbed DOTD for unforgivably arriving late in his home away from home game.

Nick

Saturday Aug 15

First eleven Sandford St Martin (H)

On a bright, sunny day at the home of cricket Challow came up against Sanford St Martin. The toss was won by Olly who elected to field first, it would be interesting to see if that was the right decision as the match wore on. It didn’t take long for Challow to start making their way through the fragile Sandford batting order, although maybe slightly longer than the captain would have liked as he saw the normally reliable Challow slip cordon put down a chance in the first over. However, he didn’t have to wait much longer for the first wicket as he trapped the opener leg before. Wickets fell regularly to Dimbylow (3-33) and Jones (4-41) as the batsmen failed to come up with an answer to the impressive pair who were supported well by the reliable spin pair of Phillips and Harris. Sandford eventually scraped to 133 after some resistance from the lower order but it was always going to be light on a typically flat Challow pitch. In the absence of Nick, who was at Caravan club for the weekend (without his wellys), a chance was presented to Tubes to open the innings which he was determined to take, however the umpire spoilt his fun with what looked like a dubious LBW decision. This brought Jones to the crease who supported Phillips well as they set about the target in positive mood. The introduction of spin and negative field placements saw the run rate drop slightly although a second wicket for Sandford never looked likely as the Challow batsmen Phillips (67) and Jones (50) reached the target without any alarms and it was a comfortable win for Challow. DOTD went to Ben Jones who will make his debut in pink next weekend
Jimmy

Saturday Aug 8

First eleven Banbury II (A)

The day started great, Joey late to the club and then Lynchy took us round Wantage in his tank during rush hour - Amazingly we got to Banbury on time and ready for the warm up. Knowing that we weren't having throw downs Nick decided to waltz up late.
Banbury won the toss and made us bat. They bowled well and with the help of some poor shot selection, bowled us out for 90. Sladey and Ollie showed the top order what was possible. 8 (Ollie),9 (Seal Pup) and 11 (Sladey) contributed to over 50 runs! The lads bowled OK but never really managed to get stuck into the home teams batting. They took their time getting to the target 4 down.

Sladey

Saturday 25 July

First eleven Bourton Vale (H)

With Ian Demain back to lead the warm up with his ballet inspired fielding drills Challow began the day in exactly the right frame of mind for their crucial top of the table clash with Bourton Vale. On a used pitch that had plenty of moisture beneath the surface Olly won the toss and asked Bourton to have a bat. Excellent opening spells from all the seamers resulted in three early wickets with Ben, Bruce, Brad or whatever his name is picking up two wickets and the metronomic David Slade picking up one. The only blemish was a dropped catch off the skippers bowling which went down like a lead balloon. However, the most crucial wicket of the day was Bourton’s star player and captain and for this it needed a special delivery and that is what Jimmy provided. He unleashed his new mystery delivery that he has been working hard on in the nets to have Lazenbery caught at midwicket. Some more good work from the spinners saw Bourton restricted to 180.
    After the usual fantastic Burry tea Challow began the chase full but contented. The openers built a solid platform which was only ended when Jimmy ran down the pitch, obtained excellent bat speed but forgot to hit the ball and was stumped. Nick carried on serenely dispatching the bowling with consumate ease. He was supported by Ben who even though not at is fluent best offered Nick excellent support. Nick was finally dismissed for 89 and even after a classic Challow wobble, Ben and Lynch saw the side home with 4 wickets down. An excellent team performance from Challow.
    Joe was quite rightly awarded DOTD for a crime far too horrible to mention.
                                                                                                                   Olly

Saturday 18 July

First eleven Long Marston (A)

Well firstly I would like to say due to the lateness of this report I have been fined £2!!   It started off with a nice 2 and a bit hour drive for me so that was character building. Also the skip got fined for making the whole team late which somehow I managed to avoid travelling to the game by myself!! I did however catch up with Noddy (JP) driving about 10mph so not all was lost!!
     After getting put into bat, we racked up a healthy 262 for 6. Nicko scoring an outstanding 120, with contributions from Jimmy, (getting ran out backing up and still getting fined for getting out in the dangers zone!) , Buzz and Chuckie. With tea being served the scones, jam and cream were looking in real danger from Mr Owen!
    The second half was to sum up one of the most boring sessions of my career so far, with the home side having no intention of going for the runs. After the skip nipped out the first wicked in the 2nd over, the next wicket came 2 hours later!! However, when it did this brought a collapse with Chav (Joe) nipping in with 4-49 and Jimmy picking up 3-47. Marston however finished on 184-8 managing a draw the game.
                                                                                                                        Archie

Saturday 11 July

First eleven Hanborough (H)

With rain forecast throughout the day and a pre match shower interrupting Challow's gruelling pre match warm up it always seemed unlikely that a result was possible unless Hanborough could be skittled fairly sharpish after they won the toss and decided to bat first. Unfortunately the desired early wickets did not come and Hanborough found themselves in a commanding position at the drinks break looking at a score well in excess of 250. Enter Joe Harris, who despite being more concerned with repeatedly giving the Challow fielders a chance to take a trip to the neighbouring field, struck back with the dismissal of key batsman Mathews for 68 and then went on to destroy the middle order with a great spell of spin bowling ending with figures of 5-54, and hence restricting Hanborough to 232-8 from their full allotment of 53 overs.
Challow in reply got off to a fairly circumspect start with only 11 runs off the first 7 overs before the esteemed openers Phillips and Meadows started to find their feet and accelerate the scoring, with Meadows managing the impressive feat of hitting six 4s off a single over. Challow were in cruise control with both openers in and looking dangerous at 150-0 off 23 overs. Then the early promise of rain seemed to be drawing closer and despite Weeds local knowledge stating that it would not rain it started spitting. Quick wickets were then lost with the Challow batsmen trying to get the job done before the inevitable downpour, first Phillips fell for a stylish 62 then Meadows for a superb flat track bullying 115. Thankfully with some lusty blows from Robbie Owen, Owen Dimbylow and Justin “Monty” Penrose the total was reached with 4 wickets down after 33 overs.

Second eleven Bledlow Ridge 2nds (A)

Challow won the toss and decided to field first on a day that, like the weather was surprising and unpredictable. Rudi Du Plessis opened alongside Luke Jones for a terrific but under rewarded opening spell, taking 3 wickets between them. However Dryden and Wood dug in and scored 75 and 45 respectively in the middle part of the game, reaching 180-3 with 11 overs to go. However a return spell by both opening bowlers limited them to 229-7, a massive failure on Bledlows part to convert a good position into an unbeatable one. Both Rudi and Luke were rewarded for past and currents efforts with the ball, finishing with figures of 4-49 and 3-29 (with good economy rates) respectively. Phil Atkinson also achieved the feat of 3 catches in the innings.
With only 47 overs to reach the target, the threat of rain and the uncertainty of the opposition bowlers the total was a achievable but not without a good performance with the bat. Ryan Gordon (41) and Nigel Hill (24) built the early part of the Challow score. Untill Phil Atkinson continuing his good form scored 65 alongside an even quicker 54 by James Edwards put challow from way off to close contenders. With Phil Cox smashing a few vital 6's and 4's Challow got to the last over needing 6 off of 6. The first ball was a no ball and an extra single too. Needing 4 off of 6 challow failed, a mix of confusion, jonty rhodes style catching, Challow reached 228-8, losing 4 wickets in the last over. A well fought game deserved a result and certainly more points for only being 1 run behind, but Challow played well and should take positives for the next time they come close to a victory.

Saturday 4 July

First eleven Great and Little Tew (H)

Challow took on Great Tew on another hot and sunny Saturday up at the home of cricket, the football warm up eventually began after Arch thru his toys out of the pram. We then had a debate of what the two sides should be, one shout was the top 5 against the bottom 5 only for someone to point out the team consists of 11!! Mr Slade then decided to select the two teams in alphabetical order, first names or second names???? We decided on first names but even then Slady missed off two player’s names before he got to the letter “J”. Anyway the game itself was not a classic, the only highlights being Dave Slade proving why he should never play as a striker and Bubba Jones showing why he should never play as a keeper!!!!
    On to the game, stand in Captain Professor Nick Meadows (PhD) won the toss and elected to bat first, not the best start to the innings with Jimmy going early but Nick and Ben held firm and started to score runs. After a flurry of runs, wickets began to fall with Nick, Robby, JP and Buzzer departing, Lynch joined Ben at the crease and began to rebuild the innings. Jones continued to smash the Tew bowlers everywhere and brought up his 100 with a mighty whack over mid wicket into the nettles. After a good partnership and some classy strokes from Lynch (the bottom hand smash though mid wicket being the pick of the shots), there was a mix up with the batsmen and this resulted in Bubba Jones (124) running himself out. Lynch (26) then followed after being cleaned up with a ball that done everything! Things then went wrong with the final 3 wickets falling for about 6 runs. Challow made 217 with the 9 overs to spare, Challow were very disappointed not make close to 300 as they maintained a good run rate throughout.
    With the sandwiches not even on the table for tea, the umpires told the teams that they would take to the field for a 20 min session. This turned out to be a very good 20 mins with Slady taking 3 quick wickets including a tremendous catch at slip from Lynch. Challow had Tew 5-3 at Tea. After Tea a couple more wickets fell to Slade with some good slip catching from Robby and Challow looked to be in the box seat but a big partnership from the two Tew props swung the game in there favour. Challow could not stem the runs and wickets became hard to get. Close to the end of the innings things started to get a little heated when Slady (who thought he had his man caught behind an over earlier) got a warning from the umpires for telling the Tew batsman what he thought of him. Eventually the game was lost with two overs to go. Pick of the bowlers was Dave Slade with 7 wickets (and a broken foot after kicking the batting cage). But being bowled out with 9 overs to spare proved costly for Challow.
     To round off a great day for Jimmy he was voted DOTD.

Second eleven Great and Little Tew 2nds (A)

Challow batted first on a fair wicket. It was Roger Podbery (40) alongside Phil Atkinson who scored 46 who provided the mainstay of the batting performance, aided by a quick fire 25 by Nigel Hill and other smaller contributions. Though Challow were restricted by the loss of wickets and tight bowling from the opposition as Taylor and Slater both snatched 3 wickets apiece for Great and Little Tew. Which meant that Challow finished up on a competitive but vunerable188-8.
In defence of the total Challow didn't take their chances in the field with a fair few dropped chances at crucial times of the game. Challow did bowl well in spells but didn't turn it into significant pressure. In the end GLT reached the total 5 down with 10 overs to spare, Rob Harries took 3-76. In all a comfortable defeat for Challow 2nds.

Saturday 27 June

First eleven Oxford and Bletchingdon Nondescripts (A)

On a scorching hot day after a very professional warm up and a tactically astute game of football resulting in the first ever 1-0. Captain Olly Dimbylow won the toss and decided to have a bowl. The plan seemed to be paying off with a very good start after early good pressure from Ben Jones and Olly who were well backed up in the field. Ian ‘Tubes’ Demain looked very light on his feet early on in the field sparking wild accusations that the ballet dancing lessons lasted longer then a few weeks with his sister years ago and are actually ongoing to this day. Mr Demain was unavailable for comment. Olly was then rewarded with a couple of quick wickets, the second of which resulted in the demolition of the stumps and proving an important breakthrough. Ben then also joined in on the act picking up a wicket and keeping the pressure on. David Slade returning to first team action bowled tight lines and made an impressive return picking up the important wicket of the remaining opening batsman, who had done a good job for his team. Jimmy Phillips was slightly unlucky with the ball after some interesting stroke play whilst still picking up a couple of wickets bowling along side Joe Harris to the death to keep the total down. The fielding effort dropped slightly in the last 10 over’s but overall a decent effort from the lads. Oxford and Bletchingdon ending on 168-7 from 53 overs after a decent end to the innings from their lower order.
Nick Meadows and Jimmy then made a very positive start in reply putting on 50 plus for the first wicket before Jimmy (18) misjudged a flighted off spinner which resulted in a caught and bowled. This bought Ben to the crease who looked watchful early on, and not just of the bowling he particularly enjoyed his own cover drive which pulled up just short of the boundary. Nicko (64) then departed for after a good knock and a welcome return to form, credit must go to the bat. Tubes (10) was sent on his way soon to be followed by Ben (38) in the danger zone both being dismissed LBW. Rob Owen (25 no) and Justin Penrose (12 no) were then left to finish the job after the loss of two quick wickets and did so with plenty of overs to spare.
Despite mass protests during the week held in front of the Challow faithful the panel upheld the decision to award the pink shirt to JP following the Abingdon game. A very tight vote almost resulted in Noel being left to sport the pink shirt in the scores box next week but in a 6-5 victory JP managed to hold on to the shirt again, rather unlike his tough chance at mid off which may well have been his downfall this week.

Second eleven Oxford and Bletchingdon Nondescripts 2nd (H)

Ox and B Nondies put up a formidable 310-7 off thier 53 overs. Relentless punishing of bad balls and lucky strikes in the air to nowhere were the pillars to their innings. Ryan Gordon being particulary unlucky in this respects as he had a fair few dropped by fielders. It was only the Jones brothers, Conor and Luke who managed to limit the onslaught with some fine bowling and some wickets, but it was all too late to stop the march of the batsmen. In response Owen Dimbylow carried his bat in an unbeaten, superb and nearly flawless (a piece of luck on 99 was owed by fortune) innings to finish 108 not out and guide Challow to a safe draw, supported by Ryan Gordon (27). Challow finished on 194-6.

Saturday 20 June

First eleven Abingdon (H)

White-ning Strikes, as Challow falter.

Ollie won the toss and chose to field, and an early wicket apiece for himself and Jonesy may have prompted a few thoughts of another dominating bowling performance. However, Abingdon’s opener Mr the King had other ideas, and proceeded to slap it about… taking a particular liking to Nicko’s offerings. At 80-odd for 2 (at 5-an-over) the partnership was looking dangerous even after Jimmy and Joe had come on, until Penrose leapt at midwicket as if hoisted by a Springbok prop to pluck a catch off their number 4. Feeling the pressure building, the King attempted to send Tubba looking for another in the road but was deceived by Joe’s sartorial distractions, and abdicated as Arch whipped off the bails.
    Wickets then fell steadily to the spin twins, apart from a classic Lynch run-out where he appeared to pause and visualise a fishnet wendy-house behind the stump before knocking it out. So despite Benny grassing a regulation skier at long-on just to prevent Jimmy’s five-fer, Abingdon were dismissed for 151 with Joey also getting three. Good Times, and better was to come as it was followed by one of the finest teas ever to grace the pool table. Mrs Buzz had clearly assumed Robbie O was playing as there was quantity allied to the quality, and with hindsight perhaps Challow’s middle order thought they were safe to gorge themselves in anticipation of Jimmy and the Aussies knocking them off.
    And rest-and-digest they did, as a devilish combination of straight bowling and medium pace reduced Challow to 13-5 in the 5^th over. Bad Times. But Tubes and Penrose dug in and elegantly rebuilt the fractured foundations of the innings taking the score past the 50 mark. Then on came Mr White with his left-arm spin and struck 3 times in his first over to remove Tubes, Lynch and Arch (for gold). The skipper had no choice but to play a captains innings, but despite his efforts (20-odd), Penrose’s (41) and the scuttling Joe (20-odd), Challow were all out for 126… including 5 ducks. Nuge’s double teapot said it all.
    More disappointment was to come, especially for fans of open democracy, as despite being hot favourite Archie was denied the pink shirt and it went to JP for his top score, catch, inspirational football, a drop and a slanderous “Sydney Harbour”. Street protests cannot be ruled out.

Second eleven Wallingford (A)

It was a bright cold day in June, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Unfortunately that was all that was striking for Challow on that day. Batting first on a slow, spindler paradise Challow put up 153 all out, with only Nigel Hill (56), Roger Podbury (33) and Steve Pritchard (23) putting up any scoring resistance to Bowman (5-15) and the unmovable Trevor Spindler. With not much to defend, luck and chances didnt go our way as Barrett and Ainsworth scored into the 40's. Only Luke Jones who was unlucky not to take a wicket for his superb bowling performance and Tom Pill chipping in with two wickets looked like threatening Walligford who eased comfortably to a 6 wicket win.

Saturday 13 June

First eleven Sandford (A)

After a week off due to rain Challow travelled to Sanford St Martin keen to add another good performance to a very promising start to the season. Skipper Dimbylow took it upon himself to lead the convoy and apart from ignoring the sat nav and making a late dash through Kidlington high street during rush hour all arrived in good time for the warm up. All that is apart from Arch, with the warm up footie in full swing dust was sent flying from the track to the ground as Mark wanted to make sure the new bibs would get a run out.
    Olly called right at the toss and invited Sandford St Martin to have a bat on what looked like a decent enough track. It was a case of the usual suspects doing the damage early as both Benny and the skipper swung the ball around and caused all the opposition batters problems. Ben proved once again to be the lethal weapon as he teamed up with Lynchy at second slip who managed to take two great grabs. At 33 for 6 Sandford were really struggling but some good hitting, a tenth wicket partnership of 50 and chavy Joe offering up some pies allowed Sandford to reach 135 all out. Ben finished with 5 for 20, Olly picked up 2 and Jimmy chipped in with another 3 wickets.
    With tea not quite ready the Challow openers were sent out for a tricky half hour period, Ben obviously cautious to get to tea safely smashed the first ball back over the bowlers head for a one bounce four and then tried to pull the second only succeding in hitting it straight up where the keeper took a very good catch. At 4 for 1 the Challow innings was looking a little rocky but with the in-form Phillips joined by the promoted Tubes runs started to flow. Jimmy continued his great start to the season finishing unbeaten on 66, extending his lead in the 6 hitters league with the winning runs back over the bowlers head. He was well supported by Tubes and the crowd were witness to a real collectors item when Tubes reached his 50 with a slog sweep that carried at least a metre over the rope at deep square leg. A 9 wicket win, 25 points and a job well done by the Challow boys.
    Joe Harris can keep the pink shirt after picking it up for the 3rd week running, two drops and chucking up some steak and kidneys the reason he was awarded it this week.

Second eleven Abindon Vale 2nds (H)

Abingdon Vale reached 242-4 on a flat Challow wicket. Challow replied with 183-6 resulting in a draw. 16 year old Ryan Gordon made a superb hundred and was well supported by Steve Pritchard unluckily run out for 32.

Saturday 30 May

First eleven Tiddington (A)

After a disappointing result last week, Challow were looking to get back on track with a good win. The weather was hot and sunny, perfect conditions for cricket. The day started off well with Olly winning the toss and sticking them in, on what looked like a good track. However, the captains decision was a good one with Benny moving the new ball around early to get the first wicket. Four more wickets were soon to follow as Benny finished off with five wickets. Tiddington didn’t look like turning it around. Konchel bowled very well with no reward. Spinners, James Phillips and Joe Harris finished of Tiddington with only 119 on the board.
It didn’t take long, for Challow to knock off 119 as Nick and Jimmy got off to a great start. After Nick was out Benny continued to get stuck into Tiddingtons bowling attack, seeing it like a beach ball. Benny raced to 47 when he was then caught in the deep. Only a few runs needed to win and Tubber went out to the middle. Jimmy finished off the game with a nice 48 not out. And Challow look to be back on track with the tough fixture of Banbury next week.
Not many contenders for the pink shirt this week but Joe Harris won it again for his terrible own goal in the warm ups that lost the whites the game.

An opening stand of 66 between Owen Dimylow and Roger Podbery,Owen scoring a quick 46, soon became 87-6 as the Banbury spinners took over on a turning wicket. A 7^th wicket stand of 131 between Nigel Hill who made a brilliant 113no and Neil Phillips 31 resulted in Challow finishing on 251-9. In a close match that either side could have won Banbury finished on 235-9, resulting in a draw. Rudi Du Plessis bowled 17 overs 3-65 and Luke Jones took 3-24.

Saturday 23 May

First eleven Bourton Vale (A)

First eleven Long Marston (H)

A young Challow side made up of 6 players in the under 17 or younger age group visited Chearsley on a cold , damp and very windy day. Chearsley were quickly in trouble at 27-3 with Justin Penrose taking early wickets and finishing with 3-19.A fourth wicket partnership of 83 was responsible for Chearsley ending on 189-9. Under 15 slow left arm bowler took a wicket on debut and Sunny Kumar bowled 12 good overs with no luck finishing with 0-37.In reply Luke Jones played well for 30 but a rearguard action was required to obtain a draw. Phil Atkinson made a patient 20 and Connor Jones played an important defensive innings to ensure a draw.

Saturday 9 May

First eleven Hanborough (A)

The Challow players came to Hanborough with a few points to prove. 5^th place in 2008 was slightly unjustified with only 3 losses and with our new Aussie recruit we were ready to send notice to the rest of the competition that we are ready to lead from the front. Nicko was the first player to serve notice with some thundering near misses at goal in the warm up that dispelled any suggestions that his footballing prowess was a weak link in the side. But the real messages were delivered on the cricket pitch. New skipper Olly dealt the first blow at the toss and elected to bowl on a juicy pitch. From then on it was all Challow. Olly and banana bender Ben Jones set about making a mockery of the Hanborough batsman with a quality display of swing bowling. Before they knew it Hanborough were 5 down. In an all round bowling display Olly unleashed the Challow spin attack on the lower order. Whilst Jimmy felt sorry for some of the batsman, serving up some real Christmas presents, Joe Harris was ruthless and snared 4 wickets in no time. An impressive start from the Challow debutant, although there were some complaints that his gold chain was blinding the batsmen. Nevertheless Hanborough were dismissed for 115.
Feeling confident that his services would not be required Robbie O quickly set about demolishing the Pringles on offer at Tea, whilst incumbent openers Nicko and Jimmy set about making light work of the total. After the fall of the first wicket BJ made himself comfortable in English conditions and he and Jimmy made sure there were no hiccups in notching up our first win of the season. Tubber took the pink shirt honour after dropping a howler at mid off.

Bledlow batted first and were restricted to 189 all out with good bowling performances from Ryan Gordon 4-35, Justin Penrose 2-10 and Rudi Du Plessis 2-36. A solid opening partnership between Neil Phillips 32 and Roger Podbery 32 was followed by a match winning innings by Justin Penrose of 60 , well supported by Luke Jones 28 and Phil Cox 16no resulting in a win by 6 wickets.

Oxford Mail report Mon 4th May

CRICKET: Challow duo in double treble!

Luke Jones and Sunny Kumar BOTH took hat-tricks as Challow & Childrey 2nd dismissed Brackley 2nd for just 78 in the third round.
Jones finished with figures of 4-12 and Kumar with 3-17 to secure a 112-run victory and a place in the last four.
Earlier Neil Phillips (92no) had taken Challow to 190-7 despite the best efforts of Stuart Low (4-18).