1st XI 2007
1st XI 2007
Pl W D L Ab Bat Bowl Bon Pts Buxted Park 1st XI 18 9 5 2 2 50 63 113 382 Newhaven 1st XI 18 9 5 2 2 31 112 143 371 Battle 1st XI 18 7 4 5 2 71 105 176 355 Uckfield Anderida 1st XI 18 7 4 5 2 47 104 151 340 Robertsbridge 1st XI 18 5 6 6 1 90 127 217 336 Pevensey 1st XI 18 7 5 5 1 49 127 176 335 Crowborough 1st XI 18 6 3 5 4 40 110 150 306 Ringmer 2nd XI 18 6 4 6 2 42 102 144 302 Little Common Ramblers 1st XI 18 3 4 10 1 27 105 132 211 Maresfield 1st XI 18 0 4 13 1 60 109 169 178
05/05/07 v. Uckfield Anderida (A) Won by 8 Wickets Uckfield 103 Pev 106-2 And so the 2007 season begins with a trip to Uckfield Anderida, one of the strong contenders for promotion last season. With a strong side, only missing new signing Martin Hole, and the return of born Skipper, James Wallis, Pev travelled in a confident mood. With his first contribution, Wally won the toss and elected to field. The Uckfield openers struggled from the off against the pace and aggression of Chappers, but were able to pick off some runs off Rob at the other end. At 30-0, and with one dropped catch already under Tingle’s belt, the anxieties were starting. However, as for most of last season, Chappers seized the bull by the horns. Cullingford, who had looked good for 24, played a loose drive and was sharply snaffled by Louis in the gully. Uckfield Skipper Holman strode to the crease and was very lucky not to be striding straight back as a massive appeal for LBW first ball was not upheld. However, he was unable to reap the benefits, as soon after he clipped a leading edge to Wally in the covers for 1. The run rate slowed as both Chappers and Rob tightened the screws. Rob then got on the wicket column as he yorked the second opener Morton for 6. Chappers then proceeded to rip through the Uckfield middle order. As Pev took the field, resplendent in new shirts, they needed a good start to maintain the momentum. After an expensive first Chappers over the scoring was slowed by Rob picking up Wynne, expertly held at first slip by Tingles for 0. The good start could have been even better as Crees was dropped at gully without scoring by Lance and then again soon after off a tough caught and bowled, both from Rob. At one end Knight settled in to see off Chappers by playing and missing at everything he possibly could, EVERYTHING! Crees took the attack to Pev. The introduction of Gav accelerated the scoring as Crees raced to 72 with some superb sweetly timed blows. Just as the game was swinging away from Pev, new signing Holey stepped up with his first wicket for the Pev. Crees was superbly held by Tings at long-on, racing around the boundary. Tingles extravagant celebrations were slightly marred by Crees’ wanton destruction of the stumps at the bowlers end. Once all the toys had been cleared off the pitch and returned to the pram, Holey quickly claimed his second scalp as Knight finally managed to get an edge on a ball and was snaffled by Pedro for a very long 16. This change in momentum should have been even greater but Chappers then dropped a tough chance from Bannatyne at second slip. This seemed irrelevant as Gearbox finally found his line and length from the playground end. He claimed two in two balls as Smith was bowled for 5 then Hayward was pinned LBW first ball. Russel fell soon after to another Gearbox LBW decision for 12.
Chap-Maimed as Pev go Hornby, Hornby, Hornby for Gav.
12/05/2007 v. Robertsbridge (H) Match Drawn R'bridge 245-5 Pev 128-8
Well, so much for long may it continue. After the excellent display last week it was back down to earth with a bump for the Pev. On a cold and blustery day, acting Captain Chappers won the toss and, expecting the weather to worsen, chose to field. So it was the Pev took the field in gale force conditions and were quickly facing a Robertsbridge whirlwind of their own in the form of opener D Corke. Although Chappers kept it tight from one end (with the wind!), the bowlers coming up the hill struggled into the wind. Debutant Holey was the first to give it a go, but any length balls were quickly seized upon, and dispatched, by Corke. Rob entered the attack and wa able to gain the breakthrough, bowling D Collins for 12, but this only brought the dangerous B Collins to the crease. Straight away taking the attack to the bowlers, while chancing his luck a few times, he took the game away from the Pev. After Rob was taken off the next four overs into the wind were dispatched for 53 runs, as Collins raced to 64. However, the introduction of Gav's trundle from the top end paid almost immediate dividends. Tossing it up with the wind he first had Collins pick out Craig at cow corner, then had Key stumped by Pedro for 4 giving him the charge. Corke continued to pile on the runs and reached a well deserved 100 , however he went no further as he hit a Gav long-hop straight to Craig in the covers. Bridge skipper Hawthorne was lucky to survive an early swirling chance that Rob eventually got nowhere near, creamed a few in his 25, before he was expertly held by Gearbox at long-off to give Chappers his only wicket. Bridge closed their 50 overs on 245-5 which was not a bad effort considering they were staring down the barrel at 180 odd for 1. Tea was a banquet compiled with some team effort. A fine selection of cakes were complimented by a savoury platter that included the trinity of cocktail sausages, pork pie, AND scotch eggs, very paletable. Pev started their reply slowly as the Bridge field was set defensively early on. Plum hit one large six before falling for 21, skying one that was made to look easy on the long on boundary by Green off Black. After that batsmen came and went cheaply to a combination of tight bowling and poor shot selection, apart from Tingles who received a slightly dubious run-out decision after he had just smote a six and a four and looked good. Russ (9) missed a straight one that kept low, and Gav (1) edged behind. Craig (16) and Pedro (13) briefly threatened bigger things before Pedro was sharply stumped off the slow bowling of Corke. Corke then accounted for Craig, struggling with a side injury, caught and bowled. Chappers was then pinned LBW to Collins jnr for 5. Holey (8*) and Louis (10) secured the single batting point with some late defiance, but Corke, in a great all round performance had the last laugh as he had Louis caught at slip in the last over. Certainly the arse end of the draw, but a draw nonetheless. After the game it was a welcome return to our home venue, the Castle, for a couple of libations, and the first chance for the ladies to acquaint themselves with new club pin-up Martin Hole. Holey did not disappoint and also gained another quote board entry, very amusing.
19/05/2007 v Ringmer 2nd XI (A) Lost by 2 Wickets Pev 239-6 Ringmer 240-8
Pev Crees Up On Flat SurfaceAfter last weeks mauling, Pev travelled to Ringmer with both good and bad news. The good news was the return of Skipper and general comfort blanket, Wally. The bad news, the late withdrawal of team all round good guy Russty. Having lost the toss, Wally and Plum donned their pads and became the first to model our new Newbery team shirts. We look good usually, but now we look uniformly good. Runs were hard to come by early on as the ball did not come on and the fielding was tight. Wally departed, playing on to Sykes for 5, which brought a slightly weary Tingles to the crease, one of the trio glowing from their day at Lords on Friday. Tingles and Plum slowly began to up the ante and cream the odd boundary. They both had a bit of luck, surviving dropped chances, but in between played some awesome strokes and got the run-rate moving. Tings became bogged down with the introduction of who was unplayable at times, bowling about a foot down leg side. Tingles frustration eventually led to a rash stroke against the bowling of Page and he was bowled for 42. This brought Gav to the crease who very quickly got into his stride. All the time Plum began to strike the ball better and better. He began to hit boundaries all around the park. Gav's innings was cut short for 16, plumb LBW to Sykes and Plum eventually departed to a tired shot for a well paced 87. At this point the innings was poised to go one way or another. It went the calypso way as the last 20 overs brought about a succession of thrilling cameos; Craig started the wheel turning with a hard-hitting 24, Pedro ran the field ragged and signed off with a huge 6 in his 23* off 16 balls, and Chappers took just 11 balls for his 22 balls. With these Wally was able to declare at 239-6. Tea was a splendid social occasion, seated around one large table makes it so much more of a team affair. Sausage rolls, pork pie, scotch eggs, and cocktail sausages meant nobody went hungry.
At this point I left to see Jimmy Carr so I must hand over the commentary of a game that looked all but won. All of Pev's bowlers proceeded to take a hammering, even the normally dependable, but by then limping, Chappers. The Ringmer batters in one last rush of glory adopted the tried and tested batting methodology of hit one, miss one. Shot selection consisted of hoiks to midwicket and the occasional majestic hit, both styles being equally effective at piercing the Pev boundary. It will be interesting to read next month's edition of Farmer's Weekly which has promised a centre-page full colour spread on the robust agricultural display by Ringmer's batters, Bannatyne the saviour, and chief farmer, with a match winning 79 off only 34 balls including seven sixes. Still, by their own admission, it was Ringmer's day today. Their batters swung at everything but when they missed (often) we didn't hit the stumps and when they did connect (also often) - the ball tended to sail high over the boundary. Fair play to Ringmer, they pulled off their target with four overs to spare.
On a personal note, Jimmy Carr was superb.
26/05/2007 v. Crowborough (H) Lost by 4 Wickets Pev 196-8 Crow'h 197-6
Pev Rue Dropped Catch
Crowborough won the toss and had no hesitation in asking the Pev to bat. Pev’s top four all made solid starts but found the going tough thanks to some accurate Crowborough bowling and a slow Pev wicket. James and Plum put together an opening stand of 50 before James fell for a neat and tidy 24. With Plum dismissed for a belligerent 45, Tings (45) and Gav (38) continued the good work.
Unfortunately they both fell in the final 10 overs and the pressure to score quickly, in order to gain maximum batting points, proved too much for the rest of the batters. The Craig (15no) held the Pev innings together but wickets fell cheaply at the other end. Pev finished on a respectable 196/8 but were disappointed to fall 14 runs short of maximum batting points. Pick of the Crowborough bowlers was N Wood who finished with 4 for 25. The Pev could not have asked for a better start when Chappers bowled Millman with the very first ball of the innings. However, the loss of an early wicket did not deter the Crowborough boys who batted positively throughout their innings in search of a win. Stanley chanced his arm and a dropped catch in the slips off Chappers’ bowling early in his innings proved costly as he powered his way to 53. Pick of the Pev bowlers was Holey who bowled 14 solid overs and took 3 for 38, including a wonderful catch by Ollie at midwicket. A late flurry of wickets contributed to a tense finale but Wood (45no) topped off a good all round performance and with Downing (25no) saw the visitors home with 4 wickets to spare.
02/06/2007 v. Little Common Ramblers (A) Won by 7 Wickets LCR 95ao Pev 96-3
A Hole New World!
Having suffered two consecutive close defeats, Pev travelled to Little Common hoping to change their luck. However, they did so without five regulars and Louis still unable to bowl. Wally won the toss and duly inserted the Ramblers on a damp wicket. With players out, Pev needed a good start and got it in the second over, Rob’s first, when Plowman, the Ramblers skipper was well held by Boxy at mid-off for a third ball duck. With Rob and Holey bowling tightly and the fielding well set by Wally and of an unusually high standard, the Ramblers batsmen were never able to get away. As the run rate continued at little more than one an over for the first ten, the pressure began to mount and the wickets started to tumble. Crathern (2) was the first to crack as an attempted big drive off Holey only looped to the Nugget at mid-on. The Skipper then claimed two superb catches at short cover; firstly from a loose drive by Pope (8) then, a low wrong-handed effort to dismiss Southwood (10), both to give Rob and Holey their second wickets. This brought the big-hitting Horne to the crease, so often the scourge of the Pev. He once again took a liking to Rob, taking 16 off one over, as he raced to 27. However, the day’s moment of magic brought his demise. Attempting a big hit off Holey, Horne’s momentum momentarily took him from his crease, Pedro, standing up, quick as a flash took the ball and whipped the bails off. Pure class. Holey then completed the over by clean bowling Shosmith for 4. He completed his maiden five-for for the Pev to yet another Wally catch as Rose was dismissed for 3. Well bowled Sir, 15-6-23-5, stepping up in the absence of Chappers and showing us all what a great signing we've made. Gearbox replaced Rob (2-34) from the car-park end and promptly clean up Meredith for 6. The Nugget then replaced Holey and brought proceedings to an end by splattering Sharma’s stumps for 7 and pinning last man Cornford (2) LBW with a ball that kept a trifle low. Ramblers all out for 95 in 39 overs. Pev took the field knowing that 95 was not going to be a walk in the park. The pitch had proved difficult to play shots on and our batting was short. We needed a good start and The Skipper and the returning Uphill Dave dug in to provide it. In between some solid forward defensives, both showed some gorgeous touches. Wally was first out for 13 to an excellent diving catch at point by Crathern. This caused some early jitters for the spectators, however, Uphill and Louis quickly picked up the mantle. Uphill was particularly severe on anything he could thrash while Louis played the patient role. Uphill’s innings was cut short for 32 and Pedro came and went for 2, both to the persevering Plowman (2-14), but Pev suffered no further scares as Louis (35*) made a welcome return to the side, and, aided by Craig (11*), saw us home in a flurry of boundaries. 30 points, lovely.
09/06/2007 v. Battle (H) Pev won by 47 Runs Pev 165ao Battle 118ao
A Hole-Some Batting Approach
Pev welcomed the undefeated Battle to the PCG on a warm, muggy afternoon. Pev also welcomed back Plum, Tings, and Chappers, to the side that beat Little Common last week. Wally lost the toss and was invited to make first use of a wicket still damp from the downpour in the week, and a slow outfield. Pev started confidently though as Plum and Wally mixed solid defence with some pleasing strokes to reach 38 without loss. The opening bowlers tried without success and took the introduction of Soan to break the partnership, Wally LBW to his first ball for 9. This brought something of a collapse as Plum (22) was bowled in Soan's next over and Louis and Craig both fell for ducks to Maynard, leaving Pev at 50-5. Pedro then came to the crease and with Tings was able to steady the ship. Despite not hitting many boundaries, the two worked the field and began to take some momentum back. However, the two then fell in quick succession to hand the advantage back to Battle. Tings (17) edged onto his pad to pop up a catch off Soan, and Pedro (13) was somewhat harshly adjudged LBW off Maynard as the keeper appeared to be heading down leg. Chappers and Holey then took up the baton. Chappers in particular struck the ball well as he hit a quick 18 before falling to a sharp catch off Soan. This left Pev teetering without a batting point and seven down. Rob made his way to the crease and got down straight away to some good old-fashioned defence. At the other end, Holey got down to some good old-fashioned smiting. Targetting anything on a length Holey hit hard and handsome. Both Soan and Maynard, who had taken a grip of Pev's batting, were dispatched to all parts. With the hard hitting also came sharp 1s and 2s as the batting pair raced up through the bowling points. Holey eventually fell in the last over for a fantastic 48, easily the top score in the innings, but his long-handled approach had firmly put Battle on the back foot. They then put themselves firmly on the front foot as Maynard followed up Holey's wicket by cleaning up the Nugget and Boxy first balls for a remarkable hat-trick. He finished with figures of 18.5-5-42-6 along with Soan's 20-2-75-4. However, with the last ten overs yielding 60 runs and the extras column gifting an extra 35 runs, Pev knew they were definately in with a shout. Tea was another Carol banquet. Her speciality curried chicken sandwiches were wolfed down and the selection of cakes was bountiful. She had even catered for those daring a pickled onion with her trademaek bowl of mint imperials. Pev took the field with the Skipper immediately in thinking mode. Having seen the impact of the Battle slower bowlers, he opted to open with Holey and Rob's medium paces, rather than the zip of Chappers. This paid immediate dividends, Holey being hit for a four off his second ball. But wait, this was the only four Withers would hit as he was cleaned up by a beauty from Holey that pitched middle and hit off. He then followed up with another full toss for four. From the other end, Rob then took his second first-over wicket in to weeks. J Stephenson falling for a duck courtesy of a superb legside stumping by Pedro. At 8-2 Battle had not got off to a good start, however, Collier was immediately into his groove, taking Holey to the cleaners with some crisp strokeplay, and some Holey-esque slogging. From the bottom end, Rob continued to plug away and had his reward when he pinned Mortimer LBW for 2. He also had Collier edge just short of Tingles at slip, oooh it was close. Collier raced to 42 and with him at the crease Battle looked assured of victory... However, he got out. The introduction of Boxy proved too much for Collier as he edged a pacey long-hop which Pedro, standing up, snaffled at the second attempt. Seizing the moment, the Skipper unleashed the fire of Chappers. Coming off a short run up due to injury, he was not his usual accurate self, but once he got it straight his pace proved too much for Mathews as he was cleaned up a good 'un for 16. Morgan and Maynard then put together another steady partnership but Chappers was not to be denied. He sent Maynard on his way (literally) with a superb yorker and then bowled Jeffs for a duck in the same over. The Nugget replaced Boxy and his pace was too much for Soan, playing back and being bowled for another duck. Morgan, Battle's last hope, who had battled hard for his 23, then received a brute of a ball from Holey which he could only top-edge to the safe hands of the Craig at square leg. The end was swift as the Nugget ripped through last man D Stephenson's defence for the fourth duck of the innings, the eigth in the match. A great victory by 47 runs, ending Battle's unbeaten record in the process, and 30 points. All the bowlers chipped in and the fielders backed them up all the way. This victory was made only sweeter by the landlord's introduction of a new opening partner for his Greene King. London Pride, nice.
16/06/2007 v. Maresfield (A) Won by 3 Wickets Maresfield 136ao Pev 137-7
Skipper Stone-Walls for Victory
Having scaled to the dizzying heights of 2nd place following the previous week’s victory over Battle, the Pev travelled to bottom club Maresfield in full confidence. Rob, Pedro and the Nugget were missing and so Gav, Lance and Ollie were welcomed back into the ample bosom of the mighty Pev. The Maresfield wicket was true to form: dusty, slow and with unpredictable bounce but offering little help to bat or ball. Scoring would no doubt be difficult and as such it was a surprise that having won the toss the Maresfield skipper elected to bat. Even more so as Chappers and Holey ripped through the top 7 with only 77 runs on the board. Poplett looked good for his 36 but once he fell to a slow lifter from Holey, it looked as if Maresfield would be skittled out for less than 100. However, some late order hitting by Ahmed (15), Aldred (31) and Marchant (16) gave the innings a modicum of respectability. Chappers and Holey bowled long spells to pick up 4 wickets apiece (4-53 and 4-47 respectively) and Gav, with a brilliant caught and bowled, and Boxey picked up a tail-ender each. An excellent tea was provided by our hosts with a plentiful array of sandwiches, quiche and cakes. Special praise however must go to the delicious platter of scones, jam, cream and strawberries. Mmm, a real favourite amongst the Pev travelling crew. Heated debate ensued regarding the pronunciation of the word scone, with young master Tingles vigorously advocating the modern, contemporary phonetic (i.e. rhymes with Sloane) whereas older lags Chappers and Holey defended a more traditional enunciation (i.e. rhymes with gone). Louis favoured the contemporary and Boxey gave the impression that he didn’t really give a sh*t - by far the most sensible option. Anyway, to the Pev innings….. With only 137 to chase, Skipper Wally promoted the concept of sensible batting with application and determination being the order of the day. Big shots would be difficult on this wicket. Wise words indeed but with Plum (0) and Gav (14) caught going for their shots and Tingles also back in the hut for a duck, the Pev innings faltered badly. However, the Craig, batting at 5, joined Wally and between them they adopted Wally’s prudent batting strategy. Mixing watchful defence, quick running and the punishing of bad balls they put together a good partnership. When the Craig fell for 22, bowled by a yorker from Poplett, another batting wobble occurred with Louis falling for the third duck of the innings and Ollie going for a brief 9. With the Pev still needing around 40 to win and four wickets left, Maresfield smelt blood. But skipper Wally and vice-skipper Chappers controlled the situation well and slowly the Pev innings inched towards the winning total. Some good accurate bowling by the Maresfield bowlers could not dislodge these two and when Ahmed’s introduction into the attack backfired spectacularly (one over for 20 runs) victory was at last in sight. With only 5 runs needed, Chappers fell LBW to Poole for 16 attempting the champagne finish, and it was left to Holey to hit the winning boundary with a biff to long-off. Wally finished on a masterful 54no – a captain’s innings indeed, which was much celebrated at the Pev’s favourite away fixture watering-hole and eye-candy emporium, the Bells in Chiddingly.
Oh, by the way we’re top of the League!!
19/06/2007 v. Herstmonceux (E/B KO Cup) Pev won by 7 Wickets Ceux 80-4 Pev 82-3
Pev Storm Through
On a wet and muggy evening at the Saffrons, Division 3 Pev met Division 1 Herstmonceux in the quarter finals of the Eastbourne Knockout Cup. With the showers coming and going but always a threat the match was reduced to 12-overs per side. Against a backdrop of thunder and lightening, Wally lost the toss and was invited to field. Conditions were difficult for both batting and bowling, particularly as the ball became saturated. Ceux made a good start but, despite having wickets in hand, could never break away from the tight Pev bowling and fielding as wickets were lost at the wrong times and boundaries were hard earned throughout. Holey, Rob and the Nugget picked up a wicket apiece, backed up by good catches from Chappers and Rob, but in this format the tight overs by all, rather than the wickets, were crucial, as Ceux were restricted to 80-4. Plum played out a maiden in the first over in reply, but from there he took the attack to Ceux. Refusing tight 2's he instead peppered the short pavilion boundary in a 27 that got Pev off to a great start. Gav (13) supported him in an opening start that despirited the Ceux attack, before Holey (19*) took the initiative away from them completely. It was Holey that finished the game with a huge smite to long-off to secure a surprisingly comfortable victory for Pev with 2 overs and 7 wickets to spare.
Oh, by the way we’re top of the League!!
23/06/2007 v Buxted Park (H) Match Drawn Pev 209-9 Buxted Park 133-8
Pev Get All Tingley In Top Of The Table Clash
Pev welcomed Buxted to the PCG in what, at this stage of the season, was a top of the table clash. Wally lost the toss and was invited to strap on some pads. However, the decision backfired for Buxted as Plum and James compiled their first 50 stand of the season. Francis gained prodigious movement from the Pavilion End but went wicketless as both batsmen played some glorious shots over the top. Plum was first to fall, caught by Perry in what was the first of an incredible 5 catches, for 28, which brought Tings to the crease. Tings has looked in good touch this season, getting many starts, but had yet to go on to a score. He and Wally continued to accumalate but the Buxted bowlers were able to keep the run rate reasonable. The introduction of L Miles sparked a mini collapse as Wally (57) picked out Perry at mid-off and Gav was cleaned up for a duck. Tingles began to up the ante as overs ran out and he took particular liking to the bowling of Perry, whose 3 overs cost him 24 runs as Tings spanked him through the covers and over long on. He eventually fell for a superb 80 attempting to up the run rate. Wickets then fell as batsmen tried to get Pev up to 210; The Craig (12), Smudger (2), Chappers (0), Holey (5) and Louis (10) all fell looking for quick runs as Pev fell agonisingly short as Rob could only hit 1 off the last ball and they closed on 209-9. Tea, as we are coming to expect from Carol, was sublime. Buxted's openers looked to be positive from the off but were never able to break away against the nagging bowling of Chappers and Rob. With few runs on the board the pressure began to tell as Billings (13) was run out taking on Plum's arm at point. Francis came, and left, soon after, cleaned up by a sharp Chappers yorker for 0. At this stage Pev were well on top, and the confidence showed. Hopkins (10), after a couple of good drives, was stunningly held at mid-off, one-handed with his left hand, by Holey to give Rob a deserved wicket. Next ball he was very unlucky not to have his second as Perry survived a huge shout for LBW, however, his good fortune did not last long as he drilled a half-volley to Wally in the covers. Dew and Saunders then settled down to bat out the game and for a while a stalemate ensued. The introduction of Gav reawakened the game as Saunders (27) top-edged a sweep, and Grimes (0) patted a catch to Wally at short-cover. Dew finally fell for a long 30, to a nick behind to give gav his third wicket. When Holey cleaned up C Olive for 12 the game looked like Pevs for the taking. However, Miles (7*) and G Olive (20*) batted sensibly to secure the draw, closing on 133-8 in 42 overs. Pev will feel unlucky not to have secured the victory but the unbeaten run continues and we remain top. How bizarre.
30/06/2007 v. Newhaven (A) Rain. Lots of It. Match Abandoned.
07/07/2007 v. Robertsbridge (A) Match Drawn Pev 245-9 Robertsbridge 242-7
A Hole In One (Hundred and Twenty Two...)
The Pev participated in a highly enjoyable match at Robertsbridge last Saturday. With Wally missing in action, doing his bit for world peace, Chappers manfully stepped up to the mantle and promptly lost the toss. It was no surprise that the Pev were invited to bat.
Pev got off to a disastrous start losing Tings for a duck and Gav for 5. The Craig batted sensibly for his 16 and combined well with Plum but at 47/3 the Pev were looking down the barrel. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man: it was Holey, who had been ingeniously promoted up the order to number 5 by the stand-in skipper, who joined Plum at the crease.
Both batsmen found runs hard to come by but after a few overs they both began to unleash their trademark big shots. A stand of 70 took the imitative away from Robertsbridge and it was only an ambitious shot too far that did for Plum, caught on the boundary for a well made but jug-avoiding 48. Plum’s wicket galvanised Holey even further as he then proceeded to
brutally obliterate the Robertsbridge bowling to all corners of the ground. He continued in this vein for the rest of his innings and smashed his way to a fantastic 122. His hundred took 63 balls and he hit 8 sixes and 13 fours.
The rest of the innings petered out and Chappers called a halt on 245/9 after 46 overs. Pick of the Bridge’s bowling was young Collins who bowled with heart to finish with 4/58.
Once man of the moment, Holey (2/34), had picked up the openers, skipper Hawthorne took the imitative in pursuit of victory. He took a particular liking to Chappers, Louis and Gav’s off spin and found the boundary without much effort and on regular occasions. It was not until Chappers turned to Gearbox who bowled a very good tight spell that the Pev were able to get a grip of things in the field. The re-introduction of Gav, bowling seam up, was a masterstroke as he picked up Hawthorne with his first ball for an excellent 104. With the centurion departed, the Pev were able to put pressure on the Bridge and further wickets started to tumble to Gav (3/59) and Gearbox (1/47). At 201 for 7 and with four overs left, it looked as if the Bridge’s innings was coming to an end and unless the Pev could wheedle out the last remaining wickets a draw seemed the most likely outcome. But Newham and young Collins had other plans as they smashed overs 18 and 19 of the last 20 for 24 runs. Gearbox bowled the final over and with 19 runs required it was the Pev who were now on the back foot. His first five balls went for 15 runs and with one ball to go the Bridge only needed a boundary. Gearbox bowled a good length delivery which Newman could only smear for a single. The Bridge innings closed on 242/7 after 45 overs, just 3 runs short.
What a game! Two centurions and nearly 500 runs - not a great day to be a bowler though!
14/07/2007 v. Uckfield Anderida (H) Lost by 37 Runs Uckfield 155ao Pev 118ao
21/07/2007 v. Ringmer II (H) Lost by 9 Wickets Pev 50ao Ringmer 51-1
28/07/2007 v. Crowborough (A) Match Drawn C'Boro 233-5 Pev 162-6
04/08/2007 v. Little Common Ramblers (H) Won by 5 Wickets LCR 138ao Pev 142-5
Pevensey secured a comfortable 5 wicket victory against Ramblers at the Recreation Ground. Pev openers Holey and Chappers put the Ramblers under pressure with some tight bowling. Crathern and Priddy batted carefully for a 50 opening partnership but Crathern’s demise in the 17th over opened the flood gates as Ramblers fell to 138 all out. Holey continued his fine run of form with a season’s best 6 for 22 and Chappers picked up 3 for 41. Priddy played well for his 57.
Wally (42) and Plum (27) got the Pev innings underway with an opening stand of 57 and useful knocks from Tingely (22) and Gav (22) secured a deserved win.
11/08/2007 v. Battle (A) Won by 4 Wickets Battle 232-8 Pev 233-6
Rob Dines at the Glory Hole
Pev travelled to Battle confident after the previous weeks victory had finally reminded them that losing and drawing weren't the only possible results. Winning the toss Wally elected to field on a true pitch and rapid outfield. Chappers and Holey opened up and it was Holey who made the breakthrough, having Gray caught down the leg-side by Pedro for 3. Despite beating the bat regularly the pair were unable to make further breakthroughs and Holey was eventually replaced by Rob with Battle on 44-1. Rob was immediately on the money, having Yardy play and miss throughout his first over. This theme continued in his next three overs and it wasn't until Carthew teed off to long-on that Rob conceded a boundary. This only fired Rob up as soon after he speared a quicker yorker in and pinned him LBW for a sprightly 41. Battle eventually closed on 236-9, only par for the pitch but Pev are notoriously bad chasers. Plum and Wally got Pev off to a good start, but Plum then fell playing on for 4. Tings, Uphill Dave, and Wally all entered the fray and kept the momentum going but again wickets fell at the wrong time as Wally drove to cover, Uphill received a poor run out decision, and Tings was eventually LBW. Cometh the hour though, as so many times this season, cometh the Hole. With the fiery Ridgway charging in and the match in balance, Holey decided to do what he does best, twat the ball to all parts. In a display of cultured pandemonium, Holey fed on the excitement of the match to wrestle the initiative back to the Pev. He eventually deaprted for a ferocious 54 off only 37 balls. All through this assault the Craig batted sensibly to give the strike back to Holey, now he seized his moment. Batting with an authority that we have missed this season, the Craig (22*) picked up where Holey left off, taking the ones when on offer while punishing the bad ball. The match was settled in a glorious fashion as Pedro (19*) smote an uppercut over point for the winning runs. Unfortunately, many of us could not stay to celebrate as we had wedding receptions we were running late for.
18/08/2007 v. Maresfield (H) Won by 7 Wickets Maresfield 128ao Pev 129-3
Openers Race Rain to Thirty Points
Pev welcomed bottom of the table Maresfield to the Rec knowing that only thirty points would keep them in contention at the top. Wally won the toss and duly elected to field. Holey was immediately into his rhythmn, finding pace and bounce from the railway end, and it was no surprise when he had Raymond driving loosely to be superbly snaffled over his head by Louis at gully for 0. Poplett followed soon afterwards to leave Maresfield 33-2. It should have been for three, all to Holey, but the Craig shelled a straightforwards glove behind to reprieve Bennett. After struggling in his first three overs into the wind, Rob was taken to one side by the Craig. Whatever was said did the trick as Rob's next fourteen overs went for only 27 runs. During this spell he picked up the crucial wicket of Bennett, LBW for 20 and then plucked from the air an outstanding caught and bowled one handed in his follow through, to dismiss Chaprell for 0. New signing Big Philly C then got in on the act as he had Burton caught behind for 21. The introduction of Louis, again on his comeback trail, and the reintroduction of Holey forced Maresfield to 98-8. However Connor mounted a sparky comeback with 21, in particular catching the eye with some fine stroke play. It couldn't last forever though as he was eventually cleaned up by Louis, a knock which had taken Maresfield to 128. Tea was an absolutely splendiferous affair. Sandwiches and fresh bread packed to the brim with farmhouse fillings, chicken drumsticks and thighs, home made pork pie, sausage rolls and scotch eggs, scones topped with cream jam and berries, a fresh variety of melons (oo er missus...), and a selection of home made cakes for the sweet tooth. Having tucked into that banquet, players were reluctant to return to the field, however return they must. Plum and Wally opened up taking the attack to the Maresfield bowlers. Raymond was treated with particular disdain by Plum, including a huge cover driven six. Fields were spread and bowlers were changed but twas to no avail as they reached 50 with little alarm. The only concern to Pev were the black clouds creeping over the ground and it wasn't long before the air became moist. Maresfield spread the field and dealyed proceedings where possible but Plum and Wally were not to be denied. They both began to take chances and up the ante in the race against the rain. Plum smashed his way into a semblance of form on his way to .Wally reached his fifty in fine-style (to a recount later in the changing room) and the pair celebrated their first hundred stand of the season, before Wally was dismissed top-edging a full-bunger and Big Philly C received a jaffer first up. Plum was bowled trying to win it with one shot but Olly B ensured no further batsmen were required with two delicate steers to third man. A much needed thirty points keeps the end of season promotion race interesting and was celebrated with a much needed couple of pints of London Pride.
25/08/2007 v. Buxted Park (A) Lost by 14 Runs Buxted 143ao Pev 129ao
Holey and Chappers picked up early wickets before Rob ripped through the Buxted middle order for 14-2-40-5. L Burgess hit 52 and a late flurry from C Olive (27*) took Buxted to 143. Pev reached 51-1 but nobody was able to push on from 20s and 30s to the big score required. C Olive capped a fine performance with 10.1-1-27-4 as Pev promotion hopes were severely dented.
01/09/2007 v. Newhaven (H) Match Drawn Newhaven 169-9 Pev 166-8
Pev threw away another chance to win with another below-par batting performance. Bowling first Chappers rediscovered form with 4-44 and Holey capped a fine debut season with 4-31. Rob was hugely unlucky not to pick up a wicket in a 20 over opening spell that cost only 34 runs; the first 9 overs being maidens! B Khan opened slowly and had his share of luck, but held Newhaven together with 90 in the total of 169, next highest score crucially being extras with 31.
Pev again began well and reached 94-1 with Plum hitting 55 and Tings 46, but fell away in the middle despite Holey's hard hit 33. A penultimate ball 4 from Chappers led to a boundary required to win, but Newhaven put everybody on the boundary and it wasn't to be.
Pev will be left to reflect on what could have been as a season that showed such promise tailed away.
League Averages
| M | I | NO | HS | TOT | AVE | 50's | 100's | Cat/St | |
| M Hole | 15 | 12 | 4 | 122 | 387 | 48.38 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| J Wallis | 14 | 14 | 1 | 58 | 429 | 33.00 | 4 | - | 11 |
| M Tingley | 15 | 15 | 2 | 80 | 377 | 29.00 | 1 | - | 6 |
| J Plumley | 16 | 16 | 0 | 87 | 450 | 28.13 | 3 | - | 2 |
| G Hornby | 9 | 9 | 1 | 57* | 155 | 19.38 | 1 | - | 4 |
| C Hornby | 17 | 15 | 3 | 24 | 153 | 12.75 | - | - | 8 |
| C Pedroza | 12 | 10 | 3 | 23* | 86 | 12.29 | - | - | 14/1 |
| N Lewis | 13 | 11 | 2 | 35* | 106 | 11.78 | - | - | 5 |
| O Bolwell | 7 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 23 | 11.50 | - | - | 1 |
| D Temple | 4 | 4 | 0 | 32 | 43 | 10.75 | - | - | 1 |
| N Chapman | 15 | 14 | 2 | 22* | 98 | 8.17 | - | - | 2 |
| R Adams | 13 | 6 | 4 | 5* | 13 | 6.50 | - | - | 4 |
| N Gearing | 12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 2.00 | - | - | 5 |
| L Gearing | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0.50 | - | - | - |
| Top 5 partnerships | |||
| Plumley/Wallis | 122 | v Maresfield | 18/8 |
| Hole/Pedroza | 81 | v Robertsbridge | 7/7 |
| Wallis/Tingley | 79 | v Buxted Park | 23/6 |
| Tingley/G Hornby | 78 | v Uckfield | 5/5 |
| Tingley/G Hornby | 74 | v Crowborough | 26/5 |
| O | M | RUNS | WKTS | AVE | BB | RO | 5 wkts | |
| M Hole | 181.4 | 45 | 589 | 44 | 13.39 | 6 for 22 | 3.23 | 2 |
| N Chapman | 179.4 | 41 | 540 | 29 | 18.62 | 5 for 17 | 3.00 | 1 |
| R Adams | 135 | 36 | 403 | 21 | 19.19 | 5 for 40 | 2.99 | 1 |
| N Lewis | 41.5 | 7 | 204 | 9 | 22.67 | 5 for 52 | 4.85 | 1 |
| G Hornby | 80 | 6 | 369 | 13 | 28.38 | 3 for 19 | 4.61 | |
| N Gearing | 62.5 | 8 | 316 | 11 | 28.73 | 3 for 51 | 5.01 | |
| Also bowled | ||||||||
| S Owen | 15.5 | 6 | 48 | 5 | 9.60 | 2 for 5 | 3.00 | |
| P Crowcombe | 10 | 2 | 24 | 1 | 24.00 | 1 for 24 | 2.40 | |
| R Williams | 2 | 0 | 24 | 0 | - | - | 12.00 | |
| C Hornby | 6 | 0 | 28 | 0 | - | - | 4.67 | |
| J Wallis | 3 | 1 | 6 | 0 | - | - | 2.00 |