1st IX 2008
Final 2008 Standings
| P | W | L | D | T | A | Bat | Bowl | Pen | Pts | |
| Heathfield Park 1st XI | 18 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 41 | 51 | 0 | 400 |
| Battle 1st XI | 18 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 53 | 110 | 0 | 341 |
| Buxted Park 1st XI | 18 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 57 | 106 | 0 | 331 |
| Newhaven 1st XI | 18 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 52 | 77 | 0 | 317 |
| Eastbourne 3rd XI | 18 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 68 | 100 | 0 | 316 |
| Newick 1st XI | 18 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 41 | 79 | 0 | 307 |
| Pevensey 1st XI | 18 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 61 | 102 | 0 | 300 |
| St Peter's 1st XI | 18 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 51 | 79 | 0 | 298 |
| Robertsbridge 1st XI | 18 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 37 | 85 | 0 | 270 |
| Herstmonceux 1st XI | 18 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 73 | 0 | 235 |
2008 Results
10/05/2008 v. Newhaven (h) Newhaven won by 2 Wickets Pev 244-6 Newhaven 248-8
Hornby Full Steam Ahead But Newhaven Apply Sleepers
The first league game of the season kicked off in splendid style on a beautiful sunny afternoon in Pevensey. Newhaven won the toss and bowled in smarmy conditions, giving the Pev gents a chance to work on their early season tanning. Pev were in trouble at 18-2 as Wally (5) got a bad decision and Plum (9) hit straight to mid-off. This brought Gav Hornby to the crease, Pevs perennial underachiever, who once told us he could bat! For a change Gav did not play a shot at every ball but instead left the good ones and punished the bad ones. He raced to 50 off 53 balls, but we've all seen Gav hit 50s. As he did, Louis (8) hit a long hop to cover and Uphill (9) was LBW down the track. This brought Holey to the crease. After a nervous start the Hole began to find his range and biffed the ball for 4 big sixes, the biggest of which reached the church yard! This assault took the pressure off Gav and allowed him some breathing space. When Holey eventually missed a straight one for 44, the initiative was back with the Pev, and Phil Bilby, on his league debut, ensured we kept it going. He hit a fine 31* and most importantly used his fine sports brain to keep Gav going. After a breath or two, Gav proceeded to hit 9 consecutive scoring shots for 4, all around the ground, to take him to his first league hundred for the club. He batted almost 40 overs but only faced 103 balls for his hundred, a superb innings of 107*, not bad for a fat lad. His partnerships with Holey and Phil (31*), took Pev to 244-6. This was only from 45 overs, but consuming 3 hours of cricket! Wally elected to open with the old ball and Phil and Uphill. Newhaven got off to a rapid start but did lose D Pooley (12) caught off an inside edge to give Phil his first Pev wicket and it was anybodys guess how Uphill did not pick up a wicket. The new ball was taken and Holey and Rob immediately begun to beat the bat. A lot. L Poulton (25) may have been unlucky to have been given caught behind off Holey but the other batsmen certainly made up for it. B Khan showed his penchant for the Pev track with a fine 65 to keep the run chase going and all the middle order chipped in. When Khan was run out by a direct fit from Plum on the point boundary, after yet another misfield, Pev were in with a shot, particularly as the Newhaven batsmen continued to chance their arms in the chase. B Driscoll hit 36 and A de Soza 27, falling to an awesome catch from Uphill at cow corner, but Pev will never really understand how so many edges and false shots failed to find fielders. A rapid 44* from D Tullett saw Newhaven home, finishing the game with a 6 in the last over. A fantastic game to start the season, although an earlier finish would be nice for drinking purposes!
17/05/2008 v. Newick (a) Match Abandoned Due To Rain
24/05/2008 v. Robertsbridge (h) Pev Won By 123 Runs Pev 249-4 R'Bridge 126ao
A Golden Nugget
After a week off, Pev welcomed Robertsbridge to the PCG anxious to get their season underway. The pitch was hard and the outfield lightening, our team of groundsmen can be proud of their efforts. With Wally away, Chappers took the helm and his first act was to lose the toss, prompting Robertsbridge to invite the Pev to bat. Plum returned from his Egyptian voyage and looked somewhat out of sorts, one might say batting like an Egyptian! However, he and Phil were able to keep the scoreboard ticking over slowly for the first 15 overs. Both survived numerous chances as the Robertsbridge fielders shelled catches like peas. Making the most of their goof fortune, the pair began to find their feet and took their opening stand to 74 before Plum was caught somewhere around the boundary at long off, for an uncharacteristically slow 35. Tingles entered the fray and was off the mark with a smashed extra cover drive. He and Phil began to up the ante and boundaries begun to flow. However, both then fell when set. Conspiracy theorists suggested jug avoidance as Tings gave the keeper a second chance slow motion stumping for 46 and Phil was unlucky to pick out the midwicket sweeper with a beautifully timed pick up for 43. Momentum was not lost as Gav crafted a quick 37, before Holey stole the show, opening up his big guns in a very leg side 38*, adding 30 in the last 2 overs with Louis 15* as Pev posted 249-4 from 50 overs. Tea had to be a quick affair as the innings had not closed until 17:25! Mini pasties and pies were scoffed and then it was back to business again. Chappers decided to bring out the firepower from the beginning opening with himself and the Big 'Un himself, Simon Owen. The Nugget was fired up and charged in with pace not seen from the Pavilion end in a long while. No batsmen looked comfortable against him and the first of Robertsbridges big guns, Skipper Hawthorne, was the first to go for 8 as he steered a rising delivery from the Nugget to Gav at a short gully who snaffled the sharp chance at the second opportunity. Key never looked comfortable and was the next to go, going too far across his stumps and being bowled around his legs by Chappers. Ben Collins then began to find his feet and with him at the crease, Robertsbridge were always in with a chance. It took a beauty to dismiss him as the Nugget got bounce and movement to take the edge and Pedro superbly clung on. With Collins out the way, Pev were confident and maintained control throughout. Small partnerships formed but never settled as good catching and bad shots brought wickets at the right times. 2 played a big drive off Chappers but could only lob the ball to Holey at mid on, then 3 was caught on his pad half-forwards the very next ball to give Chappers 3-31. Holey replaced the Skipper and immediately hit his stride. Having played and missed for a long while, Holey had Moor finally edging behind and Pedro clung on. Newman and Goodsell both fell to big shots, both caught by Chappers, Newmans' high drive being superbly held in the howling gale. If only he had done the same with his next effort his finger would have remained in its socket! The excitement mounted and the sunlight disappeared as a nervy ending approached and Pev began to shell their share of catches. However, the persistence of Holey paid off as Roberts chipped to mid wicket where Boxy clung on to seal the victory and Pevs first 30 pointer of the season. The only better news was that Pedro had a pass, good times!
31/05/2008 v. Eastbourne 3rd XI (a) Pev Won By 3 Wickets E/B 110ao Pev 114-7
Pevensey Farmers Scythe Down Eastbourne
After a week of heavy showers, Pev travelled to Larkins Field basked in sunshine to take on Eastbourne 3rds without last weeks hero, the Nugget. Faced with an opposition younger than many of the Pevensey jockstraps, Wally won the toss and decided to sweat first blood in the field. On a slow wet track, both batting and bowling was hard work. The Eastbourne batsmen plugged away as Varney seemed content to bat through and allow Mashood to play his shots. However, after being dropped behind off Robs first ball and surviving several vociferous appeals, Mashood was then undone by a Chappers Yorker and cleaned up for 22. Eastbourne skipper Blackburn came to the crease and took the attack to Pev with mixed success and goof fortune. Varney had reached 38 and Eastbourne a comfortable 71-1 when he played a rash shot to Phil Bilby and only succeeded in slicing the ball to Wally at short cover. With the lynchpin out Pev scented blood and Holey and Phil begun to tighten the screws. Isepp never looked comfortable and eventually played on to Phil for a duck to become the first of many batsmen perishing to cross batted shots. Blackburn (27) then tried to hit his way out of trouble but only succeeded in chipping his on drive straight to Chappers at mid-on to give Holey his first wicket. He followed up with his second wicket in the same over as Cousin was LBW for 0 and when Hoadley was sharply held by Gav at short leg off Phil for another duck the next over, Eastbourne had slipped from 91-2 to 91-6. Dixon broke the run of ducks but was then cleaned up by Holey for 1 and then Varney followed close behind, LBW to Holey as Eastbourne slipped to 95-8. Norwood (7*) and Perry (4) ensured Eastbourne passed the hundred but Holey would not be denied as he cleaned up Perry for his fifth wicket and Louis needed only one ball to dismiss last man and Pev old boy, Stuart Fielder, as he generously chipped a full toss back to Louis for 1. Eastbourne all out for 110, a collapse of Pevensey proportions! Tea was a splendid affair in the main clubhouse and we were also able to watch some amateurish cricket while we dined, some bloke called Kirtley or something… With shower seemingly in the air, Pev were looking to reach the total quickly. Instead we almost ballsed it up. Opening with himself, Blackburn was happy to give the ball some air as Stuey Fielder charged in from the other end. It was Fielder who drew first blood as Wally played over a skiddy ball and was bowled. Gav then showed what touch he is in with a second ball sumptuous on-driven four and again looked class as he took on Blackburn. However, reminding us all what a silly twat he is, his cross batted sweep/swish was top-edged and Varney held onto it at mid-off. When Uphill Dave followed in an almost identical fashion soon after, and Tingles batting down the order, nerves began to fray. However, Plum began to find his touch and opened up against Blackburn. Using his feet he drilled Blackburn straight and then paddled him away when he dropped it short. He then hit Blackburn out of the attack, almost, with three big straight sixes in one over as a vital twenty runs were scored and at the same time he brought up his 50. Just when nerves were settling, the introduction of Isepp's leg breaks brought Plums demise (and Blackburns' reprieve!), shimmying out of his ground without adding to his 50 and soon after, Holeys, slashing to cover. A tense period ensued as Louis and Tings looked to re-establish control against leg breaks from either end. They took the score to 90 odd before Louis (20) failed to keep down an Isepp long hop and picked out cover. When the Craig also fell with the hundred not yet up, I, frankly, was shitting my pants! However, Phil Bilby and hopalong Tings (17*) had no such concerns. Both old heads played very sensibly and watchfully and punished the bad ball to eventually bring the scores level. Phil then picked up Isepp over midwicket to seal the three wicket victory and finally an exhalation of a long held deep breath. 30 crucial points which we were made to work for all the way and a fine days cricket.
07/06/2008 v. Heathfield Park (h) H'field Park Won By 8 Wickets Pev 151ao H Park 152-2
Played off the Park!
On a sticky afternoon Pevensey welcomed top of the table Heathfield Park to the PCG. With Tings and the in-form Gav missing, losing the toss and being put in was never going to be the greatest start. This was compounded as both openers fell for 4. Wally was bowled and then Plum pinned LBW, both succumbing to the wily skills of James Bentley, who bowled from the pavilion end with his usual patience and control. From the railway end however, Briggs complimented Bentleys control by only sporadically using the cut strip as he sprayed the ball to all parts and extras began to soar. Chappers and Bill began to build a partnership before Chappers managed to edge Briggs' only decent ball to be caught behind. Louis then took up the mantle and having seen off Bentley batting became easier for the pair. The score reached 79-3 before Pev were rocked when Bill fell LBW for 13. Holey and Uphill were then both out for ducks, cleaned up by Cowley and James, as the Heathfield bowlers took control. Louis looked good for 29 but was undone LBW this time off Briggs Snr. Perhaps feeling they had the match sewn up, Heathfield bowlers appeared to take their foot off the pedal. This allowed debutant Gilly (12), The Craig (19) and Rob (12*) to add 51 precious runs and ensure Pev took some batting points with 151. Extras top scored with an incredible 52! Although the 25 byes was an unfair reflection on the keeping as bowlers gave him little chance. For this to be enough Pev knew that they would have to strike early against Heathfields high-class batting line up. They did as Ian Cox could not get his feet moving against the pace of the Big Un and played on for 8. However, this early breakthrough could not be built on and with some luck and a dropped catch, as well as oodles of class and good running; Penfold and Hart were able to lead Heathfield to 119-1. Having reached 50, Penfold was LBW to Bill, but this was it for the Pev as Bentley joined Hart to seal the game. Hart finishing on 60* despite looking edgy early on. Not a great day at the office for the Pev as we never really got out of the starting blocks, but Heathfield showed why they will be the team to beat in Div 2 this season.
14/06/2008 v. Herstmonceux (a) Match Drawn Pev 225-1 Ceux 172-8
Tingles Injury Takes Gloss Off Ceux-Per Skipper
Having been suitably thrashed by Heathfield the previous week, Pev travelled to Herstmonceux boosted by the return of Tingles and Pedro to the side and anxious to put in a better performance. Wally lost the toss and we were again invited to bat. Both Wally and Plum were severely tested in excellent opening spells from Smith and Mayhew. Plum was dropped twice early on but his luck ran out when Smith bowled him round his legs for 7 to leave Pev 23-1. Tingles then entered and straight away drilled two fours through point. However, while needlessly running for the second boundary he tore his Achilles and was forced to retire hurt, a big loss as early reports suggest a six week absence. With Gav again awol, this brought Phil Bilby to the crease. He and James slowly began to build the innings. Phil was reprieved at a crucial time when he would have been caught and bowled off a no-ball, but apart from that the two batsmen looked in sublime touch. With the change bowlers on, Wally began to open up. All the bowlers were put to the sword as Wally hit the ball to all parts. The first 25 overs yielded 78 runs, the next 21, 147 runs! Wallys' 50 came up in the 36th over but his hundred only took another 8 overs. Even the reintroduction of the opening bowlers could not stem the flow as Smith was hit for 29 in his 3 comeback overs and Mayhew 14 in 2. At the other end, Phil showed his worth and scored his maiden fifty for the club, finishing on 63*, as 203 runs were amassed for the second wicket. Wally declared on 225-1 in the 46th over. His awesome innings of 125* contained twenty 4s and one 6. Pev needed a good start to get amongst the Ceux and got it when the pumped up Nugget had Watson (2) caught at mid-on by Holey going for an ambitious pull with only 3 runs on the board. Fellow opener Wicks then fell in the exact same fashion for 4, 22-2. A period of consolidation followed as both opening bowlers kept a lid on things. From the other end, Rob was his usual frugal self but his wicket duck still continued as he beat the bat with frustrating frequency. When Pedro dropped Standen off Rob, it seemed it would be another wicketless day, however, rewarded with another over, Rob responded in the best possible fashion. A batsman finally got an edge as Standen, first ball of the over, could not keep down a short pitched ball and prodded to Phil at slip. Once the "muted" celebrations were over, Rob returned to his mark and almost made it two in two as Green survived a huge LBW appeal first ball. His survival was short lived as next ball he again stepped across a full delivery and this time the finger was raised. Suddenly, Ceux were 54-4. Very shortly afterwards this became 63-5 as, having seen Rob finally break his duck, Chappers finally bowled a straight ball and cleaned up Holt for a duck. With Rob knackered from his extravagant celebrations, the Skipper brought himself on and his golden arm brought the downfall of Mayhew, who had batted resolutely for 37, feathering a wide delivery through to Pedro. Ceux 72-6. Louis then replaced Chappers and again the decision paid almost immediate dividends. Bennett (23), who seemed intent to go down blazing, hit Louis back over his head but reckoned against the flying Holey at mid-off who made his third catch his best with a horizontal effort. When Post (2) could not keep down a slash off Louis and Plum held the skier, Ceux were 95-8 in the 33rd over. However, despite having 14 overs to bowl at the tail, Pev could not ram their advantage home. Walker (47*) and Smith (22*) took advantage of the attacking fields in a quick partnership of 77 runs, which gave the scorecard some respectability, but Pev will rue numerous dropped chances and opportunities to secure the win and 30 points. Ceux closed on 172-8. With the Skipper buying, Pev then proceeded to drink the Ceux bar dry of bitter, before moving on to the Lamb at Wartling, reopened after the fire damage caused by allowing Plum to smoke at the bar, and then HQ. The taxi ride home was an adventure as Pedro experienced the joy of Santa Holeys' knee...
21/06/2008 v. Battle (a) Lost by 7 Wickets Pev 115ao Battle 118-3
Antipo-Done!
On a muggy day in June Pev travelled to Battle; home of the Battle of Hastings, Battle Abbey, Café Belge, and Rob! Already missing Gav and losing Tingles to injury last week, the bad run continued as Wallys absence, running to Leeds for charity, meant three of the top four were missing. A good toss to win, particularly as an earlier shower had freshened the pitch up, Chappers lost it. We were inevitably stuck in. Battle, an apparent annex to Wellington, were able to select from their full squad of 36 Kiwis, and two of them, opened the bowling. Bowled steadily without luck but it was the other end that the magic happened. Achieving disconcerting bounce and moving the ball all ways, up down left and right, had the openers playing and missing and it was only a matter of time before the first wicket fell. Bill was the victim, although LBW was not the expected result, for the first duck of the day. Plum swiftly made it two as he hung his bat out to give Ridgway catching practise in the slips. Ridgway even made it look like practise as he juggled with the ball 96 times before eventually landing with it. Uphill Dave and Chappers threatened brief resistance with an aesthetic boundary apiece, but was not to be denied and cleaned them both up, before having Louis caught behind, again by Ridgway, to complete his five-for as Pev slipped to 19-5. Pedro strode to the crease and was able to combat startling bounce with his shortness. He and Holey slowly got the innings back on track and even threatened to take it away from Battle as boundaries began to arrive. It was not to be however as the indefatigable had Pedro skewing to mid-off for a hard-fought and shortly afterwards dismembered Robs middle stump for what would be his last wicket. Holey then decided enough was enough and begun to open up. Despite Pev being , Battle recognized his threat and the field was spread to him. A compliment that only Holey earned on what was a dire day for Pev batting. As the pitch died down Holey made all of the bowling suddenly look average, hitting 4s and big 4s all around the park. He reached his 50 in a hurry and with him at the crease Pev reached 100, a total that seemed far fetched at 19-5! He eventually departed, bowled by Ridgway, for a magnificent 63, over half the Pev score. The rest of the batting subsided meekly as Lance was bowled, and Boxy caught behind to leave Pev with a paltry 115. Due to the lack of Pev substance we returned to bowl before tea was taken. A loose over from the Nugget gave Battle a good start and when Rob beat the edge multiple times in his first over, you sensed the luck was not going Pevs way. And Yardy looked to take the attack to Pev. They both chanced their arms with mixed success and were suddenly -0 off only overs. The breakthrough eventually came as played one shot too many and skied a catch to point off Rob which Plum clung onto. This heralded tea. After tea the batting resumed in much the same vein, beat the bat or boundary. Pev did not help their cause with missed and dropped chances but will consider themselves unlucky not to have had more early wickets. The Nugget returned to dismiss Yardy, top edging a pull and clean up , who never looked comfortable with the short ball, but these would be Pevs only successes. A seven wicket victorious run chase look a lot more comfortable than it actually was and Rob was desperately unlucky to only take one wicket as all batsmen were beaten by him on a regular basis. However, that is not to say we were in with a shout as Battle did play us off the park. Only three points in a very tight mid-table situation may cost Pev later in the season and we know how important next weeks game will be as we seek to get our season back on track.
28/06/2008 v. St Peters (h) Lost by 56 Runs St Peters 121ao Pev 65ao
Ten Men Pev Throw It Away
Following last weeks drubbing, Pev welcomed St Peters to the PCG. Pev were strengthened by the Skippers and Gavs return and two new batsmen making their debuts, Darren Stevens and Andy Russell, however, the bowling was depleted with no Philby or Nugget in the ranks. Finally winning a toss, Wally unsurprisingly opted to bowl and Chappers opened up from the railway end. However, disaster struck as during his fifth delivery, Chappers pulled up lame with a calf injury and could bowl no further. Rob opened up from the other end and was immediately in the action as Batchelor played an optimistic drive and could only chip it to the Dazzler at mid-off, 1-1 and exactly the start Pev needed. With a bit of life in the track, the St Peters batsmen looked edgy and Smith was very lucky to survive an edge dropping agonisingly short of Pedro and Rob as they converged. However, his luck was not to last as he edged Holey to slip where Chappers, hiding after his injury, parried and then clung on. 3-2, but the effort straining Chappers leg further and forcing him from the field. He would not return and Pev would field for the rest of the innings with ten men. Matthews and Hope begun to play some shots but both survived streaky edges and lobs that on another day may have gone to hand. Their positive attacking intent though saw them take St Peters to 34-2. However, Holey and Rob kept plugging away and eventually had their success. Matthews was caught for 19 to Holey and then Hope was LBW playing across the line to Rob for an attacking top score of 32. Smith (15) followed, as Pedro pulled off another of his blinding leg-side stumpings off Rob. Comedy then ensued as Birmingham tried to run himself out for 0, only for Holey to intercept Plums run out attempt from point. Holey had the last laugh though as the very next ball Tewari (11) drove loosely to Plum at point who made no mistake. Despite these hard earned wickets you couldn't help but feel that the eleventh fielder would have made a world of difference on what became a slow batting surface. Rob and Holey both took a breather with three hard-earned wickets apiece. Gav replaced Holey and bowled one of his best spells for the Pev. Keeping the ball full and straight he cleaned up the tail for four cheap wickets. Flux and Coomber were both bowled and Birmingham stumped, while Gledhill, who made a hard hit 17, was superbly held at slip by Andy. St Peters all out for 121. With a weakened bowling attack and ten men, this was a great effort and Pev went to tea with their heads held high. Tea was a splendid affair of sweet and savoury delights. Combining Mediterranean flavours with Indian spices there was something for everyone. Less splendid however, was the batting performance that followed tea. With the St Peters openers, Tewari and Smith, bowling tightly, Pev batsmen could at no stage seize the momentum or build a big innings. Plum was first to go, playing a big shot but only succeeding in hitting to mid-off, then Darren was perhaps unlucky to be given LBW to Smith, both batsmen going for 0 as Pev were immediately on the back foot. Gav played with his usual attacking intent but then skied a drive where mid-off again held on and Andy was another LBW victim to Smith. James and Louis tried to steady the ship and survived for a long time, but could not time their shots or beat the field and the innings ran out of steam. The pair put on a few before Louis, having battled so hard, was caught and bowled in Gledhill's only over as he eyed up a loose delivery but could only toe end it. Smith (3-19) was brought back into the attack and had Pedro cutting a short wide ball to cover before Holey, in a desperate situation, heaved across the line and was bowled. Edd followed next ball, both wickets to Tewari, who finished with the excellent figures of 5-34. This closed the innings at 65, with Chappers unable to bat. A dismal effort at what was a very achievable target. Coupled with the news that Tingles and Chappers have both been ruled out for the season with their injuries, Pev now need to get their arses in gear as a very positive start to the season is threatening to implode.
05/07/2008 v. Buxted Park (a) Match Drawn Buxted Park 212-7 Pev 192-8
Hornby Heroics But Pev Fall Just Short
After two pathetic batting performances Pev made the trip to Buxted Park short of confidence and both Captain and Vice-Captain. With mounting injuries, absences, tantrums, and inclement weather, it didn't look like fortunes could get any worse for Pev… And then Rob was unveiled as Skipper, returning to the helm for the day after his "self"-imposed exile. Rob got straight into the action by winning the toss and electing to field. He and Holey then opened the bowling and steadily begun to build some pressure with tight lines. Holey, charging into the wind, found some steepling bounce and it wasn't long before the pressure told. Billings took on Rob at mid-wicket and was caught short by a sharp return, out for 5 and Buxted 10-1, just the start Pev needed. Blunt and Burgess then began to consolidate in a steady partnership of 78. Burgess scored 59 of these but, as he will admit, it was an innings where the ball fell agonisingly short of the fielders an awful lot. He was caught behind by Pedro off Gav as he and Bill replaced the opening bowlers and also bowled very tightly. Gav then cleaned up the middle order as Buxted struggled to 112-4. Perry (6) chipped to Boxy at mid-wicket, before Dew's extravagant innings was ended as Gav cleaned him up. With Blunt being limited to very occasional boundaries, the runs had to come from elsewhere. Hopkins, after a tentative start, provided the momentum as he opened his shoulders and found the boundary regularly. Blunt's (40) long vigil was ended as he gave Gav his fourth wicket, but this only brought Olive to the crease. Unashamedly heaving, Olive hit a quick 29, as he and Hopkins, with far classier strokeplay, took the returning Holey to the cleaners, before he hit back as Hopkins (46) skied a pull to Gav and Olive was caught at cow corner by the Skipper. Miles last ball boundary secured the last batting point, but it was only through Hopkins and Olives carefree hitting that Buxted had got away from the Pev. Tea was simply awesome and, at the half way point of the season, appears to be a strong contender for the best away tea. On a hot day, swollen tongues were soothed by choc ices, a pioneering selection of sweet. Sandwiches were stacked full of delicious maritime fillings and scones were mounted with dollops of cream and fresh strawberries. Splendid. After this banquet, it was Pevs turn to bat. Plum, after smoting one boundary, was the first wicket to fall as he skied a similar shot and Perry clung on to the skyer. Andy fell shortly afterwards to leave Pev 34-2 and struggling. After a quiet period, Bill and Gav then opened up. Both looked in sublime touch as boundaries begun to arrive all around the ground and the Buxted fielders were forced back. The partnership was ended just as it appeared to be taking the game away from Buxted as the change bowlers were being put to the sword. Olive, returning in a second spell as an off spinner, had Bill playing across the line and chipping to Billings for a well made 41. Gav pushed on and brought up his fifty with another effortlessly timed boundary. He was lucky to survive a very tough caught behind chance with the keeper standing up, and made the bowler Francis pay with a huge six to cow corner. However, Francis was to have the last laugh as the very next ball skidded through Gav's defences with a lack of bounce and he was bowled. His 59 oozed with class and boundaries galore and Buxted breathed a sigh of relief with his dismissal. With the run rate required about 6 an over the match was still poised. Louis hit a brisk 21 and Holey was unlucky that his timing managed to carry a skew to long on for 11, as the run rate was maintained. Francis bowled excellently as batsmen came and went, recovering well from his earlier mauling. Pedro then played a blinding little innings of 28 and the win again looked on the cards. However, his departure to a very tight stumping heralded the end of the chase as Pev's usually long tail was somewhat shorter. Rob and Perko survived the final few overs as Pev closed on 192-8, which, considering the last couple of weeks was a good result. Pev will rue the closing over hitting of Buxted as their extra 7 overs faced eventually made a big difference.
12/07/2008 v. Newhaven (a) Pev Won By 3 Wickets Newhaven 99ao Pev 101-7
Full Report To Follow
19/07/2008 v. Newick (h) Match Drawn Newick 189ao Pev 180-8
Bill Fill-Bys His Boots But Batsmen Absences Prove Costly
After a crucial 30 points last week, Pev welcomed Newick to the PCG desperate for the recent momentum to continue. However, they would have to do so without half the first team as the Nugget has joined the season long absentee list and Gav, Gearbox, Russty and Louis were required elsewhere. So with a reshuffled pack Wally won the toss and elected to field. Rob and Holey opened in overcast conditions and were rewarded with a hint of swing. The Newick openers played and missed regularly and two tough little tickles behind were not scooped up by Pedro standing up, but they reached 25 before the first wicket fell. Ridd eventually cleaned up by Rob for 15. The second wicket could easily have fallen the very next ball as Jones survived a huge LBW shout as the ball snuck through and hit his back pad. This would go on to cost Pev as 39 runs were added before the next wicket fell. Holey was replaced by Bill from the Railway End and immediately began to beat the bat. Hitching (15) was eventually cleaned up by Bill and Jones, after some lusty blows, fell the same way for 29. The scored reached 97 before Pev struck two further blows. Thacker was pinned LBW by Rob's Yorker for 10 before Symonds, after a chancy 4 and a big 6, was snaffled by debutant Stiles at deep cover off Bill. The catch made to look easy despite Stilesy not realising the ball was coming to him until Bill indicated it. At 97-5, Pev were looking to ram home their pressure, instead small but crucial partnerships continued to form. Gill somehow survived for long enough to make 6 before shuffling across to Bills straight one as the score reached 124, Davies looked good and played some class shots before he was run out in a suicidal effort for 22, then Manning played a filthy shot across the line and was bowled for 2 to complete Bill's maiden five-for for The Pev. Akers-Douglas had been quiet as the wickets fell but the introduction of Uphill Dave allowed him to free his arms. Frequenting the on-side he mowed crucial runs, including two big sixes, as he took the score to 188-8. Dave was removed and Rob reintroduced. This ended the innings quickly as he had Waller (6) stumped down the leg side, and then ended Akers-Douglas's resistance when he yorked him. His 37 had allowed Newick to post an imposing 189 which had earlier looked unlikely. Bill finished with the excellent figures of 13-4-39-5 and Rob battled for almost half the whole innings into the wind for 21-6-55-4. Bill, after his maiden five-for, was also responsible for tea, and an excellent effort it was. Obviously a connoisseur of fine sandwiches, his fillings were delectable, with a new ham and egg combination breaking new sandwich boundaries. And don't even get me started on the home-made chocolate sponge cake, belissimo. Plum and James then set about the serious business of chasing down 190 to win. As the only two regular batsmen it was important that they got Pev off to a good start and they did. Both were solid in defence against some tight bowling and the loose ball was punished, particularly by Plum, who looked in great touch with some gorgeous cover driving. They took their stand to 60 and Pev looked well on top. However, as the old adage goes, one brings two and this was the case as first Wally (21) was bowled and then Plum (34) tickled a short ball behind. Andy and Bill then set about steadying the ship with a partnership of 46. However, again just as the two batsmen looked on top, wickets fell. Bill was bowled playing across the line trying to up the pace and Andy was LBW. When Pedro fell LBW for a duck and Holey was bowled the score was only 136-6 and Pev's pursuit had fallen away. Holey fell after some disgusting scenes where some of the Newick fielders forgot that they were playing cricket and not football and took their appealing too far. This was sadly also the case when Uphill was given not out from a stumping appeal. They can't all be out I'm afraid gents. After the toys were picked back up and returned to the respective prams, Newick set about trying to take the final four Pev wickets. Uphill (13) and Stylesy (0) fell to fray a few Pevensey (mine) nerves, but Pamela Boardez (14*) and Uncle Lance (9*) showed how to bat resolutely, while also picking up crucial batting points as Pev closed on 180-8 and 17 points. Pev will rue earlier lapses in the field and being a bowler short as they conceded twenty or so more runs than they would have liked to. However, the Newick lower order batted sensibly and their bowlers at the end held their nerve. Thacker bowled a particularly good spell of 18-6-50-4 with three crucial wickets in the closing run chase.
26/07/2008 v. Robertsbridge (a) Lost by 8 Wickets Pev 220-7 R'Bridge 221-2
Maiden Plum Ton But Target Not A Bridge Too Far
Having beaten the Bridge once already this season, Pev travelled hopeful of repeating the dose. Losing the toss and being inserted, the Skipper was caught behind off Whiteman for only 4, but this would be the only early wicket to fall. After a slow start, Plum and Andy began to hit a few boundaries but soon after the 50 run partnership Andy fell for 10 to leave Pev 68-2. The run rate at this stage was only 3.5 runs per over and on a short, quick outfield, this would not result in even a par score. Bill entered the fray and concentarted on getting Plum the strike as the big man had finally begun to open his shoulders. With change bowlers on Plum was finally able to exploit the short boundaries. Bringing up his 50 with a 6, he hit 40 of his next 50 runs in boundaries with two big sixes! Bill joined the fun but fell stumped for 36, so it was Holey who was there when Plum finally brought up his maiden league hundred for Pev with another four. Very apt that he could hug his hero on such a momentous occasion. However, tired arms and legs could only add one more six to the tally and the Pev middle order could not tee off against some great bowling from Whiteman, who completed his five-for in the final over. 220-7 a disappointing total considering the outfield. Tea was a veritable banquet, supported by the fact that ice creams could be purchased while watching the game, splendid. The Bridge openers started steadily, but it wasn't long before they began to open up. Without the Nugget, who had caused such problems with his extra pace in the home game, Hawthorne was able to get on his front foot and hit. He did so with devastating effect, however he was dropped behind before his 50 the ball after hitting Rob for 6. Collins was first to fall, caught at deep mid wicket by Russty for 52, and Hawthorne eventually fell, superbly held over his head by Holey for 77, but Collins jnr and Smith, both dropped off Rob, saw the Bridge home, Collins finishing on 67* making the total look far too easy as fielding lapses cost Pev what may be crucial bonus points come the final tally.
02/08/2008 v. Eastbourne 3rd XI (h) Won by 6 Wickets E/b 163ao Pev 164-4
Hornby Fireworks On and Off Pitch Finally Justified
On a wet and windy day at the Pev Wally won the toss and duly elected to bowl. With a wet track suiting the bowlers, Mashood's loose slash in Holey's first over of the match was a bit optimistic and Pedro duly took the catch to leave Eastbourne 0-1. Rob and Holey had the Eastbourne batsmen in all kinds of trouble and it was with a degree of luck that they reached 26-1. Holey then took three quick wickets to leave them reeling at 43-4. At this point Isepp, who had been beaten all ends up by Rob's extravagant movement, hit a big straight six which nobody went to look for!!! This was a big turning point in the innings as not only did it give Isepp confidence, he had also lost the new ball that was doing so much. The older ball duly filled with water and became a soap and Isepp capitalised with some brutal hitting. He smashed 73, hitting Holey and Rob out of the attack, however, nobody else coud match him and the next highest score was only 20. Holey returned to have his man cleaned up and Gav and Louis assisted in cleaning up the tail. However, 163 on a tough wicket was more than Pev would have liked to concede. In reply, Plum and James put on 41 for the first wicket before James fell to ex-Pev man Stuart Fielder for the second time this season. This only brought Gav to the crease though and he and Plum opened up. Isepp could not match his batting heroics as his final four overs went for 45, Gav bringing up his 50 with the final over going for 22. However, this would be Gav's final contribution as he was cruelly/wrongly run out by the Eastbourne Skipper, Blackburn. Naughty, naughty, but it did at least get a wicket from his bowling! Phil and Pamela fell for ducks in the traditional Pev collapse, but Plum fittingly smashed Blackburn for 14 in his final over to finish on 69* and secure the win. Gav had of course gone home by this stage, having thrown his toys out, for once justified! Thirty crucial points in what is turning out to be a very tight league.
09/08/2008 v. Heathfield Park (a) Match Abandoned due to Rain
16/08/2008 v. Herstmonceux (h) Won by 4 Wickets Ceux 108ao Pev 109-6
New Boys Bilby and Bradders Steal Show
On another depressing Summers day, Pev welcomed bottom of the table Herstmonceux to the PCG. With a bowling line up boosted by the return of the Nugget and the debuting Ian Bradley, Wally eagerly chose to bowl having won the toss. The Nugget and Rob were quickly into their strides and runs were hard to come by. Nugget made the first breakthrough, cleaning up Watson for 7 and then following that by rapping Mayhew's pads for 1, to leave Ceux 18-2. Standen and Watson were then able to consolidate, with some good strokes complimented by some terrible catching as around 8 catches went down in total. However, a half fit Holey remedied this by first removing Watson, caught by Pedro, and then cleaning up Wood second ball for 0. Centre stage was then taken by Phil Bilby, who removed top scorer Standen for 44, and the last four wickets to finish with a superb 5-24. The only interruption to his dominance was King's hard slogged 15, however, he found Gav's extra pace harder to swing at and was bowled. 108 all out and the Pev bowlers could be happy with their efforts, if the fielders could say the same the total may have been less. James and Plum took the score to 43 without loss and the match looked over. Plum looked in great touch, hitting 8 boundaries in his 34. However, his uneccesary loss of concentration, sparked a collapse, as Wally, Gav, Russty, and Bill, fell in the space of 12 overs, to leave Pev 72-5. Louis looked solid to see it to the end but overs were running out. Cometh the hour and all though, cometh the Bradders. Allowing himself 5 sighters, he launched into Mayhew's final over, hitting two huge sixes and three fours. The 24 run over took Pev from their wobbly position to an almost there 97, before Bradders was cleaned up. Louis ensured there would be no further scares as he closed the innings on 25*, a great innings in the context of things. Thirty more crucial points for the Pev, but the Ceux could count themselves unlucky after the fight they showed.
23/08/2008 v. Battle (h) Match Drawn Pev 175-8 Battle 97-9
Kiwi-Less Battle Flap
Match report to follow...
30/08/2008 v. St Peters (a) Lost by 7 Wickets Pev 170-5 St Peters 174-3
Knackered Pev Toil In Heat
With the end of season nigh and safety still not guaranteed in a remarkably close mid and lower table, Pev travelled to St Peters missing six players and with almost all those present carrying an injury of some sorts. Losing the toss and being asked to bat, Pev were scoreless after 6 overs as the St Peters openers bowled very tidily. Although the duck was eventually broken, the run rate continued to crawl and wickets began to fell. Plum fell driving and edging Smith behind, Andy then cut Holmes's first ball, a long hop, straight to gully, and Wally was cleaned up by Tewari. Pev were 21-3 of 20 overs, not looking good. Craig and Louis begun the revival as finally some boundaries appeared. Louis looked in particularly fine touch and caressed the ball through the covers when the opportunity arose. However, just as a partnership was building Craig was bowled, playing across the line to Tewari. Louis was then joined by Holey and both started to attack the bowling rather than be dominated. The introduction of spin allowed Holey to open his arms and as soon as his eye was in, even the return of the opening bowlers could not halt his flow. Holey reached his 50 with another boundary and Louis followed suit soon afterwards. Although Louis was run out soon afterwards, Pedro joined Holey to see Pev to 170-5, which, after such a poor start was beyond our expectations. St Peters bowled very tidily but will rue dropped chances that allowed the Pev acceleration. The fact that only 5 wickets fell showed that batting was possible. With no fully fit bowlers, Pev needed a good start and Rob's perseverance paid off with two wickets in an over. Taylor was LBW to a straight one, and then Matthews was sharply stumped by Pedro down the leg side, both for ducks. However, Smith was batting well and once Hope found his touch the runs begun to flow. Half chances were on offer but knackered fielders could not quite take them. Hope reached his 50 which included some delightful driving as well as some heaving across the line, but fell shortly afterwards, cleaned up by a Nugget beauty for 60. This left St Peters 111-3. Very shortly afterwards Smith offered what would have been a routine catch to square leg off Rob, which would have left St Peters four down and Pev in with a sniff, but the ball was lost in the low sun and the chance went begging. He offered another half chance while reaching his 50, but after that opened up with sumptuous shots to finish on 80* and was backed up by Coomber (24*) to finish the game. Only 9 points but it could've been worse, and by the looks of the league table a solid result next week will see the Pev safe.
06/09/2008 v. Buxted Park (h) Match abandoned due to another miserable day of rain
2008 League Averages
Batting
| I | NO | HS |
Tot | 50s |
100s |
Ave | |
| G Hornby |
8 | 1 | 107* | 292 | 2 | 1 | 41.71 |
| M Tingley |
4 | 2 | 46 |
82 | 0 | 41.0 | |
| M Hole |
12 | 3 | 63 | 276 | 2 | 0 | 30.67 |
| B Filby |
13 |
3 | 63* | 277 | 1 | 0 | 27.7 |
| J Plumley |
15 | 1 | 115 | 380 | 2 | 1 | 27.14 |
| J Wallis |
12 |
1 | 125* | 267 | 0 | 1 | 24.27 |
| N Lewis |
12 | 2 | 50 | 202 | 1 | 0 | 20.2 |
| C Pedroza |
9 |
4 | 29* | 94 | 0 | 0 | 18.8 |
| R Williams |
5 |
2 | 21 | 54 | 0 | 0 | 18.0 |
| R Adams |
4 | 3 | 12* | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15.0 |
| P Board |
5 | 2 | 14* | 35 | 0 | 0 | 11.67 |
| A Russell |
5 |
0 | 19 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 6.60 |
| D Temple |
5 | 0 | 13 |
29 | 0 | 0 | 5.80 |
Bowling
| O | M |
R | BB |
W | 5W | Eco | Ave | |
| G Hornby |
54.4 | 3 | 196 | 6-48 | 20 | 1 | 3.63 | 9.80 |
| N Lewis |
25.4 | 8 | 83 | 2-13 | 6 | 0 | 3.27 | 13.83 |
| B Filby |
84.3 |
14 | 263 | 5-24 | 19 | 2 | 3.12 | 13.84 |
| M Hole |
108.5 | 23 | 378 | 6-51 | 24 | 2 | 3.48 | 15.75 |
| J Wallis |
16.1 | 2 | 79 | 3-6 | 5 | 0 | 4.91 |
15.80 |
| S Owen |
69 | 11 | 267 | 4-41 | 16 | 0 | 3.87 | 16.69 |
| N Chapman |
33.5 | 3 | 161 | 3-31 | 5 | 0 | 4.81 | 32.20 |
| R Adams |
148.3 | 38 | 515 | 4-55 | 14 | 0 | 3.47 | 36.79 |
Partnerships