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Team	Sat 2nd XI	Date	Sat 8th June 2008
Opponents	Woking & Horsell	Venue	Away
Toss Won By	Woking & Horsell	Result	Won
Man of Match	Joe Latham	Report Author	Simon Burge

Match Report

Chessy secure 1^st win as Latham's swing too much for Woking to handle!

Game 5 and Chessy were on the road once again for their final game in a 3 match road trip before one home game and then another 3 match road trip!  The science of setting fixtures for the year ahead bewilders every year!!! 

As is becoming the norm (!!) we lost the toss but interestingly were not asked to have a bat, instead invited to have a bowl. Maybe our luck was beginning to change and with a good performance here we had a real opportunity to secure our first 13 pts of the campaign.

With assumptions being made about Woking & Horsells (W&H) decision to bat first (did the wicket deteriorate drastically after tea? Lose its bounce? Have they got a team full of spinners and want an old ball?) Chessy took to the field keen to concentrate on the task in hand – 13 big ones!

Conditions were good with a fair breeze running across the pitch and the track looked surprisingly good after the wet weather we had seen in the previous week.

Latham and Angliss took the new ball and after Latham's first ball of the game it was clear the track would play true but would be a very slow low one so front foot shots with a straight bat were going to be required. Latham found his stride from the off and with an excellent line and length and more swing than normal for him the Woking & Horsell batsmen were not only struggling to score runs but struggling to stay at the crease.

With the bounce a problem Tyson decided to stand up to both bowlers and while Angliss struggled with his line with this aggressive approach, Latham prospered as now the batsmen were struggling to get to the pitch of the swinging ball. It wasn't long before we had a double breakthrough as Latham clean bowled both openers 'through the gate' and at 15 - 2 and chances coming every over we were up for it!

Angliss was replaced by Wisden after his 4th over as he struggled to find his line and at from this point W&H were in trouble as both Latham and Wisden complimented each other nicely with a mixture of tight 'no opportunity to score at the stump bowling' and some 'late swing bowling' that W&H struggled to deal with.

It really was a testament to the old cliché that you get success by bowling well in pairs as the pressure on the W&H batsmen was relentless. It’s hoped that this lesson is learnt by all the bowlers as we continue with our promotion push this season!

Wisden opened his account at 33 - 3 as he had the number 4 trapped bang in front for 1 and when he went onto pick up his 2nd wicket (Hoo's gets an assist on this one for his incessant chatter to the patient left-hand No. 3) caught by Watson off a miss timed and ill advised drive we had ripped through the top order and it didn't look like they had too much to come!

Wickets fell at very regular intervals thereafter and it was only W&H's skipper who showed any real fight against some excellent bowling and very aggressive attacking field settings which were facilitating chances almost every over.

The next cluster of wickets fell with the score on 66 when 4 more wickets fell before the oppo could reach 70! Latham, with the killer instinct picking up 3 and Wisden 1 as W&H moved to 69 for 8!

With W&H's skipper looking strong we manipulated the strike to make sure we bowled at the tail enders and other than conceding a couple 4's, that were to be expected as he was forced to open up his shoulders, the writing was on the wall as the bowling continued to dominate. Wisden eventually picked up the final wicket as W&H's last 5 batsmen were all dismissed for 0!

An excellent effort from all including some sharp fielding, intelligent keeping and superb sustained bowling meant that we were in with a cracking chance of securing 13pts if we pushed ourselves onto the front foot and batted in partnerships!

Latham was the pick of the bowlers (16 - 4 - 32 - 6) but was ably supported by Wisden who rolled back the years (11.3 - 3 - 17 - 4) as they both provided match winning performances with the ball.

With a target of 85 and clear instruction to all the batters of how to go about securing our first win (including Keeny's request to get the job done in time for the Derby!), a solid start was key. Tyson was promoted to open the innings along with Brady due to his recent form and his hunger to score 'big' runs and get the job done - exactly what the skipper was after. Both players went about the chase in a sensible and patient manner making sure to capitalise on anything over pitched or wide knowing decent bowling would be tough to score from.

After some confident strokes and clear determination both players managed to steer the score up to 30 then 40 then 50 and it was clear any chance W&H might have had to get anything out of the game quickly evaporated. The intent and desire was there for all to see as we moved onto 81 without loss, until Brady was unfortunate enough to be given out LBW to a solitary ‘spoken’ appeal from the bowler as he looked to have got a long way forward.

As tea was approaching prior to the fall of the first wicket the skipper had thought it prudent to invite Joe Best to get his gear on for 'tea watchman' responsibilities and although he was ready to go into bat, waiting patiently in full gear, the original batting line up remained as his ‘tea watchman’ opportunity was passed over!

It was disappointing to lose a wicket so close the finishing line but Brady had done what he had to do very well. Hoo's (on a hiding to nothing in this situation) came and went for 0 trying to straight drive the winning runs down the ground and was caught and bowled and fittingly it was left to Tyson to see us home with an impressive 35 not out.

All in all a deserved first win for the team who haven't seen much luck this year so far and as we take on top of the league Purley next Sat (who are unbeaten with four wins and WD) it will once again take a combined performance with both bat and ball to secure win number 2! Roll on next week!

Team	Saturday 2nd XI	Date	31st May 2008
Opponents	Ashtead	Venue	Away
Toss Won By	Ashtead	Result	Losing Draw
Men of Match	Brillo / Kev	Report Author	Alex Yarnley

Match Report

Chessington fight back to Earn thrilling draw

Chessington 2’s were again on the road, this week at Ashtead. Still looking to kick start their season with a first win. The day didn’t start well as disaster struck Brillo, not only did he have to stink out the changing room when nature called, but was then informed that Ashtead had no loo paper!! This was compounded when Burgey lost the toss and Brillo needed to get his pads on to bat! Luckily salvation came in the form of wet wipes and things were cleared up (literally!).

The pitch was damp and soft (no pun intended), no thanks to the poor weather all week, but overall it looked a decent track and Chessington wanted 220 on the board.

The innings started very positively, as Burgey set the tone from ball one with an expansive cover drive (except he forgot to hit it!) and the scoring was soon flowing from both bowlers as Burgey took the attack to them, at the other end Brillo was rather more sedate. With the score on 36 Burgey top edged a hook and was out for a quick fire 24, in came Wally and the scoring was more steady at around 3 an over. Picking up the odd runs here and there the score moved passed 50 and things were looking good, Wally looking set on 20 had a rush of blood and top edged a drive down to a well positioned 3^rd man with the score 77-2.

Hoos joined Brillo and Chessington saw its biggest partnership of the innings (63). With the spinners coming on and finding big turn, Brillo was fortunate enough to have the leggie bowling to him with a very short leg side boundary. Runs came flowing from one end but the left handed slowie Ferret kept very tight lines and caused one or two problems for both batsmen. Brillo passed his fifty in the 28^th over and was out not long after, edging behind for a well crafted 65.

After this dismissal the innings fell away a bit, while Hoos kept his end up, scoring became difficult and wickets tumbled in regular intervals. Chessington managed to get to 206-9 with Hoos unbeaten on 39 after their 55 overs ended.

The pitch was still offering enough to the bowlers even if it had dried out a little and Chessington were confident of a result and were soon in the wickets. Kev Dillon produced a lively opening spell that resulted in 2 wickets, putting it in good areas he forced the batsmen into errors and was rewarded for his efforts. Joe Latham at the other end was also causing the batsmen troubles. With Ashtead just losing their second wicket for 23, in walked Ashteads most experienced batsmen or at least that’s what he kept saying. ‘Now we’ve got some experience at the crease, don’t you worry!’ Only to be bowled first ball! Classic!

After the initial success, Ashtead fought back with some lusty blows, keeping the run rate at a healthy 4 an over. Their opener Neil-Hall brought up his fifty with some well timed shots. His batting partner was less attacking but offered able resistance and the game looked to be slipping away with Ashford 120-3.

With 20 overs to go Ashtead needed less than 100 with 7 wickets in hand and two well set batsmen at the crease.

Chessington looked to be heading for a loss until Joe Best answered the call of his captain and got rid of the dangerous Neil-Hall caught for 70 as he top edged a full bunger and Chessington were in with a sniff.

Burgey tried different options for another breakthrough, but Ashtead’s Pickering picked up where Neil-Hall had left off and starting opening his shoulders.

On came Kev Dillion for his second spell and Burgey with some off breaks for further variety. This double change seemed to be the turning point in the game, as the fading light made it very difficult to face Kev and Burgey used flight well to put a strangle hold on the scoring. Wickets started to fall as the search for runs meant the batsmen started to take risks. It was all boiling down to be very close indeed.

So it proved to be as going into the last over Ashtead needed 7 runs to win and Chessington needed 1 wicket.

With Kev bowling at the stumps Chessington were confident and mid on and mid off were up giving Ashteads number 11 the chance to be a hero or villain. Ashtead hung on in with some no risk cricket and got to 205-9. All this meant a winning draw for Ashtead and only 1 point for Chessington.

A great game of cricket ultimately ended in a disappointing 1 point for Chessington but the fight back certainly gave the side some momentum to go into next weeks game away to Woking and Horsell where the 2’s will still be looking for that elusive first win!

Team	Sat 2nd XI	Date	Sat 24th May 2008
Opponents	Chertsey	Venue	Away
Toss Won By	Chertsey	Result	Lost
Man of Match	Mark Walter	Report Author	Simon Burge

Match Report

Game 3 and Chessy were on the road once again travelling to Chertsey who had yet to pick up a single point in their efforts so far and hopes were high that we could produce our first win of the season.

After leaving the club late due to tardiness from one or two and terrible traffic on both the M25 and back roads to Chertsey our preparation was hindered as the side had to 'turn up and play'. This wasn't helped as we went onto lose the toss and were asked to have a bat with clouds in the sky and the possibility of a swinging ball to content with.

With Peplow rightly promoted to the ones on recent form Burge and Brady opened up and set about seeing off the new ball from Chertsey's two young openers who were both bowling tidy spells. Burge (23) was the first to go at 25 – 1 after 10 over's as he tried to push things on and was soon followed by Brady (5) with the score at 32 – 2 and a decent partnership required in line with last week's failings. 

Hoo's and Mark Walter stepped up to what was required and went onto put on 100 for the 3^rd wicket with a mixture of elegant shots through the infield on the deck and some aggressive running picking up quick one's and two's where they could. The partnership was to put us in a good position come the end of the innings and when Hoo's was bowled for 46 trying to work one through midwicket 134 – 3 was an excellent recovery and Wally was still looking strong.

Tyse joined Wally and proceeded to play himself in with some cautious batting as Wally continued to dominate the Chertsey bowlers. Highlight being one over that went for 21 including two big sixes straight back over the bowlers head. With wickets in hand Chessy were now looking to get an early declaration in and give Chertsey the task of having to go for the win or settle for a mere losing draw.

As tiredness set in and the nervous nineties played there part our scoring rate dropped slightly and it led to the most of unfortunate run outs as Wally on 99 was run out as he tried to work one to square leg with only 2 overs to go and we lost our 4^th wicket for 213 in the 48^th over. A magnificent knock with shots all round the wicket and timely acceleration from Wally had put us in a great position and with a couple more blows from Tyse and one more wicket (Cook) falling in a sacrificial manner we ended on 220 – 5 declared from 49.5 overs.

The stage was set for our first 13pts of the year and with the winning draw not an option for Chertsey Chessy were comfortable that with a good solid start and Chertsey having to chase the game that chances would come our way.

Qureshi and Al Stewart opened up and from the off Chertsey made their intentions clear with some risky flashing shots that were penetrating the infield with regularity.

After some re-jigging of the field and correction of lengths the Chessy opening attack struggled to get any joy and it was left to 1^st change Dillon to take the first wicket in the 13^th over when he bowled the Chertsey opener for a brisk 37 with the score at 71 – 1. Not the start that we needed and one that was always going to be a big ask to try and pull things back as Chertsey were set to get 51 overs back from us.

As we set about taking wickets Latham was brought into the attack and had some immediate success snaring the other opener for 22 to take the score 71 – 2. Game on perhaps?

Dillon and Latham then went onto put on a decent spell together but runs were always coming and at no time did we really have Chertsey 'on the ropes'. A couple of decent and patient partnerships of 30 and 40 took Chertsey onto 140 for 4 wickets and with a quick outfield and too many 4 balls there was never a period where we managed to build the pressure sufficiently that would lead to rash shots to create chances.

As the bowlers were rotated to try to find wickets from somewhere more runs were conceded and at 182 – 6 as much as we didn't give in it was clear that unless we bowled Chertsey out, something we hadn't looked like doing all season, we would struggle to stop the flow of runs.

With overs in hand and Chertsey pacing their innings very well Qureshi and Dillon were given the task of trying to squeeze a couple more wickets out which would make for a good finish but alas some steady batting from Chertsey meant that they reached there target of 221 in the 49^th over to take 13pts.

Pick of the batters was undoubtedly Walter with a super 99. Pick of the bowlers was Latham on his return to the 2's with 14 overs 4 maidens going for 37 runs and picking up 3 wickets (going for only 2.6 per over) and more of this patient disciplined bowling will be needed as we go into our next match with high flying Ashtead for the last of our 3 match 'on the road' away game trip!

Team	Saturday 2nd XI	Date	17th May 2008
Opponents	Chipstead Couls Wal	Venue	Home
Toss Won By	Chessington	Result	Lost
Man of Match	N/A	Report Author	Simon Burge

Match Report

Game 2 and CCC saw Chipstead Coulsdon and Walcountians visit on a day where 13 pts was the top priority after a decent display the previous week led to only 4 pts.

After a bit of re-shuffling to accommodate Hoos and Tyse from the first team and the return of Qureshi from his winter hibernation the side looked positively strong as we went into this one. Chipstead proceeded to win the toss and elected to put CCC in on what was again a decent looking track even if the weather above did look a tad ominous!

Chessy set about things pretty well moving onto 37 before the first wicket fell and Peplow continued from where he left off last week with some classic strokes. Brady and Cook were the first to go before Peplow was bowled by first change Orr who was looking set to have a good day with some steady line and length bowling that was getting results.

The batting story from 70 – 2 was all about people getting in and then getting out with partnerships beginning to form until they were cut short in a mixture of some decent bowling and some poor early season shot selection. Chessy proceeded to put on approx 15 to 20 for each wicket that fell thereafter which always kept Chipstead alive and very much in the game. Eventually we were bowled out after 51.4 overs for only 182 which was 40 short of a decent total. Only Peplow (43) and Tyson (32) added any real resistance to some bowling which was good but not spectacular.

A big effort was required from the bowlers if we were going to get anything from this game based on previous knowledge of how the track was playing. A strong start was a must.

Qureshi and Al Stewart were given the responsibility with the new ball and Qureshi in particular managed to beat the bat on a few occasions without finding the edge and certainly kept the openers on their toes but alas Chipstead moved onto 68 before the fall of the first wicket to 2^nd change Walter and a firm platform was established. From this position opener and keeper Bristow rode his luck and played to his strengths as he moved through the 30/40’s at which point there was a very close stumping decision that went against us which ultimately (as it turned out) was to prove a costly decision as Bristow moved on without too many problems to put Chipstead in command.

Qureshi eventually had some luck with number 3 nicking behind to Peplow and the score stood at 99 – 2. A run of wickets at this stage was the only way Chessy would get back into the game and unfortunately although Walter and Angliss bowled some tidy stuff the penetration was lacking and Chipstead moved onto 165 for the 3^rd wicket when some smart work from Burge presented Peplow with an easy run out as Chipstead chanced a quick single.

The last wicket Chessy were to get came from Dillon who had toiled at both ends to no real success as he had opener Bristow caught by Brady for a match winning 86 as Chipstead stood at 181 for 4 from 46 overs.

The winning runs eventually came in the 48^th over but the result was never really in doubt as Chipstead had built some strong partnerships throughout their innings which is something Chessy need to start doing for greater periods if this season is going to hold anything other than mid table mediocracy.

Final thoughts – Partnerships are the key to work on for next week. Both batting to achieve batting partnerships of 50+ for each wicket and bowling partnerships to work in tandem to build pressure at both ends at the same time that will lead to wickets through patience.

Thanks to Jeff Keene for his excellent umpiring as always and Brian Whittle for ground preparation and extra duties!

Team	Saturday 2nd XI	Date	10th May 2008
Opponents	Camberley	Venue	Home
Toss Won By	Chessington	Result	Winning Draw
Man of Match	S Peplow	Report Author	Simon Burge

Match Report

The 2008 season was finally upon us and after a couple of false starts in the previous two weeks that were rain affected it was, for most of the Sat 2^nd XI, the first run out of the season.

Having won the toss Chessy invited Camberley to have a bat and in turn had to ensure the heat of the hottest day of the year so far in return. Angliss and Al Stewart took the new ball and set about things in a very tidy fashion. Stewart was particularly efficient with a great line and length conceding only 22 runs in 12 overs.

The first breakthrough came with the score on 24 from 1^st change A Robson with a tidy catch behind by Peplow to Robbo’s signature away swinger. A run out soon followed with some sharp work from Rich Cook leaving the door very open at 34 – 2. At this stage however it was some very patient and workmanlike batting from Camberley that saw the score move to 80 before Peplow claimed his second victim behind this time from one that nipped away from Best.

Chessy then struggled to make further inroads on what had turned out to be a cracking track for this early in the season and Camberley moved on to 168 before the fall of the next wicket (which was going to be the final one Chessy would take) without too many problems. The run rate had been kept down due to some tight lines from Robson/Walter A and Stewart but penetration was lacking and some disciplined batting meant Camberley were always going to have wickets in hand as the end of the innings approached.

As Camberley tried to push on in the last 10 overs Chessy excelled, clicking into 1 day mode with both bowlers and fielders all understanding the role that had to play to keep the oppo score around the 200 mark. Angliss’ 2^nd spell worthy of mention as he regularly found the block hole meaning a field was very easy to set for him. Camberley ended their innings after 53.5 overs on a total of 205 which was 30 short of where they should have got to with the wickets they had in hand.

Although Chessy were only going to get back 47 overs the opportunity of getting what the skipper had asked for before the game, namely13pts, was definitely on as the track had played well and due to the excellent finish we had the momentum.

A Yarnely and Peplow opened up and proceeded to play shots from the off and it was clear as long as you went forward you could have confidence with the wicket. A Yarnley was the first to go being bowled by a straight one with the score at 12 and then Cook soon followed trying to pull one that kept low. Brady and Peplow then managed to steady the ship with some solid batting and took the score to 46 before Brady was bowled for a patient 16.

At 46 – 3 things were in the balance and Chessy needed a decent partnership that kept up with the required run rate to keep their hopes of a victory alive. Peplow and Burge proceeded to put on 90 for the next wicket with both players finding runs easy to come by with some sensible attacking cricket mixing boundaries with 1’s and 2’s (even some 3’s!!) that soon saw the Camberley heads go down as both players looked comfortable against the Camberley attack. Peplow in particular was in sublime form for someone that hadn’t picked up a bat since the end of the 2007 season!

Burge eventually departed for 33 being caught at mid off and Chessy still had a bit to do. Conlon came and went quickly holing out to long on for 2 and Camberley, with overs running out and wickets falling, were now beginning to think they had a chance again. Robson and Peplow then put together a good stand of 30 as the run rate had to be picked up until a tiring Peplow was bowled by the Camberley off spinner trying to sweep for an excellent 88. Chessy at 172 for 6 with 5 overs left were now up against it with new batters at the crease but with Robson and now Walter A in 13pts was still on.

As Chessy pushed on for the win it was inevitable that wickets would fall as risks were taken and Robbo was next out caught trying to go over the top with the score at 180 – 7. A Stewart was the next to go trying to force it and as Chessy had reached the winning draw of 186 the chase was called off with Lordy and Besty left to see off the last over with only “Bugs Bunny” Angliss left in the hutch. Final score 190 – 8 from 47 overs.

Overall a disappointing result with key wickets being lost at key times when a win very much on the cards but there was certainly plenty to take from the spirited bowling and fielding display and batting from Peplow and hopefully a few lessons will be learned as we look to put some wins together to make promotion hopes a real possibility.

Thanks to Jeff Keene for his excellent umpiring as always and Brian Whittle/Pete Walter for all their efforts in making the ground look excellent and play really well so early into the season.