Lynchmere v Lavant – Sat 23rd Apr

For the benefit of those not there, we batted first on a pretty dead pitch although with some unpredictable bounce! Against accurate but pretty unexciting bowling, scoring was hard but some excellent disciplined batting all round got us to 166/9 at the end of our time. Lynchmere never really tried to chase the total but despite a really good bowling effort we couldn’t wheedle them out and they ended up at 120/5. A frustrating draw but a moral victory, for what that’s worth. The most encouraging thing was good all round performances from the whole team.

Lavant v Chidham & Hambrook – Sun 1st May

Threat of rain meant curtailed game. Jamie, Steve and Dave lead the way with the bat, each retiring at 50 to take us to 193 for 2 in our 30 overs. Then sensational bowling from Jamie (4-10), Miles (4-12) and Mark H and a match-winning wicket from Dan took them to 79 all out for a 114 run victory with 6 overs to spare. In addition Miles made a direct hit on the stumps from about 30 metres, side on, for what is likely to be the run out of the season!

Lavant v Westbourne – Sun 8th May

Lavant performed well in the field seeing Westbourne out for 132 (Jamie 3/36). Our performance was less effective, despite stoic defense eventually losing by 80 runs, or so; the champagne moments shared by Alex and Dan for their catching efforts.

Bosham v Lavant – Wed 11th May [Midweek game]

Bosham batted first and set 132 for Lavant to chase down. Excellent, (tight) bowling from all – special mention to Mark for a great spell removing their big hitting openers. Lavant confidently took on the chase, starting fast and maintaining 7+ runs/over throughout the innings to win with 9 balls to spare. Special mention to Steve for his sensational 25* knock. A glorious win in the evening sun followed by victory beers.

Ashling v Lavant – Wed 18th May [Midweek game]

The Midweek Warriors march on, another win, another excellent cricketing display from all. This week, to mix it up a bit, we elected to bat first. We put on 147 with great knocks all the way down the order. 4 retirees (25*) – Jamie, Tom, Steve (yet to lose his wicket in the shortened format of the game) and Chris. We then skittled them for 106. With Tom taking a superb 4 wickets, recovering from an expensive first 5 balls for 18. Jamie taking 3 “for 10 runs”, (as he was keen to remind us after the 3rd beer) and Ian taking 2. Their tail wagged, but some shrewd captaincy put paid to that and it was off to the Richmond Arms for more victory ales. Highlights: Rob (Robbo/Rocco!) smashing his first ball which was the last ball of the innings, for 4. Tom trying a reverse sweep to impress his parents. Phil taking an excellent legside wicket keepers catch.

Lavant v Elsted – Sun 29th May

Lavant welcomed Elstead, a mixed side of youth and experience. Having won the toss Lavant chose to bat. Openers Harry and Jamie put on 54 before the mid order wickets started to fall. Fortunately, the innings was stabilised by an partnership between Miles (30) and Dan, ably supported by John (21), ending on 154. Taking to the field, Lavant’s catching proved effective at supporting fine bowling by Jamie (3-35) and Tom (3-15) swing Elstead out some 25 runs short. The champagne moment was awarded to Sam for his excellent catch deep in the field, almost face planting to hold the ball just above the ground.

West Meon v Lavant – Sun 12th Jun

Lavant fell short against a resolute West Meon; regretfully our batting (97/10) struggled to make sufficient runs (Jamie – 49) leaving our bowlers with too few runs to defend; however, there was some solid bowling and fielding on show to aware respectability to our performance, notably Jamie (3) supported by Alex (1) and Chris (1); eventually West Meon made over our runs with 5 wickets remaining.

West Ashling v Lavant – Sun 26th Jun

Lavant bowled West Ashling CC out for 108 in 32 of a 35 limited overs game, making the required winning runs with 3 wickets in hand. From the start, Lavant’s bowlers were relentless in pursuit of wickets, ably supported by fine catching in the field (Rob/Rocco) amazed all once more with a fine catch at square) of the Lavant bowling attack, Alex took 3/27, well supported by Tom, Chris, Jamie and John, rolling back the years with seven overs for 2 wickets. Lavant’s batting was solid from the off – Harry (24), Chris (35) and Steve (22), collectively comfortable making the required runs to win, finishing with a fine six from John on his first ball.

Lavant v Chidham – Wed 29th Jun [Midweek game]

The winning bubble has burst. Chidham’s total of 145 was 25 runs too many for Lavant. A valiant chase but sadly the mountain was too steep.

Ebernoe v Lavant – Sat 2nd Jul

Lavant won the toss and chose to bat, scoring 165 in 35 limited overs, thanks largely to Ben (24), Lee (22), Steve (67) and Mark S (22), the latter pair enjoying a 51 run partnership. Taking the field, once again the bowlers were resolute in keeping Ebernoe in check – Alex began making inroads into the Ebernoe wickets (22/2), John contained their batting and took a crucial match turning wicket of the left handed skipper (1/26), well supported by Steve (21/2) and Phil (15/2) – (yes really!). I have to mention some fine committed catching by Ben, the 2nd holding a big six attempt deep in the field.

Lavant v Shirrell Heath – Sat 10th Jul

On bright hot sunny day Lavant welcomed Shirrell Heath to the village field of dreams. Skipper for the day (and only for the day) Lee Russell won the toss and elected to bat in a 35 over game. Opening with a mixture of youth and experience Jamie Howick and Chris Elliott tried to attack the Heath opening bowler’s. Youth perished first, Elliott (13) not able to stay with the impressive Howick. They followed a fair list of batsman who came and went, none able to match the dominant opener. Until he was joined by the youngest player of the day Elijah (17). Following a change of gloves and lots of liquid the inevitable was reached (102*), at which point taking the applause of everyone at the ground he put his bat under his arm and walked off. Then the better Russell, Samuel (15) helped bring the final score to a slightly under par 180. Lavant’s opening bowler’s looked to have the measure of the Heath batsman. With Steve King taking a wicket in his first over. However, it proved a tough day for Lavant with only Elliott (3-16) making a real impact. And although 6 wickets were taken, Heath reached the winning total in the 26th over. The post match chat and drinks were enjoyed by everyone who stayed behind at the ground. Special mention to Mark Hamilton who in the spirit of the game agreed to play for the opposition to make the sides even. MOM – Jamie Howick. MOMENT – Samuel Russell catch.

Lavant v Bosham – Wed 13th Jul [Midweek game]

The Lavant vs Bosham T20 game went right the wire. Bosham batted first and set Lavant 154 to win. The wickets were shared around all the bowlers. Lavant ended up requiring a 6 off the last ball to win the game, but that was unfortunately one hit too far. Iain and Steve made it to retirement. The Lavant team included three debutants to ensure we had 11 players, so special thanks them (Tobie, Iain and Justin), and let’s hope they become part of the club going forward. We are also incredibly grateful to Mark Sullivan who played for the opposition to level up the teams. Tom Cole excelled in batting, bowling, captaincy and banter. He is great and very modest.

Lavant v Linchmere – Sat 13th Aug

On perhaps the hottest afternoon of the season with spitfires overhead Lavant welcomed Linchmere to the home of village cricket. Winning the toss Linchmere was ‘invited’ to take the ball for a timid match. The Lavant attack started solidly with a 57 partnership between Harry and Jamie, the latter bowled on 19. Making his debut for the weekend team, Justin took to the crease and soon continued where the first pair had left off. Harry eventually bowled on an excellent 65, only to be surpassed by Justin eventually not out (103) also well supported by Steve (42) finishing on a final total of 243/2; it was fitting there should be a spitfire flypast as Justin left the field to appropriate applause. Revived by the excellent tea (!) Lavant took the field looking for early wickets. Alex and Jamie broke through but one Linchmere opener remained steadfast, eventually bowled on 103; eventually the Lavant bowling attack started to gain leverage with a flurry of late wickets, in part thanks to Lee and some sharp wicket keeping, the match thrillingly coming down to the last over (and ball) to remove the final 10th wicket. So it was that Linchmere resisted, ending in a competitive draw. The pick of the Lavant bowlers: Alex 1/37 (6), Jamie 5/30 (13), Phil 3/32 (6); many thanks to all for your efforts in making the match competitive and in the right spirit of village cricket. Also thanks to Sheila for her scoring and Derek, superfan!

Clanfield v Lavant – Sun 21st Aug

70 over match. 69 overs of foreplay. Runs were scored, wickets fell. Basic cricket. And then at “le moment critique” the captain turned to Rob to deliver the final over; game in the balance and the tension palpable. His first competitive bowl for Lavant. The nerves showed with a couple of early looseners, just getting a feel for the bounce of the wicket (on the 15th bounce), then that magic arm started clicking. They were bobbing, weaving, dipping – a game of chess between batsman and bowler….until that stunning final ball of the match. With batsman no more than a couple of feet outside his crease, the ball dipped sharply and shot out of the rough. The batsman had nothing to offer as the ball slammed into his back pad and gave their umpire no choice but to begrudgingly raise his finger. What a climax to an epic game. Lavant Victorious. (Haters may say the game had already been won, with Clanfield needing 76 from the final over, but it’s never over until that last ball is bowled). Congrats Rob, finally in the bowling section of the scorebook. 1 over 1 wicket. And well done to the others who contributed in the proceeding 69 overs.

Arundel v Lavant – Sun 28th Aug

Lavant travelled to the prestigious Castle ground to play Arundel in a 35 over match. Put into bat, our opening partners put on a solid 82, ending when Harry (22) was replaced by John (36) who continued in good form until Jamie (56) was removed when caught behind; runs continued to be added eventually finishing with a respectful 175/8; taking to the field, Arundel lost early wickets until their 4th man put on 76, eventually being removed by our newest recruit Phil, taking his first wicket on his debut performance; our bowlers strived to contain Arundel, who continued to work towards our total, eventually achieving the required runs for victory with a few overs to spare. Thanks to all for continuing to make Lavant competitive opposition. Special mention also goes to Sam Russell who impressed with the ball and his youthful efforts in the field.

Lavant v DACD – Sat 10th Sep

Lavant welcomed DACD to the home of village cricket for a 35 over match. Thanks to Robin and Pete for their work preparing the Lavant track, a tad damp from the preceding week’s rain. The skipper won the toss and trusting in the teams batting strength, invited DACD to the field. Jamie (80) held steadfast almost throughout our innings, offering coaching and tactical advise to an array of partners joining at the crease who would hit boundaries then make way for the next batsman, eventually Lavant ending with a respectful 164/10. Following an excellent tea (thanks Justin!) Lavant took to the field beginning with debutant Tam (3/10) followed by Justin ‘exocet’ Murray (4/3) wrecking havoc within the opponents line up, ably supported by Iain’s solid wicket keeping and within the field holding offered catches, including a memorable one hander by the ever youthful John. DACD were eventually seen off as all out for 47 within 16 overs. My thanks to all for contributing to our best win of the season and our great team spirit as per usual. Lavant’s season now stands at 9 wins, 8 losses and 2 draws, with 2 remaining fixtures. Help Lavant finish in credit this season!

Lavant v West Ashling – Sun 18th Sep

A short summary from Justin: –

“The fielding was really good today…high standards set by Rob (Robbo) who was faultless throughout. Congrats John on a first ever 50. The cherry on a mighty fine cake in what was a lovely tea. Thanks for the game everyone!”.

Lavant recorded a 10th win of the season and a 3 – 0 Ashling whitewash. Batting first, Lavant’s openers started brightly then removed by outstanding catches, Tom on the boundary, Tam by a gravity defying effort by Ashling debutant Dave Burford! Justin applied pressure to the Ashling bowlers, well supported by John (50) eventually accounting for 75% of our runs between them! Justin retired (102) & m.o.m John, scoring his first 50 of the season. After a great tea (thanks Alex) the bowlers got started with Tom and Tam taking early wickets, flowed by Mark taking 3; special mention is required of John’s slip catch. Ashling were eventually all out for 127 (tbc!) Thanks again for another good win.

Singleton v Lavant – Sun 25th Sep

The team turned up and looked tired and ragged propped up by the fit and athletic looking Justin. Bowling: Justin bowled amazingly well, let down by the lack of fielders set for the clear leg side trap or long hop outside off stump strategy he was employing. Fortunately his assist for Harry’s average run out was world class and his catch spectacular. The batters gave their wickets away in fear of a return spell by ‘Exocet’ Murray. Batting: 4/10 The travelling fans commented on the refund process as they were disappointed not to see Justin bat once more. It was commented that Wisden may record him as the ‘best number 10 ever’. The other batters looked alright. Singleton commented after they knew they had lost when Justin turned up like the ghost of Christmas past. Afterwards, I’m sure it was heard from the Lavant team that they all thought Justin was the ‘anchor’ of the team….lol!!

A follow up on the match commentated by Justin: –

“A local derby for the ages. Lavant went into this fixture with their season winning record in tact but pride to play for. A youthful, athletic side graced the field and the team looked formidable on paper. Lavant took to the field and what an opening 20 overs. Tom set the tone with miserly figures supported by a battery of bowlers with wicket taking threat. Alex providing potency with a sustained fast spell and Chris finding a good length to ensure the batters could go nowhere. This was supported by the most impressive fielding performance ever witnessed by many athleticism, commitment and skill continued to restrict Singleton to 30-5. The defining moment being a superb effort by Harry to run out the number 4 batsmen with a direct hit. This was all ably supported by some impressive wicket keeping by Iain who provides an elevated sense of threat to opposition batters. The team atmosphere was buzzing and the game was effectively won. However, Lavant are no one dimensional outfit. On came the array of mystery bowlers….Mark and Dan bowling threatening deliveries and John and Phil delivering as only experience can. Jamie came on (smiling and happy) to bolster his average and mop up the tail. Set 125 to win the target seemed inevitable with a powerhouse batting line up boasting a huge volume of runs. Harry and Alex looked every bit the classical batters in facing the opening bowlers both getting to double figures before surprisingly getting out. Iain and Dan upped the impetus with some dashing shots. Cavalier Dan raising a murmur from the watching crowd for his swashbuckling style. It was left to Tom to secure victory with a mix of deft shots and emphatic hitting. A special mention to Chris for taking us over the line with a classic Lavant cover drive (over mid wicket). Afterwards, the sense of happiness in each other’s achievements was palpable and indicative of an excellent team ethos. All through the end of a successful season, it feels like the start of something special”.