2017 Season Match Reports

Lavant vs Ferring, 23rd September

Lavant made their worst start of the season, losing both openers without scoring any runs. Danny Berkley and Steve Brooker made amends and added 117 for the third wicket before Berkley was bowled for 81. Brooker was the next to fall for 33 when he spooned a catch up to mid on. The rest of the Lavant batsmen made low single figure scores apart from Dave Banks and Robin Burford who saw the innings through till tea with Lavant 156 all out. The pick of the Ferring bowlers was the off spin of Alex King with figures of 17-3-5-58. Ferring’s reply never got going with Lewis very unlucky to be run out backing up as the ball was deflected back onto the stumps. Ferring were soon 10 for 3. Sage and Shoulders steadied the innings adding 39 for the 4th wicket but after both of these batsmen were bowled Ferring’s run chase faded and the remining batsmen tried to bat out for a draw. Some fine off spin bowling from Danny Berkley, 6-1-3-21, and accurate medium pace from Steve Brooker, 4.1-2-3-6, saw Ferring collapse to 92 all out with four overs of their innings remaining. Lavant won by 64 runs, a result which seemed unlikely several hours previously when Lavant were struggling at 0-2 after 2.2 overs.

Lavant vs Ebernoe, 9th September

Torrential rain on the previous day meant the square and outfield at Ebernoe were sodden; both sides found it difficult to hit the ball off the square in these wet conditions. Lavant batted first in a 35 over game and they put on 48 for the first wicket. Sam Roe continuing his fine form from last week scored 61 with able support from Dave Burford and Steve Brooker. There was a brief interruption for rain during Lavant’s innings but the heavens opened on the stroke of tea as Lavant declared on 162 for 5. Reid was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 34 in the closing overs as Lavant increased their scoring rate. Ebernoe laid tarpaulins over the square and as the storm passed they were able to start their reply after tea. The first five overs were maidens as Ebernoe struggled to score any runs and after ten overs Ebernoe were 14 for 4 with extras top score on 11. Stemp scored 49 but wickets tumbled at the other end. Ebernoe were 8 wickets down when another rain squall passed over but the game continued in the rain and the final two wickets fell in the 26th over, Ebernoe were all out for 74 giving Lavant a win by 88 runs with more than nine overs to spare. Ian Rawnsley 6-3-3-3 and Alex Burford 7-2-2-22 were the opening bowlers who restricted the Ebernoe scoring rate and Dave Banks cleaned up the tail with figures of 5.2-3-4-3.

Lavant vs Arundel Grasshoppers, 2nd September

Arundel Castle’s cricket ground is, without doubt, the best venue Lavant has played at. The square and outfield were flat, fast and true all within lovely surroundings. Lavant lost the toss and were invited to bat first. Given their batting performance over the last few weeks, this was met with some trepidation but the opening pair of Peter Berkley and Graham Dale added 53 for the first wicket, with Berkley striking the ball hard all around the ground. Danny Berkley joined his brother and they continued in this aggressive mode until both were bowled by Glen Lovegrove. Lavant’s innings stuttered for a while until Sam Roe took control and hit an unbeaten 65 with able support from Dave Banks, Mark Sullivan and Alex Burford. Burford’s was the last wicket to fall on the stroke of tea and Lavant were all out for 214. This was a huge improvement in batting performance from previous weeks. Captain Steve Brooker set an imaginative field as Arundel Grasshoppers started their reply against the bowling of Burford and Ian Rawnsley; the batsmen found it hard to score runs. Arundel Grasshoppers were behind the run rate and wickets fell to the off spin of Berkley and leg spin of Sullivan as they tried to score quickly and they were soon 99 for 7. Lavant sensed they could win the game and crowded around the bat to add pressure to the batsmen who by this time had given up the run chase and were looking to bat out for a draw. Lavant took two more wickets but the final pair of Linton and Stapleton dug in and Arundel Grasshopper’s innings closed on 130 for 9, resulting in a drawn match. Berkley returned the best figures of 11-1-5-32 with support from Sullivan 7-0-2-25, Rawnsley 7-1-0-20 and Burford with a very economical 11-4-0-21.

Lavant vs Parham Park, 20th August

When “Extras” makes the highest contribution of 36 to the innings total, Lavant knows they’ve had another poor game with the bat. The score was made respectable by Becky Silk, a young visiting player who made an unbeaten 32 and Peter Burford added another 25 runs, however, the remaining Lavant batsmen didn’t reach double figures. Lavant struggled to reach 126 for 7 at tea against the pace of Trott who cleaned up two batsmen, returning figures of 9-2-2-17 and the accurate line and length from Huffer who ended with 9-4-2-10. Parham Park’s reply started swiftly and the result never seemed in doubt as Wales and Williams scored freely, the right and left hand batting combination disrupting the Lavant bowlers’ line and length. Rain swept across the square and the game was abandoned after waiting half an hour to see if the rain would clear with Parham Park cruising to victory on 49 without loss.

Lavant vs Lynchmere, 12th August

Lavant won the toss and invited Lynchmere to bat first. Batting proved to be difficult on a soggy pitch with a wet outfield. Lynchmere lost their first wicket to the first ball of their innings and with the ball hardly leaving the square Lynchmere opted for the aerial route to score runs, however, some fine catching by the Lavant fielders at deep mid on and mid off saw Lynchmere tumble to 39 for 7 with Ian Rawnsley causing most of the problems with a fine spell of 9-5-4-10. The fall of the seventh wicket brought the experienced Simon Cain who with Martin Brown and the injured Chic Charman, who batted with a runner, took the score to 89 all out at tea. Lavant mindful of their poor performance last week realised that the last wicket stand had doubled Lynchmere’s score. Lavant’s reply started poorly and quickly fell apart; all the batsmen struggled to score as Simon Cain produced an excellent bowling performance of 10-4-4-9. Only the ever reliable Steve Brooker reached double figures and he was left stranded on 15 not out as the wickets tumbled at the other end, with three of Lavant’s batsmen out for a duck. Lavant ended their innings on 54 all out, which was an even worse performance than the previous week.

Lavant vs All Stars, 6th August

Dave Banks was skipper for this match and chose to bat when he won the toss. Batting proved to be difficult on a soggy pitch and Lavant lost their first wicket in the second over. Two more wickets fell in the ninth over followed by a run out and Lavant were struggling at 21 for 4. Peter Burford and Steve Sands steadied the innings but they were out to shots played too early, looping up easy catches to the grateful All Star fielders. The bowlers quickly cleaned up the tail and Lavant were all out for 60, with three Lavant batsmen failing to trouble the scorers. A very early tea was taken and All Stars started their reply. Their first wicket fell to the second ball of their innings and unbelievably, All Stars were 12 for 6 in no time at all following an inspired bowling spell from Andy Nichols and Alex Burford. Lavant sniffed victory despite their low score. Nichols had to leave the field and this eased the pressure on the All Star batsmen as Anscombe scored 23 and Jackson an unbeaten 15. Two more wickets fell in the run chase but All Stars won the game on 61 for 8, despite four of their batsmen being out for a duck.

Lavant vs IBM (South Hants), 15th July

Lavant won the toss and elected to bat on a warm but overcast afternoon. Both of Lavant’s openers were bowled with balls that barely bounced and shot along the ground. This brought the two Berkley brothers, Danny and Peter, to the crease and they set about the IBM bowling hitting boundary after boundary into the trees around the pitch. Danny raced to his 50 and was eventually bowled for a fine 84. Peter continued the onslaught and reached his 50 before offering a return catch to Hicks who was the pick of the IBM bowlers. Peter Hall together with Alex and Robin Burford added more runs allowing Lavant to declare at 221 for 7 at tea. Both clubs were treated to a fabulous English Cream Tea on the patio of the New Hotel, courtesy of the new owner, the tea interval lasting nearly an hour as the scones, double cream, jam and smoked salmon sandwiches were enjoyed by everyone. IBM started their reply with some lusty blows from Tate but wickets tumbled at the other end thanks to some fine bowling from Alex Burford and Kieran Nash. Nash had figures of 4 for 23 in seven overs. IBM dug in with Hicks scoring a rapid 38 and despite Tate retiring hurt with a muscle strain the game ended in a draw with IBM ending on 138 for 8

Lavant vs Ebernoe, 8th July

Ebernoe won the toss and unsurprisingly chose to bat first on a hot summer’s afternoon at Lavant. Andy Nichols and Ian Rawnsley opened the bowling for Lavant and restricted the scoring rate of the Ebernoe opening pair. Rawnsley struck first taking 3 wickets in consecutive overs. Nin Williams replaced Nicholls and bowled six consecutive maidens ending his nine over spell with 3 wickets for 5 runs, surely one of the best set of bowling figures seen at Lavant this year. Ebernoe were reeling at 43 for 7 when Dave Banks, Mark Sullivan and Peter Hudson took over the attack. Haines added a quick 30 runs, however, Ebernoe were all out for 82 to the first ball of Steve Brooker’s spell when visiting player, Stuart Rawnsley from Lincolnshire, swooped one handed to take a catch in the covers. An early tea was taken and Lavant started their reply. The first wicket fell quickly but Lavant steadied their innings against some tight off spin bowling of Gibbs. There was plenty of time available so once the opening bowlers were replaced, Lavant’s run rate increased as Graham Dale and Steve Brooker began scoring more freely. Hugh Hudson and Brooker hit the winning runs and Lavant won by 7 wickets with more than 20 overs to spare.

Lavant vs East Meon, 18th June

On a glorious day in idyllic surroundings at East Meon, Lavant made a poor start to their innings. Rawnsley, Blanch and Brooker fell cheaply to leave the visitors languishing at 16 for 3. D Burford and Hall dug deep and rallied with a 50 partnership before Burford was dismissed by a smart one-handed catch at square leg. Banks joined the fray and provided a nice cameo contribution until he and Hall were both removed in quick succession. The tail collapsed in… the same manner as the top order. Hall’s 37 was the backbone of a sub-standard total – 110 all out.

In reply, East Meon lost one of their openers quickly to a straight Banks delivery. This brought the Atkinson brothers together. They took the game away from Lavant with an attacking approach. Rawnsley eventually dismissed J Atkinson just shy of a fine half-century then, soon after, had O Atkinson caught at mid-off before bowling their father first ball as he shouldered arms. Other late wickets from Sullivan and Brooker gave the visitors a modicum of dignity, though the hosts still emerged victorious with four wickets remaining.

Lavant vs Steep, 11th June

Lavant skipper Robin Burford chose to bat on a good looking track at Steep. A 98 run partnership between Steve Brooker & David Burford enabled Lavant to set a competitive total. Brooker struck 81 and Burford hit 40 before the innings closed at 171 for 8. Steep’s bowlers shared the wickets around with George Perry’s 2 for 14 the highlight.

Steep made a strong start in reply with Peter Woodward looking like he could win the match with his impressive… strokeplay. Mark Sullivan’s accurate legspin and Dave Banks’s nagging seam maintained control before Woodward was caught at slip off Sullivan for 56. With wickets in hand Steep looked to be the likely winners before Peter Hudson and Steve Brooker dismantled the middle order. Hudson’s 3 for 24 from 8 overs and Brooker’s 3 for 24 from 7 turned the game. Steep’s final pair required 15 from Hudson’s last over but they could only score 6 to give Lavant victory by 9 runs.

Lavant vs Old Barn, 4th June

Lavant’s skipper, Robin Burford, decided to ask his best batsman, Steve Brooker, to bat at 6 rather than 4 so he could open the bowling, this turned out to be an inspired decision. Lavant batted first and there was another good opening stand of 62 between Sam Roe and Graham Dale before Roe was caught for 25. Dave Carroll continued attacking Old Barn’s bowlers supported by Peter Burford. Phil Allen hit two huge sixes in a quick fire 22 allowing Lavant to declare at 179 for 9 at tea. Brooker and Alex Burford opened the bowling attack against Old Barn and Brooker took three quick wickets to leave Old Barn reeling at 26 for 4. Kieran Nash took another couple of wickets and Dave Banks cleaned up the last three wickets for no runs in 10 balls to leave Old Barn 57 all out giving Lavant their second win of the season by 122 runs with more than 15 overs of the match remaining.

Lavant vs Boxgrove, 27th May

The Lavant vs Boxgrove game is always a keenly contested derby match. Lavant batted first but couldn’t repeat the opening partnership of previous weeks and were soon 29 for 2. This brought Jim Blanch and Dave Burford together and they added an additional 70 runs for the third wicket until Burford was run out trying to sneak an additional run from an over throw. There was a mini collapse of a further two wickets without adding to the score until Ian Rawnsley and Peter Burford steadied the innings and Lavant declared on 148 for 6 at tea, possibly 30 runs short on this wicket. Ward and Casburn were the pick of the Boxgrove bowlers with two wickets apiece. Lavant started with a fine opening spell from Rawnsley and Alex Burford with Rawnsley dismissing both of Boxgrove’s opening batsmen. Nick Wakefield and Mark Hall rebuilt Boxgove’s innings until Dave Banks bowled Wakefield. Rawnsley returned to the attack to dismiss Hall which left the match finely balanced in the last few overs with all results possible. Banks held his nerve and Boxgrove were bowled out for 140 in the final over of the match to give Lavant their first win of the season, Rawnsley and Banks both taking four wickets each.

Lavant vs Angmering, 21st May

Lavant’s opposition for this Sunday couldn’t field a team and withdrew, fortunately Angmering offered Lavant an away game. Lavant won the toss and batted first on Angmering’s artificial strip. Lavant’s openers of Sam Roe and Graham Dale put on Lavant’s highest opening partnership of the season so far of 81 with Roe dispatching the bad balls to all parts of the ground. Steve Brooker couldn’t quite make it four half centuries in as many innings, being bowled for 44, as Lavant accelerated the run rate with Brooker and Dave Burford at the crease. The two Berkley brothers added a flurry of runs in the closing overs and Lavant declared on 196 for 4 at tea. Angmering started their reply aggressively but were soon pegged back as both openers were bowled by Danny Berkley and Dave Banks. Lavant dropped a catch from Ash Hilton before he scored which proved costly as Hilton carried his bat for a controlled 70 not out. Wickets fell around Hilton with Mark Sullivan having a fine bowling spell of 3 for 36 and taking a catch at deep mid off. Lavant gifted Angmering 33 runs in wides and no balls, Angmering’s second highest scorer, and consequently bowled an extra five and a half overs during Angmering’s run chase. Lavant couldn’t take the last few wickets and the game ended in a draw with Angmering closing on 168 for 6.

Lavant vs Hawkley, 6th May

Lavant played Hawkley in the beautiful setting of Hawkley’s cricket ground on a warm sunny afternoon. Hawkley won the toss and chose to bat first. Lavant’s opening bowlers Ian Rawnsley and Danny Berkley soon had Hawkley in trouble at 15 for 3. This brought Brown and opening batsmen Arron Stewart together and between them they took the game away from Lavant with powerful hitting all around the ground until Brown was bowled by Steve Brooker when the score was 171 for 4, a stand of 156 runs. Stewart increased the run rate until he was bowled by Sam Roe for 106 allowing Hawkley to declare at 236 for 7 at tea. Lavant’s reply started slowly and they were struggling at 22 for 3, the run out plague continuing from previous games this season. Steve Brooker continued his fine form scoring an unbeaten 75 as wickets fell at the other end. Hawkley switched their bowlers around but couldn’t take the last two wickets as Lavant scraped home for a draw ending on 145 for 8.

Lavant vs Lynchmere, 29th April

Lavant’s opening pair of Steve Sands and Graham Dale put on 79 for the first wicket. As usual in cricket, one wicket brings more and Lavant were soon 90 for 3. Lavant’s innings was steadied by the ever reliable Steve Brooker ably supported by Dave Banks, Andy Nicholls and debutant Sam Roe allowing Lavant to declare on 186 for 5 at tea. Lynchmere’s slow bowlers were the most effective with Pete Varnes having a very tidy spell of 12-0-1-49 and Erswell bowling an economical 9-3-3-28. Lynchmere’s reply got off to a shaky start with Alex Burford and Andy Nicholls working well together in tandem as Lavant’s opening bowlers and Lynchmere were quickly reduced to 31 for 4. Tom Cain and Bridgman started hitting the ball out of the ground but their task was too great and both fell to Kieran Nash as they chased down Lavant’s total. Two dropped catches late in the Lynchmere innings meant Lavant couldn’t bowl Lynchmere out and the game was drawn with Lynchmere finishing on 130 for 8.

Lavant vs Curdridge, 15th April

Lavant travelled to Curdridge and chose to bowl first on a good batting pitch in fine conditions. Ian Rawnsley bowled a tidy 4 overs taking 1 for 14 but Dave Taverner hit a fine 81 before falling to Steve Brooker who finished with 2 for 22. Andy Nicholls took 2 for 22 but Sian Edwards helped Curdridge to 177 for 7 from 35 overs at tea. Lavant struggled to score freely from Derek Candy’s opening spell but looked to be in the hunt for victory until David Burford (36 runs) and Steve Brooker (34 runs) fell in quick succession. John Edwards with 2 for 26 and Damian James with 3 for 15 took the game out of reach. Dave Banks scored a fluent, unbeaten 25 but Lavant finished short of the target by 37 runs.

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