Long Itchington Cricket Club

Played Sunday 10th May

After another pre-arranged team called off Henley-in-Arden stepped in as hosts to Itchington Sunday team. On a lovely day skipper ‘Tino’ lost the toss and his team were put in to bat first on a seemingly good wicket.

Openers Buchholz & Clarke (35) got Itchington off to a good start getting to 69 in 17 overs before change bowler Griffis removed Buchholz for 38. This brought a first appearance in a year for Nick Aldridge who showed some aggressive intent hitting a quick fire 24 leaving Itchington on 111 off 25 overs. Some indifferent batting and tight bowling from Perry (7-1-31-6) and Herndon (8-1-27-3) saw Itchington creep to their closing total of 168 failing to use 5 balls of their innings.

After a very appetising tea, Itchington took to the field believing they had a defendable total only to be blown away by one of the most destructive batting displays I have ever seen.

Without wanting to sound too bitter about the loss, Stibbons knock of 113 n.o. took the contest out of the game which was ended in the 25th over by almost hitting every ball bowled at him to some part of the boundary.

The home side had started quite slowly and opener Neil Hudson (6-1-48-2) took an early wicket only to bring Stibbon to the crease. From that point his big hitting forced a defensive outlook only to then prove the field nowhere near big enough for his fabulous stroke play, Brian Phillips (8-0-32-2) chipping in with 2 wickets amongst the mayhem.
On the whole a day to forget for Itchington after such a crushing defeat but with 6 of Henley’s first team (inc Stibbon) playing it showed the kind of standard Long Itchington’s first team need to aspire to.

Played Sunday 26th April

Long Itchington travelled to local rivals Southam with a strong Sunday second team. Skipper James Clarke lost the toss and Itchington found themselves fielding on a quick outfield, but made the best possible start when Jamie Greaves dismissed Neale in the second over with the score reading 1-1. The afternoon then suddenly changed when Matt Goatley entered the field and Itchington spent most of their time fetching the ball from the boundary. Carl Elkerton became the hero by clean bowling Goatley for a very impressive 73. C. Elkerton continued to bowl well and could have taken more wickets but ended up with impressive figures of 8 – 32 – 1. Itchington pegged back Southam from then on with some good bowling from the Perks brothers. Clarke then turned to the king of spin Simon Parsons who skittled out the middle order with figures of 6-40-3. Lee Toose then made his comeback with 2-15-2. Southam finally finished the innings on 234 and this would have been a lot more if it wasn’t for the brilliance in the field from debutant Johan Elkerton, who also bowled an impressive over taking his first senior wicket. Well done Johan!

Chasing 235 to win Itchington made the worst possible start losing Clarke (4) with the second ball of the game. It got worse after that and Itchington found themselves 9-4, mainly down to some exceptional bowling from Heath and Neale. The Perks brothers then joined each other at the crease and both of them batted maturely and got the tempo started. Hugh Perks looked dangerous before being run out for a fine 21. Tom Perks then made a fine 57 and was joined by the promising all rounder Jamie Greaves who smashed Southam’s attack all around the park for a brilliant 56 ( 4X6). Itchington finally ended 188 all out which was a fantastic effort after being 9-4.
Itchington’s first loss of the season, but skipper Clarke was very impressed with the attitude of his team and was especially exited by the array of young talent that is coming through the junior ranks

Played Sunday April 20th

In the first friendly of the season under the guidance of skipper Steve ‘Tino’ Chapman, LI enjoyed what turned out to be a comfortable win over a well balanced Tanworth team on what can only be described as a scorching day!

Tanworth skipper Hartley won the toss and put the Itchington in the field first probably hoping it may cool off a little by the time his side had to field themselves.
Chapman opened the bowling with youngsters Wood & Smith, Wood (6-3-11-1) taking the first over and taking the first wicket in that very over also, a stunning yorker, which with a little good fortune took the bails off much to the disappointment of opener Jordan.

17 overs later Tanworth must have figured that early wicket had worked in their favour as they remained one down until Chapman (6.2-1-18-2) turned to himself and dislodged the dangerous Shortley for a good knock of 38.

Other change bowler M.Parsons (8-0-23-2) then chipped in with the wicket of Bhatti without having troubled the scorer and after some defiant batting for a few overs left Tanworth on 83-3 with about 15 overs to go. (C.Jones 25)

As Tanworth looked to settle Chapman turned to S.Parsons who after some questionable balls in his first over chipped in with a spellbinding effort of 4-1-5-3 including the afore-mentioned Jones, leaving a combination of the bowlers to wrap up the Home teams innings 4.4 overs short on 108 all out.

In reply Itchington openers Clarke and Jack looked relatively untroubled seeing off all Tanworth had to throw at them, Tanworth unfortunately losing one opening bowler to a knee injury fielding off his own bowling.
Nearing the drinks break and Jack offered a chance with a well hit but catchable straight drive only to be put down at Mid-Off, this same incident left Tanworth with more injury worries as fielder Bhatti also broke his finger attempting the catch.

Finally, quickly after the drinks break Tanworth had a wicket to celebrate as Jack(27) looked to finish it early but in doing so chipped one straight to Mid-Wicket where his own team-mate A.Smith took the catch standing in for one of the injured Tanworth team.
Franks came to the crease and hit a quick fire 18 before being bowled by Corey, leaving Itch with only a few runs required for victory and J.Clarke needing just as many for a well-deserved 50.
After a selfless knock from Greaves who batted out a maiden to finish with no runs of his own allowed Clarke to score the single both he and the team needed for the respective goals of 50 and victory.

Played Sunday 22nd June

After a wet Saturday Sunday morning dawned bright and breezy to the extent that the match was played for the most part without bails ! Continue Reading »

Played Sunday 15th June

Another glorious Sunday afternoon saw Itchington’s XI take to an artificial wicket against hosts Stretton, Continue Reading »