Farleythe T-shirts still available Fox Election Day Megabits In search AGM – of RAM of sauce 3 th 5 6 December 6 The season’s stats The Worcester tour Winter warmer It probably sums up our topsy-turvy 2010 that the end-of-year Fox is released from the traps just after an October heatwave – with the weather far better than it was throughout the last month of the season.

Unfortunately, the damp potential and Butch emerged August put paid to any hopes as a quality strike bowler, while of a strong end to the season, Wakeo and Geoff both had as the First team’s form good seasons. Others know OX OFF! deserted them and the Seconds that they didn’t consistently were on the wrong end of some play to their ability, and will be As many of you will already know, bizarre results. The tour, dinner looking to rectify that next year. the honourable Lord Oxley is and end of season curry night leaving Farley CC. He’s moving to all did their bit to lift spirits For the 2s, it’s been a difficult Norfolk to advise farmers on loans and ensure that come February, year with an ever-changing for their tractors and how to best we’ll all be itching to get back lineup. The big positives were invest their dubious EU grants. out there. the emergence of Shahab and Oxo has been a club stalwart for Luke, and Gary Waller was a several years, captaining the 2s There’s no doubt that, for the welcome addition to the and the Sunday side and coaching 1st team, 2010 will feel like an ranks. Next summer should the colts. But most of us will opportunity missed. At full see some of the Under 13s remember him for two things: strength, we looked a match graduate into men’s , those ridiculous long levers that for most sides, but injuries and which will strengthen the enabled him to punish anything the usual mix of holidays and squad considerably. over-pitched or a fraction wide, work commitments took their and his dedication to the cricketing toll. The return of Tom Palmer fashions of a bygone era. We wish added real class to the , him and the rest of the Oxley clan Dan Gibson began to fulfil his all the best in Norwich.

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 1 The final month

The end of the season now feels and Probert found it to his sure sufficient overs were like a distant memory, and in liking in a hostile opening completed. The skipper many ways that may be a good spell. But again aggressive brought on the spinners, thing. At the start of August, and unorthodox strokeplay who quickly took things past the 1sts still had the outside saw the home team scoring the 20 over mark, keeping it chance of a promotion spot runs at speed – dangerous tight in the process. and the 2nds had completed given the rain-reduced target two consecutive wins. But the they were chasing. A valuable With a result guaranteed, optimism was quashed with breakthrough from Jake meant however, Farley slipped off the the first weekend as the 1sts the match was evenly poised pedal. The bowlers lost their slumped to a comprehensive but in the gathering gloom, the discipline, and concentration defeat at fast-rising Petersfield. next batsman refused to come wavered in the field. The out of the hutch. But just as returning Probert finally broke It was the wrong day to have just he was persuaded to emerge, the stand, but some big hitting one of the first-choice seamers a bolt of lightning lit up the from the lower order suddenly available. Inserted on a greenish sky behind the pavilion and created the prospect of a galling track, Doc Warley and Al Cosh the game was over. defeat. Wakeo dismissed the made a promising start. But dangerous Newton and Probert once the opening partnership Dave lifts Ash cloud picked up his 5th to snuff was broken, tumbled It seemed the rain would out any such possibility, but we against a decent attack who have the last word again the couldn’t shift the last man and made the most of the pitch. next week when we headed ended up with 23 points. Al’s 24 was the top score as we to relegated Ashford Hill. To finished 129 all out in 35 overs. their immense credit, however, Don and dusted they were determined to play The less said about the final As the pitch dried, so the through the persistent drizzle fixture the better. Despite some movement disappeared and and it ended up as a cracking fairly wayward bowling, we Petersfield’s aggressive top game. dismissed Donnington out for order took full advantage, 143 – with the visiting opener romping home within 20 overs. Doc Warley, playing against making the most of several lives medical advice, smashed to carry his bat for 68. Butch Stormy weather the first ball for four and was the bright spot, picking up The damp weather – and proceeded to put on a 4-26 despite arriving late having selection difficulties – continued opening partnership with forgotten his boots! with the following week’s trip Wakeo (46). But with some to Mottisfont. The first over saw tight middle overs, the With Tom Palmer and Dan Wakeo fending off a snorter lacked impetus till Marty Spayes Gibson at the crease, the chase from a good length, then getting came to the crease for his first looked well within our grasp. But a grubber the following delivery, knock of the season. His 27 Tom’s fall precipitated a middle but the pitch settled down and reignited the innings and Mike order collapse, as 53-1 became after a break for rain, Tom and Sam both added good 60-5. Captain Covill joined Dan Palmer, Andy Coveney and Mike contributions to see us to 201-4. (40) in rebuilding the innings, all got good runs. Dave Probert but against some tidy bowling launched into the bowling at Butch (2-25) and Dave Probert had to take a cautious approach. the end to see us to a reasonable then ripped through the Having taken the score past 100, total. Ashford Hill top order to leave both fell trying to up and the them reeling at 28-5. With the rate and the rest of the innings Before the Mottisfont innings rain getting heavier, however, quickly subsided, for a deeply the heavens opened again the emphasis shifted to making disappointing finale.

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 2 The story so far cont…

Twos get the blues Dining in style • 2nd XI Bowler – It was a similarly frustrating This year’s Annual Club Shahab Shahid month for the 2s. The first Dinner and Presentation • 2nd XI Player of the Year – game was a trip to high-flying Evening was held at the Andy Redding Ampfield, who duly won the Hook & Glove in Farley on • Sunday Player of Year – toss and put Prof’s Army in on a Friday 17th September. This was Matt Sell sporting track. Ian was the only a well attended event and the • Most Improved Player – man into double figures, as we food of an excellent quality. Simon Butcher were bowled out for 75. Despite • Clubman of the Year – good opening spells from The Chairman’s after dinner Ian Swain Luke and Shahab, the home speech which led up to the side batted sensibly to win by presentations looked back over Congratulations to all! six wickets. the season and reflected on the sad loss of Kevin McLoughlin George Manston The Redlynch III game was mid-season. There were thanks cancelled, so the next fixture for the Hook & Glove for against Michelmersh IIs seemed providing a high standard of an ideal opportunity to get the teas throughout the season and win that would secure RD3NW for hosting the Presentation status. To start with, everything Evening, Brian and Cyril for seemed to be going to plan as their work on the pavilion Oxo played as only Oxo can to and bar, Paul for his work rack up a classy century. With as chair of the selection valuable runs from Luke, we committee and the publication ended up 201-9. of the Farley Fox, Roger for mowing the outfield, Geoff Remember, remember Exemplary opening spells from for his dedication to the the 6th December Shahab (7 overs for 8) and Dan maintaining the square and The next date for diaries is the Jackson saw the visitors reduced setting up the friendly fixtures. club Annual General Meeting, to 15-2 off 14 overs. Wickets which will take place on continued to fall and at 69-6, it Last but not least the Chairman Monday December 6th. As ever, seemed victory was a formality. thanked the President and it will be the time to make some But then things went wrong as Vice Presidents for their important decisions about the the seventh wicket launched continuing support. club’s direction and how club a phenomenal assault, the money gets spent. It’s also where number 8 racing to 50 in 20 Club Captain Mike Covill we elect next year’s captains and balls. The partnership of 136 reviewed the 1st XI season club officials. your team manager saw Michelmersh home with and also made mention of all or coach. four overs to spare. those who deserved praise. EVERY post is up for grabs, and Licking their wounds, the 2s The winners of the awards several of last year’s officials then travelled to Wilton for the for 2010 were: could really do with a break (!) final game. Having dismissed • 1st XI Batsman – – so we’re looking for more the home side for 208, the top Simon Wakeford people to take on the roles. order again struggled, tumbling • 1st XI Bowler – So as well as coming along and to 81-5. Woody managed to stay Geoff Ramsey voting on the night, if you want around for a while to make an • 1st XI Player of the Year – to get more involved, on the unbeaten 24, which allowed Dan Gibson field or off it, get in touch with some 67 extras to boost the • 2nd XI Batsman – George, or any other current total to 154. Keith Redding committee member.

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 3 Megabits of ram Geoff’s statistical analysis leaves no-one safe!

The season at a glance Saturday 1st XI Saturday 2nd XI Midweek All league/cup games Highest Inns Total 320-3 v Chawton 240-6 v Broughton 124-7 v Breamore 320-3 v Chawton For 10 Jul 22 May 12 May 10 Jul

Highest Inns Total 240-7 v Oakley 208 a/o v Wilton 185-5 v Hampton 240-7 v Oakley Against 26 Jun 28 Aug Park 23 Jun 26 Jun

Lowest Inns Total 113 a/o v Donnington 75 a/o v Ampfield 83 a/o v Hampton 75 a/o v Ampfield For 28 Aug 7 Aug Park 09 Jun 7 Aug

Lowest Inns Total 118 a/o v Tichborne 103 a/o v 113 a/o v Dinton 103 a/o v Amport II Against Park II 03 Jul Amport II 24 Jul 16 Jun 24 Jul

Most Matches 13 M Covill, J Hand 14 I Swain 9 N Patel, 23 P Roberts P Roberts

Most Inns 12 A Coveney 14 I Swain 8 N Patel 18 M Covill, N Patel

Most Not Outs 4 P Roberts 3 S Shahid, 3 A Fletcher, 8 P Roberts P Webster, G Waller P Roberts

Most Runs 358 T Palmer 244 K Redding 111 M Covill 426 S Wakeford

Highest Score 134* D Gibson 102* K Redding 48* T Palmer 134* D Gibson v Chawton v Broughton v Dinton 100s A Coveney, K Redding, 0 A Coveney, D Gibson, D Gibson, T Palmer S Oxley T Palmer, K Redding, S Oxley

Most 50s 3 S Wakeford 1 I Swain, K 0 4 S Wakeford Redding, A Gibson, S Wakeford

Most 6s 11 G Ramsey, 3 J Swain 3 D Jackson 13 T Palmer T Palmer

Most 4s 48 A Coveney, 38 I Swain 13 M Covill 61 S Wakeford T Palmer

Most Overs 99 J Hand 63.3 S Shahid 27 G Ramsey 115.4 P Roberts

Most Maidens 19 G Ramsey 18 G Waller 2 G Ramsey 21 G Ramsey

Most Wickets 18 G Ramsey 13 S Shahid 16 G Ramsey 34 G Ramsey

Best Bowling 5-51 D Probert 4-27 P Roberts 4-10 D Jackson 5-51 D Probert v Ashford Hill v Amport II v Dinton

Most Catches 5 A Coveney 5 S Ramsey 4 P Roberts 10 S Ramsey

Most Wk Catches 6 M Covill 5 K Redding 2 M Covill 8 M Covill

Most Stumpings 3 M Covill 4 K Redding 6 M Covill 9 M Covill

Most Outs 1 M Covill, G Ramsey, 0 1 N Patel, M Wood, 1 J Moore G Waller

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 4 Megabits of ram

Top Scorers – Strike weapons – Sticky palms – most catches Most Saturday runs Most Saturday wickets (including Wednesdays) S Wakeford – 409 G Ramsey – 18 S Ramsey – 10 T Palmer – 358 P Roberts –17 P Roberts – 9 A Coveney – 318 S Butcher – 16 N Patel – 5 M Covill – 291 J Hand – 16 A Coveney – 5 D Gibson – 265 S Shahid – 13 J Hand – 4 (and no drops) (Three of the above-named Lazy runners – Meanest misers – also recorded the most drops Highest percentage of economy rate (including in the season) runs in boundaries Wednesdays) (Qual: 30 runs scored) E Foster – 1.00 In your dreams – J Swain 78.5% (criminally underbowled?) Fantasy MVP (total points) J Moore 75% G Waller – 3.13 G Ramsey – 885 T Palmer 72.1% (63.4 overs, 19 maidens) S Wakeford – 754 A Warley 72.1% G Ramsey – 3.50 T Palmer – 568 I Swain 69.9% (78.4 overs, 21 maidens) P Roberts – 566 (Honourable mention goes to S Wakeford – 3.53 G Waller – 536 Tom Winfield who scored 100% (46.3 overs, 2 maidens) (On average points per game, of his 4 runs in boundaries!) J Melhorn – 3.78 Dave Probert replaces Paul in (9 overs, 1 maiden) the top 5) Elmer Fudd Award – Duck-hunting (including Wide boys (including These are just some of the Wednesdays) Wednesdays) highlights of Geoff’s comprehensive P Webster – 5 D Jackson – 89 statistical analysis of the season. (Honourable mention goes L Gibson – 47 If you want to see the full details, to Mike who was the only S Shahid – 27 please drop Geoff or Paul a line. player to go all season P Wing – 25 without a league duck!) P Webster – 25 M Sell – 4 (Pete Wing deserves special Six other second-team regulars – 3 mention because all of these (might help explain some happened in just one game – of the batting collapses…) which also saw him achieve the season’s best strike rate… not counting the extra deliveries… )

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 5 For better or Worcester: the 2010 tour After much wailing, gnashing off teeth, cajoling and emotional blackmail, by the end of August – ie a week before the tour – Farley finally had enough players to complete two games. Organiser Mike could exhale, and things never looked back.

Despite a torrid Friday stumbling through the doors of afternoon journey, the advance the pub shortly before the final party wasted no time on whistle. He barely had time to arrival in Worcester, donning finish a pint before heading their elegant tour t-shirts and to a curry house, where Josh quickly finding their way to Hand decided to get a closer the Cricketers pub. There, a view of the Worcester skyline. bunch of characteristically witty The busy restaurant emptied Scousers asked us how much at an impressive speed. they’d have to pay us to bowl “24 hour kebab shop pizza some no-balls. Clearly, this was Friday night in Worcester proved delivery nitespot drinking a cricketing town. less busy than expected, and the venue health risk” only late night entertainment available appeared to be in Introducing Mr Shakeey Velvet – though given the However, the dubious Red Bull interior décor, Steel Girder may substitute suddenly seemed to have been a more appropriate have an effect on the younger name. Dan Gibson set about members of the group who introducing himself to the decided that it was too early for ladyfolk of the town, while the bed, and lurched back into town. rest of the group enjoyed several They found their way into the soothing Jagerbombs. The night backroom of a Tardislike kebab ended back at the hotel at about shop run by the mysterious Mr 3… or so it seemed… Shakeey, who plied them with Where’s Webbo? pizza in honour of his birthday, But the next stop was football, and emerged shortly before the as the tourists piled into a Saturday shoppers hit the town. pub to watch the England Breakfast was a muted affair. game – where we awaited the final arrival of the evening: Saturday involved some cricket Chris Webster. Chris managed – detailed by Sam below – at to negotiate around 75% of Ledbury after a beautiful drive Worcester’s suburbs, providing across the Malvern Hills. With occasional updates on progress the pavilion largely unchanged (“I’m at St John’s Ambulance… since the pre-war era, running Now I’m at Tesco’s”) that even water was at a premium so it had the bar staff confused as to “About as close as we got to was back to the hotel for a wash his location, before wearingly the cathedral” and brush-up. It made for a late

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 6 The 2010 Tour cont… start on Saturday night, but making it happen. We remain With Dan in scintillating form this time Worcester was ready. unbeaten on tour: maybe – perhaps due to a certain Al Cosh arrived just in time to the preparation regime is Latvian barmaid the night join the rest of the tourists in one we need to adopt in the before – they started to put sin…(the name of a bar which season too… some runs on the board. boasted the unusual attraction Dan got to his 50 in double- of beds.) Farley vs Ledbury quick time, adding more runs After a McBreakfastMeal at with boundaries which included Late night entertainment 6.30am and a few hours of a straight six dispatched unfolded in a similar way – a sleep, most of the Farley team over the bowler’s head onto different club, but similar were in tip-top condition for the football field behind. drinks and another exemplary their first game of the tour. Jake provided the necessary performance from Gibson. support at the other end as Dan Others found the dancefloor The hosts Ledbury sportingly raced to a total of 106 runs not an attractive proposition while let Farley bat first so skipper out and Jake finished with his Al’s barman radar identified and newly reached 18-year- highest ever score of 29 a spirit available which he old Dan Jackson put himself to complete the innings. Farley gleefully informed us is and stepdad Jim Harrison in were 210 for 7 off their 40 overs “illegal in Wiltshire...” Breakfast to open the batting. Things as they went in for tea. was a muted affair (with the started well but Dan was caught honourable exception of the on 14 as he tried to up the run permanently hungry Dave rate, with Jim following after a Glanvill). brief partnership with Webster for 12. Webster didn’t last long Cheers Mike! and then Dave Glanvill started Sunday’s game was rather closer a series of low scores after to home, and the arrival of missing a straight one. Sam Bagel Butcher single-handedly Ramsey played out two overs of lifted flagging energy levels. maidens before finally getting Determined to cram an entire bat on ball and skying one to be tour into a single night, Bagel caught, and Mike Covill was out exhorted us to sample another LBW to umpire Simon Butcher. of Worcester’s curry houses The chips stay down and was ready to go on the Dan leads the Hand stand After struggling to eat the tea rampage. By now, however, the Things were looking grim provided due to dry mouths rest of the party were on their for Farley who were on 67 and the feeling of sickness, last legs, and even a return to for 6 off 19 overs but Dan Farley went out to field with Velvet – where bizarrely, we Gibson then came to the skipper Dan electing to open encountered a cricket tour crease accompanied by lower- the bowling with ‘Crazy’ party from Southampton – order-specialist Jake Hand. Dave Glanvill. Neither could couldn’t sustain us. Sheer grit provide a wicket in their first and determination ensured spell so Dan brought on Paul some nobly returned to Roberts who bowled very well Shakeeys, and breakfast was taking 1-9 off his 6 overs. The a muted affair. other end was given to Josh Hand (fresh from the roof of All in all, it was a second a curry house near you), who fantastic tour for the Farley bowled well considering he isn’t faithful (and friends!) – a regular to the game of cricket enormous thanks to Mike for taking 1-29 off 8. (“It’s not even

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 7 The 2010 Tour cont… that hard Jake,” would be a assisted by sharp fielding were then brought on, both memorable quote). from on-loan Chris Webster going for 30 each off their as he tried to run for two. spells as Peopleton batsmen Dan Gibson bowled 2 overs T. Billington (50) and J. Stickler 1-13 off his full run up before With short contributions from (103) piled on the runs. tiring so Jake Hand came on Jackson (13) and Butcher to show his brother how to do (12) Gibson was caught on 26. Yet again it was up to new it taking 3-35 off his 7 overs. Number 7 batsman Dave Ede recruit Jonty to come to Farley’s Sam Ramsey bowled two overs managed to wander out of his aid with a spectacular spell of taking two wickets with two of crease to be in the bowling. Jake Hand took the the worst balls produced in most comical way off his first only other wicket at his end as his career but it was up to Dave ball, put in the book as run Jonty first removed Billington, Glanvill to take the last wicket out because he was so far out then Stickler in his spell of with the help of a sharp close of his crease. 7-12 from 8 overs to win the catch from Ramsey to leave game – with Peopleton 16 Ledbury all out for 159. Dan New recruit Jonty Hylands runs short. Man of the match Jackson was happy with his then came out to secure the certainly went to Jonty for his 100% record as captain, and innings batting patiently for one-man-show with his wickets the rest of the team were happy his 55 before being bowled, coming from 1 stumped, 3 with the sausages and chips put and Mike Covill finished on bowled, 1 LBW, 1 caught and on after the game to complete 38 before being caught by bowled, and 1 caught by his Farley’s first game of the tour. his skipper/sub Al Cosh. mate Gibbo (the only one that With little else added Farley stuck this season). Farley vs Peopleton finished on 189 all out at tea. Farley were pleased with their On a less than pleasant day 100% win record on the 2010 Farley rocked up to Peopleton Jonty turns it for Farley Worcester Tour and we donned C C for the second game of the As Farley braved the drizzle, our council-worker-green polo tour, fresh with imported player Cosh brought on himself and shirts with pride as we headed Jonty Hylands (Dan’s mate) Sam-in-the-style-of-a-young- for the nearest pub. and local legend (for forgetting Geoff-Ramsey to open the his boots) Simon Butcher. bowling. Al took a wicket in his P.S. Thanks Jonty! first over with a useful stumping Super Hands start Peop show from Covill but neither he nor Match reports by Sam Ramsey Al Cosh joined us to captain the Sam could pick up another side and Farley were sent out as runs got away from them to bat in the gloomy conditions with Peopleton on 74 for 1 off with Josh and Jake Hand 8 overs. Butcher and Jackson opening. A bet was on between the two brothers for who would get the most runs, and with Jake high on his performance the day before he was happy to put money on it. Peopleton got off to a good start however, removing Josh who was caught on 9 before Dan Gibson came out to the crease. Words must have been muttered between the two as shortly afterwards Dan ran Jake out for 9 runs

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 8 The Professor Writes – The application of quantum mechanics to team selection

The difficulty in getting sides out over the last few weeks of the season led me to consider whether we are dealing in the everyday world or whether the same probabilistic effects apply to cricket clubs that normally only apply to sub-atomic physics. (A question I’m sure all of us have asked ourselves from time to time.)

Farley is not a large club and in Pauli’s Principle, but by three the weekend, the greater the therefore I think that we must ‘ilities’ – ab, reliab and availab – probability that it will all go tits be at the critical size where we as well as one ‘ment’ known up (a quote, I believe, from exist, but not entirely in the as commit. Einstein) in the very near future. real world. That is particularly the case when it comes to the No two players in a club has The result is that during August, selection process. Instead, the same values for these four it took over 40 e-mails per week I believe that selection is defining terms, but unlike – nearly 2 e-mails per player governed by a couple of the quantum numbers these ‘ilities’ per game – plus multiple phone major breakthroughs that and ‘ment’ can change. This calls to enable us to get two occurred in the mid 1920s: happens not only in the long teams out on a Saturday. Pauli’s Exclusion Principle term, as the result of external I therefore urge you to consider and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty factors such as aging, marriage your own ‘ilities’ and ‘ment’ Principle. and trips to the DIY store, but values in advance of next can sometimes be visible in the season if they have not been Those of you familiar with form of dramatic shifts from terribly stable, particularly in these two well know principles maximum to minimum values the short term. If nothing else, of physics will no doubt know in just a few days as a result by doing so you will avoid a where I am going, but for those of factors such as forgotten further excursion into the of you who are not I will start holidays, the availability of world of sub-atomic physics – by explaining the background. tickets to the Rose Bowl and as well as making selection an Simply put, Pauli’s Exclusion urgent trips to the DIY store. easier process! Principle states that no two electrons in a given atom can It is when the rate of change Ian Swain be described by the same of is at its greatest that four quantum numbers, and Heisenberg’s Uncertainly Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle becomes more Principle that the more precisely apparent, for it appears that you know the position of a ‘availab’ and ‘reliab’ become particle, the less precisely you the two terms that behave in the know its velocity or momentum, same way as position and velocity and vice versa. in the more classic application of Heisenberg’s Principle. That However cricket teams are not means that the more certain defined by quantum numbers in the selectors are at the start of Heisenberg and Pauli in the same way as electrodes the week of availab rates for a selection meeting

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 9 A warning Author unknown – sourced by Geoff

Come all ye fair young maidens and harken unto me, Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be! Randier than a sailor who’s been six months at sea – Never let a cricketer’s hand an inch above your knee.

First let’s take the paceman, pure speed from first to last, My darlings, do be careful; his balls are hard and fast. Then there’s the medium pacer, his balls swing either way. He’s really most persistent and can keep it up all day.

And watch for the off-spinner, girls, another awkward chap, If you leave him half an opening, he will slip one through the gap. Then there’s the wily ‘slowy’ – pure cunning is his strength, He’ll tempt you, then he’ll trap you with his very subtle length.

So ladies, do be careful – your mothers would agree – Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be.

And what about the opening bat? His struggles never cease: He has only one ambition, to spend all day at the crease. The number three’s a dasher, he seldom prods and pokes, When he goes into action, he has a fine array of strokes.

And do beware the slogger – not content with one or two: When he arrives at the crease then only six will do. Then there’s the real stonewaller, girls, he knows what he’s about, And if you let him settle in, it’s hard to get him out.

We come now to the last man, I hope this will not shock, He doesn’t mind if he’s last man in…as long as he gets a knock. So, darlings, do be careful – and be well warned by me – Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be.

And watch the wicketkeeper, girls; he’s full of flair and dash, And if you raise your heel, he’ll whip’em off in a flash. If you take the field with the captain, you’ better know the score Or he’ll have you in positions that you never knew before.

The cricket commentator is a nasty sort of bloke, He watches all the action and describes it stroke by stroke. Even the kindly umpire, though he looks friendly as a pup, You’ll quickly find you’ve had it, when he puts his finger up.

So, darlings please remember, repeat it after me, NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER – WHOEVER HE MAY BE!!!!!

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 10 View from Alternative Gongs the Tractor Now don’t get the wrong idea when Innings of the month – I start by saying that you’d be Cracker Jake surprised what you can see when you With two men getting tons, it takes look down! a special knock to surpass them. But while the performances of Oxo No, I’m not referring to all the sticks, and Gibbo surprised no-one, Jake discarded sweet papers, badger and even stunned himself with his 29 fox poo, beer cans in hedges etc on tour at Ledbury. Once he started etc. Instead, I’m referring to what I pulling out the sweep, it was clear discovered when, in one of my many the man was unmovable – top effort. Catch of the month – idle moments, I loaded up Google Reflex Ram Earth to see what the satellite had Spell of the month – seen over Farley. Deadly Dave Another highlight of the Ledbury Only one man recorded a league game as Sam – fresh from his Not only do gardens and their layout five-for this season: Dave Probert chastening bowling spell – plucks a come into view but of more interest at Ashford Hill. In reality, it was stinger out of the air at short extra. there is a cricket match going on. two spells – an aggressive opening Batsman (Ledbury’s first team When was it? It must have been salvo which ripped through the skipper) surprised; bowler (a certain when the foundations of the cottages top order and then an important D Glanvill) just about convinced not next to the farm were laid down, return to seal the win. to retire from all forms of cricket. because they are clearly visible. Dramatic entrance of the Ignominious return to cricket This year has been a pleasure to mow month – Bigtime Butch of the month – Flake Out because there are not many weeds Like Billy Dane, Simon Butcher It’s been some years since about, due to the field being sprayed is a man who relies on his boots. Dave Ede – the Salisbury barfly last year. Some idiot drove in and (Though in Butch’s case, this isn’t better known as Flake – made his created tyre marks a few weeks back, due to some dodgy spiritual guide last appearance for Shrewton. but luckily they should disappear a la Dead-Shot Keen). So when he Alas, the intervening period had during the winter. The tractor has arrived at Farley for the last game of clearly removed all knowledge been purring away. The gang mowers the year without them, Butch had of the concept of the crease: went for an overhaul and came only option: brave the trip back into after quietly leaving his first ball, back ready for perfection mowing, town and into Harnham to pick them Flake remained calmly in front and the rain has held off for most up. Arriving a good 40 minutes into of the white line, preparing himself of the summer. Visiting teams have the game, Butch began with some for the next delivery. The keeper commented how nice the ground is Kamran Akmal inspired sledging, waited, looked around and finally, which makes the 2 hours a week then duly picked up 4 quick wickets. sheepishly, removed the bails. even more worthwhile.

Of course whilst you chaps sit back So dream away of cold days and and let your pads and thingummy-jigs nights when the grass doesn’t grow mouldy and think it is all over, grow… and take a glance at Contributors yours truly is mowing away to keep Google Earth! WORDS: George Manston, the grass down ready for the off next Sam Ramsey, Ian Swain, year with an outfield that is not too Roger Sharpe Paul Roberts, Roger Sharpe long. In fact in 7 months time! Design: Duncan Moss Ed’s note: All I can work out is that a spinner’s bowling… and it looks Numbers: Geoff Ramsey like Jake’s field… Any further insights (memories of seeing a spy plane overhead shortly after Thommo nipped out for five minutes, etc) welcome!

JuLY 2010 | The farley fox | 11