Result	Scores	Pts	Average	League Pos.	Match Report	MOM
April	30	Loddon	Won by 4 Runs	Caister 84  Loddon 80	20	20.00	=1	Loddon (H)	Jimmy B
May	7	N & C Wanderers	N/R - Rain	n/a	n/a	20.00	=1	n/a	n/a
May	14	Kirkley A	Won by 148 Runs	Caister 250/5 Kirkley 102	20	20.00	=1	Kirkley 'A' (A)	Rupert
May	21	North Elmham	Won by 5 Wkts	Elmham 73/9 Caister 75/5	20	20.00	=1	North Elmham (H)	Pies
May	28	Kirkley Sports	Won by 43 Runs	Caister 159/9 Sports 116	20	20.00	1	Kirkley Sports (A)	Team
June	4	Aylsham St Giles	N/R - Rain	n/a	n/a	20.00	1	n/a	n/a
June	11	Garboldisham A	Won by 103 Runs	Caister 236/4 Garb'disham 133	20	20.00	1	Garboldisham 'A' (A)	Jimmy B
June	18	Rocklands	Won by 56 Runs	Caister 157/6 Rocklands 101	20	20.00	1	Rocklands (H)	Rupert
June	25	Topcroft A	Lost by 50 Runs	Topcroft 151 Caister 101	6	18.00	2
July	2	Loddon	Lost by 5 Wkts	Caister 84 All Loddon 85/5	5	16.38	2	Loddon (A)	Jimmy B
July	9	N & C Wanderers	Lost by 3 Wkts	Caister 121/9 Wande'rs 123/7	7	15.33	3	Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers B (A)	KBJ/French
July	16	Kirkley A	Won by 32 Runs	Caister 171 Kirkley A 139	20	15.80	3	Kirkley 'A' (H)	The Vets
July	23	North Elmham	Won by 42 Runs	Caister 159/9 Elmham 117	20	16.18	3	North Elmham (A)	French / Jimmy B
July	30	Kirkley Sports	Won by 2 Wkts	Sports 212/8 Caister 216/8	20	16.50	3	Kirkley Sports (H)	Rupert
August	6	Aylsham St Giles	Won by 2 Wkts	Aylsham 97 Caister 99/8	20	16.77	3	Aylsham St Giles (A)	Mabel
August	13	Garboldisham A	N/R Rain	n/a	n/a	16.77	3	Garboldisham (H)	Ted
August	20	Rocklands	Won by 10 Wkts	Rocklands 129 Caister 130/0	20	17.00	3	Rocklands (A)	Mabel / Jimmy B
August	27	Topcroft A	Lost by 50 Runs	Topcroft 'A' 168 Caister 118/9	6	16.33	3	Topcroft (H)	Lord Pies

Norfolk League Divison 4 - Final Table

Batting Averages 2005

Bowling Averages 2005

Captains Hopes for 2005

From the Top....

The 2005 season is nearly here and with promotion in mind we need to be looking to take early scalps to make promotion a reality this season. The foundations have been set over the past few years and Caister as a club should be confident of moving back into Division 3 with the right mental approach this time around.

Last year was a massive disappointment, with us finishing second from bottom. With the young talent we have in the side, this was a shock to the system, not only to the players, but some may say, also to the sides around us. This could be looked on as just one bad season, but the problems lie deeper. The team last year, and in previous seasons, lacked motivation, belief, leadership and general attitude when the chips were down.

It is not for the lack of individual talent, that last season was such a disaster. We are probably one of the best teams in our division and would give many a side a run for their money in leagues higher than ourselves. When we are winning nothing can stop us, but one bad result tends to send the club into a downward spiral.

However, when all is said and done, we need to be looking at promotion. I think it is time to show the clubs in this league that we as a club will fight back from last season, and that the motivation which we need will come through, and send the club back to the higher divisions.

I am looking forward to the new season and hope you are too. Let’s put Caister back into Division 3 and work as one unit.

(B Fallo)

From The Vice.....

'The Sunshine is the Key'

Well I too, am also looking forward to the new season, and looking forward to putting the record straight after an 'interesting' 2004.

In surviving by 1/2 a point, we need to take advantage of this 'luck' and challange for the title this time around.  No excuses.

The most important feature I feel for us however is that of good old Mother Nature.  When the sun shines Caister win.  Fact.  Our batters prefer batting on hard tracks, and our bowlers prefer bowling on hard tracks.  The opposition won't know whats hit them !

(Jim)

April 30th 2005 - Loddon (H)

After avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2004, it was paramount the boys got off to a good start this year, and in their first match it proved to be a real rollercoaster of a ride.  Caister, for the second year running, were only able to field ten players for our opening game, although this would reduce to nine later on.  Not great.  The influential Mabel was out, choosing to follow Norwich City at Southampton, although bar him, the team was at full strength.

KBJ lost him first toss of the year and Caister were put into bat on a pitch which although appeared dry on the surface, was damp underneath.  A new look partnership of Brains and Jim opened the innings, and the pair batted solidly until Brains was adjudged LBW for 17, leaving the score 41/1.  This dismissal then triggered an all to familiar Caister collapse, with Jim going for 22, excellently caught and bowled.  Rupert went for 0, trying to hit over the top, KBJ miscued for 1, Chubbo scored 4 before also being caught trying to hit over the top, as did Ted for 6, although he can consider himself unlucky with his deflection off the bowler.  French middled the pitch rather than the ball and was bowled for 6, and Pies had made a solid 1, before missing a straight one.  It was left to FBT and Wedon to add a valuable 15 final runs as Casiter were dismissed for a paltry 84.  We were 41/0.  Embarrising.  Our batters have got to start taking responsibility for their shots if we're to stand any chance of being successful this year.  Not one of us got out to a good delivery.  This cannot continue, otherwise it will be 2004 all over again.

At Half-Time KBJ was really trying to rally the troops, and similarities of Rackheath in 2000 were spoken about.  Loddon were in the driving seat, requiring a small total to win the match.  But we could do it.

KBJ was massively fired up and ran in like an Man Mountain in his opening over and was unlucky not to get an LBW first ball of the innings.  He did however strike in his second over - as did Jim at the other end to leave Loddon shaking at 10/2.  Jim then went for it big time, claiming 3 wickets in 2 overs, including the dangerous Nunn, who tried to hit him out of the ground, but only ended up in losing his middle stump.  Loddon were on the ropes at 17/5.  Jim stayed at the party, taking 2 more in 3 balls.  Loddon were 21/7 !! It was pandamonium at Fortress Allendale Road !!  Caister needed 3 Wickets, Loddon 63 Runs, 30 Overs were left !!  The dogged Loddon lower order set about their task, with FBT and Pies making two crucial breakthrough's but Loddon edged nearer and nearer their target.  20 required from 5 overs, 1 wicket left.  KBJ brought himself and Jim back into the attack.  They needed this wicket desperately - surely they weren't going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory...  Loddon need 15 for 4 overs, 10 from 3, 6 from 2, 4 runs were needed from the last 10 balls to give Loddon victory !! 1 big hit and it was all over for Caister ...But Jim still had one red bullett left in him and removed the off stump with his penultimate ball to sent Caister into euphoria and Loddon to the bottom of their pint glass. 

Caister win by 4 runs...!!

Although we won, we shouldn't paper over the obvious cracks, today we got lucky, we can't afford to perform like this every week and hope for the same luck.  Let's be 'avin yer !!

(Jim)

May 14th 2005 - Kirkly 'A' (A)

After last weeks washout, Caister faced a potentially tricky game away to Kirkly A hoping to continue their amazing 100% unbeaten record for the season.  To help bolster this possibility they finally welcomed back Mabel back in to the team after his exploits watching Norwich try and play football.

Once again ‘Big Pun’ B Fallo lost the toss and Caister were elected to bat first on a tremendous looking wicket.  Jimmy B and Brains opened the batting for the ‘lifeboat men’ and took the attack to the bowlers from the start.  Jimmy was deliciously driving anything too full while Myhill was smashing anything in sight to the boundary.  The pair were giving the kids a lesson how to bat and what a joy it was.  Soon after 25 overs both Myhill and Jim reached their well deserved 50’s.  Myhill then took centre stage as he then went on the onslaught as he whipped, walloped, catapulted and caressed the ball to all parts of the ground whilst Jim sobered up and stone walled.  With the Kirkly bowlers getting increasingly frustrated it looked a real possibility that both Myhill and Kerrison could both reach their maiden league century and set a massive total for the team.  Unfortunately both Brains and Kerrison perhaps got too over confident and both were dismissed in the 70’s. This led to Rupert Brown and ‘The Express’ having the delight to bat on the ‘pancake pitch’.  Rupert went off like a rocket and batted immensely with the ‘Mabel straight six’ shot coming out on regular occurrence.  The Express unfortunately was run out chasing the runs before he could shine which let ‘chubbo’ have a go.  He with his brother batted sensibly and at a very high rate which gave Caister a shout at reaching the 250 milestone.  Unfortunately ‘chubbo’ took one for the team and was bowled trying to hit over the top.   Ted then came in and out, and then entered Buff who helped Rupert to a well deserved 50 and a superior 250 for the team.  Well done the batters.  Job well done.

After tea and a particularly massive eating feast from Chubbo, Caister went out to field very confident in securing a comfortable win.  Pies opened the bowling with Buff and bowled well giving not much away.  The batters although not dominating did not seem in  any real trouble though so Caister needed something a little bit ‘different’.  Enter ‘Mental’ Mabel who bowled with everything and managed to keep the batsmen on their toes.  Although it was a brief spell, it worked wonders as Rupert who took over from Mabel, profited from Frank’s hospitality by snapping up 4 wickets in quick succession. This left Kirkly in a really big hole and unfortunately they did not really recover from this set back.  Pies, K Brown Jnr and Turbo then picked up the remaining wickets in a very tidy bowling performance.  Kirkly ended 102 all out.

Well done ‘team’ Caister it was a very solid all round performance, hopefully this will be the catalyst for the season and we can push on and secure a top 2 finish. E I E I E I O, its up division 4 we go……..

(Mabel)

May 21st 2005 - North Elmham (H)

Today Caister continued their fine run of form with a comfortable 5 wicket win at home to North Elmham.  The side was unchanged from last week’s game except for M. Myhill coming in for ‘The Express’ who went to Brighton for the weekend looking for some ‘special’ love.

Junior won the toss and invited North Elmham to bat on a dampish but flat Caister pitch, with the emphasis on getting the most out of the new ball.  Both opening bowlers (Jimmy & Junior) however originally struggled to find the right line and length and were picked off by the Elmham batsmen.  Junior however managed to adjust to the wind and produce a couple of jaffas to dismiss both openers in quick succession. Jimmy didn’t adjust and was taken off and replaced by expert ‘against the wind bowler’ Pie Lord Kerrison.  Pies bowled particularly well, and was rewarded with a couple of wickets which left Elmham in trouble – 30- 4 of 26 overs.  Turbo then came on and continued Caister’s fine bowling performance with him keeping it tight and chipping in with a good wicket.  Caister then continued to pick up cheap wickets at regular intervals (including a 1^st league wicket 4 Mr Potato Head – sorry  M.Myhill) and Elmham finished their innings on a paltry 73 off 45 overs.  Overall it was again another solid bowling and fielding performance.  Good stuff.

Brains and Jimmy opened the batting and looked to knock the runs in double quick time before the increasingly likely rainstorm arrived.  Myhill perhaps went out to positively and was caught out in the first over.  Rupert came in and played some quality shots before trying to drive a yorker and was bowled.  This left Caister in a bit of trouble at 10 for 2.  The heavens then opened and it looked like the game would be a wash out with the clouds lining up to relieve themselves over Allendale Road.  Fortunately for Caister (who wanted the 20 points for the win) the rain blew over lovely Yarmouth instead.  Ted joined Jimmy to the crease and unfortunately continued his poor run of form being bowled by a straight one.  This left Caister on 15-3 and in a little trouble.  It needed a captain’s innings to see us to victory and Junior strode to the wicket confident in achieving this feat.  He and Jimmy batted sensibly and they looked like they would achieve this total with ease.  Unfortunately with the score 50 KBJ and Jim fell which led to Chubbo and Mabel going out to the crease.  These two batted sensibly and saw Caister home to another important victory.

Well done boys it was another solid performance.  The bowling again was first class, the batting was a bit under par but we still had enough quality to see us through. 

(Mabel)

May 28^th 2005 - Kirkley Sports (A)

On Saturday Caister traveled to Kirkley Sports in a top of the table clash, with the winners to take outright control of the Division 4 after Week 5. It was baking hot – a preference of the Caister players, and although the pitch was soft, it looked a batting belter! This was a big match for Caister, whose big match temperament in previous season’s had been questionable at best.

Man Mountain lost the toss, and Caister were asked to bat. Openers Jim and Brains set about their task in confident fashion, although it was immediately apparent that Sports would offer by far the stiffest competition of the season so far, both with their bowling attack and also fielding. Brains played some nice shots before falling to the veteran Read’s slower ball and was trapped LBW for the second time in 4 innings. Rupert then joined Jim but was soon dismissed in the same fashion with an excellent ball from Holmes to leave Caister shaking at 20/2. Mabel entered the fray at number 4 and the score had pushed on to 50 when Jim departed, kicking himself for misjudging a Read delivery to depart for a solid 25. The opening attack had been seen off, although 3 wickets had been lost in the process, so it was left to KBJ and Mabel to cash in on the replacement bowlers, and to build a defendable total. They duly obliged, taking the score to just over 100 when KBJ perished. Teddy Johnson then found some form weighing in with 19 valuable runs, although Mabel was dismissed for 36 trying to push the scoreboard. The tail scratched and fought for valuable final runs, and the innings closed on 159/9. Not a bad total to defend, in light of the bowling attack we faced, although Kirkley Sports appeared confident they had victory in the bag at Half Time.

This confidence certainly fired up a number of Caister’s players, as although Sports were confident of easily scoring the runs to take them to victory, we were also confident of taking the wickets needed to keep us top of the league, and putting distance between us and 2^nd place. Game On.

A fiery opening spell from Jim and KBJ left Sports 1-1 after the initial 6 overs. Sports Number 3 however, was undoubtedly their best bat, and if we were to win, we had to get him early ! Jim couldn’t do it, neither KBJ or Teddy, although Teddy did strike in his 1^st over, removing McAlone. With the score at 45/2, Caister needed the breakthrough to stay in the contest. Step forward Lord Pies. An absolute rip-snorter beat their No. 3 all ends up, and he duly obliged in gloving it to the frantically airborne spaceship that is Dick Wedon at 1^st slip, who swallowed comfortably. Get in there ! Sports were in trouble at 45/3 ! However, Caister were unable to break through the middle order, and with Tuttle scoring at will, reaching his 50 in double quick time, it wasn’t looking good. Sports were 100/3, and their pre-match confidence seemed to be justified, as they needed only 60 for victory with plenty of overs and wickets in hand to do so. Jim was brought back into the attack as KBJ looked for inspiration, and it was in his second over of his second spell that the pendulum started to finally swing once more. Jim fired a red bullet to entice the Tuttle drive, and when this carried through to Mabel, the Caister players were unanimously convinced that he’d nicked it, and they we were back in the match. It was ruled otherwise, but rather than deflate the Caister foot soldiers, it single handedly inspired them to go for the jugular. Jim switched on his satellite, and with renewed aggression on a 2 yard run up, removed Tuttle’s middle stump 2 balls later. Caister were now pumped. It was still advantage Sports, but they appeared to begin to self-destruct in the heat of battle as Caister were on every ball, everyone was up for it, and oh what a joy it was to behold. A la Loddon, Jim began ripping the heart and soul out of the Sports lower middle order, and it seemed certain he’d bought a one way ticket to another 5 for..! Brains Myhill at the other end then produced his best bowling of the season as Sports went from a position of strength at 100/3, to a Caister Sunday side collapse of the mid 90’s sty-le, 115 All Out.

Caister had done it, with certainly the best fight back I can ever remember playing in when bowling 2^nd. We are now top, and I don’t want to go any lower.

When we win the title, this is what we’ll sing

We are Caister, Super Caister

Fallo is our King !

(Jim)

June 11th 2005 - Garboldisham A (A)

After last weeks washout, the Caister boys were rocked before a bowl was bowled on Saturday, as news that ‘The Express’ had suffered a long term knee injury, and may struggle to feature again this year began to filter through. The line up was therefore the same as that at Kirkley Sports, two weeks previously.

The Man Mountain again lost the toss, and Caister were asked to bat on an extremely hard looking track in overcast conditions. Jimmy B and Brains again strode out in determined fashion, and set about their task like ducks to water, despite the lift and early movement off the seam. Myhill and Kerrison traded blow for blow and both were in their 40’s by the 20^th over. Myhill then claimed his second 50 of the season and began to take the attack to the bowlers, while Jim was struggling at the other end attempting a ‘late cut’ to the slow left armer. Jim finally reached his 50, although with the score at 139, an excellent piece of fielding ran out the unlucky Myhill for an exceptional knock of 70. The brought KBJ to the crease, and he confidently despatched 3 of his first 5 balls over the boundary rope. Jim then picked the pace up himself, hitting the returning opening bowler out of the attack in his 1^st over back. The pair took Caister to 215, before KBJ was deceived by the ‘slower ball’ and was bowled for a quick-fire 25. The Brown twins also fell going for their shots at the end, and it was left to Jim and Teddy to close the innings, with Jim recording his maiden league century in the process, ending 108 not out, and Caister 236/4 after their allotted overs

Mabel refused to bat incase he got his new bat wet in the slight drizzle.

Garboldisham’s reply needed to be fast paced from the off, and was. KBJ was struggling to grip the ball in the now wet conditions, and was despatched 3 times in his opening over. Lord Pies at the other end was at his consistent best however, and claimed 3 scalps in and excellent spell. B. Fallo also removed the big hitting opener to leave the home side in dire straits at 45/4. From here on in it looked a simple task for the boys from the coast. However, perhaps a tad of over confidence and too relaxed fielding led to the Garboldisham No. 3 rattling off a quick 50, whilst being dropped at least 3 times in the process. The fast outfield and somewhat wayward bowling, and poor fielding lifted the home side and let them back into a match where they should have been dead and buried. Garboldisham now felt able to snatch an unlikely victory. However, the return of B. Fallo and FBT removed any hope the home side had, in tandem with a now improved display in the field. Garboldisham’s danger man was dismissed by Fallo, attempting one shot too many, and the lower order were shot out with minimal alarm, KBJ finishing with 5 wickets.

The only other highlights being 2 stonking catches – 1 each from Ted at Gully, and Jim at 1^st Slip after Mabel had missed another one.

Caister won by 103 Runs.

A good result boys, despite a dodgy second half performance. If some people think all we have do is turn up, they should think again. There will be no repeat of that fielding performance.

The hard work starts now. We’ve been in this position before and blown it. Let us not do it again.

(Jim)

June 18th 2005 - Rocklands (H)

On Saturday Caister played an unknown Rocklands side at Fortress Allendale hoping to continue their prolific unbeaten start to the season.  The team was the same as last week apart from the Big Man B Fallo was absent; he was other wised engaged in Germany poking men with sticks.  Jimmy B stepped in as Captain and Keith Senior came in to give the team an extra bit of experience and knowledge in the field.

As usual, Jimmy B lost the toss and Caister were invited to bat first on a hard looking grass infested pitch.  Brains started with his usual emphatic attacking way, with the ‘blast slip drive’ coming out on a regular occurrence.  Jim at the other end however was content at picking up the odd single and in turn Caister after 10 overs were a decent 40/0.  Thoughts of another big opening stand from these 2 were soon diminished however when they were both dismissed in quick succession. Jim was caught trapped in front of the stumps for 14 whilst Andy hit a rocket straight to mid wicket for a useful 29.  Mabel and Rupert then came in and slowly knocked the ball around until Mabel was bowled trying a ‘Pietersen Power Pick Up’ over square leg.  Ted came in and didn’t disappoint, managing to loop a rank 4 ball straight to the cover fielder for 0.  At this stage Caister were in a bit of trouble with them being 80 -4 with 30 overs gone.  Rupert then came in to his own hitting some stupendous shots including several very successful ‘mabel monster straight six’s’.  Pies also batted solidly – he played the short ball particularly well – missing 2 – eating 1 and getting out to another.  Good stuff!!!.  Chubbo then came in and helped Rupert carry on his expansive batting.  Chubbo soon went however and it was left to Turbo Tennant to see Caister home to a respectable 157/6 with Rupert, who was unbeaten on a quality 63.

Although in material terms the score was not a 200+ which the Caister players would have liked, in context of the pitch and the bowlers they had at their disposal the general feeling at tea was that the score was enough.

The Rocklands innings started well for Caister as Jimmy bowled Kruger early on.  Pielord and Jimmy bowled well in tandem and the Rocklands batsmen struggled to score at a significant rate. Rupert and Turbo came onto to bowl and also bowled well on an increasingly difficult wicket.  Walker for Rocklands was becoming a worry for Caister however and started to find his ‘eye’.  A few alarm bells started to ring in the field – particularly when the usual Caister Dolly Drops came to the party, and Rocklands were 77/1.  The pick being Chubbo palming one over the bar for 4 whilst in the pray position on his knees.  There was no need to worry however, as Pielord and Rupert combined to get rid of the dangerous Walker and in doing so all hope of a Rocklands victory was finished.  Caister soon mopped up the rest of the Rocklands innings for 101 All Out and in doing so continued their fine start of the season.

It was another good team performance and hopefully this can long continue.  Next up Topcroft (Away). Bring it….

(Mabel)

2^nd July 2005 – Loddon (A)

After last weeks set back, it was imperative that the Caister boys got back to winning ways to keep their promotion hopes alive. Caister welcomed back Mabel to add some much needed steel to their batting line up, and also saw Crampton making his debut ahead of the tour to Magalluf tomorrow night.

Man Mountain lost the toss again.

Caister were invited to bat in overcast conditions and suffered an early setback when Brains was outfoxed by a late out swinger which took his off stump. This brought Mabel to the crease, and after all his talk about how he was going to score 600 runs in the next 9 innings to brother Jim, he found himself back in the pavilion, registering just a single run. Another 599 needed then. Ted unfortunately followed suit. A rebuilding operation was required by Jim – who looked in fine form, and KBJ. However, with the score progressing nicely, KBJ got out in exactly the same fashion as last week, punching the ball down mid-off’s throught. A bad dismissal for the boys, and when Pies was caught in similar fashion trying to hit the spinner out of the ground for 6, the boys were in big time trouble. Jim brought up a well constructed 50 in the 30th over, taking the score to 84/5. Caister did not score another run.

In Week 1, Caister were bowled out by Loddon for 84, but still won by 4 runs. Could lightning possibly strike twice?

It seemed a tough task, especially with the pitch as flat as a pancake, but when 3 early wickets were taken (2 by Jim and 1 to The Lord), the game was back in the balance. However, sensible batting by the Loddon lads edged them closer to their target as they appeared determined to not make the same mistakes they had in Week 1. Stonewalling of anything straight while picking off the occasional bad ball took them within touching distance of victory, and although a further 2 wickets went down at the death, Loddon convincingly won with overs and wickets to spare.

A poor performance all round. Certainly not a performance of a top 2 side in this division. Our batting must improve if we are to stand any chance. We have been done again through a lack of application at the wicket.

(Jim)

9^th July 2005 – Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers B (A)

On Saturday the Boys faced probably their toughest match of the season so far. They were still missing both Rupert and Chubbo, as well as long term injury victim Holmes. To make matters worse, Mabel was mugged and battered during the midweek tour to Magalluf, and was unable to move, The Express was unable to run due to rupturing his knee ligaments out there, Jim had a broken toe due to a freak crazy golf injury, and FBT, Ted and KBJ were still massively hung-over, with all 6 of the above having accumulated just 10 hours sleep each within the past 7 days.

Man Mountain then lost the toss, on a damp pitch doing everything! Great start!

Half and hour later Caister were 29/5. This was a result of a tired shots from Jim and Ted, Mabel being caught whilst batting using only one eye due to his near death experience on tour, Lord missing a straight one (LBW again!) and Brains also departing. It was already looking one match too far for the boys from the coast. KBJ was joined by a crippled French, and the pair set about restoring some pride, with a partnership of around 80 before B Fallo was bowled for a well built 57. The Express was then in charge of seeing the team through to the final whistle. However, unbeknown to French, a conversation was held between Wedon and Jim whilst French was batting. During the week, Wedon had read that Jim had run out 4 team members in one match in Magalluf and stated that it was infact he who held the Caister Club record at 5! Whilst walking out to bat Wedon sensed further opportunity to add fresh blood to his already impressive career tally. With French on a league personal best of 30* (despite not being able to run), Wedon refused to show any mercy, hitting it straight to silly mid-off and running like a tracer bullet straight past a hapless French. It is also believed Wedon was seen pumping his fist in delight and repeatedly screaming ‘Get in There!’ as French, head down, trudged back to the pavilion. The Caister innings closed on 121/9 in a spirited fightback, well done to the lower order for preventing an embarrassment.

At lunch the total looked a reasonable one to defend, however much would depend on the 4 bowlers to be used as FBT, Jim and KBJ were all now running on empty.

The Lord opened up, and the batsmen just couldn’t get him away, and he finished with impressive figures on 12-6-13-0. FBT ran in like a rocket from the other end, bowling a number of pearlers, although the batsmen managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Halfway through the Coltishall innings they stood at about 50/2 – which included an excellent run out from Brains. Jim and KBJ were then introduced and the pressure began to crank itself up. Wanderers needed 40 off the final 9 overs. Jim had broken through twice and KBJ once. However, some excellent running between the wickets put Wanderers back into control, as Caister had no answer due to the number of passengers being carried in the field. Jim made another breakthrough in the penultimate over, leaving Coltishall needed five to win off the last. This was completed with a boundary off the second ball to send Caister to their third defeat on the bounce.

Although disappointed, given the circumstances, the boys put in a good performance and an extra 20 runs would have given us a great shout.

Lets get back to winning ways next week boys!

(Jim)

16th July 2005 - Kirkley 'A' (H)

Caister faced bottom team Kirkley ‘A’ today hoping to get back to winning ways and in so boosting their lingering promotion hopes.  The Caister team welcomed back the VIP (Vitamin in Peas) Rupert who was in for Keith Senior and Norman Johnson who was taking the place of the injured Mabel. 

Surprisingly KBJ won the toss today (at last!!) and wanted to bowl first on a lively looking pitch, he was however  bullied into batting first from Jimmy B who wanted to score another ‘faultless 100’.  His theory was that it was a perfect opportunity for Caister’s batsmen to get some much needed batting practice in to help boost their current low confidence at the crease. It seemed a very sensible idea, but would it occur?

Jim opened the batting with Myhill and unfortunately Jimmith was out in the first over as he done his annual leave alone shot and was bowled by a late inswinger.  With Jimmy gone (the main run scorer this season) it was an ideal chance for the other batsmen to build an innings and show that Caister are not a 1 batsmen team.  Regrettably this did not materialize as the top 5 batsmen all got starts but decided to throw their wickets away with silly shots and even better excuses.  After 20 overs Caister were 50 for 5 and with not much batting left they were in dire straights.  Pies and Ted needed to stay there and make sure they batted the whole 45 overs to make sure they reached a respectable total.  Unfortunately this did not materialize as Pies and Ted both fell in quick succession leaving Caister at 70 – 7 with 20 over still left.  Thankfully for Caister a ‘pumped’ up Norman with Marty Mcfly batted sensibly and pushed the score along nicely before Marty was bowled for a useful 12.  This brought ‘left arm lolli’ Wedon in with Norm and they batted superbly – hitting the bad balls and always looking for the singles.  Norm was finally out with 7 overs left for a very valuable 28.  FBT then came in and was immense, his big hitting was ‘Mabelesque’ and scored a brilliant 28 before Wedon chipped one to the covers with 1 over left for a very good 15..

Caister ended up on a respectable 171 at the end of their innings.  A lot better then they originally thought but surely a lot worse than they had hoped for before the innings started.

Jimmy opened the bowling with Buff and they started with a very tight line and length which the Kirkley batsmen struggled to get away.  Pies came on for Buff and at first struggled to find the right line as he was regularly picked off by Ffouks who looked like he was just starting to get his ‘eye in’.  Fortunately for Caister he attempted one to many ‘big shots’ and was bowled by Jim for 21.  Rupert then came on and bowled well with a rejuvenated Pies who kept the run rate low and continuously beat the bat. A couple of quick wickets fell and then both Myhills were brought on to wrap up the innings.  This did not materialize as the kirkley batsmen picked up easy runs off an increasingly undisciplined bowling and fielding display.  Jim then came on with KBJ and they finally restored some discipline and kirkley finally finished their innings on 140 all out. 

Well what can I say??

It was a win but that was one of only a few positives points of the game

The top order batting performance again was a complete shambles!!  The batsmen continue to throw their wickets away just too easily and ALWAYS have a ridiculous excuse as to why they got out.  Its time to take responsibility for the shots they play and not blame everything else.  Obviously I cannot talk as I have struggled a bit with the bat this season but I am totally gutted with my batting this year and blame myself not other variables.  Thank god for the vets today cause without them today our promotion dreams would be shattered.

In the field today we were also a bit low key and we let a weak batting team reach 140 which isn’t acceptable.  All they needed was one big hitter to come in at the end and we would have lost. 

Thankfully we did win today and hopefully we will build from this and play much better next week because we need to.

I hope this report ruffle a few feathers and we see an improved effort next week

(Mabel)

23rd July 2005 - North Elmham (A)

Today Caister faced North Elmham hoping to build from last weeks less than impressive win against bottom team Kirkley ‘A’.  The team was still without the injured Mabel whose ribs were still a bit tender but welcomed back the ‘tea destroyer’ Chubbo Brown who came in for the unfortunate Mcfly.

Man Mountain lost the toss as usual and Caister were invited to bat on a crusty looking uneven pitch.  Jimmy and Brains opened the batting hoping to recapture their immense early season opening partnership form.  Unfortunately Brains was gone in the 1^st over as he scooped a cover drive straight down the fielders throat.  Not a good start!.

Rupert joined Jim and they began to build a solid partnership, sensibly waiting for the bad ball to hit and stone walling the good balls.  Horror struck though soon after the tenth over as Jim’s lack of strength was exposed.  He tried in vain to punch a back foot drive into the covers but only managed to middle the ball a couple of centre meters in front of his bat.  The ball then piddled its way down the Elmham Hill and onto his stumps. Oh dear.  It was an unfortunate incident, but it gave the inform Ted a chance to stake his claim as Caister’s batting savior.

Ted managed to block block block for the first 10 overs whilst Rupert played some exquisite shots up the other end.  Rupert’s adventurism however was soon to be his undoing as he failed to clear mid off with a rising off drive for a solid 36 (which included a massive 6 – which was a 4 by a good 10meters, well done turbo!!).  At this point Caister were in a bit of trouble being 50 for 3 off 15 overs. 

Matters were about to get worse as B Fallo then lolli popped an on drive to the fielder for a top notch 0 2 overs later.  The Express and Ted then batted sensibly together with Ted punishing anything which was particularly short and wide and French hitting everything to leg.  Ted was soon gone though hitting a mis judged slip drive straight to the cover fielder who done particularly well holding on to the power driver.  The top 5 of Caister were all out again after only 25 overs and just 75 on the board – not a ideal situation but one we are starting to get used to – especially over the past 5-6 weeks. 

Pies then came into to bat hoping to emulate his brilliant achievement here last season (check 2004 write up) where he put the Elmham bowlers to the sword and scored a match winning 71*.  The local’s were out in force hoping to watch another magical innings by the lord – they had waited a long time to see him bat here again, and after signing several autographs on his way out to bat – the time had finally come to show them who the boss was. First ball was padded away and was greeted with a round of applause from the locals – The lord’s trademark shot is cherished in this part of the world! Second ball was again padded away, as was the third, fourth, fifth, sixth…..twenty first, twenty second.  At this point the locals were getting a bit restless at the lack of ‘big hitting’ which the lord showcased here last season.  Twenty third ball was padded away, twenty fourth, twenty fifth…all of a sudden the locals went a tad sadistic and started booing the young lord and began chanting the name…that awful name TURRELL….TURRELL….TURRELL….TURRELL.  This was truly shocking and was soon to be the downfall of Pies as he completely lost it and dollyed one up to point.  He was ushered quickly off the pitch and told to stay in the changing rooms for the rest of the innings to avoid verbal and physical attack from disappointed locals. 

Chubbo then came in to bat with the ‘outstanding’ French who by this time was smacking the balls to all parts.  Chubbo was soon gone though as he was adjudged to have edged a ball to the wicket keeper for a wonderfully crafted 0.  Caister by this time were in big trouble in little Elmham 100 – 7 off 30 overs. Norman came in hoping to duplicate his wonderful innings of last week but unfortunately perished going for one shot too many.  French went soon after for a quality 38 which was much needed in the situation.  Turbo and Dick then came in for the last 10 overs hoping to push Caister to a much more respectable total. Thankfully, this they did with expert running between the wickets and some big blows by the Turbo.  They saw Caister through to the whole 45 overs and managed to creep the scoreboard up to a creditable 160.  Well done – a good finish again.

Jimmy opened the bowling with Buff and they both picked up 2 early wickets each to leave North Elmham in a bit of trouble at 15/4.  North Elmhams captain then came into bat and proceeded to smash the balls to all parts of the ground.  With help from some of the other batsmen, Captain Keeble began to rebuild Elmhams innings and at one point looked as though he would take the game away from Caister and record an unlikely win for Elmham.  This was further emphasized as Caister continued to drop dollies in the field.  B Fallo was the main culprit, dropping one dolly at silly mid where he tried to header the ball and one at mid wicket which he bellied.  Luckily for Caister Jimmy came on to bowl again and bowled the dangerous Keeble.  After this Elmham failed to keep up with the required run rate and ended up all out for 130.   Jimmy got another 5 wicket hawl (yawn), Junior 2 and Brains picked up the last wicket.

Another win and a slightly better performance all round from the boyo’s.  We will need to step it up a couple more gears though next week if we want to beat top of the table Kirkley Sports.  We have beaten them before so there is no reason why we can’t beat them again.  

Mabel is back for next week (Hurrah) aswell as the ‘unkown’ muft, so we will have a slightly stronger team.  Also we have the extra psychological advantage of being unbeaten so far this season at the ‘minefield’ of a pitch at Fortress Allendale, so let’s hope for a positive result.

(Mabel)

28th July 2005 - It's Make or Break Time...

With 5 games remaining in the 2005 season, 5 wins are now a must in our attempts to secure promotion to Division 3 next year.  On Saturday we face stiff competition from league leaders Kirkley Sports, and securing a double over our friends from Lowestoft this year is a must in order to keep our promotion hopes alive.  Rather annoyingly, it appears whoever finishes 3rd this year would have comfortably secured the Runners-Up spot last year (taken by Great Yarmouth with a record of 9 wins and 6 defeats), so let's try to avoid this being us !

Whilst glancing at the run-ins for ourselves, Kirkley Sports and Topcroft 'A', it appears we have the toughest, with Kirkley's in particular appearing straight forward on paper.  It therefore looks like a straight fight between us and Topcroft 'A' for the second promotion place, regardless of the result on Saturday.  On the season's final day, we do indeed face Topcroft 'A' at home in what may yet shape up to be a winner takes all event.

We will have to wait and see on that one, but the most important thing right now is to make sure we win the games between now and then to give us any sort of chance.  To do this we must massively raise our game.  We have been playing in reverse for the past 5 weeks.

Time to stand up and be counted.

(Jim)

30th July 2005 - Kirkley Sports (H)

Caister today blew the top of division 4 wide open with an excellent last ball victory against Kirkley Sports at  Fortress Allendale Road.  The game had been hyped up throughout the past 2 months after Caister demolished Kirkley earlier in the season in a game which revolved around certain incidents.  Certain players were here to prove a point to others and it was surely down to what team wanted the win the most that would come out on top.

Man Mountain finally won the toss today and unsurprisingly asked Kirkley to bat first on a green uneven looking pitch.  Kirkley were known to be uncertain of the pitch at the Fortress with their players referencing it as a ‘minefield’, so putting them in first seemed a good idea.

KBJ opened up from the Pavilion end and should have taken a wicket in the first over when he found the top edge of the opening batsmen’s bat. The ball lolly dollied up to first slip where Teddy was sited, for some bizarre reason though Teddy does not do easy so he tried to catch the ball without looking at it and somehow managed to drop the ball.  It has to go down as one of the worst dropped catches ever seen at Allendale and one which Caister hoped they didn’t come to regret.  Jimmy started from the other end and he and KBJ bowled at tidy line for the first 5- 6 overs without any reward.  This soon changed however when Big Buff bowled the opener with a jaffa cake which nipped off the seam to take off stump.  Jimmy was soon taken off after this and was replaced by the Lord of the Pies who took a wicket in his second over when he had the other opener caught behind by Mabel - to Teddy’s great relief.

Caister then welcomed a certain Tuttle to the crease, a very good batsman for Kirkley who was involved in an incident with Caister in the last game between the two teams which led to Kirkley’s batting collapse and hurtful loss.  He was batting with Kirkley’s wicket keeper and slowly but surely they began to build a solid partnership and batted sensibly against the tight line and length bowling of Rupert and FBT. 

After 25 overs Kirkley were 80/2 and the game was in the balance, Kirkley were looking to score about around the 180 mark whilst Caister knew that if they could get a couple of quick wickets Kirkley were liable to collapse like they did at Walmer Road.

Kirkley’s wicket keeper then decided to take the initiative and decided to attack the Caister bowlers (particularly FBT) with some big shots.  Luckily for Caister he was needlessly run out when it seemed he had just got his ‘eye in’ and not much damage was done.  Next over Tuttle really should of been sent packing when he edged a FBT claw ball to first slip which was spilled by young Rupert.  Tuttle at this point was struggling in his early 20’s and his wicket would have been a big boost for the Caister Crew, unfortunately it was not meant to be. 

Tuttle made Caister pay for this drop as he began to accelerate alarmingly with 17 coming off one Myhill over which wasn’t really that bad.

With 10 overs to go Kirkley were on a 160/4 and a total of 250 looked