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CCC BEAT MALLARDS

CCC exorcised their demolition by Fenham on Thursday by cruising to a comfortable victory against Mallards at sunny Cochrane Park on Sunday.

Temporarily reduced to nine men by the withdrawal of Andy, they made it back up to ten with the news that Derek had finished his tiling project and would be able to play.

Mallards skipper Gareth Taylor won the toss and put CCC into bat, giving the world its first ever chance to see a head-to-head Finkill brothers bat-off. Unfortunately for the world it didn't last too long as both were dismissed for five, one to Hall, the other to Taylor.

CCC then took command with a partnership of 126 between Simon E (63) and David Graham (70). David played a range of attacking off side strokes in an exciting knock. He looked set for a ton before mental tiredness set in and he was bowled. John then added a quick 20, being especially harsh on his son Jack. However, it was Jack who got the last laugh, having his father caught behind by Alan Boyes.

Shortly afterwards Simon holed out after a carefully constructed anchor innings, and it was left to Gerry, Mark and Derek to take the score to an excellent 216-6, CCC's best for at least ten years.

With a hobbling Rian taking the gloves, it was left to Derek and Guy to form the opening bowling partnership. Early breakthroughs from smart catches reduced Mallards to 18-2, before Simon Whitehall and Alan Boyes put together a partnership of 79. The dismissal of Whitehall for 28 brought Peter Finkill in to bat, following a personal request that he get another opportunity to score BIG. However, on this occasion he failed to trouble the scorers, caught at mid on off Derek.

Once Alan was out for an excellent 50 the rest of the batting offered little resistance, although Paul Benneworth (28) and Tim Hall (3) played useful and remarkable innings respectively, before Mallards were dismissed for 136.

Peter Finkill was given a bowl to make up for his batting, and may well have discovered a new discipline. He took 2-8 off 4 overs, a spell which included three dropped catches and several other near misses. He, along with Derek (9-0-28-4) were the pick of the bowlers.

A fine afternoon, an excellent victory, and a good work-out for many of CCC's squad. A special word too for SMF drummer Adam who politely declined to bat or bowl but fielded very well for 40 overs!

Team: Peter, Guy, Simon E, David G, John R, Gerry, Mark, Derek, Adam, Rian

WEEK 4: FENHAM BEAT CCC

Mukhtar c Mudassar b Planchant 0. How CCC wished this to be true. Unfortunately, that outcome belongs in the historical records of the last meeting between these two sides, in August 2005. Mukhtar on that occasion was batting at 6, but on a warm Cochrane Park evening two years on CCC didn't even get a sniff of a bowl at a number 6 batsman...

After 7 overs Fenham had progressed to an unspectacular 58-1. Mukhtar had just walked to the wicket at number 3. His first act was to hit 33 off Matt's "best over so far this season", exploiting a leg side boundary shorter than Joe Pesci. He went on to score 92 not out off 32 balls as Fenham posted 175-2, the heaviest total CCC have conceded in the last 10 years.

CCC batted bravely in response and their total at the halfway stage exceeded Fenham's, however the challenge was too much, wickets were lost regularly, and despite needing a gettable 46 off 24 balls, the last 4 wickets fell in a clatter for just two runs, leaving the hosts 132 all out with the best part of two overs remaining.

A decent enough batting performance again from CCC, and a bowling performance that wasn't quite as bad as it sounds. A lop-sided boundary distorts the figures and the tactical approach. But the real downfall was the fielding, Rian dropping three chances in 4 balls at deep mid-wicket, Simon W dropping a tricky one, and Tim and even Peter guilty of downing chances. CCC need to tighten up considerably ahead of their must-win game against Adders next week.

Team: Nick, Rian, Khalid, Mudassar, Simon W, Matt, Peter, Simon E, John, Guy, Tim

CCC 2 Fenham 10

VAUGHAN TO LEAD WORLD

VAUGHAN KEEN TO LEAD PLANET INTO NEW ERA

England's cricket captain Michael Vaughan wants to extend his powers of leadership to the whole world, he revealed today.

In an exclusive interview for this website, the 32 year old Yorkshireman outlined his new global vision whilst resisting the temptation to speak in the first person.

"Michael Vaughan is ready for a new challenge," said Vaughan. "Now that he's returned to the England fold and proved how invaluable he is to the England set up, he feels it's only fair to extend his abilities a bit wider. That's why he is looking at leading the world into a new era."

On being asked whether this was a trifle over-ambitious, Vaughan launched a dashing square cut at his detractors: "look, people questioned whether Michael Vaughan should be able to walk straight back into the England side. Michael Vaughan maintained that he should. Michael Vaughan then hit a stylish century and led the team to a great victory. Together, Michael Vaughan and the world will experience many great victories."

Vaughan was then pressed to reveal his world-domination strategy. His plans were outlined with a flourishing drive through the vacant mid-wicket area: "It's a simple three step plan," he announced. "1 - put the kettle on, 2 - make a cuppa, 3 - take over the world. Michael Vaughan is now two-thirds of the way to world domination," he said, handing your reporter a mug of Yorkshire Tea.

And has Vaughan any message for his soon-to-be 6 billion charges? "Yes, don't worry, Michael Vaughan will soon be there for you. He's eager to prove himself, and believes he's the right man to take the planet forward to the next level. Together we will prevail, hahahaha."

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SUNDAY GAME IS OFF

Unfortunately, rain has played its part again and the game against Oxford at Cochrane has been called off.