Login

Nosebleed Time

CCC's 'team of all the talents' secured another tough victory in a pulsating game at Tynemouth CC last night. Put into bat on a rock-hard wicket the visitors scored a competitive 128-6 (Ratti 44, Simon E. 35) off 16 overs. To win, CCC knew they had to dismiss Andy Carr, who has been in fine form this year for Cookson's, but he moved quickly to 35 before being controversially given not out when caught at cover off a bump ball. This fired up the bowler, Rian, who produced an unplayable one two deliveries later. Cookson's then lost wickets (and balls into a neighbouring garden) at regular intervals, with the CCC bowlers Rian, Hall, Knowles and particulaly Spencer, doing a superb job in conditions that were 100% suited to the batsmen. "It's never an easy place to come to", commented Derek Marshall after the game, "we just stuck at the task and made it difficult for them". "We always seem to play well here - it's nice to play on a proper pitch. They even have covers and that", said star all rounder Rian.

CCC 10 points and up into 2nd place!

Team: Ratti, Alan, Ian, Simon E., Rian, Simon W., Keith, Cliff, Derek, Chris, Tim

Knockabout Glory for Saints

St Teresa's defeated CCC in a hastily arranged friendly last night. The game filled a gap in the schedule resulting from both teams' exit from the cup. Neither team got a full side out, so there were plenty of gaps in the field, which combined with everyone bar the keeper having a bowl, produced a lot of runs. Saints scored 110 in 16x6 ball overs, with John Harrison and A. Malia retiring on 25 in accordance with the rules. Tim and Gerry were the pick of CCC's bowlers. CCC stuttered to 92-2 with Simons Edwards and Woodman retiring at 25. For CCC, Taz made a brief reappearance for two overs before disappearing on "business".

Many thanks to the Catholic Club who provided post match hospitality - sandwiches, cheap ale and a TV to watch the England match.

Team: Cliff; Roger; Gerry; Simon E.; Simon W., Paul; Alan; Tim

Next week it's back to league action with a home game v Traveller's Rest

CCC Favourite Set For Return?

After prolonged negotiations with Benwell Hill CC, former CCC favourite Taz could well be making a return to the Medical Ground. Taz arrived on the scene in 2001 with a promising display against the DSS, before having his career interrupted by exams and spells with Cowgate and the Hill. It is possible that - if the paperwork is completed in time - the all rounder could return in time for Sunday's friendly at Cochrane Park.

CCC Inspire Memories of Holland 74

CCC's team of multi-talented all rounders demonstrated once again last night just why they are being talked about as possible top half finishers in this season's 4th Division. Just as they seemed to have thrown away the chance of victory in a traditionally tight game against St Teresa's Simon Woodman clattered a six to steer his team to an 8 point haul. Woodman has yet to be dismissed in CCC colours, and is scheduled to open in the next match in order to give himself the chance to create an average.

The victory was testament to the all round skill of this side, with 10 of the starting 11 potential opening bats (and the number 11 Hall could realistically be expected to bat as high as 9 in some circumstances). With the skipper able to turn to just about anyone to turn their arm over, and with 15 of the squad holding Grade A Certificates of Wicketkeeping, this really is a 'Total Cricket' team.

Once again the victory was rooted in a tight bowling display, with Hall (wicketless) and seasoned veteran Spencer (3-15) excelling. Rian even felt sorry enough for the opposition to give them a chance by bowling his final over wrong arm and blindfolded. Those few extra runs almost lost the game, especially after a tentative middle order batting performance, but Woodman and Stewart Reader came to the rescue.

Team: Ratti, Paul Bennett, Edwards, Rian, Greg Tomlinson, Woodman, Reader S., Reader K., Boyes, Spencer, Hall

Win for CCC

Needing 92 to win on a glorious evening at Heaton Medicals, CCC duly completed their second league win of the season.

Some tight bowling aided by a sharp fielding display saw a regular procession of Mertz batsmen make the long walk back to base. Keeper “Boysie” took two behind the stumps, and a stunning catch at short cover by Ian Randall rewarded some accurate bowling from the “Dentist”.
Tim kept going for two well-earned wickets, but Rian was again the best bowler on either side; how he doesn’t get a regular 5-for is beyond scientific explanation.

Some inspired captaincy by the “Cat” brought together the untried opening pair of Randall and Bennet. Medical student Paul Bennet, released the tension of impending finals by belting the ball to all parts. WhileIan Randall, refreshed from a Scottish holiday, returned to form with a cracking display of power hitting and sharp running.
Sadly Rian and John Reed did not trouble the scorers, but any thought of collapse had not crossed the mind of new signing Simon Woodman who, with the ever reliable Yirkshire artist “Boysie”, steadied the innings with some solid middle order batting to take CCC home with two overs to spare