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United in Defeat

Park House were beaten by 7 wickets in last night's league encounter with top of the table Sparta. Batting first in glorious conditions on what looked a very good track all of the batsmen struggled to impose themselves against tight bowling from the opposition. Low scores and slow scoring were the order of the day as Park House closed on 56 all out.
Napoleon Bonaparte said "Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit". Step forward Mick Gurkin who having been a victim of the skipper's calling when batting (in addition to having a catch dropped off him and suffering two bad injuries) battled on to claim two wickets. He was ably supported by Tony Gilchrist who may one day lead the bowling attack if he listens to and learns from those around him. In the end it was all in vain as Sparta reached their target within 7 overs. Take heart and remember the words of Micel de Montaigne "There are some defeats more triumphant than victories" - never truer than when describing PHCC who after 25 years continue to play their cricket competitively and with enjoyment regardless of results.
TEAM: Dawson J (c), Hearne, Pearce, Jackson, Pollard, Cawthra, Gardiner, Gurkin, Bandeen, Dawson K., Gilchrist
NEXT GAME: Belmont (h)

Injury Crisis Deepens

Park Houses' push for promotion has all but ended with the news that a further three players have joined an ever growing injury list. With promising swing bowler Peter Bandeen still convalesing with a broken thumb, opening bowlers Mick Gurkin and Dave Crowe have both picked up knocks likely to sideline them for the next 2 - 3 weeks. With Billy Cawthra's torn hamstring, skipper John Dawson will need all of his management skills to get a team for next week's fixture against Belmont.
Read more in the latest match report.

Bay Fiasco

Batting first on a poor wicket, fully exploited by the opposition, Park House put up a good show despite being beaten by 3 wickets. Full credit must go to Keith Reader who had a good all round game with bat and ball and Tony Gilchrist. In his first appearance of the season Tony bowled a magnificent fiery spell during which none of the batsmen were able to play him with confidence. Fromology's loss has certainly been Park House's gain.
Richie Benaud famously observed that captaincy is 90%luck and 10% skill - but don't try it without that 10%. Never has this been better illustrated when the acting skipper took off Ian Hearn after a very fine over and threw the ball to young Kevin Dawson who promptly took a wicket with his first ball and was rewarded with figures of 2 - 19.
Although the fielding was of a good standard- Paul Bandeen took another good catch in the deep but blotted his copybook by shelling a relative sitter - the talk in the dressing room after was of Dave Crowes attempt to stop a ball on the boundary which was more ballet than athletic. Still given he is carrying an injury best not judge too harsh.
No game week commencing June 15th and we all await the call from returning skipper John Dawson as to who is selected for the next game.

**Injury Blow**

Latest news from Park House is that promising young bowler Peter Bandeen faces a spell on the sidelines having broken his thumb during Thursday's game against Hylton CC

Latest Defeat

Park House's defeat to Hylton brought an end to their unbeaten run which had stretched over 1 game. The match was though notable for a number of fine individual performances none more so than the batting of Dave Crowe and Dave Pearce as well as two stunning catches in the outfield by Paul Bandeen.
Mention too to all of the bowlers who in the face of a continious onslaught refused to wilt. Well played Dave Crowe, Keith Reeder, Kevin Dawson, Peter Bandeen and Ben Dures.
Last mention goes to Dave Pearce who turned his arm over for the cause and was rewarded with two wickets and but for a misunderstanding over a catch would have claimed a hat trick. Some may say that justice was served as one of his victims was a junior who surely deserved at least one opportunity before appealing.
Next game at Whitley Bay Thursday 11 June.