Pelicans CC v Headley CC - Surrey Sundowner
Date: 28 May 2023
Ground: Headley Cricket Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
G. Archer
T. Whitby
C. Michaels
J. Bunn
H. Kushwaha
Sir Grues
B. Dougan
D. Worby
R. Pabari
A. Wells
Report:
On a beautifully sunny May Sunday, the Pellys flew out to the Surrey Hills - our first “non-tour” game outside of Greater London. The opponents were Headley CC, whose pitch, nestled beside an ancient wooded enclave, looked resplendent in the baking sun.
A full complement of Pellys (i.e. actually fielding 11 players) meant spirits were high, and the boys were eager to get stuck in. But not before grappling with two local rules, one seemingly illogical, the other quite dubious. First, there was a high net encircling half of the ground beside which ran a road frequented fairly regularly by day trippers in their cars. In order to hit a six on that side of the boundary, you not only had to clear the boundary rope, but also the net, which seemed to provide an incentive for carrying the protective net rather than a deterrent.
Second, the Headley skipper for the day informed the Pellys that only one ball was to be used for the match. Headley had lost the toss and were bowling first and began to insist on using the Pellys brand spanking new Dukes. Having never heard of this rule in a day game format, Skip discretely queried it with one of Headley’s elder statesmen, who quickly assured Skip this was incorrect. A new ball was swiftly and incongruously produced by Headley as they walked out to field…
Two new Pellys were unfurled: the irrepressible Harsh, a Dougan Deloitte contact, and the run-machine Conor Michaels - one of J. Bunn’s rugger bugger mates from Warwick.
Walking out in such a glorious setting reminded the Pellys what had kept them going through the dark winter months. Within 10 minutes, we were reminded why we needed more than two indoor nets to practice before the season started… G. Archer was bowled through the gap and the T. Whitby uncharacteristically slapped a short one straight to mid-off. The Pellys had their backs against the wall early on (not for the first time, and unlikely to be the last).
No fear though, C. Michaels was in the groove and began taking the Headley bowlers to task. Skip was happy to play second fiddle and was ticking along nicely, albeit he had to initiate a strong verbal DRS after being given LBW by R. Pabari despite middling it onto his pad.
The Pellys eventually finished on a respectable 204-6 off 35 overs. C. Michaels, after a furious recount following his dismissal, arrived at a century, and Skip carried his bat - both therefore securing their places in the Pellys’ history books as the inaugural holders of each of those offices.
A village tea spread (beige assortment) provided a brief stop gap between the innings and soon the teams were back out under the glare of the sun.
We couldn’t have dreamt of a better start, with B. Dougan inducing the edge in his first over and Skip snaffling a low one at slip. Three more Headley wickets fell in the first 10 overs as Pellys openers Dougs and A. Wells took two apiece and soon the Pellys had Headley by the short and curlies at 65-6. The smell of victory was strong, but none dare whisper it. Except J. Bunn (who had an excellent game behind the stumps), who loudly declared “This is going to be a great win!”.
The law of Sod is thick and heavy and Headley duly rose to the occasion, putting that statement to the sword. Their Saturday club cricketer was joined at the crease by an obdurate man named Grant, and a hail of sixes and fours followed, with the two Headley batters taking a liking to anything short of a length.
The Pellys’ total was knocked off in 25 overs, their score suddenly looking a few runs short on what was a smallish ground. Deflated at having lost, but glad to have been back amongst it playing cricket, the Pellys could certainly take a few lessons from this defeat (none having been remembered at the time of writing).
The game was generally played in good spirits, though the competitive, hard side of village cricket was revealed - there is always an undercurrent in the shires - and something the Pellys will need to adapt to when they venture out of London again this season.
We enjoyed a refreshing beverage outside the wooden slat clubhouse post-match, and the president of Headley, who had come down to watch the game, mixed about, showing a good natured interest in our set-up and “ethos”. He was even more interested in young master T. Whitby when it was uncovered that both had attended that prestigious bastion of English education, Oundle School. We left the president and T. Whitby to reminisce over the delights of boarding school and whether Matron was still there attending to the boys’ needs, and we were soon dispersed into the last rays of Surrey sunshine. It had been a good match, but one we had let slip from our grasp. This wasn’t to be the theme of the season, was it?
Pelicans CC v Dulwich Lawnmower - A Tightly Mown Finish
Date: 3 June 2023
Ground: Hilly Fields
First XI:
S. Crawford
G. Archer
J. Giampoli
J. Ohlsen
A. Bishop
D. Worby
Sir Grues
B. Dougan
H. Kushwaha
A. Wells
Report:
The auld (but amiable) enemy - Lawnmower. First time we crushed them, second year they blew us away…what would the third encounter hold?
Debuts were handed to A. Bishop, our Australian overseas pro, and, after a couple of last-minute drop outs, J. Giampoli, another non-native (American import this time). In the case of the latter, he had never played cricket before, but Skip had been reliably informed he could effectively wield a baseball bat.
Winning the toss for the second game in a row, Pellys were out to bat in the amphitheatre that was Hilly Fields. G. Archer faced up to a few more balls this time and took the glaze off the new cherry before departing, whilst J. Giampoli’s baseball skills didn’t quite translate into cricket, trudging back for a duck. This brought J. Ohlsen to the crease and a partnership was nurtured, and then blossomed, between Mr Ohlsen and Skip, who was still scratching about.
J. Ohlsen’s languid, Crawley-esque manner of playing was a joy to watch, but, unfortunately, once he was out for 73, there followed a familiar Pellys collapse. An injury to H. Kushwaha resulted in that rarity in limited overs cricket, the declaration (with 4 balls to go in the innings) and 191 being set, which never seems enough when par on the Hilly Fields pitch hovers around 230.
A man down as M. Burt had decided to commute to the game from New York that morning meant G. Archer took the opposition’s (sweaty) gloves and pads and became keeper for the day.
Another dream start got us underway, with A. Wells getting a snick behind in his first over, the catch taken in the pouch-like hands of A. Bishop at first slip. Which was just as well since Angus, having talked up the fact he hadn’t played cricket for 10 years, when asked by Skip where he normally fields, boldly declared first slip. Consider that field positioning yours, sir.
The debut got even better when, brought onto bowl, Angus removed the Lanwmower’s strike batsman with a snorter that lifted and twisted, taking the edge with it and slapping into Greg’s grateful hands.
This should have been the turning point, but thereafter the game ebbed and flowed. 20 runs would get put on the board before D. Worby and Joe, putting in fine bowling performances, pegged back the Mower by a wicket or two. Scrambled singles and well taken chances meant Lawnmower only needed a handful of runs to win with two overs to go. And in the penultimate over, with their batting running deep, their opening bowler ringer swung away until the deficit was no more and Lawnmower got the win.
Once again, it was a thoroughly enjoyable contest against these chaps, and closer than expected. Until next year…
Pelicans CC v Plastics XI CC - Rain and Woe
Date: 18 June 2023
Ground: Dundonald Recreation Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
J. Bunn
Al. Forsey
Vivek
An. Bishop
M. Burt
Akhil
R. Pabari
H. Kushwaha
B. Dougan
Aa. Wells
Report:
Down to South Wimbledon to face another rival on the circuit, this time with some feeling. A refusal to walk (whether as a result of a genuinely held belief or not) last year had left a little sour taste in the Pellys’ bills and promised a spicy match-up this time.
M. Burt returned behind the stumps and, despite drop-outs (again), the ranks were bolstered with A. Forsey and Rikin’s Ringers, Vivek and Akhil. Under leaden skies the toss was lost and the Plastics asked to bat first.
Albert, cantering in wearing golf shoes, and Uncle Donks, opened up proceedings with a very hungover Waz dropping to first change. Forsey made the early breakthrough, clattering a full ball into the stumps at a tremendous pace.
More wickets began to fall to our bowlers, with the pick being A. Wells’s four wickets in the match. This was despite him momentarily losing his mind in his hungover state and throwing his treasured Pellys hat at a ball that had been struck towards the boundary. This brought, as expected, severe admonitionment from J. Bunn.
R. Pabari began turning a few from the Tennis Court End and, aided by some smart catching and excellent fielding, the Pellys found themselves needing only one more wicket to skittle the Plastics for a below par 140. Out strode Plastics’ last batter, a key player in the aforementioned contravention of the spirit of cricket, and one who, rumour had it, was nicknamed the “The Gremlin”.
He waddled out to the crease, seemingly without a care in the world (for either time-outs or general decency) and was met with a couple of choice words about timekeeping. The order came from the top and A. Bishop, pawing at the ground, came steaming in, unleashing a snorter that ripped and reared past The Gremlin’s helmeted maw. The last wicket stand didn’t last long and the Pellys were left 146 for the win.
Those leaden skies hadn’t dissipated though and when Skip and newly promoted J. Bunn trudged out to bat, a fine drizzle had begun to fall. Perhaps overly confident at chasing down a relatively small target, some aggressive batting ensued. Quickly followed by wickets. And with each batter falling on their sword, the rain came down harder and the droplets got fatter, until there was despair on and off the field, as the Pellys already back in the hutch sheltered under the sole umbrella.
The Plastics had brought on their best bowler to rip out the heart of the Pelly middle order, but at drinks, whilst the Pellys were still 70 away, Forsey was still in and batting well. Whilst he was there, hope remained strong. Whilst he was still there, the comeback was on. Whilst he was still there…the first ball after drinks splayed his stumps, the bails joining the rain in a spiraling hail back down to earth.
And that was pretty much that. Rikin put on a few last gasp runs, but we were beat, and we knew it. Sodden, we ran to shelter and decided revenge (against, on the whole, a very nice group of lads) would have to wait another year.
Pelicans CC v Railway Taverners CC - A “Monumental” Chase
Date: 9 July 2023
Ground: Edmonton Cricket Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
Sir Grues
T. Whitby
J. Bunn
C. Michaels
An. Bishop
Bill
Garrett
H. Kushwaha
D. Worby
B. Dougan
Report:
Another week, another game. Railway Taverners up at Edmonton.
This was a far cry from the usual serene surroundings of Crouch End. Edmonton’s ground, sheltering from the North Circular, didn’t scream cricketing Mecca amongst the car washes and souped up Corsas, but inside the ground was a pitch encircled by a ring of mature oaks and a wicket tended to by Tavereners’ efficient German groundsman.
New players Bill (Bunn’s ringer) and Garrett (Bunn’s ringer’s ringer) had been called up, and there was a cap presented to Angus on his third appearance for the Pellys.
The weather was set mild so skip and the oppo captain, Dingo, walked out to do the toss. Another loss of the flip had Dingo smacking his lips in anticipation and declaring the Tavs would bat first.
No fear, there was cloud cover about Uncle Donks to open up the bowling. Except Uncle still seemed to be mentally on a beach in Majorca and his partner in attack, Conor, wasn’t quite finding his length. Tavs’ star batter was tucking into anything short and Pellys’ morale was starting to sink even though the score at drinks of 106 for two wasn’t all that bad.
Energy was needed at the break, and Conor was determined we wouldn’t be allowed to show weakness, barking at young Harsh, who had just settled into his orange, to “STAND UP”.
A degree of injustice had also been nurtured in the second over when Conor had the opening bat clearly caught behind, the snick reverberating around the pitch. A long wait before moving on with the game let the oppo know what we thought about the decision, but after that the game inevitably became a little spiky. This ramped up when Vice-Captain T. Whitby and the Dingo almost went toe to toe over the giving of wides; a fight that Sky box office would have charged a premium to watch.
The Pellys standout bowler was D. Worby, who took three wickets, including that of the Dingo early doors, and at a miserly rate to boot.
But despite Worbs’ accuracy and persistence, runs were leaking and the Pellys were also racking up dropped catches in the field. The Taverners’ score had now ballooned, and even when their star batter finally fell, and the dust had settled on their innings, the scoreline stood at an impressive 252-6 off 40 overs.
The task ahead was daunting, particularly with the Pellys’ record for collapsing, but there seemed to be a focus in the camp as Skip and Sir Grues walked out to bat.
Sir Grues unfortunately fell foul of a good one angling in, and so out strode Master Whitby, all fired up from his confrontation with the Dingo. So the fire raged - Todd putting on a hundred partnership with Skip. At times the flames raged too strong, like when Todd attempted to reverse sweep off the Tavs’ strike bowler, the ball thumping into his pads, quickly followed by an incredulous and derisive “what the fuck was that” from the bowler.
The opposition were quiet at drinks, with the only chirping coming from Pellys’ own ranks. J. Bunn, who was clearly champing at the bit to get stuck in, letting Skip and T. Whitby know they needed to get a move one. Bunny had a point: the required rate was high, and had been climbing. But after drinks, Todd and Skip hit the accelerator. Whitby was now in his stride, cutting and dashing away, with one last heave having him caught out on a valiant, match defining 55.
Time for Bunn to shine. Skip was met in the middle with “I better put my money where my mouth is”. Too right, some might say. Three dot balls to start might have vindicated the doubters, but Bunny came roaring back, smashing two sixes and a four in one over to get things going again. When Skip decided to skip down the wicket, missing the ball in the process, C. Michaels was brought to the crease.
There followed the most destructive piece of batting witnessed in Pellys’ history to date: 38 off 13 balls. And just like that the Pellys had waltzed to the win with three overs to spare and seven wickets in hand. A monumental victory, if ever there was one.
Pelicans CC v South Weald - Wash Out
Date: 23 July 2023
Ground: South Weald Cricket Ground
First XI: n/a
Report: called off due to a waterlogged ground, on the same day England were washed out of the Ashes.
Pelicans CC v North Enfield CC - Not Again…
Date: 6 August 2023
Ground: North Enfield Cricket Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
G. Archer
T. Whitby
C. Michaels
O. Spence
H. Kushwaha
J. Bunn
D. Worby
R. Pabari
B. Dougan
As. Buchanan
Report:
Up at North Enfield; the long hike North. Memories of the Biffer and some unusual chat about balls leaving cherries on bats (who’d a thought it?!) were seared on our minds from last year.
But belief was high after the Tavs game and despite an “on the morning” drop-out, the Pellys were travelling with 11 after Super Sub O. Spence answered the call.
The local oak reared out of the ground like some majestic hydra, prompting multiple questions as to what exactly happened if the ball struck one its boughs (play on lads, play on), and the toss was held. Losing, the Pellys were in the field.
Surprisingly, given the order Enfield went with last year, one of their young lads strolled out to open. It wasn’t long, however, till he was strolling back. Lightning fast behind the stumps, Bunny, effectively standing up to Uncle Donks, took advantage of the young lad being an inch out of his ground - a sharp chance well taken.
Thereafter the game swung between the sides. Runs came in pockets between an excellent bowling display forged by Rikin and Dougs. Conor, punching up the hill, combined pace with accuracy and picked up his reward with a chop-on. And even Skip chipped in with a couple of “darts” that somehow hit the timber rather than the boundary rope.
The Biffer came and went and debutant Oscar kept up a very tidy end to wrap up the North Enfield innings. Chasing 200 with a short, albeit oak protected, boundary, seemed doable to the Pellys conversing at tea.
But North Enfield had come to play and the Biffer turned into the pace opening bowler, accompanied by one of their young guns who exercised line and length with movement off the slope.
Each Pelly got a start, with six of the top 8 getting into double figures, but no-one was able to manufacture a partnership or go on to post a score. T. Whitby being caught by the Colonel (a geriatric master of long lost summers) was the only high/low light as scoreboard pressure began to take its toll, even as a late surge from El Worbo was rebuffed. The game eventually slipped from the Pellys’ beaky grasp in the 35th over as North Enfield polished up.
This was a more enjoyable game than the year before, even though comments were made again about the Pellys’ ball (for the record, a Duke’s Special Match ‘A’). Revenge will taste even sweeter next year…
Pelicans CC v Coldharbour CC - Kings of the Hill
Date: 20 August 2023
Ground: Coldharbour Cricket Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
G. Archer
T. Whitby
C. Michaels
J. Bunn
Sir Grues
D. Worby
M. Burt
R. Pabari
B. Dougan
Aa. Wells
Report:
A ramshackle clubhouse, black boards and musty carpets waited for the Pellys at the top of the hill.
A boundary that restricted Uncle Donks’ 30 yard run-up; a forest on three sides of the ground that beckoned the ball after each vaguely well struck shot - this was certainly a unique ground, and apparently the highest in southern England. And the views were superb, even if the claim couldn’t be corroborated.
The Pellys turned up in Surrey at Coldharbour CC for the final game of the regular season. Only the tour to Suffolk remained.
Winning the toss, Pellys were into bat, but a nervy start saw Skip gone by the fourth over. Greg and Todd steadied the ship, with Greg then being dismissed for his highest ever Pellys score, slapping a couple of lovely fours into the woods on his way there.
Conor and Todd accumulated, more slowly than usual though, and the overs ticked on. Out of nowhere it seemed, following some tight but not devastating bowling and a rather bemusing legspin action from one of the Coldharbour old boys, the Pellys were reeling on 100 or so for 8.
The bittersweet taste of an early beer was on the horizon, but that wasn’t counting on D. Worby’s presence at the crease. West London muscle rippled, English willow swished, and time and again leather ball was dispatched into the forest.
The cheers were getting louder from the boundary, and despite the opposition remarking that he only had one shot, that shot was mighty effective. The Baron, as he came to be known, was demolishing the Coldharbour attack, and in the process pushed the Pellys total to just above the 150 mark - dredging it from the abysmal to the defendable. All good things must come to an end, however. Fully three runs short of his 50, the Baron’s battering ram finally fell silent.
A running cameo from Donks, his skip and a jump down the wicket to send a six into the trees helped to send the Pellys into a vaguely optimistic mood.
Following a tea that received reviews across the entire spectrum of pleasure, the Pellys were quickly out onto the ground, shadows already lengthening.
We needed a quick start and boy did we get one - Uncle Donks screaming down the hill like a man possessed and picking up wickets in his first three overs, eventually finishing with outstanding figures.
Waz put in his best bowling display all season, knocking over two in his first spell and raring to go for his second (more on that later…).
First change The Baron was metronomic and his accuracy duly rewarded with another excellent set of figures. Conor Michaels was into his stride and had the ball fizzing into Matt Burt’s gloves. Fizzing so much that he beat Coldharbour’s counter-attacking middle-order batsman for pace, inducing the chop-on.
Rikin held up his end and persistence paid off with some risky shots now being attempted by the remaining batters. One skied shot landed with an alarming thud into the barrel chest of Bunny, and you could hear the ECB taking notes on this novel technique.
But despite this incredible collective bowling display, Coldharbour were still only 30 runs short with a big hitter in and five overs to play with.
Skip turned to Waz, as he often does in moments of need. Waz, with that jaunty gait of his, ran into bowl…and the ball was clattered for six. The next ball Waz was more tentative to the crease, resulting in the ball sailing down leg side for five wides.
Suddenly it looked like the game had slipped from our grasp. Not quite wanting to look, the team walked in as one as Waz sauntered to the crease again. But this time his rhythm was good, his stride was long, and his bowling arm was ever so slightly straighter at release.
Crash, into the top of off stump; up went the arms in celebration. Whirls and hoops went around the ground as the Pellys circled for joy in the last rays of the sun.
Pelicans CC v Mellis CC - The Complete Performance
Date: 16 September 2023
Ground: Mellis Cricket Ground
First XI:
S. Crawford
G. Archer
T. Whitby
C. Michaels
J. Bunn
O. Spence
Sir Grues
An. Bishop
M. Burt
B. Dougan
Aa. Wells
Report:
The last game of the season; our tour out to Mellis in Suffolk. This well established club had welcomed us, and beaten us, in a competitive game the year before. That result was in part because of the strength of the Mellis team we faced, which came up against a very hungover and sleep deprived squad of Pellys. A Sunday game that year allowed the Pellys to indulge the night before and enjoy the surroundings of the converted church where they were billeted. But this did not make for the freshest of heads or limbs on game day (vice-captain T. Whitby being a particular victim of the raucous antics - having to relocate beds multiple times throughout the night and eventually ending up in the old knave).
This year, however, was different. Coming off the back of a couple of wins, the Pellys felt their chances were good. They were also joined once again by D. Tyler, though this year only in a ceremonial capacity (memories of his hungover 6 foot 3 framework falling to the ground to avoid a ball that whistled by his head, rather than attempt a grab, will echo forever throughout Pelicans’ history). The Pellys’ new mascot was also revealed on arrival in Suffolk - D. Tyler’s handsome chocolate labrador - who had a heart of gold (much like his master) - and who provided much cheer throughout the tour. Anyway, back to the cricket…
The Mellis Cricket Ground was resplendent in mid-September sun. The MCG is cared for fastidiously by the head groundsman and other players, with the mown strips and crisp wicket reminiscent more of Melbourne than this sleepy corner of Suffolk. Indeed they hold Norfolk County games here on occasion, the standard is that good.
A short net on the Saturday morning, overseen by Coach D. Tyler in his England one day shirt, let everyone feel leather and willow before the 1 p.m. start, and gave them a taste of the battle to come.
After a nice catch-up with Mellis’s skipper (and travel writer extraordinaire), Ben Box, an amicable toss led to the Pellys searching for their bats and pads. For the last time this sweet summer, G. Archer and Skip walked out to bat, crossing the boundary rope with a smart punch of the gloves. The board was set, and it wasn’t long before the Pellys were moving through the motions. It seemed almost effortless, which wasn’t something that could usually be said of the team’s performance - and nor was it a reflection on the Mellis bowlers, who were consistent and occasionally threatening.
But G. Archer, whose confidence and run-scoring had been building all season, was in the mood. At drinks, 20 overs into the game, the Pellys were 110-0, with 50s from both opening bats; but this was a special, inaugural 50 for G. Archer. And it meant a lot, heralded by a long hug out in the middle. A sign of more, hopefully, to come…
T. Whitby and C. Michaels set about their task of accelerating the scoring, and this was continued by J. Bunn and O. Spence. 252 was put on the scoreboard in imperious fashion under the watchful eyes of the sun that continued to beat down onto the players.
Sustenance was welcome at tea, and it was a chance to savour the final (cricket) weekend of the summer. The sunrays cast a warming glow across the hallowed turf of the MCG, and beads of perspiration gathered and pooled on the brows of each Pelican batter, soon transforming into fielders and strike bowlers, ready for the final showdown.
Into the last of the summer sun went the Pellys. The bowling was ferocious, the fielding was precocious, and the Pellys were soon through the experienced Mellis top order. Mellis were well behind the rate at drinks, and the Pellys could sense victory. But stout resistance from the Mellis no.3, and a couple of bungled fielding chances, led to a rising sense of frustration. Calls for everyone to “chill out” and focus on the bigger picture were met with a fierce rebuttal from Vice Captain B. Dougan who, striding back to this mark, declared loudly across the ground (and, it seemed, to most of Suffolk) that “I’ll relax when we fucking win.”. Skip had to quickly remind Uncle that the oppo were hosting us for a BBQ after the match...
The overs ground on: O. Spence (almost taking a hatrick), C. Michaels and A. Bishop - the new stalwarts - all taking three apiece. Pellys’ bowling strength eventually came to bear on a valiant Mellis team with 6 overs to go, and the Pellys finished the season and the tour of Suffolk with a 52 run win. And it was only fitting that the final wicket fell to a well-taken catch by our ever stoic and unflappable keeper, M. Burt.
There had, inevitably, been highs and lows throughout the year (that is cricket, and life, after all), but the general feeling was that the team had come on leaps and bounds from its conception, only two years earlier. Individuals had stepped up when required. Decisions taken had paid off. But most of all, the Pellys had come together as a unit. The players looked to play for, and support, each other. Long may that continue in 2024.