Dodgers Cricket Club

Dodgers Season Review 2004 >>> Player Profiles 2004

April and May

The season began on a dark, cold April afternoon against the Auld Enemy. Fresh from spring nets, the chance of turning the hated Rats over looked a decent one, and it got even more decent when Barry Gigg - so often a nightmare to bowl at in these 40 over clashes - chanced an early single to unknown debutant Matt Taylor and was run out for a single. Craig Pereira hung around to make 50 but the Rats needed a solid 43 from Ken Block to avoid a total collapse, with the other Dodgers debutant Alex Luke announcing his arrival with three wickets.

The target of 168 was gettable and McBarron and Benn saw off Gundry and Mike Taylor without alarm before Phil laid into Conway's once-seen-never-seen-again medium pacers. The Rats prospects were as dark as the skies and at the first spit of rain the fielding side dashed off, Taylor citing the perils of lightening that was, in fact, so far away the sound hadn't reached us by the time we caught the train home. Messrs Duckworth and Lewis gave us the game by 17, but somehow that wasn't quite satisfying enough.

That disappointment of the Rats' great escape was compounded when we made just 76 against SRA in the next game (McB 26*), but Hilary (3-9) and McB (3-13) joined The Cat (4 catches) to rout the railwaymen and we won by a comfortable 31 runs.

The match against DCMS was a remarkable encounter: McB and Benn started our innings very slowly but Cavanagh (63*) and Hilary launched a fearsome assault at the end and we posted 168-4. When DCMS replied, Benn produced one of the most unusual returns ever seen - 8-6-22-3 - and with the rest of the bowling tight we coasted to a 41 run victory, with danger men Palao and Chamberlain kicking their heels on the sidelines at 10 and 11.

MOD were brushed aside in the 4th game, with Priest (40*) and Carr (29*) grinding us to a worrying-low 105, but another couple of wickets for Cooper and a devastating blast from McB of 4-8 in three left us winners by 29. ORR didn't fare much better the following week, though they posted 131 in 20. Taylor and McB both reached the retirement score and we cruised home with three overs and eight wickets left.

May was turning out very nicely and our "home" match at Buckhurst continued the roll, with ringers Whitrod and Conway hitting 40s to allow us to declare at 199-6. When we bowled, a marathon spell from Cousins and wickets from Benn and Luke had the "away" side in terrible trouble, but with the overs ticking away something special was needed. Enter Mr Pope. Every brain cell in every batsman's head said "do not get out"... and every batsman promptly decided to take a few free runs along the way to the draw and got out. Ball-of-the-season is a forgone conclusion: David dropped one just back of long hop length in the corridor of uncertainty three feet outside leg stump, batsman Dejode strode majestically towards the ball, raised his bat to smite it into orbit, missed it, the ball hit his back leg, and promptly trickled onto the stumps. A deserved win by 92 runs.

The final game of the month was against BSI, John Hilary bagging 4-14 and John Cooper another brace as they posted 111 for 7. In reply, Priest, McBarron and Crawford all contributed well with the bat and we won with an over to spare.

So, six wins from six in April and May and The Cat walked off with Player of the Month thanks to his 4 catches and 10 votes against SRA.

June

June's action began with an evening fixture against the Ombudsman, who struggled throughout to reach 104 thanks to a shock four wicket haul for Tawhid and yet another brace for John Cooper. Dodgers' reply was a bit scratchy and with three overs left the game was in the balance. As if by magic the Yorkshire Slogger appeared and wielded his mighty willow, hitting a six and eight other runs in the 18th over to close out the game.

Things did not go so well in the traditional Sunday fixture on an equally-traditional grassy pitch against St. Andrew's at Croydon. All the bowlers performed respectably, Cooper shining with 3 for 17, as St. A's reached 149 in their 40. In reply, a steady 41 from Matt Taylor was the bedrock, but an equally steady flow of wickets at the other end left us struggling. A typically brisk 29 from Crawford got us close, but much was needed from a powerful tail of Qureshi, Benn and Hilary. It wasn't to be: kamikaze running from Tawhid saw off Benn, quickly followed by himself, Pope was bowled first ball and John Hilary never faced a ball. This first loss had wider implications too: Cap'n Carr damaged a hand taking a catch and did not appear again until late July.

The agonies at Croydon were forgotten just three days later as a Dodgers squad with six changes racked up 142-6 in their 20 overs (Priest and McB retired) against Audit Commission at Battersea Park. In reply, a certain Barry Gigg reached the retirement score as they ran us close, eventually reaching 135-3. The season's second encounter with the Rats was played in glorious sunshine a week later. After racing to 73-0 off just 8 overs, the Rats innings stalled horribly and they reached just 122-3. That man Cooper was wicketless, but 4-1-10-0 was hardly a poor effort. Dodgers were always going comfortably with Taylor (49*), temporary turncoat Conway (20) and Priest (32) helping us reach the target with two overs and seven wickets to spare.

Treasury were next up, and an unspectacular innings by them of 118-2 with three retirements looked like good news. A duck for Taylor was followed by a decent stand between Priest and Hilary, but when they were out in the teens and were quickly followed by Leach and Cooper the situation looked grim. Qureshi and Benn set about the task with nudges and nurdles and hard (and thankfully risk-free) running. Benn's retirement and the Cat's dismissal left six needed of the last over. Tawhid could only watch as Matt Southwell repeatedly slipped in the wet and was run out, leaving Simon Cousins to get one off the last ball to win. He didn't get close to his ground and a tie was the outcome of the "thriller in the drizzle".

With the game against FSA called off, we'd reached the end of June with just one defeat. Tawhid snatched the player-of-the-month award by a single vote from Matt Taylor.

July

Two fixtures in consecutive weeks were scheduled against Science Museum at South Park to launch July, although the second was abandoned. In the first, an ultra-tight bowling display on an awful pitch (including a metal stake driven into the wicket) held Science to 55. In reply, an early wobble was easily overcome with the Cat (18*) shining.

The vital third encounter with the Rats was perhaps the high point of the club's existence. After a traditional high-speed start, the Rats' innings stalled horribly and they reached just 125 in their 20. Taylor and Priest began patiently, but soon got into their stride and after Matt had retired on 50 we cruised home by the stunning margin of 10 wickets. As the match report pointed out, it was a good job we hadn't needed:

- eleven men
- to win the toss
- the 20th over of our innings
- a third batsman
- a sixth bowler
- to hold many catches
- to leave Stevie Carter in
- decent light
- fit openers or
- any favourable umpiring decisions

... or it would have been embarrassing for the tomato heads!

Things can turn quickly in cricket and we proved it in the latter part of the month. From the highs against Superstars we produced a diabolical display against Dealers at Barn Elms (both new to our schedule). Despite a punchy 31 from JC and 27 from John Hilary we subsided from 44-0 to just 110. In reply, six dropped catches gave us no chance, with the only positive being Matt Southwell's spell towards the end.

But we can bounce back too. Against Weasels we made a creditable 199 from our 35, with McB hitting a sparkling 51 (and not just in relative terms!) opening alongside a rejuvenated Qureshi (34) and ringer Gill crashing 46 towards the end. In response we turned in our best fielding of the year - possibly of all time - with no fewer than eight catches and two run outs to win by 84 runs. Hilary had grabbed 3-10 and Benn and Cooper two wickets apiece.

With so many good performances during the month, there was a three-way tie for best player, split between Messrs Carr, Matthews and Taylor.

August and September

Ombudsman were the next victims back at Chiswick, where a quick 24 from guest Bok Warren Bass saw us reach 118. In reply, John "Mr Reliable" Cooper bagged 3-20 and Alex Luke 2-20 as we eased home by eight runs. This match might actually have long-term beneficial implications for the club: stand-in skipper McB allowed Tawhid to bowl an over in this game and it was lucky to go for only 15. Tawhid is now a fully-fledged batsman!

Wandsworth Common provided the setting for our Sunday game against Tawhid's Warwick Castle. Common indeed. Losing McB to a "fearful waft" in the first over, we slumped to 2 for 3 on what was a nasty pitch with erratic and excessive bounce. A recovery by Qureshi (16) and Benn (46) with Hilary (16) gave us respectability, but the lower order collapsed precipitously and we were all out for 119 including 30 extras. In reply Warwick's opener Khan hit 59 but they struggled almost as badly as we had, with nobody else reaching double figures as wickets trickled away. With the last Warwick pair at the wicket a victory from nowhere seemed possible, but the last victim proved elusive and we were eventually beaten in what was a classic encounter.

Back at Chiswick, Audit Commission reached a useful 136-4 in the next game, with no Dodgers bowler shining. In reply, the loss of Qureshi to a first-ball catch by substitute Hilary (d'oh!) did not augur well. Though Priest and McB batted typically well, the rest didn't add up to a row of beans and we eventually slumped to a loss by four runs. This might not sound bad, but AC had just six men and three non-cricketing women, so this must surely go down as our worst performance of the season.

But we never dwell on defeats. BSI made just 74 against us in the final evening game of the season after an excellent bowling display (Cousins 2-9) and we knocked off the runs with consummate ease.

With the series already sealed, the Dodgers boys had a relaxed air for the final game against the Rats. Batting first, we needed 61 from Neil Priest supported by 31 from JC to reach a reasonable 162 on a slow track. Such a score is normally well within the Rats' capabilities, but their traditional slowdown started early, with overs 4 to 13 yielding just 12 runs. The Luke gambled backfired, and at 90-2 the evil empire looked like it might have the last laugh, but Bass, Cooper and Hilary all picked up wickets to leave 17 needed off 4 with the last pair together. The Rats' temperamental vice-captain Mike Taylor was still at the helm, but a long hop from John Cooper proved just a little too tempting and he was bowled - victory by five and a 3-0 whitewash.

[Series stats: Dodgers 455 runs @ 5.22 per over and 35.0 per wicket; Superstars 572 runs @ 4.81 per over and 20.4 per wicket. Superstars took only three wickets for 293 in 48 overs in the first three games. We clearly let up Aussie-style with the rubber dead]

And so to the usual end-of-season trip to Buckhurst Hill. Taylor and McB (23) put on 75 for the first wicket and though Priest made a handy 18 in context, Matt's 64 was the only other serious contribution as we made 160 all out from 47 overs. Buckhurst normally settle for a draw regardless of anything else, but they reckoned without Simon Cousins who produced a mammoth effort of 17.5-4-35-5 in two spells which, together with braces for Pope and Cooper, bowled them out for 140 with 15 balls remaining. A fitting end to a great season.

[Final stats: 25 fixtures of which 16 won, 4 lost, 1 tied, 1 abandoned and 3 not played. No series lost (Rats 3-0, Buckhurst 2-0, BSI 2-0, Ombudsman 2-0, Audit Commission 1-1).]

Player Profiles 2004

Simon Cousins - Simon played a little more than usual and enjoyed an excellent season, topping the bowling averages. Consistently accurate, he bowled two mammoth spells against Buckhurst Hill, taking five wickets in the second fixture to win us the match. More importantly, he bought a jug to commemorate the feat. Also fielded splendidly and showed some promise with the bat when allowed a hit. Moral of the story - getting shot by a nutter improves your creeeekit.

Matt Taylor - first season redhead Matt enjoyed a decent if inconsistent season with the bat, mixing good scores with an equal number of ducks. Already established as our regular opening bat, Yorkshireman Matt has been labelled the left-handed McBarron (high praise indeed). However, despite his classical high left elbow front foot technique, he is still prone to the odd expansive shot that McB would never countenance. Matt needs to remember that a chanceless 15 off 30 overs that lays the platform for a final total of 95, is often more valuable than a flashy 70 off 20 overs, which might set up a score of 250 but could equally see us collapse to 94 all out. Matt is an excellent fielder but his occasional bowling is of the don't-call-us-we'll-call-you variety. Has run out HRH Priesty twice, which is always good value down the bar. Unfortunately Matt drinks lager!

Neil Priest – Vice-Captain Neil enjoyed a fine season, scoring the most runs and finishing top of the batting averages. Despite an absence of many major scores, Priesty scored consistently and had very few failures. Continues to hone in on Inzaman's world record for the highest aggregate number of hours spent standing motionless at slip, aided and abetted by Captain Carr.

John Adey - a welcome return for John who made a handful of appearances and was keen to show off his new slimmed down athletic look. This enabled him to bowl with a yard of extra pace and his fastest ball was timed at an impressive 27mph. Some things never change though and his typical bowling analysis was the usual 4 overs, 1-29. Hopefully will play a bit more next year.

Kim Matthews - the Cat first donned the gloves for Dodgers in 1913 and like a fine wine continues to improve with age. Now 84 and in his third benefit season, his work behind the stumps was better than ever and he took some superb catches. Also achieved the notable personal milestone of scoring 100 runs in a season for the first time, achieved in the final match against Buckhurst Hill. Continues to be loyally supported by Dodgers groupie Jude.

Chris Jacobs - not much was seen of Chris and it is hoped we see more of him next year. An excellent fielder and on his day (usually November 17th) an effective hard-hitting bat. Has recently got engaged to a girlie, which doesn’t augur well for next season.

Mark Cavanagh - Mark was also rarely seen but turned in a match-winning performance with bat and ball to beat a very good DCMS side early in the season. A regular Warwick Castle player along with chum Tawhid and played against us in our narrow defeat on a joke pitch at Wandsworth Common.

David Pope - David is feared and revered in places as far apart as Buckhurst Hill and Croydon. The little maestro continued to pick up his share of wickets but is still looking for that elusive first catch. Amazingly, hasn't been sought out by spin twin Alex Luke for tips and coaching (go on Alex, you know it makes sense).

Phil McBarron - Dodgers most popular player (Que? Ed.) had a steady if unspectacular season with the bat and also sneaked in with an impressive eight tailend wickets from a handful of overs (it’s about knowing when to bowl: McB didn't bowl after May).

Neil Benn - just pipped Adey in the speed gun challenge, with one wind assisted down-the-slope delivery clocked at 29mph. Neil was one of our most consistent and reliable bowlers as reflected in his stats. Also had his moments with the bat, including a virtual lone hand against Warwick Castle. Is rightly proud of his Yorkshireness.

Warren Bass - our overseas player, South African Warren was recruited late in the season and turned in some impressive performances helping us to win some tight games. He bowled briskly at times and played some hard-hitting knocks. Is renowned for verbal sledges that are so conventionally unfunny they are absolutely hilarious.

Will Streatfeild - Will the Juggler was rarely seen and the last time we heard he was clowning around the Med. In the few games he played, Will's brisk spin bowling allowed him to pick up his share of wickets at reasonable cost. A much missed maverick!

Guy Westhead – it has been a few seasons since the runs really flowed for Guy and he struggled at times this year. A determination to play back to everything, including long half volleys, is a contributing factor. Needs to use the close season nets to work on his techneeeeeeq and then return in 2005 as his South African alter ego Guy van Knobhurst.

Matt Southwell - yet another Matt and another new boy. Matt S had his moments with the ball but his golden moment was a stunning catch in the end-of-season game at Buckhurst Hill, having previously been written off as a graduate from the Pope/Streatfeild School of Fielding. Matt had few opportunities to impress with the bat and didn't. Drinks lager!

Tawhid Qureshi - previously a dodgy bowler for us, it was decided to use Tawhid as a front line batsman in 2004. The decision paid off and Tawhid racked up a number of decent scores. Clearly still fancies himself as a bowler even if the rest of us don't, unless we are batting against him. Tawhid is an excellent fielder, apart from his catching. Another lager drinker!

John Carr - our esteemed leader missed a chunk of the season due to a hand injury incurred taking a catch. Managed a few decent knocks and captained the side with his usual aplomb. Became the third Dodger to pass 1,000 career runs during the season and is now just 94 wickets away from the Holy Grail. Likes an ale and will only drink lager if there is no proper beer, spirits, petrol or distilled urine.

Alex Luke - Alex is something of an unfulfilled talent who will hopefully show his true worth next season. He looks the part as both bowler and batter but a combination of some loose deliveries and dodgy shot selection affected his results (still managed a highly respectable 19 wickets though). Was understandably overawed at times when bowling in tandem with Popey (there's no shame in keeping one end tight for the Leyton Wizard mate). Being young and athletic, Alex is a decent fielder and also has a nice girlfriend. Currently drinks lager and would improve his performances if he switched to ale.

Matt Leach - domestic duties limited Matt's availability… which was good news for us but bad news for our opponents. His slow non-spinning spin bowling has not really threatened in the last couple of seasons and a few confidence-building sessions down the nets would do him the world of good. Matt supports Leeds United and likes real ale so he's OK with me.

Andrew Crawford - the train spotting Charterhouse old boy has departed for new pastures in Brussels so it is doubtful we will see much of him next season. Didn't play that much this year and was rarely at his best when he did. On his day a quick/slingy bowler and a destructive bat, Andrew has been one of our premier all-rounders. We shall particularly miss his sunny persona in the field and his advisories on which end of the platform to stand at when catching a train at an unfamiliar station.

Sean Birch - a somewhat reluctant player, Sean actually turned out a few times this season. Managed a few runs as well. Is nearly as old as the Cat and qualifies for a benefit next season. Drinks lager and really ought to know better at his age. Is a member of the Spurs Mafia along with Popey and Carr.

John Hilary - John maintained his high bowling standards from previous seasons but had a disappointing season with the bat. I blame the helmet, which has also made his hair go grey! Has a bowler's perspective when umpiring so if it hits you on the pads and he's at the other end, you’d better start walking.

John Cooper - last but by no means least, all round good guy JC2. John had a fantastic season with the ball taking 26 wickets, which is pretty close to a record. Is also rightly revered for his excellent organisational skills and the marvellous Dodgers web-site. His wank batting and dodgy fielding prove he is human though.

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