Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI line up prior to the opening DPL 2012 fixture

Skipper Andy Hayward names an unchanged side for the 3rd successive week however there are doubts over last weeks spin hero Joe Weld after his appearance out in the pubs & clubs of Wimborne last weekend. Weld is suffering from what is known as the “ Weatherspoons Wrist” an unfortunate injury that has ravaged many a side in recent years. Hayward is hopeful Weld will shake this off and take the field in what is sure to be another exciting DPL encounter. If Weld fails to make it new signing L. Castle will take his place for a 1st XI debut.

Team: A. Hayward *, B. Bridgen, G. Cole, M. Collins, F. Kerins, M. Kitson, J. Miller +, C. Randall, J. Weld, G. Will, S. Woodruff.

6 wicket match winner Joe Weld

Blue skies returned and the sun shone as Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI arrived at Dean Park to take on last year’s runners-up, Parley, in their second DPL fixture of the season. Once again skipper Andy Hayward lost the toss and the Parley captain, RoshanEmbalagama, inserted the visitors. Opener Colin Randall was quickly into his stride posting two fours in the first over and the score had reached 27 in the fifth when Hayward (5) was the first wicket to fall as he was bowled by Nippard. Randall, who looked to be in good nick displaying a number of attacking shots that kept the board moving, had been joined in the middle by vice-captain Ben Bridgen.

Together they moved the score to 80 in the twenty-fourth over before Randall (38) was caught at slip off Summerson. Bridgen watchfully built a score that was to be the mainstay of his team’s innings. The introduction of a joint spin attack made scoring difficult on a track that kept very low with the pace off the ball. Francis Kerins (0) struggled to get going before he was caught and bowled by Thomson with the score 89 for 3. Graham Cole (10) looked to be settling to the task when he was stumped by the alert Jacques off the bowling of Thomson. Mike Kitson (13) batted with confidence until he was trapped LBW by Naik with the board on 143 for 5 in the forty-third over. Bridgen (64) followed soon after with the score still at 143. His innings had been a disciplined effort with particularly good footwork against the spinners.

Batsman Ben Bridgen in action bowling his Medium Pies (picture courtesy of an old man)

There followed a flurry of wickets with ‘young guns’ James Miller (1), Simon Woodruff (2) and Joe Weld (9) all bowled when trying play the big shot when perhaps they should have been looking to push the ball into the ever increasing spaces in the field and accumulate the ones and twos. The score was now 156 for 9 and twenty balls left. Parley old boy Max Collins (7*) was joined in the middle by the experienced Gavin Will (7*) and these two managed a further 14 runs by hitting the gaps. The innings closed at 170 for 9 and the Minstermen knew that they would have to be at their best to get a result.

The Parley openers put on 41 for the first wicket before Will trapped Price (19) LBW in the fourteenth over. Will (10-2-36-1) bowled with control and could have had a further two wickets had catchable chances been bagged. His opening bowling partner Kitson (6-0-37-0) worked up a good pace but without success. Woodruff (8-0-21-0) was introduced to the attack and he bowled an economic spell beating the outside of the bat on a number of occasions with no luck. Collins and Jacques took the score to 75 before Collins (23) was caught by Hayward at backward point off Bridgen. Naik(1) was then expertly stumped by Miller down the leg side off the miserly Bridgen (9-2-11-2) with the board showing 84 for 3 in the twenty-sixth over. After a spell of off-spin from Collins (5-0-22-0) Weld joined the attack. He started nervously but eventually settled and had Embalagama (19) caught by Cole low down at cover – a considerably harder chance than the one that got away from Jacques!

It was now 127 for 4 in the thirty-seventh over. Jacques (60) had batted sensibly with a number of good shots but was enticed into a return catch by Weld at 146 for 5 in the forty-first over. Morley (5) became Weld’s third victim when he holed out to the safe hands of Randall at mid-on, 154 for 6. Action man Weld then ran out Thomson (0) with a sharp throw from cover, 156 for 7! The field was kept tight as pressure built on the remaining batsmen. Weld then had Gunn (4) stumped by Miller, 156 for 8 in the forty fifth over. In his next over Weld encouraged Nippard (1) into ‘safe hands’ Randall and then Summerson(0) ‘chopped on’ and Parley were all out for 157 in 46.3 overs. Weld finished with the remarkable figures of 8.3 overs, 2 maidens, 6 for 26, which along with his run out led to him proudly leading his team mates off the field having secured a 13 run victory.

James Miller had an inspiring afternoon with the gloves on a difficult track

Skipper Hayward commented “To win for the 2nd week running the hard way after losing the toss and to also be succesful after shelling 4 catches is a great testament to the character, belief and spirit of the 11 men out there today. With the bat Gav & Max’s 10th wicket partnership at the end proved vital in what was initially a great start from Bridge and Colin. With the ball Joey rose to the occasion under pressure and there were also some very influential tight spells from the rest of the bowling unit backed up by a wicket-keeping masterclass by James Miller. There’s plenty of areas to improve on however if we are to maintain our decent start to the season.”

Minstermen skipper Andy Hayward has only one fitness concern this week with last week’s star batter Francis Kerins suffering from a swollen face following an allergic reaction to his latest round of botox jabs. If FK fails to make the field Hayward will give a 1st XI debut to Portugese International batsman Jose Pipebano, who received international clearance early this week.  If Kerins recovers in time the Minstermen will line up unchanged from their 92 run victory.

Francis Kerins & Graham Cole discuss Saturday night television during their 130 run partnership last weekend (picture courtesy of Harris Sporting Life Images)

For those that can’t make it down to Dean Park on Saturday please check into the website for Hugh Mungus’ match report, although he’s not as funny as myself he is still a decent writer all the same.

Team: A. Hayward*, B. Bridgen, G. Cole, M. Collins, F. Kerins, M. Kitson, J. Miller +, C. Randall, J. Weld, G. Will, S. Woodruff.

Andy Hayward

Nicknames: Haystacks, Woody, Stacks, Bert
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2004
Favourite Shot: The Reverse Drive!
Cricketing Hero: Clive Hayward, Stuart Broad & Bill Lawry

Andy has had two spells for Wimborne & Colehill CC with the 2012 season being his 7 th season at the club. ‘Stacks’ spends his winter months wearing tweed and has developed a growing love of cheesecake throughout his years on planet earth that has somehow spread to his waist.

Ben Bridgen – vice captain RHB / RM (military)

Nicknames: Bridge / Benji
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot: The Forward Defence.
Cricketing Hero: Sachin Tendulkar

Ben joined the Club last season after relocating to warmer climes from his Midland home. ‘Bridge’ allegedly caused little Sachin Tendulkar difficulty during a net session in NZ with his military medium pacers. He also is known to be a recognised face is the entourage of acclaimed music rapper ‘50 Cent’.

Colin Randall – RHB

Nicknames: Col
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 1978
Favourite Shot: Just happy to make contact with any shot!!
Cricketing Hero: My Uncle Derek (Derek Randall)

Former captain & club stalwart Colin is the grandfather of the team who is well known for his swashbuckling attacking stroke play at the crease. Colin studies the stock market intensely in his spare time, with his shares in Jack Daniels often the focal point of his interests.

Francis Kerins – RHB

Nicknames: Botox / Smiler / FK
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot: The leave
Cricketing Hero: Paul Collingwood MBE

Stylish batsman Francis joined the club last season from Swanage and immediately endeared himself to the Wimborne & Colehill locals with his smiling demeanour. Known as the team’s heart-throb, FK is often the reason why there are queues of girls lining up to watch the Minstermen play.

Graham Cole – RHB

Nicknames: Coley
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2003
Favourite Shot: The back foot cut.
Cricketing Hero: Robin Smith

Coley is the sole owner of the prestigious 1st XI personalised club cap after being voted Player’s Player of the Season for the 2011 season. A natural sporting athlete Coley emigrated to Wimborne from the village of Alderholt to embark on a career of cricketing stardom.

Joe Weld– RHB / LAS

Nicknames: Joey
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot: Pheasant or Grouse
Cricketing Hero: Rob Key

Lulworth based Joe joined the club last season after a spell in the IPL for the Bangalore Royal Challengers with his golden helmet. A useful attacking batsman & left arm spinner, Joey will be looking to play a key role this coming season.

Oliver d’Erlanger-Bertrand – RHB / OS

Nicknames: Ollie / Gower
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot: Tequila
Cricketing Hero: Ben Lawes

All-rounder Ollie joined the club last season after finishing school at Bryanston the year before. Known for his love of Sunday ‘jazz hat’ cricket, Ollie was arguably the unluckiest bowler last season as his stats didn’t show up how well he bowled at times. Ollie is also a forgetful character who once left his entire cricket bag and contents at the ground after a training session.

Ben Ratcliffe – RHB / OS

Nicknames: Ratty / Anthony Worral-Thompson / Rob Key
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 1995
Favourite Shot: Down on one knee, aim for the tree.
Cricketing Hero: Robin Smith

Ratty is Wimborne through and through having played at the club since he was in a nappy. Known for his love of Bristol City & pre-match warm ups, Ratty can often be seen stretching rigorously waiting for his team mates to haul themselves out of the changing rooms.

James Miller – RHB / WK

Nicknames: Miller / Millerrrrrrrrrrrr / Roids
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2008
Favourite Shot: The heave to cow corner of course!
Cricketing Hero: MS Dhoni

James Miller is one of the world’s strongest men and he is uniquely also well known for having extremely soft hands after his first job washing up at the Pamp Hill fast food restaurant, which is excellent for his wicket-keeping duties.

Chis Cornish – RHB / RMF

Nicknames: Pasty
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2000
Favourite Shot: Forward defensive
Cricketing Hero: Clive Hayward

Minstermen fans will be counting down the days of seeing former youth product Pasty pull on a Wimborne & Colehill shirt and turn his arm over again this coming season. Chris is returning to the club this season after a spell working in two roles as a body double @ BBC headquarters; one in Walford as Phil Mitchell & the other in the MOTD studio as Alan Shearer. The bookies have him down to rival James Miller in the annual player’s weight lifting competition this coming season.

Simon Woodruff – LHB / LAF

Nicknames: Wooders
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot: The straight driv
Cricketing Hero: Freddie Flintoff

Wooders is the latest product from the youth system to come up through the ranks and represent the 1st XI. An educated fellow who is often taking weekends away viewing art galleries, it is hoped 2012 will be the season that Wooders finally realises his undoubted potential.

Ashley Collison – RHB / LS

Nicknames: Flash Ash / Badger / Steve Smith
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2007
Favourite Shot: Hitting it straight for 6!
Cricketing Hero: Michael Clarke

Ashley Collison is actually Steve Smith (Australian International Cricket Player). http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/267192.html

Grant Cormack – RHB / RM

Nicknames: LAD / Shadow
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2008
Favourite Shot: Just hitting the ball I’m happy with!
Cricketing Hero: Andy Hayward

Estate Agent Cormack is a likeable chap who rivals team heart throb Francis Kerins in grabbing the ladies attention. Often at the cutting edge of fashion, Cormack likes nothing more than getting his teeth into the oppositions bowling attack with his attacking strokeplay.

Stuart Nye – RHB / LS

Nicknames: Stuey / The Teenager
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot:
Cricketing Hero:

Teenage prodigy Stuart exploded on to the scene last season taking 4 wickets on debut after relocating from Scotland in the early season.

Gavin Will – RHB / RM

Nicknames: Gav
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 1999
Favourite Shot: Forward defensive
Cricketing Hero: W. G. Grace

Economical seam bowler Gav is one of the elder statesmen of the squad. Gavin sells drugs for a living, however he does it legally to pharmacies & GP’s.

Ben Ladd-Gibbon – RHB / RF

Nicknames:
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2011
Favourite Shot:
Cricketing Hero:

Bryanston School quick Ben made his debut towards the end of the 2011 season and has been invited into the Somerset Academy this winter. Wimborne & Colehill fans look forward to seeing Ben when his school commitments allow during the summer.

Max Collins – RHB / OS

Nicknames: Maxi / Phil
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: awaited
Favourite Shot: The Samuel Bucca
Cricketing Hero: Chris Gayle

Colehill based off-spinner Max is a new signing to the Club from rivals Parley. Well known within the local music scene the Minstermen fans are looking forward to Max pulling on a WImborne & Colehill shirt this summer.

Robert Down – RHB / RM

Nicknames:
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: awaited
Favourite Shot:
Cricketing Hero:

Wiltshire based Robert is another new signing to the club this season. A former team-mate of skipper Hayward at South Wilts, the Minstermen look forward to seeing him in action.

Michael Kitson – RHB / RF

Nicknames:
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: awaited
Favourite Shot: Cover drive
Cricketing Hero: Darren Gough

Mike is a new signing from Christchurch CC and is a very useful quick bowler and batsman. Wimborne & Colehill are pleased to welcome him to the club.

Jack Worpole RHB / RMF

Nicknames: Jill
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2010
Favourite Shot: Cover drive
Cricketing Hero: Michael Carberry

We didn’t see much last season of tall seam bowler Jack after he firstly suffered from shin splints and then was involved in a serious car accident. The Minstersmen fans however are looking forward to the Cranbornian pulling on the Wimborne & Colehill shirt once again this coming season.

Gary Jones – LHB / RM

Nicknames: GJ / Mute
Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI Debut: 2007
Favourite Shot: The slog sweep
Cricketing Hero: Darren Jones

Swing bowler Gary is often found practicing hard in the nets in his spare time. The electrician is certainly a live wire in the field with his constant chat.

The start of a new season finds me taking over from Sue Ridgepipe who felt it was time to hang up her pencil in view of her impending appearance before the Leveson Inquiry. Her Jimmy Choos will be hard to fill but I will do my utmost to bring a new slant to the weekly match reports.

Wimborne & Colehill 1st XI commenced their DPL season with the visit of Ferndown Wayfarers to The Leaze. Wayfarers skipper Eric Linge called correctly and was delighted to ask the hosts to bat in conditions that would favour the bowlers. Openers Colin Randall and skipper Andy Hayward never looked comfortable against the opening burst from Rob Stammas and Linge. The score had reached 18 when Randall (10) was drawn into thinning a catch to the keeper off Linge. This brought Ben Bridgen(1) to the crease, fresh from his overseas engagement, but his stay was to be short as he dragged a ball from Stammas onto his stumps with the score 28 for 2 in the ninth over.

Francis Kerins straight drives for 6 ( picture courtesy of Harris Sporting Life Images )

Hayward was gradually settling to the task and the board was kept moving with a series of well taken ones & twos which enabled Francis Kerins to play himself in. The pair advanced the score to 71 when Hayward (27) played across a straight ball from Neil Sexton and was bowled. Graham Cole joined Kerins in what was to prove a pivotal partnership. Kerins slowly but surely mastered both the conditions and the visitors’ attack and confidently played the ball to all parts of the ground. A straight drive to the boundary for four was perhaps the ‘shot of the day’ although his six over straight long on was caressed with a confident ease. Cole found the conditions were not easy but to his credit battled hard and his determination to ‘stick at it’ was vital in a 130 run partnership with Kerins taking the score to 201 for 4. Kerins was eventually caught at mid-on off Dean Elsworthy for 97 (137 balls) in what was his maiden DPL fifty – an innings to be proud of on a day when batting was not at all easy. The Minstermen’s innings closed at 206 for 4 with Cole (39*) and Mike Kitson (0*). The home fans were happy in the knowledge that maximum batting points had been achieved.

Ferndown Wayfarers began their chase but when Gav Will got through Dean Elsworthy’s (0) defence in the second over of the innings the score was 10 for 1. When Mike Kitson (5-1-19-1) yorked Leigh Dunham (14) to claim his maiden DPL wicket the scoreboard read 24 for 2 in the fifth over. James Raftery was joined in the middle by Linge but the visitors hopes of a substantial reply took a further knock when Will(10-2-22-2) had Linge (8) adjudged LBW with the board showing 41 for 3. Simon Woodruff quickly claimed the wickets of Matthew Rose (0) and Sanjay Lankage (1) with the score now 49 for 5 in the seventeenth over. C Armstrong then joined Rafferty and they added 42 for the sixth wicket predominantly off the all spin attack of Joe Weld (6-0-19-0) and Max Collins (6-0-26-1) before Armstrong (9) holed out to Hayward off Collins. Woodruff bowled Raftery (36) to take the score to 113 for 7 and when Bridgen (3-1-4-1) bowled W Bennett the score had progressed to 114 for 8. Woodruff then bowled both Neil Sexton (10) and Stammas (0) to finish with figures of 8.5 overs, 5 maidens, 5 for 14. He bowled a consistently hostile line and thoroughly deserved his maiden five wicket DPL haul. If he can maintain that level of performance on a regular basis then he will no doubt be celebrating this achievement again in the not too distant future.

Wayfarers were all out for 114 in 39.5 overs and Wimborne & Colehill were winners by 92 runs.

Keeper James Miller summed up the day – “both FK and Wooders were awesome today but what about Roland (Hughes) managing to produce a strip when so many others didn’t play! The debut tea was good as well!”

Unfortunately due to ICC restrictions on my movements following the NOTW scandal I will not be able to report on the fixtures this season. However I have entrusted my esteemed colleague and Wisden Cricket Blogger of The Year for 2013, Hugh Mungus to ensure fans of the Minstermen are kept up to date with what happens on match day. Thanks for reading folks, it’s be an enjoyable couple of years.

Team: A. Hayward*, B. Bridgen, G. Cole, M. Collins, F. Kerins, M. Kitson, J. Miller+, C. Randall, J. Weld, G. Will, S. Woodruff.

The 1st XI commence their Dorset Premier League fixtures next Saturday as they host Ferndown Wayfarers @ The Leaze (1:30pm start).

With only 9 competitive balls bowled all pre-season during the initial three 1st XI friendlies April has been more than a frustrating month for the Minstermen cricketers. Skipper Hayward names a 12 man side with a view of giving as much game time as possible.

Team: A. Hayward*, B. Bridgen, G. Cole, M. Collins, R. Down, F. Kerins, M. Kitson, J. Miller+, C. Randall, J. Weld, S. Woodruff, J. Worpole.