After initially struggling with the ball as a team, the upturn in results coincided with some experienced clubmen returning, such as Ben Ratcliffe, Gav Will and David Hills. Jack Worpole in his debut season looks a promising prospect, whilst Gary Jones was always in the ear of the umpires and the opposition batsmen with his generally economical bowling. The battle for the leading wicket taker came down to a suprising contest between spinner Andy Hayward & left-armer Rob Hatchard, which the latter ended up winning taking the last 2 wickets of the summer. The batting credits of the 2010 season must go to Brighton based David Guest, southpaw Rob Hatchard & skipper Colin Randall for their generally consistent showings. The whole team were consistently good in the field with some unbelievable catches being taken and that is something the opposition have often noted when up against Wimborne, the standard of fielding is second to none.

Now for a world exclusive interview with skipper Colin Randall:

SR= Sue Ridgepipe
CR= Colin Randall

SR:- So then Colin what were your thoughts of the season generally?
CR:- After a difficult start we showed a lot of improvement through the season. The added confidence from the first win really helped us to show what we were capable of. It was really good to see a couple of our younger players put in some excellent performances most notably Rob Hatchard & Jack Worpole.

SR:- What was your highlight?
CR:- Beating Blandford to confirm Premier League status!

SR:- What was your lowlight?
CR:- The terrible injury to Mark House during the Twenty20 match vs. Dorset.

SR:- What was your champagne moment?
CR:- Any one of Andrew Hayward’s many wickets!!!!!

SR:- Yes he certainly was a suprise package with the ball, who is the funniest player in the team?
CR:- Grant Cormack (to laugh at, not with)

SR:- He certainly knows how to make people laugh, how about the most athletic player in the team?
CR:- There are a few candidates for this, Ash Collison pushed for the honour but for the performance at Stalbridge it must be James Miller.

SR:- Yes you’re not wrong, Miller is certainly a finely tuned athlete, which player spends longest in front of the mirror?
CR:- Don’t know I am too busy doing stuff after the game to notice.

SR:- Fair enough, how about best dressed player?
CR:- With his dress sense having been honed in the camp city of Brighton, it has to be David Guest.

SR:- He certainly has some very dapper outfits, so how will you be spending the winter?
CR:- However my wife tells me to!

SR:- Being a female I appreciate that last answer Colin, women know best! So finally if rumours are true, what are your thoughts of Grant Cormack quitting cricket to concentrate on his modelling career?
CR:- After his last innings at Pamp Hill I think he is giving cricket another go!

SR:- Thanks Colin have a good winter.
CR:- Cheers Sue, was a pleasure meeting you.

So folks there you have it, the first interview Sue has ever conducted, and talks are progressing with Gary Jones’ agent to make it 2 exclusive interviews in a few days!

Sue would like to thank a number of unsung heroes from within the club. Obviously all the committee work tirelessly for the good of the club and without their efforts we wouldn’t be able to play cricket. The new ground is immense, and the pitch played beautifully all year for the 1st team, with the groundsman Chris Nutland and his team of helpers taking the plaudits. Charlotte Randall also deserves praise for scoring and doing the teas, whilst not forgetting those that have helped Charlotte at various times throughout the season.

The last thank you is to everyone who reads this, it’s been fun, but I’m unsure whether I will continue to do it next season, as a result I’d like to thank Stacks for letting people believe Sue was him, when actually it wasn’t.

Thanks for reading folks.

Sue Coley Ridgepipe. x

The Bank Holiday weekend saw the last round of league matches played, and wins from both the first and second team to secure their survival in their respective leagues.

The 1st team ended up in 7th place with 5 wins and 1 tie during the Premier League season. The second team also won 5 times on their way to 7th place as well in Division 2. The 3rd team managed (can you guess yet)… 5 wins in Division 4 finishing in 8th place. The 4th team suffered a severe lack of league games, but manage 1 victory in their 4 completed games to finish 2nd in Division 8 N&E!

Team Averages

I have already received averages for the 1st and 3rd team and will publish them this week on the website. Keep an eye out on the website over the next few weeks for a 1st team season review with some in depth interviews, and then during the winter for any club announcements including an AGM date.

Wimborne & Colehill produced a fighting team performance which confirmed that Premier League cricket would continue to be played at The Leaze next season as they won a closely fought match away at Blandford last Saturday.

With the storms that have hovered over the Dorset region over the past few weeks the toss was always going to be a huge factor on a green damp wicket and a slow outfield. Skipper Colin Randall lost the toss and was asked to bat first. Blandford’s joy at winning the toss was increased further when Randall (0) was given out LBW to Day in only the 5th ball of the innings. When Andy Hayward (12) was yorked by Day (3 for 28) the score was 26 for 2 and the Minstermen were on the ropes. David Guest entered the arena and started to impose himself onto the Blandford attack with his vast array of classical strokes all around the ground. With Graham Cole looking good at the other end the score progressed the 59 prior to Cole (19) dancing down the pitch as if he was dancing in The Rising Sun and completely missing the ball to find himself stumped. Plucky litttle left-hander Rob Hatchard then joined Guest to compile what turned out a match changing partnership as the Minstermen looked at a possible total of over 200. Guest (59) who had the locals running for cover with some of the biggest hits in this part of Dorset since The Beatles reached his half century before he for once failed to clear the ropes and was caught on the boundary for a fine innings off only 75 balls that turned the match in Wimborne’s favour. Anchorman Hatchard looked to push on the score and he was joined at the crease by Justin Perry (5) who unfortunately misjudged the flight of spinner Shepherd (2 for 32) and was bowled to leave the score in the balance at 139 for 5. When Hatchard (33) was cleaned up by Day, the Minstermen were in serious danger of collapsing like they have done in the past as the score slumped from a positive 119 for 3 to 147 for 6. This time however the tail did wag as Bristolian Ben Ratcliffe (18) played positively prior to holing out off only 24 balls. Youngsters Grant Cormack and James Miller (1) ensured the score went over the 175 mark to gain a further bonus point. Cormack (16) made a highly significant contribution with a run a ball innings, however once he was bowled by the impressive House (2 for 33), Nb. Not THE House, the score was 178 for 9 and after a trademark drive from Gary Jones (3*), Jack Worpole (0) was run out to leave the visitors with a competitive 181 all out off 48.5 overs.

The Minstermen were happy with their total at the interval however there was a severe case of ‘what might have been’ mainly due to Guest and Hatchard wonderfully setting up a base that could have seen the visitors breach the 200 mark, however after losing the toss and being 0 for 1 and then slumping to 147 for 6, 181 was seen as a decent total that was certainly capable of defending.

Blandford opening bats Carter (42) and Woodruff (16) really took the wind out of the Wimborne attack’s sails as they put on a 68 run opening partnership that had the visitors worrying about being dragged into next weekends relegation play off. Step forward one of the performers of the season Hatchard, who produced a fabulous piece of bowling that saw him remove the Boycottesque Woodruff caught and bowled and suddenly the clouds lifted from above Minstermen’s heads. Randall called up occasional spinner Hayward and he captured Carter with his first ball after a fine low catch by Hatchard, to leave Blandford at 75 for 2. The score progressed to 95 prior to Guest (1 for 18 off 6 overs) picking up the visitors 3rd wicket as he knocked back Kendrick’s (9) off stump. The dangerous White (15) has often been a thorn in the Minstermen’s side however after misjudging the flight of leg spinner Hayward, Randall clung on at mid-wicket to pick up a vital catch and Wimborne suddenly sensed a glimmer of a victory with Blandford at 118 for 4. Seamer Jones (1 for 33 off 10 overs) returned to the fray after chuntering away at himself whilst fielding down on the boundary after a fruitless opening spell and immediately picked up the 5th wicket after keeper Cole grabbed a great catch behind to leave the hosts still requiring 52 to win with only 5 wicket left. The Minstermen were starting to believe however with the big hitting Brockway (18) at the crease the match was still very much in the balance. With the vocal away following of Pappa Rat Senior & a rather drunken sounding Pasty, the visitors were starting to believe that the match was theirs for the taking and Hayward enticed Brockway down the wicket and Cole smartly stumped to leave Blandford 130 for 6. Broackway’s demise seemed to knock the fight out of Blandford as Hayward (5 for 35 off 10 overs) picked up 2 further wickets after fine catches in the deep by Guest that left Blandford at 144 for 8. Hayward’s final 2 wickets left him celebrating career best figures and his first ever five wicket haul since his garden cricket days. With the bowling trophy at stake Hatchard (3 for 18 off 8 overs) came back to sweep up the tail and take the last 2 wickets, with the last wicket falling after another fine stumping from keeper Cole to leave Blandford 147 all out in 47 overs.

So a fitting final match that has confirmed Wimborne & Colehill’s status in the Dorset Premier League for next season. With Ferndown Wayfarers losing at Stalbridge the win was not as vital as initially believed, however the victory did see The Minstermen leapfrog Weymouth and finish 7th in the table. Guest, Hatchard, Ratcliffe, Cole & Cormack all made vital contributions with the bat, whilst all the bowlers ensured Blandford kept just below the run rate throughout as Hayward and Hatchard picked up the wicket taking plaudits. The fielding once again was top drawer stuff and that is something that has been a consistent positive throughout a generally inconsistent season.

Finally whilst writing the final match report as a tear runs down my cheek, Sue would like to thank you all for reading throughout the season. Keep checking over the next fortnight as there are plans a foot to produce a summary of the season, including an in-depth interview with skipper Colin Randall and team spokesman Gary Jones, which I’m sure will entertain the masses and even may reveal who Sue Ridgepipe really is, and it may not be who you really think!

Sue loves you all. X

Team:

C. Randall (*), G. Cole (+), G. Cormack, D. Guest, R. Hatchard, A. Hayward, G. Jones, J. Miller, J. Perry, B. Ratcliffe, J. Worpole.

Team:

C. Randall (*), G. Cole (+), G. Cormack, D. Guest, R. Hatchard, A. Hayward, G. Jones, J. Miller, J. Perry, B. Ratcliffe, J. Worpole.

Wimborne & Colehill were extremely unfortunate not to be rewarded with a comprehensive victory that their impressive performance truly deserved as a heavy downpour ended the match early on Saturday.

Stand in skipper Andy Hayward won the toss, elected to field and then sat back and watched his opening bowlers destroy the Wayfarers top order. Seamer Warren Marr struck in his first over castleing Stansen (4) with a fine delivery. The following over Jack Worpole tempted the dangerous Dunham (4) to edge to veteran keeper Pennell for a fine diving one handed catch to leave the hosts reeling at 8 for 2. Worpole & Marr were causing the hosts all sorts of bother on a typically bowler friendly track at Dolman’s Farm and the latter found the edge of both Sexton’s (3) and Charlton’s (2) blades for regulation catches by Pennell to leave Wayfarers staring into a very dark hole at 16 for 4. Number 3 Rafferty (42) and number 6 Elsworthy (42) steadied the ship however and despite some very tight bowling by Ben Ratcliffe (0 for 29 off 9 overs), David Guest (0 for 15 off 4 overs) and David Hills, the Wayfarers pair progressed the score to 100 prior to golden arm Hills trapping Elsworthy sweeping plumb in front LBW. With an end opened up occassional spinner Hayward (1 for 8 off 3 overs) had Rafferty well caught by Cole at mid-wicket and the visitors were ruthless in dismissing the tail. Hills (3 for 27 off 10 overs) picked up 2 wickets in successive balls to leave him on a hat-trick, which was fine reward for his great spell of flight and guile, however the hat-trick ball failed to deliver a further wicket. Opening bowler Marr returned to complete his set and collected his 4th wicket of the day in his final over, knocking Rose’s (22) timbers back to leave him with awesome figures of 4 for 29 off 10 overs. Fellow opening bowler Worpole (2 for 18 off 9.2 overs) returned to find the edge of Sellars (2) bat and give the underweather Pennell his 4th catch of the innings that left Wayfarers 129 all out off 45.2 overs in what was a highly impressive performance with the ball.

The Minstermen lost Justin Perry (0) early in the reply but Hayward (26) and Cole (34*) ensured the bad balls got milked for runs that really took the wind out of the Wayfarers sails and when Hayward fell caught & bowled the score was 58 for 2 off only 14 overs. The in-form Guest (5*) joined Cole and the score cruised to 76 without further loss off 18 overs when the heavens opened and a brief heavy deluge of rain ensued at 5.25pm. Despite consderable efforts to get the players back on the pitch and complete the formalities of a reduced target run chase, unfortunately the conditions were deemed unplayable and after waiting for 90 mins the umpires and captains shook hands to leave The Minstermen frustrated that a certain victory was snatched away by the weather.

Despite the disappointment of the outcome of the match, the Minstermen can go away knowing that they totally bossed the match from start to finish. The bowling was sublime, with Marr, Worpole and Hills taking the plaudits and to concede only 6 extras in 45.2 overs was a superb effort. The positive batting on a deck that certainly suited the bowlers, notably by Hayward and Cole ensured that Wimborne were steam rolling to victory prior to the heavens opening. Special mention must also go to veteran Fred Pennell who took 4 catches in a polished display by the gloveman who was red hot in more ways than one. It was left to the eloquent Grant Cormack to sum up the sides feelings, “rain is rubbish”. The Minstermen will look to build on their impressive recent form as they host Marnhull in their last home match of the summer next Saturday (1pm start).

Team:

A. Hayward (*), G. Cole, G. Cormack, D. Guest, D. Hills, W. Marr, J. Miller, F. Pennell (+), J. Perry, B. Ratcliffe, J. Worpole.

The Minstermen very nearly ended Dorchester’s title dreams on Saturday after a tense finale at The Leaze. After a rain delayed start that reduced the match to 47 overs a side Dorchester won the toss and inserted the hosts on a damp wicket. With skipper Colin Randall and Andy Hayward high in confidence after the win at Stalbridge the Dorchester opening bowlers failed to find the early wickets they had hoped for and the score progressed nicely to 53 for 0 off the initial 10 overs. The 11th over of the innings was quite remarkable as change bowler Mead got smashed for 5 consecutive 4’s by Randall, however Mead (4 for 64) had the final laugh as his last ball of the over saw Randall head back to the pavilion after unluckily drilling a drive to the outstretched hands of his opposite number Richards at mid-off. Randall’s innings of 49 off only 35 balls was instrumental in the hosts putting on 74 for the first wicket at a run rate of almost 7 an over. A mix up between Graham Cole (4) & Hayward (20) saw the latter ran out and with the former edging Mead to the keeper the score now stood at 90 for 3. Veteran Justin Perry (33) and Ed Steele (8) looked to steady the ship and they put on a further 34 runs prior to Perry falling to the same fate as Cole. Perry never looked in any danger and was a pleasure to watch as his innings off only 38 balls included 5 sweetly struck 4’s. 124 for 4 quickly became 128 for 5 as Steele fell LBW to spinner Waite (2 for 20). When Ratcliffe (8) was the 3rd batsman to edge Mead to the keeper Wimborne were 134 for 6 and looking in grave danger of not even reaching 150. Young guns James Miller (16) & Grant Cormack (24) had other ideas however as they both played intelligently, utilising watchful defence and powerful hitting of the bad balls. They pushed the score up to 171 prior to Miller getting bowled by Legg (1 for 20). Cormack ensured The Minstermen reached 175 and 4 valuable batting points prior to unfortunately falling victim to Waite’s penultimate delivery of his spell for a great knock of 24 under serious pressure. A late cameo from Gavin Will (10*) saw the score get pushed up towards 200 however as David Hills (0) and Jack Worpole (2) both perished to Belt (2 for 27) the hosts had to settle with a very competitive total of 189 all out.

Due to a rain intervention early in the Wimborne innings Dorchester were set a revised target of 184 off 44 overs and although the hosts were disappointed not to reach maximum batting points it was still a fine total to post when inserted on a damp wicket against one of the best bowling attacks in the league.

The 4th over of Dorchester’s reply brought joy followed by despair as seam bowler Gav Will (1 for 4 off 2 overs) picked up the wicket of Moxom well caught by Perry at point, but then suffered a reoccurence of his knee injury during his follow through of his final delivery of the over. With Will off the field and 12th man Dan Hills frantically searching for his whites the Minstermen looked shell shocked and Dorchester’s Gerety (52) and Haynes (74*) made them pay. It wasn’t until the introduction of David Hills (3 for 35 off 10 overs) that the team regained its composure as he took 2 wickets in his first 2 overs, bowling 2 maidens in the process. David Hills was indebted to Miller holding onto an incredible flying catch waist high at mid-off to dismiss left-hander Gerety, whilst his flight and guile accounted for Belt LBW. Captain Randall turned to spin at both ends as Hayward (3 for 22 off 7 overs) was brought on and he too struck in his first over after Waite (12) holed out to the waiting hands of David Hills at mid-off. The experience of David Hills paid dividends once again as Tweddle (13) misjudged the flight and Ed Steele smartly stumped his opposite number. When Hayward removed Dorchester captain Richards (8) after Cole caught well in the deep Wimborne could sense an unlikely victory as the score stood at 164 for 6. Dorchester’s players were getting extremely nervous as Hayward unbelievably struck again bowling Legg (2) with 12 runs still required however Haynes stood firm and guided the Dorchester tail through to a narrow victory by only 3 wickets.

So a Wimborne & Colehill defeat, however when considering that Dorchester are gunning for the title to only lose by 3 wickets is no disgrace whatsoever, especially after losing Gav Will after only 4 overs of the innings. There were once again fine performances throughout the side, Randall, Hayward, Perry, Cormack & Miller all performed well with the bat, whilst once again the fielding and the catching in particular was outstanding. Hills & Hayward performed well with the ball taking 3 wickets apiece and if the gods would’ve smiled on Gav Will you maybe would’ve been reading about another fantastic victory that ended Dorchester’s title dreams. Next Saturday sees Wimborne & Colehill travel to Dolmans Farm to take on Ferndown Wayfarers (1pm start).

Team:

C. Randall (*), G. Cole, G. Cormack, A. Hayward, D. Hills MBE, J. Miller, J. Perry, B. Ratcliffe, E. Steele (+), G. Will, J. Worpole.