1st XI 2010 Results
Camden's 1st XI play in the Tucker Gardner Premier League.
Hopefully everyweek we will have a pro-celebrity write up of the weekends games.
Updated league table can be found via the league website
http://www.cambsca.co.uk
24-07-10 - HOME TO KHALSA
Khalsa 123 ALL OUT, Camden 127 for 6 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
'When the skipper is away, the lower order will play (badly)'
Camden learnt a valuable lesson against the enigmatic Castor based outift last Saturday;
don't let Charlie Walker-Smith bat anywhere but 11. In the absence of Alex 'Looking Fit'
Mutucumarana, Matthew Thomas and others from the top order took the decision to slide down
to give those down the other end of the list a go chasing a very meagre 124 for victory.
Once the opening pair of Guy Skinner (31) and Dip Basu were dismissed, things went very badly
however as Camden found themselves collectively hitting the panic button at 94-6. Some good
fortune however allowed Skipper Thomas and 'opener' Gadsby to see the team home for yet
another win in the Tucker-Gardner Premier league 1.
Earlier, things had gone much more according to plan as the bowlers totally dominated the
opposition. Both Martin Burton (4-20) and Charlie Walker-Smith (4-26) were in excellent form
and the batsmen could only block the behind off it. Only wicket-keeper Heywood struggled as
he missed a stumping off Burton and allowed 8 byes through in an otherwise solid fielding
display. The tall Captain Darling look alike has a fortnight off now to really go away and
think about what he has done.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
17-07-10 - HOME TO FOXTON
Foxton 187 for 7, Camden 188 for 4 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Foxton continued their 'Up and Down, Up and Down' season as they were soundly beaten by Camden
at Pembroke CCG by 6 wickets. In stark contrast to the previous weeks' weather, Camden found
themselves in the field in positively Baltic conditions. Foxton began much brighter than the
surronding skies and found themselves at 42 without loss. The double strike in as many overs
from the smiling assassin Walker-Smith and local business tycoon Gardner brought Camden back
into the running. From this point onwards, Foxton struggled to score as the desired rate and
found themselves at 151-7, Max Bowen (51*) being the only batsmen to apply himself. An 8th
wicket partnership between captain Dennis Sabey and Jeffrey Douglas, who was sporting a very
fetching 'Parramatta' t-shirt boosted the total to 181-7. Wickets were shared around, with
Walker-Smith, Burton and Matt Thomas all picking up 2-fors, with Garnder the solitary wicket
of Attwell, though the owner of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant will claim two as he had
the West Indian caught and stumped in the same delivery. Keeper Heywood was quick to ensure
that stand-in scorer Ed Hyde was to enter it as stumped.
In reply, Camden found themselves a spot of bother after yet another opening partnership of
over 50, going from 57-0 to 64-3. Enter captain Alex Mutucumarana, who to everyone's surprise
did not appear to be looking quite as fit as he was earlier in the season. He and Keith
Vincent put on 46 for the 4th wicket before the captain was also dismissed by the ever
increasingly bizarre Antonnel Atwell. A 78 run 5th wicket partnership from keeper James
Heywood (32*) and Keith Vincent (70*) steered the home team over the line. Heywood's innings
was a particularly enjoyable one; Despite a a public school and Cambridge Unviersity
education, the wicket keeper hit only one scoring shot on the off-side, which itself was a
thick edge through third man. Keith Vincent meanwhile took the opposition's advice and
'saved his legs', scoring 48 in boundaries.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
10-07-10 - HOME TO SAWSTON
Camden 246 (2) Declared, Sawston 215 ALL OUT - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Camden continued their wonderful form in the Tucker Premier 1 as they defeated Sawston by 31
runs at Pembroke College Cricket Ground. A magnificent unbeaten 109 from Nigel Gadsby gave the
hosts a great platform with which to set up a declaration at 246-2 off 42 overs. The veteran
agriculturalist was ably supported once again by fellow opener Will Sutton, together putting
on 107 for the first wicket. Keith Vincent added 72 with the former Soviet Premier look-alike
and skillfully avoided a jug by 2 runs. Matt Thomas helped the total up with a mostly arial
38.
Runs were difficult to come by for Sawston as captain Mutu handed the old ball to the
spinners, with Burton taking the first wicket to fall. The seamers returned with the new
conker and Walker-Smith added to his season tally with the wickets of Benson and former
Histon team-mate Will Lawton. Sean Savage (71) batted beautifully but only rarely managed to
extract any help from his team mates and put on a meaningful partnership. Once Savage was
out, closely followed by captain Adam Ellis, Sawston looked like capitulating. All credit
however must be given to Aaron Pledger (40) and Matthew Bradford (14) for their positive
outlook as they took the socre to over 200.
With the score at 214-9 and one more over left, tension was high. However, a suicidal run
looked set to give Camden the well earned 30 points. A monumental panic button pressing
session ensued as keeper Heywood dislodged the bails as he went to collect a regualtion
throw and bungled the opportunity. To his and his team mates' relief the very next ball
resulted in a stumping chance which was not wasted, bringing Heywood's innings tally to 6
dismissals. Both Charlie Walker-Smith and Martin Burton ended up with 4 wickets apiece -
terrific efforts on a flat pitch.
Find the match score card
here.
03-07-10 - HOME TO ABINGTON
Abington 130 ALL OUT, Camden 131 for 1 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Another crushing victory by the Camden 1st XI as they bulldozed through the Abington middle-lower order after
some initial resistance from former Camden man Dave Pimblett (43). The only blip in an otherwise decent
performance in the field was Gadsby's dropped catch at second slip. Theories as to the reason behind the
aberration include failure to tuck his ears into his cap, as has been standard for this season, but the hot
favourite is that he was looking the other way - see
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Sport/Cricket/Vincent-and-Burton-lay-foundations-for-Camden.htm
It was the spinners who did the damage after Charlie Walker-Smith took the first wicket; Keith vincent taking 5-36
and Martin Burton 4-37. In reply, the top 3 once again saw the home side to victory with ease; Nigel Gadasby this
time taking the plaudits making 64 not out.
Quote of the day -
"I say, you blokes are plunging new depths when it comes to lack of competition on a Saturday" George Pearson
Catch of the day -
Matthew Thomas - to dismiss Abington captain David Pimblett off the bowling of Keith Vincent - a diving take low to
the ground as the batsman attempted another big hit over long off.
Tan of the day - Jointly won by James Heywood and Will Sutton. Both were so keen not to embarrass their team
mates with their Bondi Bronze that they kept themselves under wraps all day. James Heywood also narrowly missed
out on the muscle mass prize, coming a very close second behind Abington number 3 batsmen Harry Randall in the Bicep category.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
26-06-10 - HOME TO GRANTA
Granta 178 for 9, Camden 179 for 2 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Find the match score card here.
19-06-10 - HOME TO FORDHAM
Fordham 90 ALL OUT, Camden 94 for 0 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Writing this report retrospectively in the middle of a heat-wave, it is hard to believe that
Camden's defeat of newly-promoted Fordham was seriously threatened by rain.
The scorecard
appears to show a straightforward ten-wicket win, but those who frantically scanned league
handbooks and struggled with Duckworth-Lewis style calculations can point to another side to
the story. As well as Camden played, winning the toss, and the efforts of the groundstaff
(Tom Osbourn?) were equally vital to wrapping up a victory before the weather could intervene.
Matt Thomas (4-27) and Martin Burton (4-6) were the stars with the ball, before Nigel Gadsby
(49*) and Will Sutton (39*) resumed their fruitful opening partnership to see Camden home to
a sixth consecutive win.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - Will Sutton
12-06-10 - HOME TO RAMSEY
Camden 216 for 8, Ramsey 169 ALL OUT - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Camden took a deserved jump to the top of the table this week after a well earned and comprehensive
victory over Ramsey. Once again, Matthew Thomas spearheaded the bowling attack with another fine
display of swing bowling, taking 5-45. It was a tremendous team effort once again however that put
the home side (yes, that's right, Camden played their first home game after completing 'The
Cricketers' Guide to the Fens' - a steamy romp through the barren, marshy and eccentric landscape
of East Anglia that can be found at all good bookshops) in a good position at half-time Camden
finishing on 216-8. Dip Basu led the way with a well crafted 59, guiding the ball effortlessly
through every gap in the slip cordon of the full face of the bat and once again he was able to
continue the good work by all opening stands this season - he and Gadsby putting on 57 before the
latter was run out. Further contributions from Tom Osborn (29) and Ed Pearson (27) kept the
scoreboard ticking, though one felt that Ramsey's strategy of setting typically one-day fields from
relatively early in the innings counted against them in the long run.
Gadsby's anger at being run out spilled into tea time as he continued his ranting form from 2009 -
Trevor Munns' ill-pouring teapots coming under particular scrutiny this time around. Nonetheless,
Camden started well in the field with the old ball - Matt Thomas claiming the first two after some
tight work from the other end by the ever effervescent Burton (2-32). At 47-4 Ramsey were in serious
trouble, but a handy 5th wicket partnership of 63 between David Carlaw and captain Leighton Gilbert
regained Ramseys interest. Returning captain Mutucumarana very much learnt from his week touring
Dublin witht the MCC as he firstly dropped down to 9, then proceeded to bowl 3 overs for 31 in a
gentlemanly attempt to bring the opposition bak into the game - huzzah! Two wickets in two balls
from Messrs Thomas and Walker-Smith, the latter by a very good catch at mid-on by Dip Basu ensured
the initiative returned very much to Camden. Bar some clean hitting from an impressive Michael Kay,
Ramsey eventually lost their way and were bundled out for 169.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
05-06-10 - AWAY TO NASSINGTON
Wisbech 76 ALL OUT, Camden 77 for 2 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Deprived of captain, wicket keeper and opening bowler, Camden took to the road for the last time before returning to Fortress
Pembroke looking to preserve an unbeaten record with a sixth away win. Having lost the toss and taken the field in sweltering
conditions, this could have been under serious threat. That an 8-wicket win was comfortably secured is testament to the
confidence, team spirit and ability within this year's First XI.
After a sedate start, Nassington's innings came to life (or began to die?) with stand-in skipper Matt Thomas bagging two wickets in
two balls - the first gave Tom Osborn the first of his three catches, while the second was clung on to by the diving 17-year-old
debutant Guy Skinner, ably deputising James Heywood behind the sticks. Charlie Walker-Smith got good carry from the far end to curtail
a promising start from Nassington's opener, and then appeared to have Dhanuskha de Saram (he of the 140-odd from 70-odd balls) caught
behind. Reprieved by the umpire, the Sri Lankan went on to top score with 53 before becoming one of Keith Vincent's four victims. In
temperament and trajectory, the Kiwi off-break bowler is a far from identical spin-twin for Martin Burton (2-55), but the two bowled
brilliantly in tandem to restrict the home side to a score that was made to look way under-par. Walker-Smith returned with a Nick
Wells-inspired slower ball to close Nassington's innings on 162.
Aided by a bulging extras column, opening pair Nigel Gadsby and Will Sutton again prospered. 88 had been added when Sutton (24)
was well caught at backward square leg. Vincent joined Gadsby and struck 22 before being clean bowled, leaving the soon-to-be
Cambridgeshire over-50s man to finish 71 not out, and Tom Osborn to hit the winning boundary.
All in all another comprehensive victory; excellent with bat and ball and, on a demanding outfield, in the field. Debts of gratitude
must be paid to Did Not Feature pair Ed Pearson and Alex Raha - the latter especially who fought traffic and hangover to make it.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - Will Sutton
29-05-10 - AWAY TO SAWSTON
RESULT - MATCH ABANDONED
22-05-10 - AWAY TO WISBECH
Wisbech 76 ALL OUT, Camden 77 for 2 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Camden continued their tremendous run of form as they obliterated their top of the table
rivals Wisbech by 8 wickets. In an area famed for its production of root vegetables, most
notably the carrot, it was the vistors who demonstrated the keenest vision as they sliced
through the Wisbech batting and boiled them up for a meagre helping of 76. Matt Thomas was
once again the head chef with a fine display of swing bolwing, this time taking 6-34, his
fourth five-wicket haul in consequetive weeks. Galley slave Gardner was left to toil away
for a single wicket before off spinner Vincent came on to wash up with 3-10, the latter of
which all coming via full tosses in his first three deliveries. A superb catching display and
sharp ground fielding, transformed from the previous week and led by captain Mutucumarana
ensured the home team could not take advantage of what was in essence a decent wicket.
In reply, Camden had few alarms in chasing down the total, and things looked even easier when
Thomas returned to the field of play to overtake Keith Vincent and cap off all round display
by hitting 35 in quick time, claiming the man of the match award and ensuring he didn't have
to drive home. The early finish was greatly appreciated, not least by the Burton family;
Martin sidling off for a dinner date and Mr. and Mrs. Burton gaining that much needed head
start in their battle to avoid being bundled into a ditch by Simon Gardener on the Chatteris
Road.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
15-05-10 - AWAY TO MARCH
Camden 251 for 7, March 162 ALL OUT - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Camden consolidated their position behind Wisbech near the top of the Tucker Premier 1 with a
fantastic team effort against March at the county ground. Chasing 251 for victory, the home
team fell 89 runs short after Charlie Walker-Smith took the final wicket late on in the May
sunshine. That he did so was extraordinary in itself, the bowler having at least 4 (it was
probably more) catches dropped off his bowling. As it happened, he went down the safe route
and ruled out any possible intervention by a fielder and cleaned up the last wicket with a
beautiful leg cutter
To get to that stage was due in no small part to another fine spell by Matt Thomas (6-56),
once again working on the principle of ‘you miss, I hit’ – 5 of his scalps coming via the
bowled/lbw mode. It was just as well really, as nobody seemed all that interested in catching
anything. Various theories include the nature of the wicket – the first proper cricket strip
of the season catching unwary slip fielders with extra bounce, but the more popular was the
arrival of the new team kit. So eager were players to get value for their money that they were
wearing every item available, rendering them immobile at the crucial moment. Keith Vincent
bowled well also for two wickets. All this occurred after March were over 100-1 – making it a
collapse of quite catastrophic proportions and a fantastic show of persistence and team spirit
from Camden.
Earlier, all members of the top 7 contributed to making the highest Camden total of the
season, and with overs to spare. Will Sutton and Nigel Gadsby got the side off to a great
start, compiling over 70 for the first wicket. Sutton eventually went on to 52 before handing
over the reins to Keith Vincent (56) and Captain Moots (40). The innings was beautifully
finished off by the in form Nick Wells and some big hitting from Martin Burton – the latter
launching two vast sixes in the direction of the pavilion, including one of the OAP head
splitting variety.
Camden complete their Fenland tour this Saturday against all conquering Wisbech. Catching will
certainly need to be improved before this visit, as will it be necessary for batsmen to go on
to make bigger scores after making starts.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
08-05-10 - AWAY TO KHALSA
RESULT - MATCH ABANDONED
01-05-10 - AWAY TO FOXTON
Foxton 119 ALL OUT, Camden 120 for 2 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
FARMER GADSBY MILKS FOXTON
Nigel Gadsby exchanged his regular arable farming practice for the dairy approach as he sqeezed his way to a fine 60 not out,
leading Camden to an 8 wicket win against Foxton with barely a (milk) maiden in sight. The former Cambs man wasted no time in
guiding Camden to their victory target of 120, completing the task in 30 overs, though it became apparent that a 60s disco in
The White Horse was the primary reason for his haste.
Earlier, a very fit looking Camden captain Mutucumarana won his second consequetive toss and inserted the home team on a very
juicy looking strip - overnight rain turing the surface into a putting green. Camden beat the bat early but could not find any
edges. Simon Gardner kept it as tight as a Gadsby hand around the Foxton udder, but it was a brilliant piece of fielding that
catalysed the initial Foxton collapse. Fine spells of bowling from Matt Thomas and Keith Vincent reduced Foxton to 49-6, but a
65 run 7th wicket partnership between Jeffrey Douglas and Tyler Deas, aided by a calamitous fielding event involving keeper
Heywood and Nick Wells. With all eyes up on a potential skier, Heywood clashed with the short leg fielder to create two loud
thuds - one as he fell to earth and the other as the ball did the same. Alas, Martin Burton broke the partnership with another
skied catch, with Tom Osborn making no mistake to take his season's tally to five catches. Gardner mopped up the tail and got his
just rewards for his earlier miserliness with a blistering spell of 3 for spit of 15 balls.
Camden now lie second behind all conquering Wisbech as they face three Fenland road trips, beginning at Khalsa this Saturday.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
24-04-10 - AWAY TO GODMANCHESTER
Camden 180 ALL OUT, Godmanchester 157 for 8 - RESULT - MATCH DRAWN
Things would prove to be a little trickier for Camden; if the previous week was potentially against one of the league’s bottom
sides, this week against Godmanchester would be against one of the top. Recently crowned indoor 6-aside champions and raring to
gain promotion back to the EAPL this would prove to be a tough assignment. However, with the exception of the second hour, Camden
had much the better of the contest. Gritty batting again from Will Sutton and the Graeme Hick look-alike Gadsby took the score
along into the 40s. A tumble of wickets changed the complexion of the match however, and Camden were sitting dangerously on 65-5.
A captain’s knock from Alex Mutucumarana and hearty contributions from the lower-middle lower, especially from Nick Wells (23)
helped Camden up to 180. Paul Swannell and James Cowan were the pick of the home seamers, though the left armer Cowan deserved
more than his solitary wicket.
The newly realigned Charlie Walker-Smith kicked off Camden’s reply with the ball and got the ball to move around. It was Simon
Gardner however who took the first wicket, extracting the not insignificant presence of Taylor West, last year’s batting star for
the home team. A dangerous 2nd wicket partnership of 63 between keeper Michael Cafferty and Wayne Bradley made life difficult for
Camden, though tight spells from Simon Gardner and Walker-Smith caused the latter’s downfall, Bradley running down the wicket and
missing one too many deliveries. Skipper Swannell showed his usual determination, but it was the introduction of Matt Thomas that
turned the match very much in Camden’s favour. His 5-40 took Camden within a whisker of victory, however the solid efforts of Chris
Bollom (21*) ensured that a draw was the final result. On balance, Camden can take the bragging rights, though both sides left the
contest with equal points.
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
17-04-10 - AWAY TO ABINGTON
Abington 97 ALL OUT, Camden 99 for 3 - RESULT - CAMDEN WIN
Camden began their Tucker Premier 1 season with a clinical performance against recently promoted Abington. The newcomers were
unusually lacking in enthusiasm and gusto and their performance reflected this. Whilst it took a while for the first wicket to
fall, not aided by a wayward Walker-Smith, wickets tumbled at regular intervals after keeper Heywood flopped in front of first slip
to turn what should have been a regulation edge into a stunning one-handed diving effort (though only to the uninitiated). He later
blamed the poor footwork on the many miles he spent walking around Paris on his honeymoon, though naturally his team mates had
other suggestions on a related theme. Wickets were shared around by Simon Gardner (3), Martin Burton (2), Keith Vincent (3) and
Matt Thomas (2).
The pick of the bowlers was surely Keith Vincent on debut with 3-13, bowling tight off-breaks on a wicket that
offered him much assistance. Only Charlie Walker-Smith struggled, though considering that his top half was pointing towards Sawston
and his lower half towards Fulbourn, this was hardly surprising. The catching was supreme, Tom Osborn taking three blinders, two
of which at sill point to help Keith Vincent. Matt Thomas was the pick of the seamers, though was desperately unlucky only to find
two edges in his spell.
In pursuit of the Abington’s 98, Will Sutton and Nigel Gadsby built a solid foundation, despite prodigious movement from the
home seamers. Will Sutton provided the anchor as he finished on 34 not out, with Gadsby providing 21. Later, veteran Gadsby
rolled back the years with a marvellous pink shirt as he scooted off to Bury St Edmunds for a party
Find the match score card
here.
Match report - James Heywood
Find last years reviews here 2009
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