Dinner report - October 4 2008

The awards dinner was held on October 4 at Bordon Officers mess - the first time that the annual end of season get together has been held in this prestigious venue. As ever, a fine evening was had by all and equally inevitably, the awards were handed out. Here is a list of who got what:
1st XI batsman of the year - Ciaran Rooney
1st XI bowler of year - Clive Bate
1st XI all rounder of the year - Gavin Arend
1st XI fielder of the year - Ben Cook
1st XI player of the year - George Williams
2nd XI batsman of the year - Derek Hubbard
2nd XI bowler of year - Keith Ellis
2nd XI all rounder of the year - Tim Williams
2nd XI fielder of the year - Will Jackson
2nd XI player of the year - Richard Jackson
Performance of the year - Richard Jackson for his century - can’t exactly remember who it was against, but think it might have been Peper Harrow III
6 hit/ slogger of the year - Ciaran Rooney (with 16 in total)
Young player of the year - James Harding
President’s award for clubman of the year, or this year the clubwoman of the year - Maggie Cook

After an excellent meal and a great speech by Richard Jackson (adequately compensated by winning 2 awards), the evening descended into the usual drunken nonsense, fuelled by army priced booze!!

Final day fixtures - September 20 2008

The final day of the i'anson cup division 2 sees the 1st XI battling for promotion with 2 other teams - opponents Lindford and the Bourne (who finish with an away game against second placed Frensham II who cannot be promoted).

As ever, the maths are a bit complicated, but if the 1sts beat Lindford, then they are guaranteed 3rd place and with it a place in division 1. However, Lindford have been on a storming run of late (like the 1sts did last year) and they know a victory would take them above Headley.

Should that happen, then all eyes will be on Frensham to see what the Bourne do. A defeat for them, coupled with a Lindford win would see the Broxhead side heading for the top flight.

Of course, if draws come into it, then it gets even more complicated. Any form of draw in the Headley - Lindford draw would see Headley finish above Lindford, leaving promotion to the Bourne if they win. If they draw, then Headley will get promoted if they avoid defeat.

All in all, a exciting day beckons, with the 1st XI at least having their destiny in their own hands. Additionally, the weather gods look to smiling and a decent forecast should mean that at least all the games are played. Check back here to see how it all pans out.

Headley seal memorable Pope Cup triumph

Headley stormed to their first piece of silverware for over 10 years as they won the Pope cup, in an upset victory over Elstead. The division 1 outfit were red hot favourites going into the game against Headley, who were languishing in mid table of division 2, after a season of under achievement thus far. However, in a closely fought game, the underdogs squeezed home by 4 wickets with 5 balls to spare as they chased down a total of 115. The Pope cup is played on evenings during the early part of the season and the final is played over 16, 8 ball overs per side.

Batting first, Elstead looked to be heading for a huge total as they surged to 35 off the first 2 overs. However, Headley held their nerve and remembered that wickets can quickly change the game in this shortened form of the game. It was Elstead who blinked first as they gave their opponents 2 wickets with run outs and then opening bowler Graham Badland claimed 4 top order wickets to leave Elstead 6 wickets down after 8 overs. Gavin Arend and Clive Bate kept things tight against some more sensible batting, but they were still able to take the remaining 4 wickets to dismiss Elstead for 114 in the last over.

Headley also made an aggressive start as Arend looked to play some big shots. However, the Elstead opening bowlers struck back and soon claimed the top 4 Headley wickets. Andy Clarke joined Headley skipper Ciaran Rooney and under no particular pressure from the scoreboard, they were able to rebuild the innings in the face of some excellent seam bowling. Their stand of 57 swung the game back to Headley, but 32 runs were still needed off the last 24 balls. This set the stage for George Ellis to play a match winning innings of 27 runs, as he despatched the ball round the ground and dramatically struck a 6 to seal a memorable victory for Headley.

Headley Cricket Club President's game, August 3 2008

The President's game was held in early August, but as has been the case with so much of 2008, the waether intervened. The club, captained by club chairman Dave Cook had won the toss and decided to bat against the President's XI, capatained by brother Ashley. An excellent partnership of 127 between Shane Armstrong and Clive Bate gave the club a solid platform , which eventually led to a total of 227 for 9 off 40 overs. The President's XI struggled in reply and had reached 56 for 3 off 19 overs when already persistent drizzle became heavier and led to the eventual abandonment of the game

2008 outdoor coaching & practice starts on Thursday April 24

Coaching/ practice sessions - during the season, these will take place at Headley Playing Fields, starting on April 24. They will be split between the following different age groups:

Under 11's - Thursday evening, 5.30 - 6.30 pm

Under 13's - Thursday evening, 6.30 - 7.30 pm

Colts & seniors - Tuesday evening, 7.00 - 8.30 pm

All 3 sessions will be supervised by qualified coaches. Each session will cost £2 per person. All new members will be very welcome.

For any new youth members who would like to know more about the club, please go to the youth cricket section

2008 I'anson league fixtures

The 2008 league fixtures have been released and are now available in the fixtures section. The 1st XI have a mouthwatering encounter to start the season, as they play local rivals Lindford at Headley on Saturday April 26. The 2nd XI start the following week with a trip to Thursley to play their 2nd's.

Alan Rooney's first Farewell game - September 2006

Only slightly late, but we finally have some photos from the last 1st XI game of the 2006 season, away to Chiddingfold. This was meant to be Alan Rooney's final game for Headley, but the eagle eyed will have noticed that he has re-appeared this season for the 2nds (and occassionally the 1sts).

Click here to have a look at the slideshow. Many thanks to Shane Armstrong for supplying the photos (eventually).