Plus signs despite heavy defeat.

It was hard work and in the final analysis we were well beaten, but there were a number of positives.

First the negatives: Losing the toss on one of the hottest days of the year with a noon start and then having to field for 40 overs in very high temperatures against strong opponents.

Now the positives: The whole team stuck to the task, never gave up and produced some good cricket at times.

The Kesgrave openers came out swinging, but they both took one chance too many against Prasanna who claimed both wickets, one thanks to a solid catch by Nick B. Opposing captain Ryan batted sensible, conserving his energy with a series of boundaries. Ethan bowled tidily and Richard slowed things down in the middle, both claiming a wicket - a return catch well claimed and a safe catch by Conor. Fynn claimed Ryan's wicket nine short of his century thanks to a fine catch in the deep by Mark. However, the runs kept flowing and a daunting total of 252 was posted at the end of the innings.

The reply was twice derailed by run outs, both with direct hits from distance which was unfortunate. Deane hit three fours and then a six and out, while last man Fynn struck three fine boundaries before being well caught trying to hit a fourth.

It was not an easy afternoon but the attitude shown was first class and there were sun-burnt but smiling faces at the end.

An enjoyable trip to the seaside.

We had a very enjoyable afternoon at Felixstowe. The home team were good hosts, everybody had a chance to bat or bowl and there were a few very good performances.

After the two Nicks had given us a steady start - at least it was a big improvement on the previous week - Ethan looked good in partnership with Richard. The Captain helped take the score to 124 for five and then shared a 60-run partnership with Deane who had another of his disputed LBWs - the ball may have gone under the wickets as it lodged between his pads six inches in front of the stumps. The real revelation was when Alex arrived and started stroking boundaries on both sides of the wicket. At 184 for seven Malcolm retired when he reached his 50 and there was time for Alex to get within one hit of his half-century when he was caught behind. Seth hit a couple of fours when batting with his dad, Geoff, and a final score of 209 for seven off 35 overs looked very competitive.

Seth and Alex opened steadily with Seth taking a deserved wicket in his sixth and final over. Conor and Ethan bowled well together, with Ethan taking the second wicket. Conor might have had a third but Deane spilled the catch. Ben Read, who had deserved his two wickets earlier, went on to hit two sixes and eight fours in his 53. When he missed a straight one the reply slipped to 149 for seven by the close, with Richard and Nick B both picked up their first wickets for the team and Deane making up for his earlier miss with a fine tumbling catch at mid-off.

The match was played in a very good spirit and we look forward to next week. Eight players are already selected.

A winning start

The rescue plan for recreational cricket made a good start with a six-team group taking part in a mini-league. We took on old friend Sudbourne Hall - after a few years absence - and there was a great atmosphere throughout as a throwback to the days of friendly cricket. Every player had a bat or a bowl, there were a number of youngsters (and a few from the opposite end of the age scale) including a father-son combination on both sides. Sudbourne batted first and got off to a fast start thanks to Mick Peck (as always against us!) and Ben Tester. A cracking catch on the boundary by Josh B earned the breakthrough and Ralph then broke through the breach by snapping up four wickets with a fine spell. Newcomer Khalid enjoyed his spell and Owen enjoyed his spell even more as he picked up his first wickets for the club. Josh S had a couple of stumpings including an odd one when Matt D sent down a wide delivery to his brother Dan who remained outside his crease as Josh threw down the stumps. Josh S then led our reply with another impressive innings. He reached his second half-century in two innings this season before chipping a catch for 60. Phil then kept up the good work with a very good half-century, hitting the winning runs with a couple of overs to spare.

We now look to all members making their avaiability known so that everybody can get a game over the next two months - contact Eddie & Phil (Saturday 1st team), Malcolm & Mark (Saturday 2nd team) and we also have two T20 teams. As well as ladies matches and plenty of junior matches. Let us know!

Hello! Hello!

A unique season actually started on July 11 with an enjoyable inter-club friendly. Team Stokes were triumphant against Team Bowyer in the battle of the Joshes.

There was some good cricket played at times, several neatly-taken catches and the usual fireworks from Jothi. We slowly got used to the new routines including six-over breaks for hand sanitiser, not returning the ball around the fielders, etc. Most people got a bat and/or a bowl, a few looked like they may have played the game before while others looked as if it was the first time they had ever seen a cricket bat!! The teas were great (everybody brought their own) and a cheeky bottle of beer afterwards went down well. And with an 11am start it was all done and dusted by 5pm. That could be the way forward - we shall see.

We have a 10-match programme against local sides to come, with two teams in action. Let Phil/Eddie and/or Malcolm/Mark know your availability and we can look forward to some good times on the cricket pitch in July, August and September.

How frustrating to have dry, sunny weather - and no cricket. But will you be ready for action whenever we are given the all-clear?

Poker Night at St Audry's is back at the club! Rookie players very welcome.

This year we will be starting a league to run the whole year, starting on Friday 3rd January 2020. Registration closes at 7.45pm, first hand at 8pm.

£5 buy in plus £1 towards the league.

Tickets are on sale now for the annual Club Dinner, to be held at the club on Friday 22nd November, from 7pm.

Join in the celebrations as the whole club acknowledges the stars of 2019.

There is a two-course dinner, followed by our annual club awards for Men's and Ladies' teams, as well as a raffle.

Dress to impress!

MENU:

Main Course

1/ Roast turkey with chipolatas and bacon roll, homemade sage and onion stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, cranberry sauce, bread sauce and gravy
2/ Poached salmon supreme with a prawn dill and cream sauce
3/ Homemade puy lentil and nut roast with a fresh tomato and basil sauce

All of the above are served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes

Desserts

1/ Homemade Apple pie with cream, custard or ice cream
2/ Homemade Christmas pudding with custard, cream, ice cream or brandy butter
3/ Chocolate and orange cheesecake
4/ Fresh fruit salad

Fresh filter coffee / tea and mints

Tickets are £22 per head (£17 for under 18s) if paid for in advance* - why not book a table? To book your tickets please phone Dot Andrews on 01394 411037 or email Deane Weller with number of tickets required and your menu choices, by 15th November.

* or £25 / £20 if paying on the night. To pay in advance please transfer the relevant amount to the club's account online (20-98-07 | 13479102) or give cash / cheque to Dot or Deane.

N.B. For senior players currently paying by monthly standing order, one ticket is included free in your subscription - additional tickets can be purchased for £22.

A highlight of an improved season has been the progress made by a series of younger players. Josh S demonstrated that he has arrived as a top-order batsman with his first century for the Club. His 114 provided the backbone to an impressive 233 for six and took his season's tally to 466 at 35 - a great effort. It is obvious we can build our future on the players coming out of Eddie's fantastic youth programme. Three players moved on to teams in higher divisions at the start of this season but they have been replaced by others - Josh S and Josh B, Will DT, Tom S and others can take on starring roles in the future.

Josh is a fearless opening batsman who is willing to take the attack to the bowlers. It has paid off with half-centuries against Long Melford and Bardwell and he quickly took the next step when he reached three figures at Dellwood Avenue. Having put on 53 with Josh B for the first wicket he shared further half-century stands with Matt and Adie to reach 193 for 3. 

It was a fitting demonstration of the state of the Club to be witnessed by former captain Justin. Returning for a short break from his home in the US he came in for a cameo red-inker innings (who taught him the value of not outs?) and then made sure Felixstowe did not challenge our total by taking four wickets. Jothi took three and the home innings ended on 188, Justin having the last word by bowling the final batsman.

Full scorecard

Report by Malcolm Grubb

Race Night returns to St Audrys on Good Friday 19th April. Eight films of actual horse racing where you bet on your favourite horse to win. It's a great, fun night for the family - all ages welcome!

First Race 7.30 pm, £5 ticket (includes sausage & chips), raffle and bar open. All profit used to help fund our cricket club.

Contact Deane Weller by email or phone 07799 132553 for tickets, or call St Audrys Club 01394 389505.

MAYCC's indoor winter training programme kicks off on Monday 7th January, with all of our youth players catered for in one of 7 groups.

New players are always welcome, please contact us to enquire

Groups are as follows:

Mondays 5.30-6.30pm at Farlingaye: Girls up to year 7

Mondays 7pm-8pm at Woodbridge School: Girls Y10+ and Ladies

Wednesdays 5.45-6.45pm at Farlingaye: Boys U9s (up to year 4)

Wednesdays 7-8pm at Woodbridge School: Girls Y8 & 9

Thursdays 6-7pm at Woodbridge School: Boys U13s (Y7 & 8)

Fridays 6-7pm at Woodbridge School: Boys U11s (Y5 & 6)

Fridays 7-8pm at Woodbridge School: Boys U15s+ (Y9+)

After the Easter holidays, training for all groups will continue outdoors at the club on a Thursday (times tbc).