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Church Cricket Match 1991 (August 1991 edition of magazine) The Curate's XI beat the Rector's XI by 6 wickets. Rector's XI 94 runs (8 wickets, 25 overs) Curate's XI 95 runs (5 wickets, 18.2 overs) The Curate's XI won by 6 wickets. A glorious summer evening, the largest crowd seen at a local cricket match for some years, a motley band of cricketers and a general atmosphere of contentment made this a fine occasion. The Curate's Team bowled too well unfortunately (or perhaps opponents batted too badly) to make a close contest. If only Jonathan Jee had bowled his leg-breaks earlier in the innings, things might have been more even! Wicket keeper Keith Bates rolled back the years and assisted in every dismissal, but even he couldn't prevent the Curate's Team from reaching their target with six overs and more to spare. The Rector was heard reflecting in parsonic voice as he made his way home 'It matters not who won or lost, but how you played the game.' Anyway, there's always another year! Church Cricket Match 1992 (August 1992 edition of magazine) The match this year was between the Under 35's and the Over 35's and the first thing that became clear was just how many of our Church family are aged 35! So many had difficulty in deciding which team to play for! However, after a reasonable period for reflection and decision two teams were assembled, the Under 35's aptly named the HARES and the Over 35's the TORTOISES. Jonathan Jee sneaked into the HARES and tossed up with his opposite number in the TORTOISES, Christopher Frith. The HARES batted first and a splendid opening partnership developed between Riches and Travis, assisted in places by the odd dropped catch. The crowd began to swell in numbers as the partnership approached the 50 mark and an expectant hum began to drift around the park. Meanwhile, for the TORTOISES , Messrs. Herrick and Calow were bowling with a good deal of gusto doing their level best to keep the scoring rate down. Calow was delivering a fine line and length although someone did ask Herrick if he had notified air traffic control before starting his stint! Brassington (P) eventually removed Riches from the crease with a rising ball that was edged to Frith (C) at slip and Travis was finally bowled by Smith. Both had struck the ball handsomely and Riches amassed 26 runs and Travis 31. A succession of batting injustices followed as the next four wickets were to fall for very few runs . . Potter suffering the indignity of being bowled by a rare ball from Brassington (P) that bounced only once! Brassington (J) scored his first run in Church cricket before being bowled by Smith and Lewis notched up a couple before being run out. Latimer fell for two and then up strode Jee muttering something about cometh the hour, cometh the man. Turner and Frith (C) bowled well for little reward and Jee began to get into his stride hitting the ball hard and to all the right places of the ground. He was eventually run out for 30 and Frith (J) took up the role scoring a very quick 21 before the overs ran out. Also batting with promise were Kelly, Collard and Ashcroft but Leteve's debut was defeated by the non availability of overs! In all, the HARES had scored 145 runs and at this stage of the evening with the prospect of failing light and rising dew, the total looked pretty safe. For the TORTOISES Brassington (P) and Turner opened the batting but some excellent bowling by Potter had them both back in the pavilion with only 2 runs to share between them. Assisted by Frith (J), who also returned some fine figures, the opening overs permitted very few runs. Once these two quickies" were out of allocated overs it was the turn of the first change bowlers to do their bit. At this stage Simmonds began to open up and scored a fine 20 before the partnership of Riches and Travis again combined, to dismiss him caught Riches - bowled Travis. The arrival of Shemwell in the middle caused the direction of the game to change completely. He quickly set about the bowling, punishing anything that was short of length or off line. Leteve and Travis were the hapless bowlers before Collard and Jee joined the attack. Fookes supported Shemwell with a fine 32 before being stumped by Ashcroft off the bowling of Jee who also had Stacey caught behind for 7. Collard provided a second stumping opportunity for Ashcroft by teasing Smith out from his crease and Lenthall then joined Shemwell who was still placing the ball to all quarters of the park! Brassington (J) was the final bowler for the HARES and both Shemwell and Lenthall remained to carry the total past the target and the TORTOISES finished up on 146 for 7. Messrs. Frith (C), Cukurs and Herrick were not called upon to bat. A fine evening of fellowship, entertainment and a good game of cricket drew to a close with the first presentation of the CHARLIE BRASSINGTON TROPHY. This trophy, presented by Claire Brassington in memory of Charlie who enjoyed the game immensely, is to be awarded each year to the player providing the most significant contribution to the evening's entertainment. This year the winner was Matthew Travis who scored 31 runs and returned bowling figures of 1 for 29. His Australian bush hat, complete with corks; also played a significant part in the decision! Peter Brassington Church Cricket Match 1993 (October 1993 edition of magazine) Rumoured to be the finest event in the church calendar, it kicked off at 6.30pm on 27th July in Somersall Park. A number of fancy dress establishments reportedly stocked out of white trousers and jerseys as a remarkable proportion of participants from both teams sought to deceive their opponents into thinking they could actually play. The Curate's XI which, due to injury, did not contain a curate, won the toss and elected to bat first. The Rector, who did captain the Rector's XI set a fielding formation as if he was Nigel Short constructing a Sicilian defense in the deciding world championship title match. At first it worked. One followed another as the Curate's XI, each more modest than his predecessor, made contributions to the scoreline worthy of the widow's mite award for extravagance; significantly assisted by the guile of Neil Turner from the ocky who tempted 3 strikers to slice into the rough for only 16 runs. The rector's jaw was then subjected to a series of stiff left jabs in the form of a stonking partnership between Jim Cowley (54 not out) and Steve Lawrence (38 without whites) which proved decisive. His only consolation was that, in following our Lord's motto of "doing unto others ....", he delivered Steve one of his infamous 'Chesterfields' (known more readily as 'sitters' outside MCC circles) and watched with evident thanksgiving as the ball was prevented from clearing the perimeter hedge forever by one of his back four (similarly whiteless). But by then the damage was done. As the final first half whistle blew the Curate's XI were on 113 for 6 and the Rector's XI retired hurt to the dug-out. Most of the latter were appealing to the light, but the Rector made muffled references to the prophet Isaiah --- "they that walk in darkness ...." and sportingly replaced his gum shield. In the end the only light anybody saw was Carleton Badger (42) who steadily amassed enough runs to make the score look less like a European shoe size. Philip Herrick (acting curate) coxed a well disciplined crew and restricted the opposition's boat to 98 for 7. The evening was fittingly concluded with the award of the Charlie Brassington Memorial Trophy to the player making the most significant contribution to the game. This was presented by Claire Brassington to the blushing Carleton Badger for his runs, his wicket, and 2 catches. Church Cricket Match 1995 (August 1995 edition of magazine) Church Cricket March 1995 The Curate's team won by 4 wickets. One of the highlights of summer in the parish of St Thomas' (for some at least) is the annual cricket match. An occasion when the Rector issues a challenge which no curate dare refuse. In fact it is murmured darkly in some quarters that every prospective assistant clergyperson (please note the inclusive terminology) is questioned closely about his or her affinity with cricket. On July 6th, the teams gathered at Somersall Park on a glorious summer evening for the 1995 episode of the great challenge. The new curate Pete Wilkinson got off to a good start, winning the toss and asking the Rector's team to bat first. The tried and tested and highly valued dynamic duo of umpires, Jack Hemmings and Ian Wright took the field and battle was commenced. It is the opinion of the writer, that unknown to most, the Rector had appointed one of his team to be 'secret weapon' for the evening. His duties included appearing unexpectedly all over the field making sudden dashes across the wicket and uttering from time to time loud and fearsome shouts. To confuse the opposition further, he was dressed as for a totally different sport, one usually undertaken in winter. He is known to most as Dave Fookes but will be referred to here as `the Yellow Streak'. James Stacey opened the innings for the Rector's team accompanied by the Yellow Streak, who obviously had instructions to disappear from sight as quickly as possible - he was out for a duck, second ball. Wily John Prentice, complete with straw hat, opened the bowling up the hill while Daniel Frith, in devastating form, took four wickets for only twelve runs. Things were looking bleak for the Rector's team, when a familiar figure in a maroon floppy hat was seen at the wicket. Who could it be? Had the West Indies sent reinforcements? No! it was none other than the Rector himself, fresh from his pilgrimage to Lords, restoring some order to his side; bringing with him that sense of decision and order that epitomises the Church of England as he called for a quick single: Yes, Yes! No, No! Yes! NO! Eventually, in spite of some good bowling and excellent catching in the outfield, the Rector's team achieved the respectable score of 95 runs. So as the sun was setting, the Curate's team began their reply. Disaster! The first four wickets fell for only 16 runs. The Yellow Streak took a good catch and triumphantly threw the ball far into the air uttering one of his famous roars. But cometh the hour, cometh the man (for the 1662 enthusiasts). Young Matthew Gratton strode to the wicket and took the innings in hand. In spite of many changes of bowler, many roars, dives and dashes by the Yellow Streak, the Curate's team prevailed without the Captain having to bat. Matthew and Ian Simmons put on 51 runs for the eighth wicket to win the match in the last over by four wickets. Matthew finished on 48 not out and was awarded the Charlie Brassington trophy as 'man of the match' by the adjudicator, Jack Hemmings. It had been a good evening of fun and fellowship for players and spectators alike. Long may the challenge continue! Brampton Cricket Correspondent Church Cricket Match 1996 (October 1996 edition of magazine) Curates XI won by 7 wickets After a postponement of the event for two weeks because of bad weather it was with much enthusiasm that the twenty two players together with umpires and scorers assembled at Somersall Park. The weather was perfect and the pitch placid which meant it was always going to be a batsman's wicket. Having won the loss the Curate's team took to the field to let the first two batsmen into the lion's den. Thirteen runs were on the board before the first victim, John Prentice, fell at the hands of the able wicket keeper. Dave Simmonds off the bowling of Daniel Frith. The fielding team managed to maintain a slight advantage until Nick Travis joined Chris Cowley at the crease. Runs started to flow and boundaries came thick and fast until the Curate held a superb catch to dismiss young Nick in the deep off Andrew Smith's bowling -a "champagne moment" if ever there wars one. Young Chris Cowley retired at 54 having had a tremendous knock. After that the fielding side managed to claw themselves back into the math. The batsmen scored a total of 121 for 7, with a useful contribution of 17 coining from the bat of Ben Collard. The sight of Ian Hoare walking to the wicket in pads about ten sizes too bit at the end of the innings was a memorable picture. The total to be chased was not overwhelming but the Curate's XI innings started slowly and the first two wickets fell fairly early on. However once Matthew Gratton and Ian Simmons had got their eye in the eventual result was never in doubt. The bowling of Les Gratton and Roger Smith was tight and Steve Lawrence managed to get a wicket but the victory, like last year, went again to the Curate's side. The "Charlie Brassington Man of the Match" award again to Matthew Gratton for his impressive 50 not out. Thanks to the players, umpires and scorers for making the evening such an entertainment. Also we thank the Chesterfield Barbarians for making their kit available to us. Church Football Match v Eyam 1996 (December 1996 edition of magazine) 27.10.96 Eyam v St Thomas’ Match report: Eyam 3 St Thomas' 3 (HT 3-2) Following an invitation to play Eyam church, our players and supporters assembled at Eyam on a very blustery Sunday afternoon. The 14 to adults played a full match while our juniors played a series of mini-matches mixed in with Eyam juniors. St Thomas' kicked off the first half into the strong wind. Their lack of practice together was apparent with the well marshalled players of Eyam having early domination. This brought two early goals from Eyam. Indeed for the first twenty minutes the ball was seldom outside the St Thomas' half. These early set backs did not dishearten our players and gradually they became more cohesive and began to take the game to Eyam. A fine attacking move lead to Chris Cowley scoring a goal for St Thomas'. However Eyam struck again to re-establish their two goal advantage. Just before half time another excellent move set Chris free to slot his second goal past the Eyam goal keeper. In the second half St Thomas' had the wind behind them and we gradually began to control the game. About. halfway through the half Nick Travis received a pass on the right wing and was able to power the ball through the Eyam keeper's legs to equalise. As the final whistle went St Thomas' were mounting yet another attack on the Eyam goal. The final result was a fair reflection of the match. St Thomas': Chris Cowley (capt), Phil Foster, Paul Benson, Mark Simpson, Steve Shemwell, Mark Torkington, Jonathan Calow, Daniel Frith, Philip Goodacre, Alistair Gordon, Nick Travis, Mark Hoare (Manager) The juniors played a series of three mini matches which they all enjoyed. Those playing were Simon Calow, Ian Hoare, Douglas Gordon, Greg Shemwell, Paul and Ellen Smith. After the match the players and spectators were given tea in Eyam Church Centre where Chris Cowley and Simon Calow were named man of the match in their respective games. It is hoped to play a return match in the New Year. Church Cricket Match 1997 (October 1997 edition of magazine) Rector’s XI won by 5 runs While Geoffrey Boycott was on his way to inspect the wicket at Headingly, the annual cricket match was taking place at Somersall Park between the rector's and curate's elevens. Rain had prevented play the previous month but July 23rd saw a close fought contest, with several father v son matters of pride at stake. Having won the toss, the Curates XI elected to field first. After an early collapse -Gratton taking 3 wickets in one over -the rector's men made slow if steady progress, with notable performances from the lower order batsmen. A Travis retired injured from the field after diving to not quite catch his son (who, incidentally, reciprocated rather more successfully in the next innings.) The eventual total of 77 all out off 18.3 overs looked a reasonable target. However the Curate's men also had a slow start, facing some formidable bowling, which was enough to stretch any wicket keeper. The stalwart middle order steadily built. up the runs. As the light faded and the umpires warned against bouncers, it looked as though the Curate's men would cruise home. A late middle order collapse produced the most nail biting finish in years, with the Curates batting together, last men in, needing 5 runs to win from 4 overs. The younger one, having earlier hit a huge six, was clean bowled by Underwood and the Rector's team celebrated a rare victory. The crowd enjoyed many impressive debut performances in this match but the Charlie Brassington memorial award went for the third successive year to Matthew Gratton. Rumour has it that the curates may be challenging a rather different match: anyone for hockey? Church Cricket Match 2000 (August 2000 edition of magazine) Darkness was falling as Dave Simmonds trudged to the wicket moaning that he needed a pit helmet. 34 more runs were needed from 6 overs - a stiff target. Dave and skipper Keith Bates cannily managed to take advantage of regular wides and no-balls, to run innumerable short singles and they got there. Once again, the Rector's XI had managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! The Choirmaster's XI won by 7 wickets. With just two balls to spare. A suitably close finish to an enjoyable match. There were several notable performances. Paul Lapworth hit the one six of the evening - and there are few practice facilities in Rwanda! Steve Broadbent and Dave Simmonds played good innings and Phil Antill held the latter part of the Rector's XI innings together well. The outstanding bowler was Geoff Beresforde, working up a fine rhythm; no Churchwarden has the right to bowl as fast as that! Peter Hooley bowled a sharp second spell and young Paul Smith clean bowled two of the early batsmen. Paul Benson, greyhound like in the outfield, was the star fielder. But there was no question who deserved the Charlie Brassington Player of the Match award. The Choirmaster himself kept wicket with the agility of a man half his age, ran between the wickets like a hare and engineered a well deserved victory. Well done, Keith! Church Cricket Match 2002 (August 2002 edition of magazine) It was a glorious evening: some would say a foretaste of heaven. The sun shone way past 9p.m. There were two full teams of eager cricketers, and most wore whites. To cap it all, for only the second time in living memory, the Rector's team won! The Choirmaster won the toss and invited the Rector's XI to bat. In their allotted 20 overs they scored 105 for 3 wickets. Jeff Mills played the outstanding innings, retiring for 29. Mark Torkington hit out stoutly at the end and the' Rector, forgetting his age and going for a short single, tore a hamstring and retired hurt. Dave Simmonds took over leading the side with great aplomb and, to most people's surprise, the Choirmaster's XI were restricted to 79 for 8 wickets, when their time was up. Phil O'Donnell made 23, but his only support came from Geoff Beresforde (10). Matthew Gratton, Steve Broadbent and Jeff Mills each took two wickets. The Charlie Brassington Player of the Match award deservedly went to Jeff Mills, St Thomas' Welsh ambulance driver, and the Rector's XI won by 26 runs. After the match the Choirmaster and the Rector were both to be heard ruminating about retirement and the Rector dropped his ancient cricket boots in the wheelie bin. Church Cricket Match July 2004 (August 2004 edition of the magazine) CHOIRMASTERS XI 68 runs for 8 wickets from 20 overs Best bowler - Geoff Smith - 3 wickets for one run in 2 overs RECTORS XI 70 runs for 4 wickets Top Scorer - David Mouncer at 22 MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVID MOUNCER !!! Football at St Thomas' (August 2010 edition of the magazine)
Football at St Thomas'-It's Been a Blast (February 2011 edition of the magazine)
If we were having player awards I could suggest a few: Most impressive footballing dynasty -the Simmonds family which fielded all three male members for most of our sessions, one of whom was our youngest player, another our oldest (I'm not saying which is which!) Most foolish decision -would have to be mine when deciding to play football three days before I was due to run the Sheffield Half Marathon. I injured my ankle in the process, and had to abort my run. Most enthusiasm for a game -Seb Lamb for requesting to play when Queens Park was under two feet of snow! Most persistent request - Gaz Adams for wanting to field a St Thomas 5-a-side league side - perhaps 2011 is our year Gaz. Most garish kit - Aidan Baker’s Norwich City kit - which was also worn by our most enthusiastic player! Any other nominations welcome. Looking ahead to 2011. We're continuing with our Thursday night astroturf sessions at Queens Park (9pm) for the next few weeks and will then decide how to expand our activities thereafter when the weather picks up. Do come and join us when you can and please feed back your thoughts on how you'd like to see things developing. Once again thanks again from me for your contributions. As Jonathan Sherwin used to say “it's been a blast!” Graham Brown See more pictures here |
