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19/5/07-KCC 1st XI's NL&CCL Premier League fixture against Furness at Fitz Park was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to heavy rain over the last few days.

The do to end all do's

HECKY thump . . . that was one to remember and to savour. Keswick Cricket Club and friends excelled over the weekend when good old Fitz Park staged one of the most spectacular sporting and social extravaganzas the town and, arguably, the county, has ever seen. To give you some of the salient points of an amazing two days: England World Cup winning RU captain Martin Johnson, and England World Cup cricketer Paul Nixon were the stars of the show together with other prominent players from the world of sport.
And together with a healthy sprinkling of Carlisle Utd players, including Kevin Gray and our very own Stephen Hindmarch, frae Borrowdale, they played either soccer in the morning or cricket in the afternoon * and in some instances both - together with members of the cast the ITV soap, Emmerdale and an assortment of other local soccer players and cricketers.
In between times we somehow managed to squeeze in a black tie dinner for 300 in a giant marquee on the ground (which lasted for most people until the early hours) and then followed it all up with lunch for 270 (in the same marquee) the following day. Simply playing a sport before / after all that food and drink was a remarkable achievement in itself. And then there were all the autographs to sign and scores of photographs to be taken with the many youngsters and children (young and old) in a large crowd estimated at just over 2,000. Not forgetting the dramatic arrival and departure of the Great North Air Ambulance (one of the beneficiaries of the event together with Leukaemia Research) and the descent from Latrigg onto Fitz Park of about 20 paragliders from the Cumbria Soaring Club lead by Gordon 'Gordy' Oliver, of the Air Ventures Paragliding School.
And then there was Mary The Fairy and her friend on stilts dispensing fairy dust and stories; plus various other entertainers . . . it was all simply wonderful and marvellous. At one stage I had to pinch myself. Could this possibly be coming together and, wonder of wonders, the sun was really shining after all the rain and a dreadful forecast in the run up to the event.
The dinner in the marquee adjacent to the pavilion was a fabulous affair. The massive marquee, inside and out, was a spectacular sight and once it was filled with guests it was a riot of colour , activity and conversation. The food and drink were both good. The speech makers were led by our very own increasingly irreverent and very politically incorrect Edgar Appleby who seems intent on growing old disgracefully; either that or his wonky knee was giving him gip. Seriously, Edgar's speech was a tour de force, in my view the most entertaining address of the evening. It was essentially a glowing tribute to Paul Nixon and started out as such with a recurring theme based on the words "engage the enemy more closely;" a naval reference linked to Nixon's tenacious spirit.
Edgar sympathised with the player over his non-selection for the England Test team against the West Indies, announced on Sunday morning, while at the same time tearing a strip off the selectors. If ever there was a case of 'it's not so much what you know but who you know' then this selection was all of that and more some.
But Edgar did not stop there, as the words began to flow and the lad got his gander up he vented his spleen on all manner of social mores of the day. He was incredibly entertaining, amusing and all the time sailing perilously close to the wind. There was no holding him back and nothing was sacred as Edgar let rip.
As you may have gathered I enjoyed Edgar's speech immensely, and I came to the conclusion that we have a real gem in Edgar Appleby and I think he ought to be declared a National Treasure; in addition to being the Treasurer of Keswick Cricket Club. Nor should we underestimate the fantastic amount of work that he put into the organisation of this event . Not bad for a lad who himself is always prepared to engage the enemy more closely! Well done Edgar. You were brilliant.
In their turn Paul Nixon and Martin Johnson also spoke well. The former's speech was principally a thank you to all those people who had supported him down the years; it was his way of expressing his appreciation for their efforts and it was heartfelt.
Martin Johnson is clearly a big man with an equally big personality. Everyone took to him and he was a star in every sense, not once declining an invitation for an autograph or a photo call; Mike Ryder even paid for the privilege of having his photograph taken with the Big Man and Nico. Braithwaite CC was prepared to have Martin and Paul pay them for the privilege of a photo call!
Martin was clearly enjoying himself. His speech was very entertaining with some amusing stories from his World Cup days. After this Keswickians and everyone else who was at Fitz Park will remember him with tremendous affection, not only because he captained the England team which won the World Cup but also because of the friendly, generous and amicable nature that he showed at Keswick. Both he and Nico were superb. And so, for that matter, were all the other sporting and TV personalities who played a part in this memorable event.
In the morning, a Carlisle Utd side played an Emmerdale select at soccer. The game finished in a 6-6 draw. Paul Nixon showed a fleet turn of foot while Martin Johnson was a lighthouse, a towering presence at the heart of the defence. It was good of long serving captain Kevin Gray to turn out for Carlisle Utd, in light of the fact that the club had not renewed his contract only days before. And there on the sidelines was Utd owner Fred Story and manager Neil Macdonald. Fred had already shown immense support for the event by sponsoring the giant marquee and here he was in person, enjoying the football despite having to contend with walking on crutches.
Other footballers included former Carlisle Utd favourite Geoff Thorpe - out of retirement for this match only * and the South African Test cricketer Charl Langervelt. And then there were the Emmerdale players, the irrepressible Eric Pollard and the fashion designer Ted Baker, all mixing with local Keswick AFC players, including Lee Collins, Graham Marshall, Matty Thompson and others. The referee was John Curran who had his work cut out, especially in the latter stages of the match when fair play went out of the window.
The cricket in the afternoon was not for the connoisseur. It was a light *hearted affair with Georgia Slowe (Perdi in Emmerdale) playing a full part along with Eric Pollard. The game was curtailed by the arrival of the rain later in the afternoon and those with a strong constitution retired to the beer tent for further liquid refreshment.
Throughout all this activity my prevailing thought was of the way in which members of Keswick Cricket Club and friends rallied round to enable the event to go off with barely a hitch. This was especially apparent in the marquee where a team of helpers * marshalled by Mike Carter - worked tirelessly to provide an endless flow of drink, waiting on and washing glasses. Many were there until the early hours of Sunday morning before literally collapsing in the tea room of the pavilion for a well-earned rest. And then they were back again, a few hours later to start all over again for the lunch. It was a remarkable effort by everyone and while I do not wish to single out individuals I cannot help but recall the considerable effort of two junior members of the club Alex Reid and Aaron Davies, who were still going strong and collecting glasses long after the last guests had departed.
This alone helped restore my faith in humanity after the events of Friday night when * as night watchman in the marquee * I became a centre of attention for a gang of drink-fuelled youths who (on failing to gain entry to the marquee because of my presence) proceeded to hurl stones and abuse in the direction of myself and the roof of the marquee before the police arrived and dispersed the crowd. It was a real eye opener to the sort of crass activity that seems to be a regular part of Keswick Friday night life and urgently needs some strong action.
But I would not for one moment allow that one regrettable incident to spoil what was a great event and I mention it reluctantly and only to show its futility in the face of so much good work by other youngsters like Alex and Aaron.
Everything they accomplished along with all the other many helpers, in what ever capacity, and the people from the town and further afield who turned up on Sunday to support the event, as helpers or paying spectators, all contributed to a very special occasion over two days of which Keswick, the cricket club and its friends can feel immensely proud.

Dinuka takes six

Keswick Cricket Club's professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi is really starting to make a name for himself in the North Lancashire League's Premier Division. Following his seven wickets the previous weekend, Dinuka took 6/12 to destroy any hopes Wigton had of defeating Keswick. Wigton was dismissed for a mere 95 with Dinuka's figures being 15 overs, eight maidens, 12 runs and six wickets.
The lad is really coming into his own and is using a great deal of variety in his bowling to totally bamboozle the opposition. As news of his achievements spread throughout the league a strong psychological factor (ala Shane Warne) may also be coming into play.
In reply, Keswick made 97/2 with Darren Collin 34 not out and captain Imran Khan 28. Stephen Hindmarch also made double figures on 21. The Carlisle Utd footballer certainly seems to relishing his batting at the moment and hasn't looked back since making his 2007 debut in the 2nd X1.
Sadly, the 2nd X1 came to grief at home to Appleby 1st X1, and this after scoring 210 with Ian Dixon hitting a massive 72 not out. This was a remarkable innings, of the type Ian has often hit for Threlkeld but never managed to emulate for the 2nd X1 or, for that matter, for the 1st X1. There were those who felt that he could not cope with the added value of the NLL. This certainly put that misplaced theory to rest. It was a joy to watch as Ian first felt his way into his innings (yes, there were one or two defensive shots) and then he tore into the Appleby bowling big time with a profusion of fours and sixes.
But he was not the only 2nd X1 batsman to make runs. The Clark twins Andy and Steve both hit 45 apiece while new No2 batsman Dan Gaskell looked assured on 36 before he skied one to long off with a half century and possibly more staring him in the face. Dan has the potential to make a very good opener and once his shot selection improves he will make a lot of runs, he has the stroke play, the defence and, most importantly, the confidence of youth to make it all happen.
Unfortunately, Appleby were also strong on batting and while Keswick captain Keith Richardson rang the bowling changes the team could do nothing to dislodge Andy Barr (123 not out) and the captain and former Keswick player Luke Wimbridge who made 83.
Keswick 1st X1 will be without Darren Collin and Joe Gibson this weekend for the home game against Furness. Wicketkeeper Dennis Barkes is again missing so these absences impact down the line.

Banana sandwiches

I omitted to mention Threlkeld's fine victory over Edenside in last week's Reminder. So here goes: Threlkeld 'professional' Graham Stephenson was in his element as he took 7/17 from 10 overs to bowl out Edenside well short of a modest home side total of 140. John Webster 39, Ian Dixon 34 and Gordon Thompson 17 got runs for Threlkeld, while Keswickian Chris Hayes (son of Dennis the roadrunner) made 37 for an Edenside team which was 60/1 at one stage before the pro got in on the act.
And finally, can Graham Stephenson ensure that he brings banana sandwiches and a bottle of Cherryade for the tea at Threlkeld this Saturday. Enjoy your cricket. KTR

KCC professional Dinuk Hettiarachchi continues his impressive form taking 6/12 as KCC 1st XI cruise to an easy 8 wkt victory at Wigton.

A whirlwind 72no from Ian Dixon and 45 each from the Clark twins was not enough for KCC 2nd XI as Andrew Barr 121no and Luke Wimbridge 83 steer Appleby to a six wicket win.

Keswick win a thriller

What a weekend of cricket, especially for the 1st X1 who played three
and won three; one of them in the most exceptional circumstances, a real
nerve tingler against a combative Furness team at a bitterly cold Fitz
Park on Sunday evening when the game went down to the wire, in fact the
very last ball. This was cricket in the raw and not for the faint
hearted.
The occasion was a Higson Cup match with Keswick defending the trophy
they won last year at Workington's Ernest Valentine Ground. Furness
and a busload of their vociferous supporters were intent on an upset but
fortunately, Keswick were the more resolute and the game eventually
swung their way. But only just.
The game was reduced to 25 overs per side and started late because of
rain. Furness batted first and former Keswick professional Majid
Jahangir fell victim to a Stuart Dowson delivery and a fantastic diving
catch by Neil Swainson in the covers. Only one batsman was able to make
any real impression for the visitors and that was Glen Capstick who hit
71 for their 137/9. Dowson was Keswick's most effective bowler with a
return of 3/16 from five overs while the professional Dinuka
Hettiarachchi and Andy Clark went for only 14 and 17 runs respectively
from their five overs each. Imran Khan (2/14 from three) and Michael
Moore (2/7 from two) were also useful at the close.
Keswick's top order batsmen made a useful start with John Bryson (28)
and the left hander Michael Moore (29) putting them in pole position.
Moore, in particular, was hitting the ball cleanly and very hard and one
pull shot off the back foot sailed over the pavilion like Halley's
Comet. The captain Imran Khan with 29 and the pro on 17 provided
solidity in the middle order but the innings started to fall apart. When
composure and a cool head was all that was needed some daft decisions
and big hitting, as opposed to quiet determination and measured,
selective stroke play, almost resulted in Keswick's downfall. With an
increasingly noisy Furness support sensing an unlikely victory at the
death it came down to the final ball.
No 11 Simon Grisdale, ever a man in a crisis, was on strike with the
Keswick total on 136/9 chasing down the Furness tally of 137/9. All was
silence * or at least I think it was * as the final delivery came
down. Grisdale sold the Furness team a dummy, missed the ball completely
and so, fortunately, did the visiting keeper. With the field up to
prevent the single that would have tied the scores - the ball skidded
over the boundary, Keswick had won and the celebrations began.

Dinuka takes seven

The 1st X1 was involved in two other matches over the Bank Holiday
weekend. On the Saturday they entertained (if that's the right word)
Cleator 1st X1 in the Premier Division of the North Lancashire League.
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly the seven wicket return of
Keswick professional Dinuka Hettiarchchi.. The Sri Lankan's cleverly
flighted spin claimed 7/31 from 15 overs as Cleator were restricted to
176/7 in reply to Keswick's 227 all out. Top scorer for Keswick was
the captain Imran Khan with 57.
And finally, where the 1st X1 is concerned, the team strolled to
victory at Cockermouth in the County Cup on Monday. Playing their third
game in as many days, the 1st X1 won by eight wickets, making 153/2 in
reply to Cockermouth's 152 all out. Dinuka weighed in with another
four wickets for a return of 4/16 from eight to make it 11 wickets over
the weekend.
Carlisle United footballer Stephen Hindmarch opened the innings * as
he had done for the 2nd X1 at Cleator on the Saturday (more on that
later) - and made an impressive 67 not out in partnership with Imran
Khan, again among the runs on 60 not out. The pair put on an undefeated
127 runs for the third wicket with Hindmarch scoring 10 fours in a 95
ball innings while Imran faced just 46 balls and hit nine boundaries.
Still with the stats, 1st X1 scorer Brian Pattinson tells me that Imran
is averaging 76 runs at the moment with 304 runs from five innings,
while Dinuka has bowled 57 overs, 12 maidens for a return of 147/14 at
an average of 10.50.

John Mason sets new NLL record

Former 1st X1 player John Mason, now in his third year at college,
returned to the club at the weekend and turned out for the 2nd X1 at
Cleator. He said he had not lifted a bat in anger since last playing for
Keswick. You wouldn't have thought so . . . the shots soon started to
flow from the bat, so much so that he established a new First Division
North Lancashire League record with an innings of 161. This included 15
fours and four 6s. He was very well supported by No 3 batsmen Andrew
Rigg who made an impressive 74 not out, including six boundaries. This
was another innings of great authority and maturity from young Andrew
who was returning to the team for the first time after breaking an ankle
playing soccer shortly before the start of the cricket season.
After some low scores in their opening two matches it was refreshing,
to say the least, for the 2nd X1 to make a total in excess of 200 *
270/5 in fact. In reply, Cleator completed their 50 overs on 190/7 with
young opening bowler Aaron Davies again making a good impression with a
return of 2/19 from eight overs. Jamie D'Leny took 2/48 from 14,
taking out Nos 1 and 3. Off spinner Andrew Appleby claimed 1/34 from 14
and restricted Cleator at a time when they might have mounted a
challenge on the Keswick total. Keswick got a winning draw (16 points)
from the encounter and this sets them up nicely for this Saturday's
home game with Appleby 1st X1 and their professional, the former Keswick
player Luke Wimbridge, playing his last season in this country for the
foreseeable future. But it won't be the last time that the Keswick
crowd will see Luke this season because he is playing in the Paul Nixon
Benefit match the following day (see separate report)..
The 2nd X1 was in action at Appleby in the Sowerby Cup on the Sunday
and once gain Aaron Davies produced the goods with a return of 3/14 from
six overs, dismissing three leading home batsmen, including the
aforementioned Wimbridge.
Unfortunately, Keswick, captained by Andrew Appleby in the absence of
Keith Richardson (Food and Drink festival duty with Cumbria Life) were
shorn of batting after the heroics of the previous day. Still, they
mustered 138 with young Joe Grisdale (21) and the old head Craig
Phillips (31) batting well together at the end.
But the total was unlikely to be sufficient and so it proved as Appleby
reached 140/6 with Mike Bailey 60 not out.

A head start . . .

During the latter stages of the exciting Keswick v Furness Higson cup
match on Sunday which I watched from a position behind the bar at KCC, a
disgruntled Furness supporter - nonplussed at my failure to get a head
on his pint of lager * reckoned that I was the worst barman he had
ever encountered.
I agreed with him fully. Sometimes it's best just to nod, smile and
say "yes, you're so right * if only I had your talent I would be a
better person" and similar platitudes.
Unfortunately, I couldn't stop at that: The Cumbrian in me came out.
"I may be the worst barman in the world," I replied, "and
probably am. And my adding ups not too clever either . . . but at least
my team's in the next round of the Higson Cup and your's isn't."

For the record, I'll pour a pint of beer over my head if the 1st X1
go all the way to the final and win it for a second successive season.
Over to you Imran!
Enjoy your cricket KTR.

7/5/07- 67no from Stephen Hindmarch and an unbeaten 60 from skipper Imran Khan ensures KCC 1st XI cruise to an 8 wicket victory against Cockermouth in the 1st Round of the County Cup Competition.

6/5/07-Four byes off the the last ball gives KCC 1st XI a thrilling 1 wkt win in the 1st Round of the Higson Cup in a game reduced to 25 overs per side due to rain.

6/5/07-Young pace bowler Aaron Davies claims the scalps of the top three Appleby batsmen but this is not enough to prevent KCC 2nd XI slipping to defeat in the 1st round of the Sowerby Cup competition.

5/5/07- KCC professional Dinuk Hettiarachchi takes 7/31 to steer KCC 1st XI to a winning draw against Cleator at Fitz Park

5/5/07- John Mason scores 161 as KCC 2nd XI secure a winning draw at Cleator 2nd's

All we need is a win!!

It's all very pleasant sitting at Fitz Park of a sunny weekend, with
the conversation flowing as freely as the beer (or whatever your
favourite tipple) the soft drinks, the ice creams and lollipops and, at
the interval between innings, the delectable Doris Bell's and the
sumptuous Sheila D'Leny's cricket teas all going down a treat. In
short it all adds up to a general sense of well being.
But something's missing; it's called victory.
With the exception of a pre season friendly win by the 2nd X1 over
Braithwaite, a team has yet to win at Fitz Park this season and the 1st
X1, sadly, lost both their home games at the weekend, against Millom in
the league on the Saturday and then Northern League Barrow in the cup on
the Sunday in front of two large crowds enjoying the sunshine, the
cricket, but not, from a home support perspective, the result.
For the first time ever on the Sunday I also found myself explaining to
two Americans the laws of cricket. They were sitting in front of the
pavilion, looking to all the world like English cricket enthusiasts *
calling in at the world's loveliest cricket ground * until one of
them turned to me and in a distinctive American twang (not the twang
that these days accompanies an Andrew Appleby injury at third man)
drawled something Texan like: "Can you tell us what the hell's
goin' off out there?"
I did my best, made various comparisons with baseball, John Bryson
(founder member of the Borrowdale Road Blue Sox * he's an American
football devotee) chipped in with an unhelpful remark and for the first
time in my life I actually wished that bearded umpire and WG Grace
lookalike Doug Beebe was around with his self-explanatory tea towel; you
know the one, it reads something like: "When one batsman's out
another one goes in . . . " and so on, until you expire with boredom.

Just when you needed help, Doug was nowhere to be seen; he was probably
delivering one of his interminable posers on the laws of the game to
some unsuspecting cricketer who was already beginning to question the
point of living.
The Americans, there were two of them accompanied by their wives,
appeared to appreciate my efforts. I kept it simple, something which I
do not find particularly difficult for obvious reasons.
Meanwhile, out in the middle, Keswick CC 1st X1's efforts to win a
Cockspur Cup 1st round cup match against Barrow, of the Northern League,
were being thwarted. It was, in truth, a game that Keswick should have
won to add a second Northern League scalp to their belt; Kendal having
perished on this ground last season in the county cup. There were a
couple of clearly unhappy batsmen in Imran Khan and John Phillips when
they were both given out LBW. JP reckoned he knocked the cover off it
while Imran, judging by his body language (look umpire my leg is here
and the stumps are over there), clearly felt he was outside the line.
But, alas, the white-coated one's finger was pointed at the heavens
and the batsmen had to walk, albeit reluctantly.
The dismissal of Imran was particularly significant and the captain
knew it. He was flying along and, on 86, was heading for a superb
century when Roy Rogers (and Trigger) shot him down. It was the turning
point in the game. Before that Imran and No5 batsman Joe Gibson (68)
were putting together a match-winning partnership for the home team.
Gibson was mightily impressive and is clearly thriving on the
responsibility of batting higher in the order than was the case last
season.
But in the end, after those debatable LBWs, the innings fizzled out and
Keswick were left high and dry on 219 in reply to Barrow's 240/7. The
highpoint of the Barrow innings was the arrival at the crease of No6
batsman Chris D'Leny who, until the start of this season, was a
Keswick player whose sharpness behind the stumps and hard hitting
batting in the lower middle order, was always important to the Keswick
team. His absence this season has left a massive void in the 1st X1 and
while we genuinely wish him well in his efforts to play cricket at a
higher level, it would be good to see him behind the stumps at Keswick
again; with the greatest respect to those attempting to fill his boots
just now.
Chris strode to the wicket with the good-natured boos of his friends in
the gang seated on the grass to the right of the pavilion ringing in his
ears. He scored a quick 25, which proved important in the context of the
game, and was dropped by his younger brother Jamie at cover when the
latter misjudged the trajectory and ended up toppling backwards in
failing to take a one handed catch high over his head. But Jamie had the
last laugh when he clean bowled his older sibling and simultaneously
sparked off months, if not years, of domestic harmony in the D'Leny
household.
Barrow had batted first on what proved to be a sporting wicket with the
ball rising alarmingly from a length at times. Stuart Dowson and Simon
Grisdale were Keswick's most effective bowlers. Interestingly, Simon
had bowled only four overs the previous day against Millom in the league
at Fitz Park and went for a mere three runs. But that, strangely, was
the last we saw of him as Keswick captain Imran and the Sri Lankan
professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi bowled the lion's share of the
overs. Millom reached a winning total of 214/4 in reply to Keswick's
209 all out with No7 batsman Dawson hitting 80 not out.
For Keswick the leading run makers were Imran at No3 with 62 and opener
Darren Collin on 46. The professional scored 25 at No6. So a
disappointing weekend for Keswick 1st X1 and two games that they could
perhaps should have won. Still, they have plenty of opportunities to put
the record straight at Fitz Park this weekend when the 1st X1 is at home
on three successive days, the Saturday (Cleator in the league) the
Sunday (Furness and Majid Jahangir in the Higson Cup) and Monday
(Cockermouth in the County Cup). There will be some tired limbs come
Tuesday am. Glen Weightman is down to keep wicket in two of the three
1st X1 games (on the Saturday and the Monday) but is given a rest from
that task on the Sunday when he will have an opportunity to bat * and
possibly bowl * in the 2nd X1 at Appleby. Michael Moore returns to the
team for the Furness game.
A word of thanks to our two groundsmen at Fitz Park, Mike Robertson and
Ian Brotherton who have done an excellent job in working on the ground
in the continued absence of head groundsman Brian Pattinson who is
showing courage and determination in the ongoing fight to beat his
illness. Brian is making progress and was feeling sufficiently perky
this week to water the wicket; although I do wish he would use a
watering can. Brian also held an important meeting with Brewery
officials from Thwaites to discuss bar arrangements for the Paul Nixon
Benefit weekend on May 12/13; a vital meeting I'm sure you will agree
(see news report on the Benefit weekend elsewhere in the
'Reminder.')

The Kenroy express

Keswick 2nd X1 travelled to Vickerstown for a NLL match and an
encounter with West Indies A professional fast bowler Kenroy Peters,
with eight players ranging in age from 14 to 17 in their ranks. The only
'senior' players were the ever youthful (not) captain Keith
Richardson, the wicketkeeper Steve Clark and opening bat Tom Blakeley.
Still, the youngsters positively enjoyed the experience and it did them
no harm at all to have such a testing introduction to NLL cricket. Those
who did face Kenroy have a talking point for seasons to come. Dan
Gaskell, who is developing very strongly as a batsman and off break
bowler, top scored with 20 as Keswick made 67. In reply Keswick captured
four wickets and there was an auspicious start for young opening bowler
Aaron Davies who clean bowled the Vickerstown opening batsmen., Luxon
and Lee who, only the previous Saturday had made a combined total of 196
at Workington. Richardson claimed the other two wickets, including that
of professional Peters, caught at long off by Simon Grundy, the youngest
player on the field at 14.
This weekend the 2nd X1 travel to Cleator 2nds and the team selected
has a great deal more strength in depth with former 1st team players
John Mason and Stephen Hindmarch in the 11. The Rigg father and son
combination also return , young Andrew after recovering from a broken
ankle and Malcolm after fixing his roof.

A cricket classic

Threlkeld were involved in a classic Eden Valley League encounter at
Appleby 3rds last Sunday. To all intents and purposes they had the game
won when the home side was reduced to 58/8 after the visitors had made
221/7 with the top three, John Webster (33) Graeme Dixon (48) and the
'pro' Graham Stephenson (39). In the middle order James Price hit
a brisk 30. Wicket keeper Laura Leyland was 12 not out.
But Appleby were only lying doggo. When all seemed lost there was an
unlikely partnership between numbers 7 and 10 with the former, T
Constable, hitting an amazing 125 which only came to an end when he was
caught in the deep by young Ben Jefferson * what a tremendous catch
under pressure - off the bowling of Ian Dixon. This catch effectively
sealed victory for Threlkeld with Appleby still chasing an unlikely win
right down to the final over.
This was rural cricket at its very best with a large crowd enjoying the
match in the sunshine.
Earlier Ian Hope had bowled with pace and accuracy to blow away the top
half of the home batting and return impressive figures of 5/32 from 10.
Craig Phillips also took two wickets in his first over to take 2/24 from
seven. Incidentally, this was the second successive weekend Threlkeld
have scored in excess of 200. There is a very real danger that could
rise to more than 300 with the return to the crease this Saturday of
Threlkeld groundsman, hard hitting lower order batsman and Dad, Gary
Stevens. No pressure there then Gary!
Enjoy your cricket. KTR

29/4/07 -Chasing 241 for victory KCC 1st XI fell 21 runs short of their target in their 1st round Cockspur Cup tie against Northern League side Barrow.

28/4/07 - Durham's Neil Killeen sub-pro's for Millom as 1st XI lose by 6wkts

Talking about a revolution

It can only get better. Three teams, three games and three defeats and
all we are left with is picking the positives out of a poor start to the
season, to regroup and go again this Saturday, hopefully with more
encouraging results. In many respects the club has undergone something
of a mini revolution in the close season. Player departures, new
arrivals, unavailability due to injury or a sudden upsurge in the
popularity of home improvements and a shift in the way the Keswick and
Threlkeld clubs are structured, may not on the face of it amount to
anything more significant than the usual comings and goings, the toing
and froing of any organisation, sporting or otherwise.
But change always takes time to settle down and while the impact on
results should arguably be negligible there is little doubt in my mind
that initially, at least, change can have a negative impact before the
longer term positives kick in.
Certainly the new-look Threlkeld team emerged from the weekend games
with the most credit. They fielded a team that was arguably their
strongest for several seasons at Shireshead and Forton in the 1st round
of the Village Cup and, as I know from previous experience, Shireshead
is a useful side which last season knocked North Lancashire League First
Division Kirkby out of the same competition.
At a damp Shireshead ground, Threlkeld, captained by the enduring John
Webster, batted first in the persistent drizzle and made 214/7. The
captain lead the way as opener, peered from beneath his distinctive
helmet and through rain-splattered spectacles at the red orb coming
towards him, controlled any urges to give in to the red mist that has
often been his downfall in the past, and hit a useful 74 runs which
included eight fours and a six. His vice captain Ian Dixon also
rediscovered his radar after a couple of ducks for the 2nd X1 and blazed
away for a rapid 62 not out, of which no fewer than 48 runs were
boundaries with six fours and four sixes. Others to make an impact were
Glen Weightman (guesting from Keswick 1st X1) who continued his good
early season form with 22 (and was also the best bowler with 2/33 from
nine) while the side's erstwhile professional, Graham Stephenson, now
an all rounder in every sense, also hit 22.
A total in excess of 200 should have been enough but Threlkeld's
bowling was not as successful as the batting and in an exciting finale
to the game the home side needed nine to win from the final over and
then two runs from the very last ball to win. It was delivered by
Stephen Bragg who put down a caught and bowled chance above his head,
Graham Stephenson failed to pick up the deflection, and the Shireshead
batsmen scrambled a single to tie the scores on 214. In football we
might then have been faced with extra time or a penalty shoot out. In
cricket these things usually go down to who lost most wickets and in
this case it was Threlkeld who missed out, having lost seven wickets to
the home team's six.
Ah well, in truth they were unlikely to go to Lords in any event.
Another undoubted success for Threlkeld was the England Under 17s
women's team wicketkeeper Laura Leyland, from Borrowdale, who produced
a tidy display behind the stumps.
There have been significant changes at Threlkeld in the close season
with the formation of a committee, the holding of an AGM and a plethora
of appointments. A sympathetic and mutually beneficial arrangement with
Keswick CC (the respective clubs continue to be linked for player and
selection purposes) means that the Threlkeld team is much stronger with
a long overdue settled situation at captain and vice captain and a
greater sense of identity and purpose. The downside, perhaps, is that
only one Saturday league side now operates out of the village although a
midweek team, to be captained by James Price, will get underway soon and
hopefully provide games for those players who cannot now be accommodated
on a Saturday and there are quite a few, especially youngsters who are
no longer eligible for junior cricket and are in danger of being lost to
the game.
Despite all the positive changes at Threlkeld CC, some things never
change and one is the fashion sense of Threlkeld Secretary and umpire
John Patrick Knowles who has recently taken to looking like a model
straight out of the English Cricket Board Coaches catalogue (page 44)
with his snazzy and highly colourful jacket, trainers, flannels, fleece
and cap. When I saw him at nets the other week I mistook the lad for an
advance party from the Jazz festival parasol parade.
"Regarding my good looks," wrote JK in an e-mail responding to my
jibes, "as the ECB clothing catalogue only goes up to page 28 I fear
your eyes might be playing tricks. The only comments I have received,
apart from yours, are amazement that I seem to be a cricket coach as
opposed to a coach driver (heaven forbid * KTR). I bought a panelled
track top at £25, track pants at £20, a cap at £6 and a polo shirt at
£14 . . ."
Norman Stanley Fletcher has nothing on this . . . Knowles for
England?

Absent friends

Keswick Cricket Club 1st X1 started the season on a low note losing at
Haverigg where they were bowled out for 155 with the Sri Lankan
professional Dinuka Hettiarachichi batting at No6 and top scoring with
35. Other batsmen to make useful contributions were opener Darren Collin
(30) and Joe Gibson at No5 with 28. In reply Haverigg made a match
winning 156/3 but had dropped catches been taken this may have put a
different reflection on the game. Slow left armer Hettiarachichi took
his first wicket for his new club.
This Saturday the 1st X1 is at home to Millom in the league and again
faced some selection issues with Stuart Dowson (soccer) Glen Weightman
(rugby) unavailable. Wicketkeeper Dennis Barkes is also not able to play
but all three are in the reckoning for Sunday's home game against
Chris D'Leny's Northern League Barrow in the Cockspur Cup.
Professionals are not permitted to play in this competition but home
supporters will get their first look at the new pro when he plays
against Millom, weather permitting. Can we possibly get four sunny days
in succession on Fitz Park?
2nd X1 vice captain Neil Swainson and Andy Clark return to the 1st X1
for the game on Saturday.
Hopefully the player selection and availability situation will ease
once the soccer and rugby seasons are concluded and other players return
from injury and/or home improvements; one such being young Andrew Rigg,
a promising batsman who had the misfortune to break a bone in his ankle
playing football in the week before the cricket fixtures began. He is
now out of plaster and making a good recovery.
The 2nd X1 certainly faces an uphill task playing in the First Division
of the North Lancashire League and, on occasion, coming up against teams
like Penrith 1st X1 and opposition professionals. It's a tall order
but one that the players must meet with determination and in the
knowledge - for the younger players now coming into the team * that
this is a great opportunity to learn the game at a level at which they
will be expected to play once they are hopefully selected for the 1st X1
on a regular basis in seasons to come. There's only one way to gain
experience . . . and that's out in the middle.
Initially it's going to be tough. The 2nd X1 was at home to BAE
Barrow in the league last Saturday and the visitors made 157 all out
with evergreen off spin bowler Andrew Appleby taking an excellent 5/46
from 14 overs; although he was later reduced to an ungainly walk after
"summat went twang at third man."
Personally I thought it was the laggy band holding me together.
I was also impressed with the bowling of Dan Gaskell, another off
spinner, who took 3/26 from seven overs. Unfortunately, Keswick's
fielding was not at its best although Tom Blakeley later took a good
catch at mid wicket and The Last of the Summer Wine gang on the River
Greta side of the ground were most impressed by my football skills in
the deep; even if it was in slow mo.
The batting, sadly, was worse and the team * after suffering an early
blitz from a rangy opening bowler, was eventually reduced to 51 not out.
Andy Clark and Dan Gaskell provided the most resistance but no one got
into double figures with the exception of TE (Total Extras) on 16. As I
said at the opening, it can only get better.

Bunions and benefits

Arrangements for the Paul Nixon Benefit dinner and events (weekend of
May 12/13) are developing nicely and there are still a limited number of
tickets available for the lunch in the marquee on the Sunday. The guest
speaker, of course, is England World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson.
Please ring Edgar Appleby on (017687) 72882 but don't delay.
Finally, I am informed by a certain postman who shall remain nameless
(oh all right, it was Andrew Appleby) that his colleague Mike Bell *
who was recently questioning my ability to predict the weather - has
developed a very painful bunion on one of his two left feet. If it's
any consolation, Mike, I am led to believe that a bunion can provide a
fairly accurate guide to the weather and that the bigger and more
painful the bunion the more accurate the forecast. Your pet bunion, by
all accounts, and I don't know anyone who hasn't seen it (according
to Apple) is pretty spectacular. Enjoy your cricket. KTR.

In the First Round of the National Village Championship Threlkeld/KCC 3rd XI travelled to Shireshead and Forton. Threlkeld batted first with skipper John Webster hitting 74 and Ian Dixon an explosive 62 n.o. to reach a total of 214 - 7 in 40 overs.

Shireshead went behind the clock but in an exciting finale finished on 214 - 6 off the last ball and so went through to the next round.

Both KCC 1st & 2nd XI's suffered defeats on the opening day of the new NL&CCL season......

Global warming . . . or what?

There is still some scepticism amongst jet setting, oil rich, four
wheel drive gas guzzlers that global warming / climate change is for
real. Anyone in doubt should have taken a walk down to Fitz Park on
Saturday and Sunday when they would have come across a scene that was
more akin to the Caribbean than England in April. The sun blazed out of
a cloudless blue sky and pale Cumbrian skins emerging from the
softest of winters - were given an early and unexpected blast from The
Big Red One.
I know that in last week's 'Reminder' I predicted rain and
typical Lakeland weather for Keswick CC's pre-season friendly matches.
Local postman Mike Bell was quick to point out that I had got it totally
wrong and, for once, I was delighted to be Kenny wide of the mark. Never
before in April have I been burned to a frazzle in the sun trap that is
the Catbell's-facing wall of the pavilion and only very rarely have
Keswick CC been successful in playing a pre season warm-up game; so
called because you usually have to wear thermals.
In previous lives as a cricketer I have been sand-blasted by hail
stones the size of conkers at Edenhall and frozen to the bone at Moss
Bay where the wind chill factor off the Solway at 3.30 on a Saturday
afternoon in May has been comparable to a night out on Everest; minus a
hot water bottle.
But nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared me or anyone
else for that matter for the unusually tropical weather in Keswick
at the weekend. While it was beautiful and wonderful and I'm not
complaining . . . you couldn't help but think at the same time that
something was amiss; that the world and the seasons were all to pot and
that hippos were probably wallowing in the Greta, provided, that is,
there was a pool deep enough for them to stir. Perhaps they would fit
into the main dub at Townsie?
I'm not going to beat myself up about the weather and the environment
at this juncture; I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts and am willing
to bet that we will have reverted to type by this weekend and that my
long johns (no connection with John Bell thoo knows) , ignored so far,
may be pressed into action for the visit of BAE Barrow, and that our new
professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi, hot out of Sri Lanka (or 'Sierra
Leone,' according to an error in the North Lancashire League handbook)
will soon understand the full definition of that apt Cumbrian
expression 'nithered' during the 1st X1 game at Haverigg this
Saturday. Mike Bell take note.

Buckets and mops thoo knows........

KCC supporter and potato expert John Bell pictured above(fust earlies planted in
March) is already starting to worry me. Unless I am mistaken John walked
into the cauldron that was Fitz Park on Sunday carrying two mops and
then, a little later, a bucket. Perhaps he knows something I don't.
Any way they could have come in useful to soak up the crocodile tears of
Keswick followers who saw their team fall to a one wicket defeat at the
hands of Westmorland League champions Windermere.
In an entertaining game, a Keswick X1 led by Imran Khan scored a useful
210 in a 40 over match. As was the case in a game the previous day the
wicket was slow and low with the ball not coming on to the bat, making
it easier for batsmen to score off the quicker bowlers, who persisted
in pitching it up, than to make runs off dibbly dobbly trundlers who
bowled marginally back of a length. Still, 210 was a decent total and
captain Imran set the pace with an impressive 55 to suggest that he,
hopefully, is going to be full of runs this summer. Glen Weightman also
caught the eye with 41 not out * rudely interrupted by an enforced
retirement to make way for a one ball duck from the master blaster Ian
Dixon who needs to make allowances for the wickets in April; hard crusts
on top hide a soft underbelly that is likely to catch out hard hitting
batsmen used to artificial surfaces and with happy memories of sixes
struck long and sweet in August of the previous year.
Several other batsmen, Joe Gibson, John Bryson Jnr, Tom Blakeley, Chris
D'Leny (guesting from Northern League Barrow) and young Jamie
O'Brien all got into double figures against a strong Windermere
attack.
In reply, it appeared that Keswick had the game won when the visitors
were reduced to 158/7. Joe Gibson 3/33 and Imran 3/17 both from eight,
were the most impressive but the rest were essentially wide of the mark
and the worst return was a very ugly 1/45 from 4.2 of Mahmood
proportions. A grand total of 32 wides and three no balls went down as
Windermere reached a match winning 213/9 from 37.2 overs.
Still it was good to shake the rust off after winter and also get some
idea of what it is really like to play on grass at the start of an
English summer when the ball does not come onto the bat and
devil-may-care batsman swish wildly only to be caught tamely as the ball
spirals to cover or backward point. Be warned for this Saturday;
conditions will not be much different.

2nd X1 win the BP cup

Brian Pattinson has not been at all well of late, but it may have
cheered him up a little to know that the Brian Pattinson Cup is staying
at Keswick thanks to a home victory for a Keswick X1, captained by Keith
Richardson, over Eden Valley Premier League team Braithwaite, led by
Gilbert Pyke, alias the 'Kipper' versus the Pike; a contest to be
continued between the two sides later this summer with the playing of a
Fish and Chip Challenge.
On Saturday, Keswick elected to bat first and the early batsmen looked
like fish out of water. Neil Swainson hit 40 and was starting to look
more fluid when he was removed by a smart one handed Trevor Kitching
catch in the gully. Richardson hung around for 19 in the middle order
before being run out by the crazy feet of the white-helmeted Gordon
Thompson who scored a brisk 20. For the visitors young Daniel Pyke
returned a useful 2-16 from six and his dad, Gilbert, claimed 3/23 from
five.
At a couple of stages in their reply it appeared that Braithwaite had
the game in their grasp but vital partnerships came to grief at the
wrong time (the right time for Keswick) and the visitors were dismissed
eight runs short of a winning target.
Mark Oswald, Ian Plant, D Saunderson, Lee Zaninetti and the promising
Daniel Pyke all batted well.
Best bowling figures for Keswick were Andy Clark's 2/14 from eight
and John Phillips' 2/14 from four, further proof, as if it were
needed, that the slow bowlers hold the key to the door on early season
tracks.

Let battle commence . . .

The real stuff starts this Saturday with the 1st X1 away to Haverigg in
the North Lancashire Premier League and the 2nd X1 at home to BAE Barrow
in the NLL First Division. Threlkeld CC, under the captaincy of John
Webster, travel to Shireshead and Forton in the 1st round of the Village
Cup on Sunday.
Keswick's new professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi arrived in town on
Tuesday and was given a warm reception at the Fitz Park pavilion after
the nets when he was issued with several layers of blankets, assorted
duvets and a complementary hot water bottle. And a frying pan from
Sheila D'Leny.
Keswick CC has lost a number of players in the close season. Chris
D'Leny has been head hunted by Northern League Barrow, while Andrew
Bryson has decided to travel down the road to play for Cockermouth CC.
In turn Keswick have gained Dennis Barkes, from Cockermouth, to step
into the vacant 1st X1 wicket keeping position.
Keswick appear to have had a stroke of really good fortune in acquiring
the services of Michael Moore, a strong left-handed batsman who is the
leisure manager at Castle Inn, and who previously played Northern League
cricket with Blackpool CC. Michael has looked mightily impressive in the
nets and while it always takes time for a player to acclimatise to a new
club and team mates I am sure that over the course of the season he
will add a great deal to the firepower of a Keswick 1st X1 that could
mount a serious challenge for the title in 2007 and also present a
strong defence of the Higson Cup.
Meanwhile, the new professional's pedigree is amazing and at the age
of 30 he has now taken over 500 wickets in first class cricket in Sri
Lanka. In the Test cricket arena he has claimed the wickets of
England's Marcus Trescothick and Neil Swainson's hero, Nasser
Hussain. He would have played a great deal more Test and One day cricket
for his country had it not been for another spin bowler by the name of
Muttiah Muralitheran. So he can't be bad.
It always good to welcome new players to the club and the arrival of
Michael Moore and the new professional Dinuka Hettiarachchi presents a
most exciting prospect. Not only that top order batsman Richard Webster
will be back at the club later this summer when the prodigal son returns
to Ye Olde Friars. All in all, and with Paul Nixon's major benefit
coming up on the weekend of May 12/13, there is a great deal to look
forward to. And so, as ever . . . enjoy your cricket. KTR

Pre season friendlies..........

The build up to the new season begins this weekend when two Keswick cricket teams fielding a mixture of players from right across the board and age range of the club are involved in pre-season friendlies at Fitz Park. Traditionally these events are rained-off so the heavens will probably open for a Keswick X1 v Braithwaite on Saturday (2pm) and then, on the Sunday, a Keswick X1 v Windermere.
But then, who knows, the weather might be kinder this season and we could have a sun-blessed Fitz Park with an early opportunity to sunbathe in front of the pavilion - on the Western Terrace - while enjoying a cool, refreshing afternoon drink or, for hardier souls like John Bell and Robert Weightman, a bench on the River Greta side of the ground where the breeze off the river stiffens the sinews.
Early indications are that the forecast for Saturday is better than Sunday, but we shall see what we shall see. I predict a mixture a cloud, cover,a dash of sunshine and, perhaps, a very light drizzle. Thermals will not be necessary for players but might be advisable for spectators, especially those in close proximity to the Greta.
In short we shall have typical Lake District weather, a bit of everything and all at the same time.But whatever the weather holds please come down to the park, enjoy our hospitality and support your local teams and the club.
The game against Braithwaite on the Saturday has a competitive edge (when does a game against Braithwaite not?) because it is being played for the Brian Pattinson Cup. On the Sunday, Keswick entertain Windermere of The South Lakes League.
The main objective, however, is to try and give a wide range of Keswick and Threlkeld players an early opportunity to get in the groove for the coming season. And you need to get out in the middle to achieve that with maximum effect.
With that in mind both Keswick teams are made up of a mix of youth and experience, and players who have experience of cricket at 1st X1, 2nd X1 and Threlkeld levels. Some players were available for the Sunday and not Saturday, and vice versa. One or two keen souls were available for both games but we have tried to given as many people as possible a chance to play.
The league season starts the following weekend at Fitz Park when Keswick CC 2nd X1 is at home to Barrow in the First Division of the North Lancashire League. The first X1 is away to Haverigg in the Premier Division of the NLL.
A report on the pre season 'friendlies', a comprehensive preview of the league season and the arrival of Keswick's Sri Lankan professional will appear here next week.
Enjoy your cricket, KTR.
Spot the KCC flag!

Hawkeyed readers of the Trinidad Daily Times were quick to spot the KCC club flag being proudly displayed on the boundary fence as Sachin Tendulkar lost his leg stump for a duck in the recent World Cup clash. Thanks go to KCC 2nd XI Captain and Publicity Officer, Keith Richardson, who took time out from his holiday on the nearby island of Tobago to take in the game and to spread the KCC gospel. Our new Sri Lankan professional, Dinuk Hettiarachchi, will be mighty impressed!

Higson Cup winning captain, Imran Khan will lead the first XI for a second season in 2007 and will be looking to emulate the fine cup form shown by his team in 2006 whilst endeavouring to bring the level of consistency required from his young side to allow them to mount a concerted challenge for League honours.

Evergreen all-rounder Keith Richardson takes over the reins of the second eleven and will be looking to build on the excellent work done by Steve Clark in the previous two seasons. Keith will be looking to nurture young talent in readiness for first team cricket whilst also ensuring he has a side capable of holding there own in NL&CCL Div 1.

Fellow veteran, John Webster, takes over at Threlkeld/KCC 3rd XI, and looks to be building a useful mix of youth and experience for their quest for honours in the Eden Valley League.

Get the thoughts of all three captains as the season progresses by visiting this site.

KCC's new professional Dinuk Hettiarachchi jets in to Manchester airport on 17th April ahead of our tough NL&CCL opener at Haverigg the following Saturday. He arrives after a successful season in Sri Lanka where he was third in the leading wicket takers table with 46 wickets.

The 30 year old left arm spinner who took his 500th wicket in Sri Lankan first class cricket recently is looking forward to his first spell in Cumbria.

Catch up throughout the season with Dinuk's thoughts on his first season with KCC by visiting this site.

Good luck to everyone in 2007and in the words of the Keswick Reminder's Cricket Correspondent....

Despite Head Groundsman, Brian Pattinson being temporarily confined to advisory duties due to ill health, ground preparations are well advanced in readiness for our first fixture, a friendly, against Windermere on Sunday 15th April. We are indebted to Ian Brotherton and Mike Robertson (above) for ensuring Fitz Park will be in tip-top condition for the start of the new season.

KCC have moved swiftly to to replace Barrow bound wicketkeeper-batsman, Chris D'Leny by following the lead of the national selectors in securing the services of an experienced replacement in former Whitehaven and Cockermouth gloveman Dennis Barks, who has been training with the 1st XI squad over the past few weeks. We wish Dennis all the best with KCC!

With the clocks going forward last weekend, it suddenly feels as though the cricket season is just around the corner and this has been confirmed with the first sighting of the lesser spotted 'Apple'. This scarce species is very rarely sighted during the winter months, but I am reliably informed that our local 'Apple' (who answers to Andrew) has been seen recently in the vicinity of Fitz Park....summer's nearly here...