RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 66 runs
Stevenage 4ths played well in this defeat by Clifton 2nds. However as in previous weeks, dropped catches cost them dear as the visitors capitalized on their good fortune. This having been said
it has been widely reported that captain Trevor Scott Hibbert did take two good catches. One that came like a rocket off of the bowling of Steve (BINGO) Wallace and another that was taken at full stretch thanks to a balletic leap high to his
right. The Stevenage reply fell 66 runs short despite a good 48 from Neil Hockey and never truely looked like reaching the target.
Man of the Match - Neil Hockey
RESULT - Stevenage Conceded
With abysmal availability Stevenage were forced to concede what would have been an important game for them in their battle
to avoid relegation, which means that they will be up against it in the last league game of the season to avoid relegation.
Man of the Match - not awarded
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 1 wicket
In a great, but ultimately heartbreaking game for Stevenage their performance was much improved against a strong opposition.
Batting first Stevenage where bowled out for 111 in 34 over, with Jack Mitchell top scoring with 32 and gaining useful support from Craig Whitworth and Andy Whitehead in far from easy conditions on a pitch that was severely
under prepared. However, Stevenage's bowlers soon got to grips with the task and made the visitors fight all the way. In particular Paul Welch & Matt John were very economical and each picked up 3 wickets. A run out and a wicket a piece for
stand in skipper Phil Ashby and the rarely bowled Taff Jones picked up the other 3 wickets to fall as Letchworth stuttered, 9 down, towards the target. In the end defeat came thanks to a wide in the 45 over, but the 4th XI can be proud
of their effort and count themselves as unlucky losers. The defeat was particular tough for Ashby, who had worked hard as stand in Captain. In fact one of the 2 abiding memories of that Saturday in and around the clubhouse was of Ashby wandering
to and fro with the scorebook in his hands seemingly examining it and re-examining as if willing the result to change. The other memory was that of the amazing sinking chair practical joke and the 4 or so victims that found themselves
collapsing to the ground with no warning.
Man of the Match - Jack Mitchell
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 5 wickets
At 51 for no wicket everything in the 4th XI's garden looked rosy and the rest of the batting order were settling themselves down to a bit of sunbathing when it all went wrong. Craig Whitworth (25) and Taff Jones (31) were dismissed in quick succession and
not one of the following batsmen got to double figures as they bowled out for 99. Barrie Reid making his debut in adult league cricket got the closest making 9, but with seven of the wickets to fall being clean bowled there should be some serious questions being asked among the team about batting
techniques. When bowling Stevenage made a fight of it with a wicket falling to a runout and one a piece to Trevor Scott Hibbert and John Pickin, but the pick of the bowling was Barrie Reid, who claimed 2 wickets for 14 runs from his 5 overs.
Man of the Match - Barrie Reid
RESULT - Match Drawn
Having lost the toss and been made to bowl, Stevenage began well with a wicket in the first over to Hamilton (12 overs 55-1)
Wickets then fell regularly and Old Cholmelians were reduced at one point to 92-7 with Welch 4-69 and Ashby 2-36 being the most effective bowlers.
Then somehow, mainly because of half a dozen dropped catches, nos 8 and 9 batsmen took the score to 283, before they declared on 51 overs
Stevenage began their reply and lost the first wicket with just 4 runs on the board, but Andy Gould (52) and Craig Whitwoth (39) made a good recovery with runs gradually added, (aided greatly by 54 extras), until Ashby and Scott-Hibbert batted out the last
two overs for the draw.
Man of the Match - Andy Gould
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 98 runs
Having lost the toss and been made to bowl, Stevenage were made to suffer by 2 opening batsmen who had no ability whatsoever. The first wicket fell at 146 after which Paul Welch came into play, taking 6-56 from his 12 overs. In reply
the Stevenage batsmen never quite got to grips with Harpenden's bowling or the 'park' pitch and were bowled out for a disappointing 143. Only Welch 35 and Jack Mitchell 34 made any impact on the total leaving Stevenage dismissed 98 runs behind.
Man of the Match - Paul Welch
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 3 wickets
The 4XI's search for a victory will have to wait another week as they narrowly lost a high scoring encounter with promotion hopefulls, Old Elizabethans. Stevenage batted first and were treated to a
run feast, with Andy Armstrong leading the way scoring 113. He basically ran the visitors ragged combining regular boundaries with accurate placement, quick singles and the ability to turn 1's into 2's, 2's into 3's. He received good support from
Craig Whitworth who made 43 in the supporting role during the first wicket partnership of 137. Jack Mitchell batted at 3 and continued the run riot with 52; his first adult 50; largely in partnership with Ian Hamilton who ended on 44no, as the Stevenage innings ended on 292 for 3.
With this size total there really ought to have been only 2 possible results, but thanks to considerable endeavour from the visitors, far too many extras and some lacklustre fielding particularly from the younger members of the side, the unlikiest result was acheived with one ball
of the game remaining. Of the bowlers, Phil Ashby and Ian Hamilton claimed 2 wickets each and Armstrong, Martin Price and Chris Whitworth took one wicket each. Whitworth's spell was limited to 4 overs because of his young age, but he was the only bowler to go at less than 4 runs per over and in the
context of the game was an impressive acheivement.
Man of the Match - Andy Armstrong
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 10 wickets
A second heavy defeat on the bounce for the 4XI was again the result of a poor batting display. Craig Whitworth continued his consistent form in making 22, but with Rakesh Ladd the second highest scorer with 10
the innings collapsed to 69 all out, which Cockfoster's chased without loss.
Man of the Match - Craig Whitworth
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 147
A weakened Stevenage side lost heavily to an above strength Luton XI. Having been made to toil in the field while Luton made 230 for 6, the Stevenage batting was blown away for the miserly total of 83 to end
a disappointing day.
Man of the Match - Jason Welch
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 6 wickets
Away to league leaders Cheshunt 2nd XI, Stevenage lost the toss and were put in to bat.
Facing bowling that showed no evidence of why Cheshunt were league leaders, on a wicket with good even bounce, Stevenage were unable to bat through the overs and post a decent total to bowl at.
Only Jason Welch(39), Taff Jones(37) and debutant Neil Hockey (36) scored any runs and all three were out just as they looked like they were going on for a big score.
Tight opening spells from Mould (27-1) and John (21-2), helped keep the home side down to below 2 an over for a long session, but the total gradually crept up and Cheshunt finally scored the winning runs for the loss of only 4 wickets.
It was a credit to Stevenage that Cheshunt needed 49.4 overs to get their 135 runs.
Man of the Match - Jason Welch
RESULT - Match Drawn
Having lost the toss Stevenage were put into bat despite four of the opposition not yet having arrived, but apart from Andy Gould (33) the other top order batsmen failed to take advantage as Stevenage slumped
to 5-56. A middle order recovery was lead by Mike Middleditch with an impressive 73not out, which was so good that it earned him the right to open the bowling when Hatch End replied. Middleditch was aided by Max Cooley (16) who is showing
good form in his first appearances in the adult sides and Phil Ashby (14), giving a final total of 167-8. After Middleditch picked up an early wicket, it was the turn of the evegreen John Pickin. Pickin, who bowled an uninterrupted 24 overs from one end finished
with figures of 6-51. Despite those wickets it still looked as though the visitors might reach the target, but a decision by their captain to bat on through a downpour resulted in them losing two more wickets and it was left to their no. 11 to bat out the final over against Pickin.
Man of the Match - John Pickin. / TSH's Message - "An exciting game thoroughly enjoyed by all players."
RESULT - Stevenage Lost by 86 runs
The 4th XIs good run of results came to an end against a strong Langlebury side. Langlebury batted first and managed what appeared to be only an average score of 177, thanks largely to the quality bowling of Dave (Pistol) Peat.
Pistol finished with figures of 14.4 overs 3 maidens 50 runs and 6 wickets and a mysterious illness that meant that he was unable to bat until number 9 in the order. Trevor Scott Hibbert picked up 2 of the other wickets and John Mould and Matt John took one wicket each, with John Pickin playing
as a specialist number 11 batsman because of a leg injury
Unfortunately the apparently average total proved to be plently good enough for the 4th XIs batting line up which was mixed up as a result of Pistol's illness and a shoulder injury to Matt John. Stevenage were eventually dismissed for 91, with only Richard Sullivan (26) making
a notable contribution.
Man of the Match - Dave Peat. / Captain's Message - "Toughen Up"
RESULT - Stevenage Won by 1 wicket
A second win on the bounce for the 4th XI, this time against arch rivals Datchworth. These two teams are like Holmes and Moriarty, James Bond and Blofeld, Dangermouse and Baron Greenback and
each season there is an epic battle for supremacy. This year, as last, Stevenage were victorious but again it went to the wire in a cliffhanging manner. Datchworth batted first and compilied an impressive 224 runs for the loss of
5 wickets all falling to the spin of Andy Gould (11/1/44/2) and John Pickin (14/2/45/3) with Martin Price the tidiest of the seamers finishing with 6/1/17/0. It was widely reported by those in attendance that the outfielding in particular
left a lot to be desired and so arrangements were made for some fun fielding drills and coaching the following Tuesday at nets but only 3 of the 4th XI turned up, so best of luck next week and remember catches, usually, win matches. Datchworth were
in fact feeling so pleased with themselves that they decided to declare 2 overs early, which rebounded on them; to keep the nonsensical analogy going; in the same kind of why that the decision of the evil megalomanic to explain the master plan before
deciding to kill the hero in a ridiculously slow and contrived manner inevitably does. Stevenage's batsmen set out high of hope but lower on expectation and were given a decent start by Craig Whitworth (31) and Gould (17), before losing a couple of
quick wickets. However, this brought Richard Sullivan, the hero of the day to the crease from where he made 106 runs with some useful support from sidekicks, Martin Price and Jack Mitchell. Sullivan, though, was unwilling to take the glory all for himself and
allowed himself to be caught with the scores level in the 47th over. Stevenage's number 11, John Mould strode out to the wicket and calmly, without fear slogged his first ball over the infield for 4 to claim an incredible victory.
RESULT - Stevenage Won by 5 wickets
Like the death of Ronald Reagan it was always going to happen sooner rather than later and on the 5th June the 4th XI got their first
win of the season. With his bowling line up skipper Trevor Scott Hibbert fancied his chances and put Dunstable into bat. Employing a two pronged pace attack of Matt John (fast) and
Scott-Hibbert (not so fast) his tactics proved sound as both took wickets fairly early; John taking 2 for 21 and Scott-Hibbert 2 for 45. However, it was John Pickin that really put the
skids under the Dunstable batting taking 4 for 10 from his 10 overs leaving the Dunstable total on 157. A mention should also go to Jack Mitchell, who took 2 catches and a stumping
to put increasing pressure on the wicket keepers in the higher teams. The Stevenage reply got off to the required good start with Craig Whitworth showing great application in making 23 and fellow
opener Andy Gould seeing the innings through to its successful completion with an undefeated 62. A beligerant 23 from Mitchell, who is shaping up in the mould of Adam Gilchrist,
provided the other significant contribution as it was left to 14 year old Max Cooley to hit the winning runs.
RESULT - Stevenage lost by 4 wickets
Stevenage 4ths lost in what turned out to be an evenly fought contest despite the Stevenage innings standing at
72 for 7 prior to the entrance of Andy Whitehead. Whitehead (14) shared in a face saving stand of 70 with Dave (Pistol) Peat (74 not out) to boost the
Stevenage innings to 161 - 8 from the 53 overs. Pistol's heroics with the bat could not be repeated with the ball, though, as he picked up one wicket
and his team-mates a further 5, with Phil Ashby claiming 3 for 28 and Andy Gould 2 for 49.
RESULT - Stevenage lost by 6 wickets
Stevenage 4ths 106 all out in 35 Overs lost to St Albans 109-4 in 30.4 Overs.
A common thread of failed batting as a team was repeated again, although once again positive individual performances occured.
Craig Whitworth opened the innings with a solid 27 and Martin Price and Jack Mitchell who completed the top 3 also made handy contributions
although no-one else until Mike Middleditch coming in at eight made it to double figures. In the field Martin Price made the biggest
impression picking up 3 wickets for 17 runs in his 8 overs completing for him a good allround performance.
RESULT - Stevenage lost by 4 wickets
Stevenage 4ths 108 all out in 38.2 Overs lost to Bentley Heath 113-6 in 38.4 Overs by 4 wickets.
Only Richard Sullivan (43) made any significant contribution in a poor Stevenage total, but again the bowlers had a brave effort at
salvaging some points, which makes you think that once the batters start firing the 4th XI will soon be winning games.
RESULT - Rain
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RESULT - Stevenage lost by 3 wickets
The 4th XI travelled to sunny West Herts and were the only Stevenage side to get a league game under their belts on the first Saturday of the season. Their's was also the only
game to survive in their league and by all accounts it was good one. West Herts won the toss and inserted Stevenage, who struggled on a damp wicket, but showed great determination to reach a competitive total
of 142. The score was largely thanks to a 50 by Ted (smudger) Reeve and 37 from Richard Sullivan.
28th August - Kings Langley 3rd XI vs Stevenage 4th XI
21st August - Stevenage 4th XI vs Letchworth
14th August - Southgate Compton 2nd XI vs Stevenage 4th XI
7th August - Stevenage 4th XI vs Old Cholmelians
31st July - Harpenden vs Stevenage 4th XI
24th July - Stevenage 4th XI vs Old Elizabethans 2nd XI
17th July - Stevenage 4th XI vs Cockfosters
10th July - Luton & Indians 3rd XI vs Stevenage 4th XI
3rd July - Cheshunt vs Stevenage 4th XI
26th June - Stevenage 4th XI vs Hatch End 2nd XI
19th June - Langlebury 3rds vs Stevenage 4th XI
12th June - Stevenage 4th XI vs Datchworth 2nd XI
Man of the Match - Richard Sullivan
5th June - Stevenage 4th XI vs Dunstable 4th XI
Man of the Match - John Pickin / Andy Gould
29th May - Stevenage 4th XI vs Harpenden 4th XI
Man of the Match - Dave Peat
22nd May - Stevenage 4th XI vs St Albans 4th XI
Man of the Match - Martin Price
15th May - Bentley Heath vs Stevenage 4th XI
Man of the Match - The bowlers
8th May - Stevenage 4th XI vs Broxbourne
Man of the Match -
1st May - West Herts - Stevenage 4th XI vs
West Herts reply was regularly undermined by wickets taken by Stevenage's seamers, with Matt John, Kevin Fisher and
John Mould each taking 2 wickets a piece, but with 7 wickets down they hung on for a hard fought victory. When interviewed after the game skipper Trevor Scott Hibbert was upbeat about the team's performance and pleased to have
got a decent game in on a day when no one else in his league managed to even start a game.
Man of the Match - Ted Reeve
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