Waverley cantered to a good victory against a strong Rugdwick side on a wet and sticky wicket. Moxy won his last toss and elected to bat. The going was difficult (or good to soft for the Racing minded) and only Chimo and IV really got in. IV carried the side to 170 odd with a fine innings of 70ish and was the pick of the Waverley batting. A tight opening spell from Sweeney Todd and the Wookie (slow right arm) stopping Rudgwick getting off to a quick start. Moxy rotated his bowling well and although Rudgwick stayed in touch with the runrate they lost too many wickets and never really looked like winning. So ended another season.

P.S. Oh and Moxy would like me to say that watching Mog grind out his innings was more painful than passing a kidney stone. Although I would say that watching him take wickets with his buffet bowling has been bl**dy painful too.

Odiham & Greywell

The final Saturday game of the season started earlier than scheduled due to the social event of the Waverley year, the wedding of Mog and Lou. For Wig Wam and the Bandit, it was their last game before disappearing off to their respective universities to further their knowledge and education (or in Wiggy's case, for Exeter University to try where others have failed). True to form, the toss was lost by Jerz on what could have been the last time a regular Saturday side was fielded and so Waverley were inserted for the 40 over match on what can only be described as a pudding of a pitch.

Jerz and Wig Wam got the innings under way, however both were dismissed early on. Clyde followed soon after and it once again looked an uphill struggle for the Waverley batsmen. Cue the arrival of King Viv, who proceeded to tuck into the bowling much as Wattsy tucks in to a nice slice of Edam. The score began moving steadily along, the Bandit bottling up one end and KV cutting loose at the other. The former was caught behind attempting to sweep and IP supported Simon on his way to yet another 50, but both were then dismissed in quick succession (IP making the Herald with 12 and KV finishing with 67). The score continued to move along thanks to the Herbinator, ably supported by the Guv, and a late cameo from the Mouse meant Odiham needed 157 for victory.

After the ever-splendid tea, Waverley gained an eleventh man as Bob Hewes reprised his role as demon slip-fielder (sparking rumours of a potential comeback for the Wizard). Wattsy and the Herbinator opened the attack for Waverley and the Mouse was unlucky not to get at least one wicket, the batsmen struggling to cope with his ability to shape the ball away. Herb took some punishment but got the early breakthrough, a Mog-leave from the batsman seeing him lose his off stump. AC replaced Bert and after two recent unsuccessful outings the Bandit was back, with two wickets in his eight over spell (both catches well held by Jerz). The only other wicket to fall went to Pedal Bin, the batsman clipping the ball round the corner only to see it well held by a falling Bertie. IP's eight overs for only 22 runs could well have been the difference, however wickets just wouldn't fall for Waverley and the match was lost by six wickets. No awards were made as most of the team had to shoot off to Mog's wedding reception. Jim Jam and Pedal Bin were last seen crying in the corner of the bar as they were not on the guest list.

Horsley & Send

The morning after the night before for one particular member of the team, Moggy looking very much the worse for wear after his stag night on Friday. And with several other players nursing drink-induced injuries, it was a welcome relief that Waverley lost the toss and were inserted in this 40 over match.

Things started slowly for Waverley and despite playing some good shots, IP, playing his first match since Wonersh, was the first to depart for seven, shortly to be follwed by Jerz for two (meaning IP scored 250 times more runs than the skipper!). This meant a welcome return to the fold for John Harland, who, in partnership with Jimothy (who arrived late after somehow ending up in Dorking), started to move the score along quite nicely. Things seemed to be going well for Waverley as they reached 107-2 at the drinks break and seemed to be cruising. However it took only a single over to change the dynamics of the game. First, Wig Wam chopped on for 37. The very next ball, King Viv (his head filled with MC's suggestion of a Bagpuss complex) edged one to fly-slip. The third ball saw MC caught out by the pace and trapped in front LBW and the hat trick had done the damage. The Guv'nor tried to bring order to the proceedings but could only manage 7 and when John followed for 32 all momentum was lost. Despite the efforts of Mog, PB, the Herbinator and the Bandit, Waverley could only muster 133 (with eight wickets falling for only 26 runs and a scorecard showing five ducks).

The casual observer may have thought the game was already lost by the time Waverley came out to bowl after tea, but this was far from the case. Despite his fragile state, Mog bowled superbly at one end, effectively bottling it up. At the other, the Herbinator took four quick wickets to leave the home side struggling (including good catches from Jerz and MC). There were also at least six chances that either never carried or sailed agonisingly over the heads of fielders. However the fifth wicket partnership threatened to take the game away from Waverley as the run rate picked up significantly. With plenty of overs left, it was clear Waverley would need six more wickets. Up stepped PB and three wickets from him broke the dangerous partnership and once more swung the game back in Waverley's favour. The Bandit bowled a tight line to restrict the run rate and when IP took two quick wickets at the other end, only one wicket was needed. The problem was that Horsley needed just three runs to win and when the Bandit's length wavered, the ball was crashed for four and an entertaining, close game came to an end. No beard was awarded as the fielding was pretty top-notch and no hat was awarded as Mog had left it at home. The pink t-shirt went to Wig Wam on the basis that he is a plank. There is nothing new to report in this week's PIPE WATCH, as all was well with the Guv and his trusty sidekick.

In the news this week...

Firstly, a cancellation. Saturday's game at Newdigate has been cancelled because of the continuing shortage of numbers, what has turned out to be a persistent problem this season for one reason or another. Therefore, the next scheduled game is on Sunday 10th against Rowledge. Even if you aren't playing it is usually a good match to turn out and support the team.

The following Friday, the 15th of September, sees Moggy celebrating his last night as a free man. The plan is to start off with a curry at the Taste of India and then move on to the Swan in Ash Vale for a few drinks. It would be nice to see as many people there as possible to give him a good send off! If you would like to go, then contact either Jerzy of Moxy so that a table can be booked for the appropriate number of people.

Let's just hope that those hangovers are shaken off in time for the match against Horsley and Send!

Abinger

Waverley struggled valiently with first nine and then ten players (with the arrival of Loz) in what was really quite awful weather for cricket. The rain held off before tea, enabling Waverley to be inserted only to lose three relatively quick wickets as JJ, Moxy and AC all trooped back to the pavilion within ten overs of each other. Making his first appearence of the season, the Dance Commander kept plodding away at one end while King Viv tucked into the bowling at the other, whistling up a quick-fire 43 before being dismissed LBW not long after IV was bowled. Jerz tried to push the scoring along but edged behind and at one point, the Guv was outscoring Migs after a delicate late cut ran away for four. Despite both his and Loz's best efforts, it looked as if Waverley would be defending around about 130. However, some swash-buckling from Mog and some able assistance by PB (aided by Jim Jam, after the former pulled yet another muscle) saw Waverley set a target of 163 to win off of 35 overs.

While the players enjoyed a well-deserved tea (and feeding Moxy's rather excited duck) the rain began coming down and was, in fact, unceasing throughout the entire Abinger innings. With the ball behaving much like a bar of soap in the Waverley shower room (always seeming to end up on the floor), opening bowlers KV and Migs did their best. It was two wickets from Mog that saw off both the openers, including a well-held catch by Jerz who was filling in behind the stumps. However they were the last wickets for quite a while as the middle order started to tuck into the bowling. The Bandit bowled with far more good cheer than his last outing at Normandy, but was wicketless for only the second time this season. Moxy was also unable to find a breakthrough and it was left to injured warhorse PB to finally break what turned out to be the match winning partnership, IV keeping hold of the wet ball. One more wicket fell, a superb boundary throw from KV right over the top of the stumps seeing the batsman out by several yards, however it was too little, too late as Abinger got home by six wickets with about five overs to spare. Hat and t-shirt awards will have to be added later, as I had to shoot off before the awards could be made. In this week's PIPE WATCH report, it was feared the Guv's trusty sidekick had been removed when it appeared some of the bags had been rifled through. It was discovered safe and well a short time later. Incidently, IV invites the culprit for a stroll down a dark alleyway sometime...

Pirbright

Waverley got back on the winning horse at Pirbright, winning by 8 wickets in a 40 Over game. Despite the wind, rain, occasional sunshine and Jerz bowling we held a mixed Pirbright team to 153. A tight opening spell from Mog (not words usually found together) and Sweeney Todd meant that Ryan could take a break in the field. This was handy as Ryan had been bowling a penetrating spell coming off his long run all morning and some of the night, alledgedly with a reasonable line and undoubtedly finding a good length, with the occasional one slipping down the leg side, the effort of which had left him shagged tired out. With the home sides top order reclining in the pavilion after Pete and Herbs spells Moxy decided to turn to spin. Waverley took their catches despite in Jerz's case being rugby tackled by a seemingly blind captain intent on dropping it for himself. As the pitch dried batting became easier and Pirbright reached 153 for 9 off their 40 overs.

The batting got off to a good start with Jerz and RJ Wright finding the gaps and clearing the boundary. Jerz then decided to give the slip some catching practice two balls after he was dropped by him and this time was caught for 20. JJ carried on the good work and reached a deserved 50 before holing out. Mog and Fort Knox then saw the side home with a fifty partnership. Sweeney Todd then used some form of aftershave that made the changing room smell like a Morrocan brothel before Mog said good bye to his loved ones before putting on the jeans that his ever witty teammates had put in the fridge several hours earlier. Bar stewards.

Old Wimbledonians

Sunday was no better for the bowlers with Old Wimbledonians clocking up 260 in a 40 over game. We were never anywhere near this due to some good OW bowling and the innings collapsed to 132 all out with extras as top scorer on 30. As usual though the game was played in an excellent spirit and the beer flowed well after the game.

Wonersh

Wonersh were concerned about their bowling strength and therefore batted first and clocked up 296. No-one bowled particularly badly but all were flayed until the Guv restored some order with late wickets. Waverley were never really in the hunt but still managed to get to 246 odd for a draw.

Bagshot

The nine men of Waverley proved too strong for Bagshot as we won by about 2 wickets. Despite Bagshot racking up 228 Waverley reached this with 2 overs to spare. All the Waverley batsmen contributed but Si Brewer's was the telling innings with some classy hard hitting.

Normandy

On an overcast, yet muggy day, Waverley made another short trip down the road to Normandy. Originally a game to be played to time, a late start due to rain saw it reduced to 35 overs a side. The band of men turning out for the visitors were Jerzy, Moxy, Mog, Knoxy, King Viv, Cozy, MC, Daz, Bertie, the Bandit and PB.

With Waverley winning the toss, Jerz made a shock decision to bowl first because of the unfavourable conditions (although he did insist that he would have batted had it stayed dry). So with article one fulfilled, Waverley quickly got the match off to an ideal start, with the Knox picking up a wicket early on. However the remaining bowlers were fruitless until the introduction of PB, who picked up a couple of wickets (including the troublesome opener who had raced onto one hundred odd). Two wickets for Herb and a wicket for the Bandit followed, however the home team had rattled up a score of 232 in 35 overs, considerably more than the visitors would have like. In their defence, bowling was difficult in the humid conditions.

After tea, the Waverley response was slightly sluggish despite the best efforts of the batsmen. King Viv and Knoxy were notable scorers, achieving 34 and 39 respectivly, but in the end the total was too big an ask. Special mention should go to Bertie, who managed to effortlessly clip a six over square leg. No hat was awarded as nobody really shined, however Mog secured both the beard and the t-shirt for his efforts in the field.

Rudgwick

The first of the seasons trips to Rudgwick saw the re-emergence of Clyde to the sunday side. He'd apparently dropped in to see if Mog ran like he was stuck in treacle at the weekend too. Perhaps he'd also come to see if any of Frensham the Teachers remembered him hitting the winning runs against them in the Cup Semi-Final. Either way he was back in the hutch grooming Knoxys fur after he was bowled by a beauty. Jerz broke his bat but found that using Mogs bat only made him bat like him and was caught behind (imagine if he'd borrowed the pads!). The Knox was caught behind in dubious circumstances and Tristan followed shortly after leaving the run out waiting to happen pairing of Mog and Cozy. In between comedy running the big man and Mog managed a 50 a piece and brought the total to just over 200.

Cozy and Knoxy grabbed early wickets before Moxy ripped out the middle order. Other people took wickets but its August now so I haven't a clue who. Sorry chaps. Waverley won by about 70-80 runs.

Ebernoe

The home side were apparently weak with the bat so they put us in, or thats what Jerz says anyway. A couple of Lurgashall players had agreed to set aside an old rivalry to appear for Ebernoe and it was one of these that dismissed Jerz early on during a tight spell from both opening bowlers. Mog followed a long time after with very few runs to show, with Tristan following next ball. IP rallied the ship for a while before joining the rest of the top order back in the hutch. Even the in-form El Chimo struggled in a top score of 39 before MC showed how it could be done with a fine 13 not out. Waverley made around 150.

This could have been defended but Mog bowled like a drain and was thoroughly tonked round the ground. Whilst the rest of the bowling kept it as tight as possible the Ebernoe numbers 3 and 4 still managed to find the gaps, some were even found intentionally. Although they were both dismissed in a late rally the damage had been done and Ebernoe were home with overs and wickets to spare. The opposition were the usual good bunch though and some of the best sledging occured between the Ebernoe and Lurgashall players featuring in the same team.

Good Olde Boys

Round two of the annual grudge match between the Good Olde Boys and Waverley saw the visiting team arrive at Rectory Road with a squad depleted by injuries, absentees and other reasons. Therefore, the Waverley team (in batting order) was as follows: Jerzy, IP, MC, the Bandit, Ed (one of MC's college mates), King Viv, PB, the Guv'nor, Bertie, KP and Hoagy.

Article one of the Waverley consitution was enacted as per usual, with the side winning a toss that Jerz didn't really want to win and electing to field first in the 35 over match. Good Olde Boys' openers Spen and Lover-Lover (sporting a shiner that he will be only too pleased to tell you about, for the hundreth time in the week) got the home side off to a good start despite accuracy from King Viv (having a bowl, with MC behind the stumps) and the Herbinator. Bertie was replaced by PB who eventually got the break-through, trapping Spen LBW. Just as it looked like Si was going to be able to tear in to new batsman Raging, it emerged he had bowled his seven overs so the ball was tossed to the Bandit in the hope he could rattle through the batting of Good Olde Boys as he had in May. Three overs later he was out of the attack, Lover-Lover putting him to the sword and notching up his fifty in good order while Raging looked solid. It was eventually PB that again got the vital wicket, dismissing the one-eyed menace and claiming a third wicket soon after. There was also a long-overdue occurence as Hoagy again pulled his calf muscle, limping off the field to take no further part (and demanding a card from Jim Jam). Pedal Bin (fresh from a Waverley-best four wickets at Epsom) bowled with with aggression, managing to hit Gazza in the pills at one stage and also unlucky not to get an LBW decision. With PB bowled out, the Bandit was brought back from the other end and was much more accurate. Normal service was resumed with three wickets, including a stumping from Si (having replaced MC behind the stumps) and a cleverly disguised full-toss that was comfortably held by Jerz. The Guv'nor picked up a wicket from the other end, but in the meantime Raging had raced on to score an effortless 50 (his first for Good Olde Boys) and at tea, Waverley were left chasing 210 for victory.

Having attacked the 'gay platter' with ferocity, a re-ordered Waverley batting order still saw Jerz and IP opening. They kept the visitors just in touch with the run-rate, however when Jerz and MC were both dismissed quickly, the momentum was lost. IP and AC tried to push the rate on, but wickets then fell at regular intervals. IP, Ed, King Viv, PB, the Guv, Herb and KP were all dismissed with not many runs added to the score and with Hoagy absent injured, the Waverley collapse was complete and defeat was by 97 runs.

The pink t-shirt winged its way to the Bandit (for getting out the way of the ball...signing Jim Jam's get well card 'lots of love, the Bandit' probably didn't help) while the Panesar beard went to MC for some amusing fielding off the bowling of AC. As for the man of the match, this reporter is in the dark as he was unable to get down to the POW after the game for the presentation.

Epsom Methodists

On a very hot afternoon Waverley made their way around the M25 to meet Epsom Methodists at the Gibraltar Recreation Ground, with the game scheduled for a 1pm start so the England Portugal game could be enjoyed(?) later in the day. After losing the toss the Waverley XI (Jerzy, Mog, Si, Jim Jam, MC, IP, Darrell, The Guv, Hoagy, Herb and Tim) took the field in a 35 over game.

Despite good bowling from Mog and JimJam, the lightening fast outfield meant the Epsom openers got off to a flying start, and it wasn't until the introduction of Waverley's very own 'King of Spain' did the breakthrough come, with IP bowing M Darke for 27 in the 13th over with the score on 63. The Herbinator then got into the act in his 1st over when the skipper snaffled the no.3 bat at mid-off. Some big hitting and good running from the Epsom skipper R Darke and Johnson then put on 62 in the next 10 overs before Herb got one to turn viciously, bowling R Darke though the gate. In the closing good tight bowling from IP and Neil (2 wickets and a drop by the keeper!) - who has now come out of retirement as a strike bowler, restricted Epsom to 197-8 after their 35 overs with 2 wickets in 2 balls in his last over leaving IP with a career best of 4-49 in his excellently bowled 12 overs unchanged. All this time we must add that Epson opener Johnson stayed at the crease to finish with an almost chanceless (see drop off Neil) 76*.

With a quick turn around needed to get a few overs in before tea, Waverley's innings was opened by Jerz and Moggy. With both going well, Mog literally got the blood he was after all week when he hit a drive right out the meat of the bat, straight at the bowler who unfortunately didn't manage to hold onto a very difficult chance and the ball when through his hands into his face, (It is to be said at this point that the bowler was ok after going to hospital and receiving a few butterfly stitches and the all clear) this prompting the tea break. After the end of full time in the football that game restarted this the openers keeping up the required rate with good shots and good running before Jerz was caught in front and given LBW for 35. In at 3 was JimJam who wasted no time in tucking into the bowling. With a brief hiatus for the penalty shootout Waverley continued to stay in touch with the rate, then 2 brief wickets, Mog LBW and MC unluckily bowled as the ball dribbled onto the stumps put the score at 140-3 with 11 overs to go, those overs weren't needed however as a big 6 for JimJam to bring up his 50 (57*), and bigger hitting from Si (45*) raced Waverley over the finishing line in just 28.2 overs, with M Darke taking the main punishment with 27 coming of just 8 balls. Result: Waverley win by 7 wickets.

Unfortunately nobody stuck around long enough to receive any awards so the man-of-the-match hat went to AC, the Pink T-shirt to PB and the Panasar beard to Robin. Match report courtesy of Jerzy.

Purbrook

With Kemm falling second ball for Purbrook, fellow South Africans Berkinstock and Viljoen made the Waverley bowlers suffer as they took the score to 103 and nine an over. However a bowling change saw the visitors fortune change and soon the home side were reeling at 113-7, with three wickets to Moxham for only ten runs. A dogged innings from young keeper Lee, supported by Marsh and Harding, took the home side to 203-8 at tea. The Waverley openers faced some sharp bowling from Viljoen and Berry and the visitors were put well behind the clock. For the third wicket, Day and Todd, with a 50 each, saw off a further six bowlers but were unable to score at the required rate leaving Waverley 27 short and the match drawn.

Match report courtesy of PB.

Cranbourne

With several players injured, on holiday and otherwise unaccounted for, Waverley were only able to field ten against Cranbourne. The team of highly trained athletes on show was (in batting order) Jerzy, MC, Jim Jam, Moggy, Darryl, Chimo, the Guv'nor, Cozy, AC and Moxy.

As it was another energy-sapping day, it was almost inevitable that Waverley would field first and it was again the case. Cozy and Wig Wam opened the attack but aside from a solitary edge that flew through the vacant second slip area, there were no chances for some considerable time, allowing the openers to pile on the runs. Just shy of the hundred partnership, the first blow was struck and it was our very own Moxy Panesar who found the top of middle stump. A second wicket followed (a firmly struck catch to Jerz) and in the meanwhile, the Wobbly Egg had picked up two as well (including a catch to MC who seemed to do everything wrong, yet still hold on to the chance). The Bandit has proved he is usually good for a few wickets this season, but he seemed to struggle from the pavilion end so a quick change (involving a cameo over from Jerz) saw him change to the top end. Jim Jam replaced him at the pavilion end and once again proved himself as a second spell bowler, taking two wickets (including the other opener who had scored 102). In between them, MC once again managed to successfully hit one stump from 30 yards. AC picked up his 20th wicket of the season when Chimo held a thin edge behind and Cozy (replacing Jim Jam) picked up a deserved wicket, LBW. AC rounded off the innings with a stumping from Chimo, leaving Waverley chasing 209 for victory.

Webby and MC got us under way, but despite some text book shots (and some Saturday Night fever) MC was the first to fall. A partnership between Jerz and Jim Jam saw the score moved on a bit, but then the wickets started to tumble. Jerz was bowled, Jim Jam was caught (top scoring for the day with 40), Moggy was out LBW (much to his annoyance), Darryl made 2 before he was bowled and Chimo was given out LBW. All this left Waverley struggling at the start of the 20 overs and trying to cling on for the draw...any hopes of a victory were ended when Cozy lost his off stump. The Guv, AC and Moxy tried valiently to save the day, but eventually the game was lost, with the Guv'nor finishing on masterful 5 not out (quick singles and all). Not sure where the various awards went, but Jim Jam must have been a hot tip for man of the match (bowling and 40), the pink t-shirt was probably headed Jerzy's way and Darryl looked set to get the beard. Next stop: Epsom Methodists.

NB: 'Pipe watch' report - tobacco smoke filled the air at Cranbourne - all is well.

Burgh Heath

For the second match in succession, Hoagy defied the medical world to turn out for Waverley on another humid day for a forty over match.. The line-up (in batting order) was Jim Jam, MC, Tim (Jerzy's mate), Moggy, Darryl, Chimo, the Guv'nor, Jerzy, the Bandit, Hoagy and Loz.

Jerz lost the toss (confirming his position as a 'useless tosser') and so Waverley fielded first. A worrying shortage of bowlers meant that Migs and Jim Jam launched the initial onslaught. Mog bowled a good line, length and even got some bounce from time to time. However it was MC who took the honours for the first wicket, the batsman foolishly taking on his arm which resulted in a run out and the first wicket for Waverley. Migs picked up his first bowling wicket when Chimo picked up a sharp catch behind which only just stuck. Jim Jam was replaced by the Bandit who was promptly knocked off his line and length by a big-hitting number four, who would go on to rack up about 78. With Jerzy's stock bowler struggling, and Tim doing just as well at the other end, a change was needed. Hoagy suprised all by replacing Tim and his variation in pace tested the big hitter (who has passed 50 by now). AC struck to pick up his first wicket, that of the troublesome opener who had stuck around from the beginning, but Hoagy secured the real break through when he trapped the number four LBW. The Bandit was visibly settled with two new batsmen at the crease and picked up his second wicket of the game with a simple caught and bowled (proof that he fields well off his own bowling). Migs returned for a brief second spell to replace Hoagy, before he was replaced by Jim Jam who weighed in with three wickets in his second spell, leaving the other bowlers to troop off and hang themselves in the pavilion. Jerz replaced AC and bowled a variety of challenging deliveries, ensuring that Waverley were set a target of 208 to win.

A re-ordered batting line-up saw Jim Jam promoted to number one and MC given a nosebleed as he went in at number two. Jim was soon back in the pavilion for two after top-edging one to gully. He was followed soon after by Tim, who could only contribute four to the proceedings. MC then followed for a duck, however he had stuck around for nine overs. Young Darryl followed the very next ball leaving Waverley struggling on 24 for four. In all honesty, we never recovered from the slow start and it seemed that we were consigned to defeat when Chimo made only nine and the Guv'nor managed only two (despite some good stroke play). However, Migs had stuck around despite the carnage around him and when partnered with Jerz, they began to give the Waverley hordes hope. Mog knocked up 50 and looked impregnable (in a batting sense), even managing a towering six over the long on boundary. Jerz looked imperious, swatting the ball to the boundary. However, with five overs remaining, hope of victory (at over ten an over) was dashed when Jerz holed out to deep mid-wicket. Despite a quick-fire ten not out for AC, victory was inevitably unobtainable.

In a club first, Mog managed a hat-trick of awards, winning the man of the match hat (for accurate bowling and 81 not out), the pink t-shirt (for evading a potential catch of Jim Jam) and the Monty Panesar beard (for the same offence). The weekly 'pipe watch' report should show that Guv didn't lose it this week and that all is well.

Forest Green

This game saw the return from injury of Hoagy to solve, yes, SOLVE an injury crisis. With several regulars missing, the line-up was Jerzy, PB, Moggy, Trist, Chimo, AC, Moxy, Knoxy, Hoagy, the Guv'nor and Loz.

A Forest Green side with an element of youth about it batted first and opening bowlers Knoxy and Chimo bowled well for no reward. It was PB who made headway, picking up three wickets to dislodge the top-order batsmen. Moggy, on at the other end, also produced one of his wobbly-eggs to bamboozal the batsman but one of the youth players managed to amass a decent score. With AC and the Guv'nor on by this stage, it was AC who eventually picked up a caught and bowled to break another developing partnership. The Guv'nor bowled accurately and picked up a wicket, a catch (one of three) from Trist (a specialist fielder in the Jim Jam mould). Moxy replaced the Guv and picked up one for himself and the re-introduction of Knoxy yielded the final three wickets to leave Waverley chasing 136 to win at tea.

Jerzy opened with PB, however the Saturday skipper didn't pick the straight one and lost his middle stump. PB was able to notch up his 5000th club run before he edged one to slip and Moggy followed when he got one that popped up, leading to a simple return catch for the bowler. With Trist playing watchfully at one end, and Chimo being his destructive self, the ship was well and truly steadied. Even the fall of trist to a skier didn't stop the man in a rich vein of form and Chimo soon raced past his 50. AC was quite content to allow his batting partner to smack the ball around the ground and by the time that Chimo puched his luck one step too far (having being dropped 5 times already and finishing on 88) only a handful of runs were required. They were picked up with plenty of overs to spare, a highlight of which being the Sunday skipper's cover drive for four, meaning Waverley won by 5 wickets.

Man of the match was Chimo, for his 88, and the new Monty Panesar beard award (for the dodgiest fielding) went to AC for a dubious boundary stop off the bowling of the Guv. Incidently, a state of emergency was declared when the Guv couldn't find his pipe in the pavilion afterwards. After a ten minute search, it was eventually discovered in his left-hand pocket.

Shalford

The match began considerably earlier than normal due to England's World Cup exploits, an 11:15 start in beautiful conditions. The team on show was Webby, IP, Jim Jam, Dobin, Herb, Chimo, MC, Cozy, PB, the Guv'nor and AC.

With Shalford inserted, and MC making his debut behind the stumps, Chimo opened with Cozy. However it was evident that the opening two meant business and despite various tactics from various bowlers, the hundred partnership was brought up relatively quickly. The team needed a wicket and AC was the one to provide it. He managed to rattle up four wickets in seven overs, while Chimo's second spell produced a wicket for him. Despite being hit for almost 30 runs off his next three overs, AC was able to claim his second five wicket haul of the season and his 12 over spell came to an end. In the final over, IP picked up a wicket to leave Shalford 223-7 at lunch, with 224 needed for a Waverley victory. The World Cup provided light entertainment at lunch, even though it was a boring 1-0 victory for England, but left the batsmen fully revitalised for the Waverley innings.

Unfortunately, it seemed to have left the fielders fully revitalised and Waverley were struggling at 24-4 at one stage. However the unlikely partnership of Chimo and Herb steadied the ship, with the former departing for a well-struck 42. MC contributed a career-best nine before Cozy made sure once and for all that defeat wasn't going to occur, seeing us through (with Herb) to the end of the 20 overs with a score of about 33. Bertie notched up 16 not out and a draw was probably a fair result in the end.

Elstead

On a glorious Sunday afternoon Waverley CC made the short trip to Elstead for a 45 over 9 per bowler game.

Waverley batted first and opened up with the Rhino and Clyde only after they had been talked out of taking advantage of the fantastic new showers on offer before the start of the game.Both got off to a good start on a pitch offering some uneven bounce.Rhino played some big shots before he holed out for 30 odd.This meant that Devo had the chance to build an innings at number 3 but he got a good one and departed without troubling the scorers. Mog came and went for 1 ( he could not wait to try out those new showers ) and Clyde was also bowled. This meant that Chimo and the GiMp needed to try and put a partnership together.Chimo was dropped on the boundary ( the unlucky fielder pushing the ball over the rope for 6 ) but other than that never looked in trouble unlike the GiMp who nearly had a heart attack at having to run 4 with the help of some over throws. Just when the GiMp was looking comfortable he went walk about down the crease, missed and was stumped. The partnership was 78 by then and the GiMp had made 19 which sounds a bit one sided until you find out that the next partnership between Sponge and Chimo was also 78 and Sponge contributed 9 before he was bowled.Chimo was on fire now and went on to make a deserved century with some massive hitting.He finally fell for about 125 lbw.Herb,PB and Laura saw us to tea with about 235 on the board.

Elstead started there reply in good fashion with a young lad and a big hitter,They took PB and the GiMp apart in the first few overs prompting Sponge to turn to the Rhino and he struck first ball the young lad playing on.The runs kept on coming thanks to some good batting and it has to be said some pretty poor fielding.Dropped catches and over throws meant that the batsmen were never really under any pressure although Herb made them sweat a bit with some wickets.Sponge brought himself on and had a guy lbw but it was not enough and the home side knocked off the runs easily.

Chimo was man of the match for his innings and special mention should go to Laura who batted well and put in a good effort in the field. Match report courtesy of the GiMp.

Lynchmere

The hottest day of the season so far, so it was almost inevitable that Waverley would field first on a pitch that looked reasonably good for batting. This, according to Mog, once again affirmed Jerzy's position as a useless tosser. The atheletes on show were Jerzy, Mog, Jim Jam, Dobbin, MC, Chimo, the Guv'nor (taking a break from his new celebrity status), AC (the Bandit), Herb, Knoxy and PB.

A sloping pitch made it hard work for bowlers coming down the hill, but Knoxy toiled away as ever and was eventually rewarded with a wicket, using the slope to his advantage to knock off-stump over. Jim Jam bowled with control from the other end and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket, obviously saving himself for Waverley's innings. AC also struggled from the top end when he replaced Brother Knox, however the introduction of PB (coming up the hill, against the slope) yielded three wickets, including a beautifully crafted slower ball and firmly hit shot well taken by Mog fielding in close. AC manged to claim one victim from the top end, the batsman skying the ball into the safe bosom of the Knox. The pick of the bowlers was without a doubt Bertie, who came so close to a hat trick and also dismissed their most dangerous batsman shortly after his 50. Jerzy's go-to bowler AC replaced PB for a second spell coming at the slope and was rewarded with a wicket, the ball shaping away from the right-hander to hit the top of off-stump. Bertie completed the innings, taking a fourth wicket to leave Waverley chasing 139 to win after tea.

Seeing as it was Derby Day at Epsom (and Herb stunned everyone by not already having placed his bet) a brief flutter at tea was the order of the day, Hoagy walking away with the big prize of £10 with Chimo and AC picking up the remaining winnings. Jerz and Mog opened and the former seemed to in good form before lobbing one to mid-off. The scoring rate was boosted by the arrival with Jim and while Mog received a standing ovation from the crowd for reaching 10 off of 22 overs (and the crowd received the finger), Jim ploughed on towards 50 with some good stroke play. A quick single through the covers saw him reach the milestone for the first time, and he eventually went LBW for a Waverley-best 58 (obviously not yet having learnt the Scarth art of jug evasion). Dobbin linked up with Mog to steer Waverley within two runs of victory and what looked like a commanding eight wicket victory. However a worrying collapse saw Dobbin, MC and Mog all depart with two still needed (and almost making Bert wish he'd stayed in his whites) however the Guv'nor steadied the ship at one end while Chimo hit the winning runs at the other, meaning a victory by five wickets and a third win on the spin for captain Jerzy.

The pink t-shirt was missing from proceedings, but despite several nominations it would probably have gone to Herb (who happened to be wearing a pink shirt anyway). He was also a worthy man of the match contender for his four wickets, along with Jim Jam for his maiden club fifty.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In response to the hundreds of emails received over the last week, I can confirm that the Guv'nor WILL be autographing copies of the Farnham Herald next weekend. Just bring your copy along to either Shalford of Forest Green for a chance to meet this year's candidate for Time Man of the Year, take in the pipe smoke and watch him roll back the years with Waverley.

Good Olde Boys

Taking advantage of a break in the week's rain, Waverley made the short hop to Rectory Road. But somewhat predictably, as soon as the whites were pulled on and the first steps were taken onto the field of play, the rain dance was completed and the heavens opened for the innings of Good Olde Boys. Not that this deterred Waverley, as the home side were soon two wickets down to the bowling of Cozy. He quickly added a third to his haul while AC bowled with accuracy from the other end, picking up three for himself. A rare bowling appearence from Dobbin yielded a wicket, Raging failing to pick the ball that tunnelled under the bat and popped up to hit the stumps. AC then picked up two wickets with consecutive balls to complete his first club five-for and was denied a chance of a hat trick as Good Olde Boys were only fielding ten players, a fine bit of calculation to avoid a second jug.

With Waverley requiring only 71 for victory, a re-ordered batting line-up saw PB and IP open. It took only one over for PB to run out IP. Jim Jam and PB played a very orderly innings from then onwards until the latter misjudged a wide one and spooned it to the fielder at cover. The Guv'nor, batting at four, lost sight of the ball and lost his off stump, however Waverely were never in any danger of losing and Chimo and Jim Jam steered us home to a seven wicket victory.

Westfield

Before anything else, a huge thank you to the players of Westfield for going ahead with Saturday's match. Too often, clubs at the start of the season try to protect their squares instead of playing a friendly game of cricket, but despite heavy drizzle the Westfield guys left the decision up to us and naturally we wanted the game to go ahead. So once again, many thanks to Westfield.

The aforementioned drizzle was persistent for much of the first innings, during which Jerzy continued his record this season of losing every toss meaning Waverley had to field first. The game was far from a damp squib, with Migs (opening the bowling) getting a peach of a delivery to cut back and clip the top of offstump for the first wicket. Spen (making his seasonal appearence from Good Olde Boys) bowled consistently and was well worth his three wickets. Westfield were struggling somewhat on thirty-odd for four, and things got steadily worse with the introduction of AC (Waverley's very own Alvin Stardust, looking to make amends for a dropped catch of Migs). He'd soon racked up three wickets, including a good catch from MC, who held on despite colliding with IP. Herb picked up two wickets with some devastating spin and even MC made a brief cameo appearence with the ball before AC wrapped things up with a club best four-for. With Westfield being dismissed for 98, Waverley had time before tea in order to make progress with the bat.

Waverley started in a similar way to Westfield, losing three early wickets (including a now infamous Carmichael LBW decision) for only 21 runs. However the coming together of Jim Jam and Chimo saw some stability come to the innings. After a breather for a rather nice tea (and some generous helpings of chocolate cake) Jim and Chimo continued in the same rich vein, with the latter eventually falling for 39. Despite the fact that Jim Jam (32) and MC (0) followed soon after, the target was in sight and it was left to the skipper to knock off the remaining seven runs to secure victory by four wickets, leaving Herb (who made a rare appearence at number six) not out on 0.

The pink t-shirt was awarded to MC purely for a rather comical dive (and because the child welfare officer wasn't present), with the man of the match hat going to the other member of the comical family for his four wickets in the first innings.

Odiham & Greywell

With the weather staying sufficiently agreeable for the majority of the week, Waverley's third attempt at a game went off without a hitch - at least weather-wise. On a pitch that wouldn't have been out of place in August, Waverley fielded first and showed that this game was about blowing the cobwebs firmly out of the system. Of seven catchable chances, five went to ground as skipper Jerzy, Moxy, Chimo, Migs (two) and AC (somewhat amusingly) let chances go to ground. Only PB and IP held their chances, the only highlights in the field apart from MC's cartwheel in the covers. The Waverley bowlers didn't have the rub of the green either, however PB and the GiMp picked up one each and Herb snared his 800th victim as he took two wickets, leaving Waverley to chase 220 to win off of 40 overs.

The batsmen also suffered from early-season jitters. Jerzy top scored with 42 despite retiring hurt at one stage (the unanimous view being it was because he'd reached double figures) as Waverley limped to 96-9. Herb and AC scored two each to give the score some respectability as Waverley reached 100 before Herb was caught behind, meaning defeat was by 120 runs. Despite the fact that Jerz tried to award AC the t-shirt, overwhelming team opinion saw the shirt returned to the Saturday skipper. No man of the match hat was awarded. With all the dropped catches hopefully out of the system (and the Bank Holiday match with Eversley cancelled due to a wet pitch), Waverley will be looking to bounce straight back against Westfield next Saturday.