Rudgwick

Electing to bat Rudgwick were confident in their approach and a score of 200 plus was looking likely, particularly with Richard Claber in top form. However the visitors did not let them get all their own way as their catching was on top form. Eventually the Waverley duo of Grandad Bob Moxham and 10 year old Grandson Kyle prised out the last 3, Kyle taking 2-14 restricting the home side to 186. After tea Jim Wright soon lost his wicket but Ian Verrinder and Rob Croucher put on 105 for the second wicket, Croucher enjoying the quick bowling of Josh Driver during his 60 runs, eventually holing out to Berwick. In came the Waverley skipper Simon Brewer and with Verrinder's 67, his quick fire 31 was enough to see the visitors to an eight wicket victory.

Thanks to Mr B for his report, which marks the conclusion of the 2010 season. Dates are currently being considered for the AGM, stay tuned for official confirmation!

Odiham & Greywell

An even contest in this 35 over game until Robin Walsh-Smith came to the crease and put Waverley to the sword. At 72-3 in the 16th over, all was well except for his reputation and he lived up to it with Peter Brewer and Craig Ryan taking the hiding. Schooling added a good 37 enabling the home side to finish with 232-8. At a daunting 7 an over the visitors struggled against tight bowling but still managed a creditable 4, but nowhere near enough putting the rate up to 10 at the halfway point although only 1 wicket had been lost. A flurry of activity then ensued with bowlers changing and wickets falling in an attempt to salvage something from the game but it was a lost cause for Waverley, well and truly beaten as they finished on 121-7.

Thanks to Mr B for his report on proceedings, which would have been uploaded at the beginning of the week if AC knew how to check his emails properly...

Odiham & Greywell

Regrettably we lost again to another strong Odiham side. In a 35 over game they batted first and scored 232 and in reply we got less. Not sure how many, sorry about that. One classy quote for you though, after dispatching the ball through midwicket for 4; IV was congratulated by the bowler, "nice slog", IV ever the gentleman responded with "thanks, nice half volley". Edited to add explain why we have two reports for this game. His emails are not the only thing AC didn't check... :-)

Lurgashall CANCELLED

Next Sunday's match with Lurgashall has been cancelled, as they're unable to field a side. Waverley therefore have two games left this season, next Saturday against Odiham before a curtain call at Rudgwick the following week.

Elsted

Dubbed "the best view in English cricket" by AC earlier in the season (he may even write a letter to the Metro about it), Waverley were afforded a fine view of the South Downs on the long trek to West Sussex. The Waverley XI was Ian 'IV' Verrinder, James 'Jim Jam' Wright, Andy 'the Mincer' Minshaw, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Stuart 'Rafa' Webb, Jamie 'DJ Teabag' Harris, Peter 'Mr B' Brewer, Adam 'AC' Carmichael, Matt 'Doogs' DuGay and Herb 'Bertie' Scarth.

Waverley fielded first in this 40 over game and Teabag and Doogs were given the new ball. It was the latter who got the breakthrough, a delivery horribly wide of off stump kindly chipped into the Mincer's waiting paws. Teabag was bowling well from the other end, but an innocuous looking slip in his seventh over forced him to withdraw from the attack with an ankle injury. The ever-reliable Mr B replaced him and effectively tied down that end. AC, introduced for Doogs, kept up the good work in his first two overs with a rare "good ball wicket" in amongst two maiden overs. However, his line was soon picked and runs began to flow as the home side accelerated. Mr B, who was unlucky not to be rewarded with a wicket from his spell, was replaced by Chaminda as Waverley endeavoured to break the developing middle order partnership. AC obliged with the last ball of his spell, a second catch to the Mincer from a shot spooned into the covers. Whirling Bertie came into the attack an quickly picked up a wicket for himself, the ball hitting the deck, staying there and turning sharply to leave the young batsman with no chance. The home side needed to push the run rate along and some big hitting and slack fielding saw another surge in the run rate. Chaminda knocked back the off stump in the penultimate over and Bertie had a man stumped in the last over before tea, which meant Waverley would be chasing 169 to win.

After an excellent tea (and some superb motivation from Bertie), Waverley's response was kicked off by IV and Jim Jam. A damp wicket meant runs were initially hard to come by, but the opening pair batted sensibly: defending when appropriate and putting away the bad ball. Jimothy was scoring quickly and passed the fifty mark with about twenty overs gone. Having just notched up the hundred partnership with IV, he then became the first wicket to fall when he danced down the track and was stumped. The Mincer joined IV at the crease and the score kept ticking over, with IV also passing fifty. Although IV was out shortly after, bowled attempting a big shot over mid-on, the picture was far from bleak: forty runs were required from ten overs, with eight wickets still in hand. However, there followed a batting collapse of biblical proportions. The Mincer, Chaminda, KV, Teabag and Mr B were all out cheaply. Rafa and AC offered some resistance, with Waverley needing nine runs to win in the penultimate over. However, Rafa was bowled and Doogs only lasted two deliveries. The long and short of it was that Waverley required six to win off the last delivery. The odds of victory were lengthened considerably with AC being the man on strike. He was unable to add to his one six in ten years and Waverley fell a few runs short, some unusually lax fielding in the first innings and panic in the middle order meaning defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory.

In true democratic style, it was decided that all blame for the defeat should be levelled at Jim Jam. It was also the first annual Waverley blazer day, with everyone except Teabag and the Mincer looking resplendant (even Jim had an emergency blazer stashed away in his car). Photos will hopefully appear shortly. With AC unavailable for the final two weeks of the season, this week sees the last instalment of this season's Comments from the Clio. As it was the longest trip of the season, there was much up for discussion between AC and Teabag. However, the pick of the comments came as the dynamic duo entered deepest Sussex: "it all looks a bit inbred around here", claimed Teabag. That'll be another County his banned from, then...

Rowledge

Waverley entered the last month of the season with the annual trip to Rowledge, with overcast conditions, occasional showers and long shadows creeping over the wicket. The select XI were Ian 'IV' Verrinder, Stuart 'Rafa' Webb, Sam 'Sausage' Vass, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Adrian 'Mog' Day, James 'Jim Jam' Wright, Ben 'Tealeaf' Harris, Warren 'Wozza' Vass, Adam 'AC' Carmichael, Peter 'Mr B' Brewer and Herb 'Bertie' Scarth.

KV won the toss and elected to bat first in this 40 over game, IV and Rafa being given the task of launching the Waverley offensive. Some good bowling from the Rowledge openers (including Tony 'the Mouse' Watts) meant the visitors started slowly, scoring only off the occasional bad ball in the over. IV was the first man out for sixteen, an inside edge knocking back middle stump. Sausage enjoyed a brief stay at the crease before departing in similar circumstances. Rafa was batting well at the other end and had made a creditable thirty eight before holing out trying to push the score along. This left Waverley in a spot of bother, three down with twenty overs gone and seventy-odd on the board. However, KV and Mog produced a vital partnership the kept the scoreboard ticking with a combination of quick singles and boundaries. KV notched up his half century and Mog was eventually bowled for twenty eight, with Waverley's score now looking far more healthy. KV holed out soon after, but Jim Jam had been kept back for a late charge. The big ugly batsman made a quick fire thirty two, managing to run out Tealeaf along the way and also witnessing Wozza's demise for a duck. An imperious 0* from AC saw Waverley finish on 197-7.

After tea, the new ball went to KV and Mog. The skipper was generating some swing while Mog's wobbly eggs caused problems for the opening batsmen. Mog got the breakthrough in his second over, a thin edge behind being pouched by IV. KV got in on the act shortly after, rearranging the stumps in convincing fashion. When AC pouched a skier off Mog's bowling, the home side seemed to be in a bit of bother. However, the middle order was settling into a rhythm. With Mog completing his spell, AC bore the brunt of the big hitting (including three huge sixes into the car park), but he did manage to bag a wicket with another edge behind to IV. Mr B, introduced for KV at the other end, was controlling the scoring well but the new man at the crease never looked like giving his wicket away. The score was now ticking along nicely, the number three bringing up his fifty and then his ton. A mention should go to Mr B for very sportingly calling the batsman back after the umpire gave him out LBW, the ball taking an inside edge before striking the pad. The Rowledge skipper also notched up a fifty, but that shouldn't take anything away from the bowling: Bertie, Jim Jam and Sausage all bowled well. In the end, the unbroken middle order partnership was too much for Waverley, as the home side reached their target with a few overs to go and six wickets to spare.

Talk after the match quickly turned to the proposed team kit for next season, particularly potential sponsorship deals. It's rumoured that the early front runner is Thor's Surgery ("confidentiality assured"), followed closely by Tank Action in the Great War ("available in all good bookshops and some rubbish ones as well"). Watch this space for future developments...

Eversley

Batting first, Eversley's Ford and McLaverty scored freely at 7 an over until a bowling change brought on Peter Brewer whose 16 over stint brought him 5-22 and Herb Scarth who picked up 3 wickets. Eversley kept the score going along and the last pair put on 35 just before tea. The visitors opened with Jim Wright and Andy Minshaw who started the same as the home side, scoring easily on this placid wicket, they had not learned that pace just didn't work today. Waverley were on 91 in the 12th over before a change was made, but it was too late, the visitors had got their eyes in. Wright lost his wicket on 73 out of a 148 partnership and Minshaw went on to 90 not, an easy win with 15 overs to go.

Thanks to Mr B for the match report, which will also appear in Friday's Farnham Herald.

Abinger Hammer

The picturesque Surrey Hills were the setting for the first of the Bank Holiday fixtures. Saturday's elite consisted of Jamie 'DJ Teabag' Harris, Peter 'Mr B' Brewer, Ian 'IV' Verrinder, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Ben 'Tealeaf' Harris, Martin 'Senior Harris' Harris, Adam 'the Kiwi' Hart, Adrian 'Mog' Day, Simon 'Thor (God of Thunder)' Millington, Herb 'Bertie' Scarth and Adam 'AC' Carmichael.

A gentleman's agreement saw Waverley bat first in this time game. Teabag has made no secret of the fact that Abinger was the game he was looking forward to this season. You can well imagine, then, that he was a little disappointed to get out for a two ball duck after opening the batting. Mr B and IV started pushing the scoring along on a pudding of a pitch, although it was only getting drier in the late August sun. Mr B was looking comfortable on twenty five, however a quickly run bye proved too much for his hamstring and he retired hurt without adding to his score. The arrival of skipper KV at the crease saw the scoring rate accelerate sharply, with both himself and IV passing the fifty mark within a couple of overs of each other. KV was going like a train by this point and was looking far from troubled by the bowling as he notched up another ton for Waverley. However, he wasn't finished there and kept adding to his total, eventually reaching the 150 mark (only the second player in Waverley's history to reach that landmark). IV had been playing a valuable supporting role, eventually holing out in the covers for ninety seven of the most classical runs. Tealeaf strode to the crease and quickly outscored big brother Teabag by scrambling a single, before seeing his middle stump knocked back going for a big mow towards cow corner. 2010 was then confirmed as the 'year of the record' when KV moved onto 153, surpassing Andy Dexter's score of 152 against Fairlands in 1993. Senior Harris also made a solitary run before holing out and it was left to the Kiwi to fend off the final three balls before tea, with Waverley finishing on 307-4 and KV finishing 157* not out.

With plenty of runs to play with, the opening bowling attack took on a slightly different look for Waverley as Mog and AC were assigned the task. AC struck with his second ball, a trademark leg-side long-hop pouched by Tealeaf. His second wicket was another catch, a superb dive to his right from Thor making the chance look so easy. Mog was coming up the hill, which was causing decent length deliveries to sit up much to the batsmen's delight. Teabag was introduced up the hill, but the gradiant was also causing problems for the grumpy quick. In the meantime, AC bagged a third wicket with another God-awful delivery that was again snaffled by Tealeaf at square leg. A tactical change saw Teabag replace AC down the hill and Bertie wheel away in the opposite direction. Despite testing deliveries from both bowlers, the home side were determined not to throw their wickets away and were quite happy to dead-bat the ball. Mr B came into the attack and the gentleman bowler picked up a wicket when Tealeaf held his third catch, this one a well taken chance dropping over his shoulder. Young Tealeaf was then given the opportunity to impress with the ball and got a well deserved wicket when the Abinger skipper played on. However, the home side had stuck to their task and Waverley ran out of time, Abinger finishing on 104-5 and the match ending in a draw.

No Comments from the Clio this weekend, as AC was left alone with his thoughts on the long drive to Abinger. However, exclusive post-match analysis was available from Teabag after a game which saw him with a two ball duck to his name, wicketless and three catches and a wicket to younger brother Tealeaf: "this is probably the worst day of my life", he commented. It must have been a fun journey for him back to darkest Cove...

Alfold CANCELLED

Sunday's game with Alfold has been cancelled as they are unable to field a side. Unfortunately, it was too short notice to be able to arrange an alternative fixture. Next week sees a Saturday trip to Abinger Hammer and a Bank Holiday Monday game with Eversley. If you're available for selection, get in touch with KV post haste!

Frensham

A host of changes for Waverley's game with Frensham (the drop-outs all receiving a knowing look from those who remained, as they pleaded it was nothing at all to do with their averages). A Day, M Du Gay, C Spooner, S Vass, J Harris, J Wright, H Scarth, M Tiley, C Herrington, S Webb and R Golding took to the field. There follows the match report, courtesy of Mr B:

Opening batsmen Tom Charman and Peter Chuter put on 98 before Charman was caught on the boundary with the lion's share of 75. Steady partnerships applied more pressure to the visitors until the Rowledge 1st captain came in and smashed the Waverley bowlers for 53 before being retired by the Frensham skipper Adam Page. A few more runs were scored and the home side declared on 250 at tea. Stuart Webb and Jim Wright put on 92 and it looked game on until Webb holed out, well caught by Lloyd. Wright went soon after on 72 before skipper Page brought himself on to bowl and that's when Waverley's trouble started. 6 wkts for 25 runs later and it was all over, the travelling side falling short by 41.

Mr B's match report will also be available in the Farnham Herald on Friday.

Horsley & Send

Waverley were in the unusual predicament of having too many players available on Sunday, after a drunken text exchange between KV and C_rage led to a complete breakdown in communication. However, Loz fell on her sword and sacrificed her place in the team which meant that Adrian 'Mog' Day, James 'Jim Jam' Wright, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Craig 'C_rage' Ryan, Jamie 'DJ Teabag' Harris, Matt 'Doogs' Du Gay, Warren 'Wozza' Vass, Pete 'Mr B' Brewer, Adam 'AC' Carmichael and Herb 'Bertie' Scarth made the final cut.

With the team very much geared towards bowling, it was no surprise to see the visitors fielding first. Teabag and Doogs opened the attack and it was Doogs who got the early breakthrough with a classic Waverley wicket (a rank bad ball spooned up to Teabag at fine leg). Doogs returned the favour a few overs later when he pouched the home side's overseas player, also at fine leg, off the bowling of Teabag. Lethal Biscuit added a second wicket to his haul with a successful LBW shout. With the grumpy quicks bowled out (it was a 40 over game), Mr B and AC came on as first and second change and Brewer senior snaffled three wickets, including what can only be described as a 'generous' LBW and a catch in the deep by Doogs (immediately after a great tactical change which saw him swap with AC). AC, on the other hand, found himself cursing the Laws of the Game for only allowing matches to be eleven aside as chances either dropped short or lobbed through gaps in the covers. He therefore maintained his record of never having taken a wicket at Horsley (he probably couldn't even get arrested there). The introduction of Waverley's Whirling Herbish yielded further wickets, one batsman being undone by the turn and the other holing out to Mog in the covers. C_rage replaced Mr B and also helped himself to a wicket with a looping caught and bowled. However, despite being five down for less than 100 at one stage a valiant knock in the middle order steered the home side to a competitive 193-9 after 40 overs. A good all round performance by Waverley's bowlers and fielders should also be acknowledged, the only exceptions being a drop in the deep by AC of Bertie's bowling, an [Yorkshire accent]"Ooooooooooh nooooooooo"[/Yorkshire accent] moment from Mog in the covers and a Michael Flatley impression from Teabag.

An unusually philosophical Mog summed up Waverley's batting performance pretty succinctly: "an inability to form partnerships". Opening pair Mog and Jim Jam put together an opening stand of sixty five before Mog was undone by a straight one, the scourge of the Waverley batsman. Chaminda was then dealt a massive dose of bad luck when an inside edge onto his pads rolled onto his stumps. Having been dropped once at deep square leg, KV chanced his arm again... and was promptly caught by the same fielder. Jim Jam made sixty odd before he too holed out, a very confident catch at cow corner. Despite the wickets tumbling, the scoreboard was ticking over. C_rage ably supported Teabag before playing around a straight one and Doogs was a little disappointed at edging one into the slips for no score... but not nearly as disappointed as Teabag was a couple of overs later. Having made a valuable twenty, Teabag tried to call Mr B through for a quick single to short fine leg. Mr B promptly sent him back and Teabag was run out, resulting in one very livid cricketer (even though he was the only one in the ground who thought there was a run there). Wozza followed up a good performance in the field with a brief, yet encouraging cameo with the bat. AC was then stumped (or bowled, who knows) attempting a big mow over mid-on and in the penultimate over, Mr B's resistance was brought to an end on 22 when he was bowled and Waverley fell a few runs short of victory.

There were no real Comments from the Clio this weekend, mainly because AC was trying to prevent Teabag from attaching a hose to the exhaust pipe. However, he couldn't help but be reminded of the advice that Teabag had given him twenty four hours earlier, when the roles had been reversed: "it could be worse, you could have been stabbed." Dubious advice for a very dubious character...

Pirbright

Thirty years ago, a Pirbright side skittled Waverley out for just eleven runs. Probably the strongest batting line-up of the season made the trip on what was an unusually busy day in the little village, on account of the fair being in full swing (probably the same fun fair that Jim Jam was recruited from eight years ago). Ian 'IV' Verrinder, James 'Jim Jam' Wright, Andy 'Minnie to Pooh' Minshaw, Stuart 'Rafa' Webb, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Peter 'PB' Brewer, Jamie 'DJ Teabag' Harris, Adrian 'Mog' Day, Herb 'Bertie' Scarth and Adam 'AC' Carmichael were the clowns on display for the visitors. A player shortage for the hosts mean that Warren 'Wozza' Vass was donated to them at the eleventh hour.

After winning the toss, KV decided to bat first against a side that saw three players drop out on the morning of the game. But the hosts were given a boost when Jim Jam was bowled early on for just two. Enter Minnie the Pooh in the third over. By the tenth, he'd smashed his way to fifty and was showing no signs of stopping. IV played the anchor role in the partnership, keeping the score board ticking over while the Mincer piled on the runs. Bowlers came and went, but couldn't stop the Waverley charge as Minnie the Pooh brought up his first ton for Waverley in the twenty third over (there were still seventeen remaining). The next milestone was the two hundred partnership, the Mincer playing some increasingly inventive strokes while IV passed the fifty mark. Just as it looked like Andy Dexter's record score of 152 was in danger, Minnie danced down the track and was stumped at the second attempt by the Pirbright keeper for 143. Rafa was the poor unfortunate who had to try and follow that act and by this stage, the next target for Waverley was 312 (which would better the previous highest score of 311 against Eversley III, a record that had stood for twenty years). Rafa gave it some tap, but skied one on fifteen that was pouched by the bowler. IV followed not long after for a well made eighty two, having been the calming influence during the Waverley innings. With a handful of overs remain, KV cut loose. In blasting his way to forty nine not out, Waverley passed their previous best score. Six not out from Chaminda saw Waverley finish their forty overs with a score of 328-4, swiftly followed by a team photo in front of the score board.

The skipper earned a few dubious looks when he announced that Mog was opening the bowling, but any critics were answered by two wickets (both bowled) in as many overs for the Wobbly Egg to leave the hosts on 0-2. Teabag was steaming in from the other end in his trademark "livid with cricket" style and bagged himself a real fast bowler's wicket, a bouncer top edged behind to IV. AC was introduced into the attack for Mog and, despite slinging a wide down the leg side with his first delivery, hit back with the last ball of the over by knocking back the left hander's leg stump. This was followed by a catch to Rafa at deep mid wicket, a beautifully flighted delivery that hit the top of off stump and an LBW that was plumber than a plumber's van on the way to a plumbing convention. The fifth wicket, however, proved to be elusive. During this time, Waverley gained another celebrity fan when England and West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green dropped in to watch a few overs of cricket ("Excuse me, are you 'the' Simon Brewer?" was allegedly how the conversation started). Not distracted by a famous face (or Jim Jam's comment that he "thought that guy looked in good shape"), Bertie wheeled away and although he didn't get a wicket himself, he did instigate one when a gentle lob from six yards a big throw from AC resulted in a pretty clear-cut run out. Mr B had replaced AC by this stage and he too was bowling for run outs, Teabag punishing the batsman for attempting to run two to his arm. By now, Wozza (who had performed admirably in the field for Pirbright) had arrived at the crease and this meant only thing: a cameo appearance with the ball from Chaminda. Wozza saw off one over from his old man, but was bowled off the first ball of his second over for eight (more than Chaminda, so I guess it goes down as a draw). That was the last wicket and the home side had been bowled out for 96, meaning a ruthless Waverley romped to victory by 232 runs... probably a record margin of victory for a Waverley side. There followed some celebratory drinkies in the pub (or more drinkies, in Charlotte's case), with Waverley deservedly basking in their success.

With Teabag returning to the side, there is also a return of Comments from the Clio. Of particular interest was this nugget from the returning regular panelist: "I treat my under sevens hard, early... just like you should do with women." He then back-tracked in the very next sentence, probably because he remembered that Victoria has read previous articles on this website...

Frimley

Approximately nine years ago, Waverley were smashed all round the ground at Frimley in their last forray in the Aylward Cup. Quite a different line-up took to the field for a hastily arranged Sunday game, the squad being Ian 'IV' Verrinder, Stuart 'Rafa' Webb, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Craig 'C_rage' Ryan, James 'Jim Jam' Wright, Bob 'the Sponge' Moxham, Pete 'Spindarella' Brewer, Simon 'Thor (God of Thunder)' Millington, Adam 'AC' Carmichael and Herb 'Bertie' Scarth.

Waverley lost the toss and fielded first, Jim Jam and KV taking the new ball. Jim eventually settled into a rhythm and got the breakthrough, inducing the opener to play onto his own stumps. KV was bowling with pace from the other end, however the score was ticking steadily over and this prompted a bowling change. Speed merchants Spindarella and AC got stuck in and slowed the scoring rate. A fly-assisted delivery from AC was pouched by Chaminda in the covers, with PB then dismissing the new batsman with a faux-leg break ("it's only a leg break if you actually meant to bowl it", IV was heard to comment). PB then bagged his second wicket when he cleaned up a man in sun glasses, while AC beat the outside edge and IV took a smart stumping. Bertie and Moxy were introduced into the attack, with the Sponge being brutally put to the sword. KV, in a stroke of tactical genius, introduced C_rage into the attack and he helped himself to three wickets. They included a catches to Chaminda and the Sponge (the latter being the moment that turned the game), as well as a second stumping from IV. Bertie chipped in with a wicket, a catch pouched by C_rage at mid-wicket and after forty five overs, the home side declared on 212 for 9.

With Jim Jam whinging, IV and Rafa opened the batting. Despite a good array of strokes from both batsmen, Frimley got an early breakthrough when IV guided one to first slip for fifteen. Chaminda came in at number three and both he had Rafa looked largely untroubled as the score ticked over. Rafa had made forty eight when he had to replace his bat, the repair on the damage done to it at Rudgwick having failed (unconfirmed reports suggest the bat was rushed immediately to Thor's Surgery). Two deliveries later, Rafa jug-evaded by playing around a straight one. Any feeling of hope on the part of the hosts was quickly erased by the arrival of KV to the crease. He battered his way to fifty in what seemed like no time at all as Waverley closed on the 213 required for victory. Chaminda had also closed in on fifty, however he was run out five shy of the milestone. No damage was done, however, as C_rage batted sensibly and KV played a captain's innings and finished on ninety one not out, with Waverley romping to a seven wicket victory.

After the game, discussion turned to Roland Rat after Jim Jam shocked everyone by claiming not to know who he was. "Isn't he a racing driver?" asked Thor...

Bagshot

Waverley shot out of the blocks at 6 an over until Gallagher took a stinging catch from a full blooded drive to dismiss Wright at mid on. The Bagshot bowlers then pinned down Verrinder and Day for the next 10 overs conceding only 18 runs before the visitors decided to take them on and regain control. Verrinder was eventually castled on 90 just after Day had posted his first 50 of the season. After tea Bagshot struggled against the Waverley attack and it was not until the sixth wicket partnership of Lewis and Gallagher that the home side looked comfortable with the bat, but it was too late. The home team then dug in and Waverley could not prize out the last two wickets in a very absorbing game.

Thanks to this week's guest reporter, Mr B. His report will also be appearing in Friday's Farnham Herald.

Rudgwick

The first of two matches against Rudgwick saw a little bit of history made by Waverley, as probably the youngest ever side took to the field. The oldest player was a youthful forty five and the average age was a mere twenty four (and a half). The players in this historic side were Stuart 'Rafa' Webb, Mike 'Mike Tiley' Tiley, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Jamie 'DJ Teabag' Harris, Ben 'MC Tealeaf' Harris, Matt 'Mr Whippy' DuGay, Dan 'the Hawley captain' Litwin, Adam 'AC' Carmichael, Warren 'Wozza' Vass and Simon 'Thor (God of Thunder)' Millington.

Waverley batted first for the second time in a single weekend, a feat almost unheard of in the Waverley changing room. Rafa and debutant Mike Tiley opened, with the latter playing around a straight one for a golden duck. However, Rafa and KV soon took charge of proceedings with a partnership of 128. The magic was ended shortly after Rafa changed his bat, as he skied one to long-on for thirty eight. KV had passed fifty by this stage and with Chaminda joining him at the crease, the score continued to tick over nicely. The skipper was eventually out for ninety one, caught in the same place as Rafa going for the lofted drive. Teabag came to the crease and generally minced around, before being involved in the unfortunate run out of Chaminda who returned to the hutch with a well made forty. This meant Teabag and Tealeaf were at the crease, which caused older brother Teabag to knuckle down and accelerate the scoring rate. Tealeaf was quick between the wickets, but was unlucky to be out stumped in the final over. Mr Whippy got Teabag on strike, who was on forty seven with one ball to face. However, he jug-evaded superbly to leave the home side needing 240 to win.

After tea, Waverley opened with the pace attack of Mr Whippy and DJ Teabag. The former in particular bowled with accuracy and aggression, bagging two wickets for his efforts. Teabag also got his name in the book, a skier caught by Mike Tiley running round from first slip. Bowling changes saw the introduction of the Hawley captain, who soon got into his rhythm with some accurate bowling. He was almost certainly "taking wickets from the other end" as AC, who got some tap in his first couple of overs, needed a huge slice of luck to make the breakthrough (a reverse bouncer the big hitter played over the top of). He then added three more wickets to his tally, catches going to Mr Whippy, KV and Thor (God of Thunder), who did well to keep his eye on a high, looping ball. Young Wozza got some overs under his belt and picked up two wickets in his maiden first class match, just reward for some fine bowling. Tealeaf also bowled well at the death, as did Mr Whippy. However, Waverley were unable to find the final wicket in a game that they'd dominated from start to finish and had to settle for a draw.

With AC travelling on his own (with a chance to mull over some of life's more taxing issues), there were no Highlights from the Honda. Instead, the final paragraph goes to Teabag's Teaching. Waverley's motivational coach was heard to comment at tea "if you bowl, you bowl. If you don't, you don't." Wisdom beyond his years...

Ebernoe

After the disappointment of last weekend, Saturday's fixture at Ebernoe couldn't come soon enough for Waverley's athletes. Those lucky enough to be selected were Ian 'IV' Verrinder, Adrian 'Mog' Day, Andy 'Winnie' Minshaw, Simon 'KV' Brewer, Simon 'Knoxy' Knox, Craig 'C_rage' Ryan, Sam 'Chaminda' Vass, Adam 'the Kiwi' Hart, David 'Stocky' Stockwell, William 'Junior' Knox and Adam 'AC' Carmichael.

With the skipper winning the toss, Waverley batted first on what is traditionally a batsman-friendly wicket. IV and Mog opened, having to deal with some quick bowling that was rearing up from just back of a length. Having successfully negotiated the early overs, both were bowled and when KV also went cheaply, Waverley were wobbling. Cue a vital partnership between Winnie the Minshaw and Knoxy, who steered the visitors towards a respectable total. Winnie notched up a fifty and Knoxy would have done, had he not calculated he was on forty nine and launched one down long-on's throat. C_rage was out wafting over a straight one but Chaminda Vass, batting for the first time in about twenty seven years, looked like he'd never been away. Winnie the Mincer was eventually out for sixty nine and this was the start of a mini batting collapse, as the Kiwi and Stocky were out second ball and first ball respectively. This at least meant that Junior Knox got some time at the crease, with Waverley reaching 172-8 at tea.

172 seemed a bit below the par score on such a flat pitch, but this has never deterred a Waverley side in the past. KV and Knoxy opened the bowling and quickly put Waverley into a good position. KV picked up three wickets (two bowled and one caught behind by IV), while the Knox saw a sharp chance pouched by Mog and clean bowled the other chap. AC was introduced to the attack, but didn't create any wicket-taking opportunities of note and saw the bad deliveries brutally punished. C_rage, on the other hand, bowled some superb off-breaks in his spell and was unluck not to take a wicket. Mog also bowled well for no reward, however the sixth wicket stand was enough to steer the hosts to a five wicket victory. Despite the defeat, it was a battling performance from Waverley and there was a good atmosphere in the dressing room as ten men shoe-horned themselves in for a debriefing by the skipper (make of that what you will...).

This week in Comments from the Clio, regular panelist AC was joined by guest panelists Stocky and C_rage. A whole range of topics were discussed on the long journey, however one moment of note was the drive down the country lane to Balls Cross... when a chicken crossed the road in front of the three youths. "Why DID the chicken cross the road?", asked AC. "According to FIFA, it didn't", quipped Stocky.

Westfield Saints

Waverley arrived to a closed-up pavilion, a pitch worryingly absent of any markings and no opposition. Suspicions were confirmed when news broke that Westfield weren't due to field a team on Sunday, meaning a breakdown in communication of biblical proportions somewhere down the line. A real shame as it was a lovely day for cricket. So Waverley's men drifted away to occupy their time with other pursuits... unless Teabag's missus in reading, in which case the game went the distance and he wasn't able to spare the time to get over to Weybridge...

Unfortunately, there are no Highlights from the Honda this week. Well, there probably were but guest panelist Stocky talked regulars AC and Teabag into a coma-like state, which has a devastating effect on the memory.

Blackheath

It was billed as the hotest day of the year for Waverley's visit to Blackheath, the little hamlet in deepest Surrey. With the start time brought forward to take into account the football, Adam "AC" Carmichael, Marcus "MC" Carmichael, Bob "the Sponge" Moxham (skipper for the day), Stuart "Rafa" Webb, James "Jim Jam" Wright, Peter "PB" Brewer and Herb "Bertie" Scarth were eventually joined by Adrian "Mog" Day, Dave "Cozy" Powell, Andy "the Mincer" Minshaw and Adam "Piglet" Minshaw. Chris "the Ninja" Scarth was spectating, but more on that later.

Waverley batted first (a blessing in the heat) and the late arrivals meant a new-look top order. Rafa and Jim Jam opened as usual and were going along nicely at seven an over at one point, Waverley having two hours to post a score (before football and tea). After looking solid for so long, Jim Jam spooned an attempted sweep to square leg for a jug-evading 48. Rafa followed soon after for one better, also jug-evading with 49 when he lobbed a rank bad ball into the covers. PB was at the crease displaying his usefulness with the bat with some good shots... AC came to the crease and displayed his uselessness with the bat by top-edging behind to the keeper (after a juggling act from first slip) for a golden duck. However, the saving grace was that this brought the Mincer to the crease with twenty minutes to go to kick-off. He stroked the ball all round the park and managed to injure PB going for a quick single (he retired hurt). Cozy added a few vital runs at the end, while the Mincer finished on 32 not out and Waverley posted 177 at the conclusion of the innings.

With the football proving to be what can only be described as a crock of s**t, the Blackheath response started a little earlier than planned. Cozy and Jimothy opened the bowling and Cozy got and early breakthrough, knocking back the older opener's off stump. Jim also bowled reasonably well for no reward, but during this time PB had to leave the field because of his injury. However, Waverley had an ace up their sleeve. After about ten years, the Ninja returned to the cricket field with a Waverley side as substitute fielder ("it was just how I remembered it", he said afterwards). A bowling change at the nice cottage end saw AC try and get the better of two youths, after Bertie had been given some tap. He bagged a wicket with a full-length dive (off his own bowling, naturally) to snaffle the other opener. Bertie returned from the other end and was in amongst the wickets again this season, with catches to Cozy and the Mincer. However, Blackheath's South African was going along like a train at this point and took the game away from Waverley with a quick-fire 50. AC finally trapped him LBW with the final ball of his spell, but it came about three overs too late. There was time for Piglet to have a two over spell and he bowled superbly, going for just four from his two overs. He was unlucky not to get a wicket for himself but he did induce a run out, an excellent throw right over the stumps from MC after a step-over from Cozy Powelldolski. However, Blackheath struck the winning runs with seven overs to spare. Waverley retired to the bar, while the Waverley Ladies remained outside in the sun ("it's right that they're staying away from the sporting arena", commented a spectating KV).

This week sees the return of Jim Jam's quote of the week. Taken from during the debacle against Germany (and following "the goal that never was"), Jim Jam observed that "all referees are Scottish twits". Unfortunately for MC, that includes him.

Purbrook

Waverley crashed to a 145 run defeat against a strong Purbrook side featuring the host's overseas player, a South African youth international.

The home side batted first and made short work of the Waverley opening attack, speeding along at 6 an over before C Herrington made the breakthrough by uprooting the opener's middle stump. The Purbrook top order continued to push on and despite some good bowling and fielding by the visitors a steady stream of boundaries was maintained. The run rate accelerated towards eight an over but the gloom in the field was lifted when S Millington took his first catch for the club as the ball was cracked straight to him off the middle of the bat. Thor's fine catch was the second of three wickets claimed by H Scarth and Waverley began to get on top of the game again as J Wright also claimed a wicket, leaving the home side five wickets down with seven overs to go. Purbrook looked set to make a competitive score of 250 but the fall of the fifth wicket brought the talented South African to the crease. He scored a swift 50, putting the game effectively out of Waverley's reach before he was out caught by D Debenham off the last ball of the innings, the delivery coming from J Harris. The 324 scored by Purbrook was a new record number of runs conceded by a Waverley side, the previous being 318 set the week before by Odiham & Greywell, an unfair reflection on the bowling and fielding performance in both games.

A valiant effort by Waverley in reply wasn't enough to save the game, despite Wright's first 50 of the season. Jim Jam notched up 64 against a formidable opening bowling attack before being cruelly dismissed LBW by the umpire Stuart Webb, a former Waverley and (current) captain of The Bourne, who will remain nameless. This was the second such decision of the game after Waverley's very own roaming reporter was dismissed LBW by another Bourne player... yes it may have looked plum, but that ball had a lot of late swing on it just a split second before it struck me on the back pad in front of middle stump... (check the Hawk Eye. See? It was clearly heading off towards square leg!). Waverley's batsmen stuttered along and a promising middle order partnership between Harris and D Powell provided some hope before D Powell was clean bowled, looking to hit big, for 22. The ball before had cleared the bowlers head, sightscreen and the 10ft bank beyond landing somewhere between the pavilion and tennis courts. Harris fell for 29 and the innings was wrapped up soon after.

Thanks to this week's guest reporter, MC.

Odiham & Greywell II

It was a pleasant day for cricket as Waverley assembled outside the Odiham pavilion. With Simon nursing a groin injury, vice captain Bob "the Sponge" Moxham stepped into the breach, joined by Ian "IV" Verrinder, Andy "the Mincer" Minshaw, Adrian "Mog" Day, Jamie "DJ Teabag" Harris, Dave "Cozy" Powell, Marcus "MC" Carmichael, Adam "AC" Carmichael, Simon "Thor (God of Thunder)" Millington, Herb "Bertie" Scarth and Peter "PB" Brewer.

Having lost the toss, Waverley fielded first but were buoyed by the Odiham skipper saying that their side wasn't the strongest. This turned out to be a little inaccurate. Bowler after bowler saw deliveries carted to all parts of the ground. Cozy was given some tap by a young boy before he spooned a mis-timed drive to Bertie in the covers. This brought a big hitter to the crease, who drove Cozy, Teabag and PB for numerous fours before finally being undone by Bertie. However, this brought an even bigger hitter to the crease. He proceeded to smash his way to 98 before trying one lofted drive too many, the Mincer pouching off the bowling of AC. Three more wickets followed for AC, catches going to Mog and Bertie. One of those dismissed was the other opening batsman, who had made 98 before steering one to Bertie at gully. Teabag returned and knocked back a poor unfortunate's off stump, while there was also a run out and a stumping off the bowling of Bertie. However, the run rate had been impressive for the home side and they finished their 40 overs with 314, eclipsing the 300 scored by Bookham back in 1986 and becoming the highest score recorded against a Waverley side.

Having restricted Odiham to just over 300, the visitors were confident of chasing down the total and got off to a flying start. IV in particular put the bowling to the sword, scoring a quickfire 26 before getting a thin edge behind. He was followed soon after by the Mincer, a mis-timed pull shot caught at square leg. From then on, things became a bit of a procession. Teabag and Cozy were clean bowled for ducks. Mog edged one behind and AC did the same for a third duck. MC, who looked reasonably comfortable for his thirteen runs, spooned one up to the covers. Thor was trapped LBW and the Sponge became the fourth duck of the Waverley innings when he was caught. Bertie and PB put up some resistance, ensuring Waverley crossed the three figure mark (assisted by Teabag, acting as a runner for Bertie). Bertie was eventually stumped with the score on 114, meaning a 200 run defeat and plenty of players joining Teabag in the "livid with cricket" corner of the bar, after the game.

In this week's final paragraph, it's Highlights from the Honda. Two insights from Teabag this week, the first coming from absolutely nowhere: "fat girls in low cut tops should be banned." The second was more poignant: "when you get to your early twenties, you need to start looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with." A shame he then ruined it by saying "I know that sounds gay and girly, but it's true"...

The Bourne

Waverley returned to winning ways on Sunday, beating the twelve men of The Bourne who were captained by our very own J Harris. The home side won the toss and decided to field first. Speaking to Waverley reporter 'Bumble' Bob on the square, Harris said "er... yeah... pitch doesn't look great does it so I thought we'd bowl"...insightful stuff.

Following last week's batting debacle, there was an underlying nervousness as the opening batsman walked out... that turned to worry when J Wright was clean bowled by a grubber for one and sheer panic two overs later when I Verrinder was caught for nine with the score 14 for 2. A strong third wicket partnership propelled Waverley to a winning position, with S Webb and S Brewer digging in and keeping the score board ticking over at a steady, but slow rate. J Harris brought himself on to bowl and was promptly dispatched for four back over his head by Waverley's esteemed skipper. Now that he had his eye in (and the military medium was on), skipper Brewer went on a one man mission to speed things along and smashed 118, including 20 boundaries, before being bowled by Harris during his second spell. Webb made his half century soon after the captains ton, ending on 59*, and a brief cameo by S Knox brought nine before he became Harris' second victim. Waverley finished their innings on 235 for 4.

Waverley had a wealth of bowling available to them after R Moxham was passed fit to play by Thor, who declared his fungal infection was nothing serious. The Spinning Sponge took his mandatory wicket, a Corpral Jones style stumping by Verrinder, but the bowling was all about P Brewer who finished with six wickets. D Powell added to his tally by clean bowling three batsman, breaking a bail in the process, with Wright breaking the replacement bail when he dismissed opener M Tiley, who had smashed a quickfire 70.

Waverley head for Hundred Acre Wood

Following the revelation that the Mincer bears a striking resemblance to Winnie the Pooh (after a chance viewing of his towel), Waverley are considering a screen play based on a new adventure written by our very own version of A A Milne, KV. The current cast is as followed:

Christopher Robin: Adam Carmichael (for his youthful innocence)
Winnie the Pooh: Andy Minshaw (for his resemblance to a towel)
Eeyore: Simon Knox (for his love of long shadows)
Tigger: James Wright (for his inability to be quiet and his inability to spell)
Rabbit: Jamie Harris (for getting out for a golden duck at Elstead)

Further auditions for the remaining parts will be announced in due course.

Elstead

Despite rain putting paid to Saturday's game at Lynchmere, a fine but gusty day greeted Waverley as they made the trip to Elstead. Representing the visitors were Stuart "Rafa" Webb, James "Jim Jam" Wright, Andy "the Mincer" Minshaw, Simon "KV" Brewer, Jamie "DJ Teabag" Harris, Liam "Not Craig" Ryan, Marcus "MC" Carmichael, Craig "C_Rage" Ryan, Dave "Cozy" Powell, Adam "AC" Carmichael and Simon "Knoxy" Knox.

Winning the toss, Waverley batted first. However, there followed a top order collapse of biblical proportions. First, Jim Jam went through a cover drive too early and gently lobbed the ball to mid-off. Rafa followed soon after for eight, a mix-up with the Mincer resulting in him being run out after the man at mid-wicket dropped him. The skipper was then caught well at cover for no score and Teabag departed for a golden duck, spooning one up to mid-wicket. Not Craig was clean bowled in the next over to leave Waverley in a very precarious position, so bad that the home side asked for the tea urn to be switched on at 3pm. However, the Mincer was still at the crease and was dragging the visitors towards a respectable total. MC helped to steady the ship, but fell victim to the tennis ball bounce when he attempted to push the score along. C_Rage was in and out for not very many and Cozy made it into double figures before holing out. With fifteen overs left, AC and the Mincer (mainly the latter) guided the visitors into three figures. The Mincer also passed the fifty mark, an excellent knock whilst wickets tumbled at the other end, but was caught in the final over. However, despite being five down for eighteen at one stage Waverley managed to post a total of 109-9 from their 40 overs.

After the tea interval, Waverley needed a stirling performance from their bowling attack. Things started well with a wicket for Cozy in his first over, Jim Jam pouching the catch at cover. On account of the pitch, KV opened with the spin of Knoxy and it turned out to be tactical genius. Waverley's resident Wookie picked up four wickets: two bowled, one LBW and one catch to the skipper. However, there were ultimately not enough runs on the board. Teabag couldn't find a wicket and by the time AC had been clattered all round the ground in his first over, victory was assured for the home side who won by five wickets.

This week's final paragraph sees the return of Comments from the Clio. The usual wide range of topics were discussed, including relationships. Teabag's opinion? "What can you get from a woman that you can't get from the Waverley dressing room, anyway?" What indeed...

Oakley

The home side's Scott and Bellamy batted well against superb swing bowling from Herrington supported by Harris. At the change things were easier and Oakley capitalised in the Sunday sun making Waverley run all round the green. The first wicket fell at 84 and this brought Ellis to the crease playing good shots. Soon with Bellamy's dismissal the side collapsed to Moxham's dobblers, keeper Andy Minshaw taking 3 stumpings including one off a wide, enabling them to finish on 243-8. After tea Waverley all too soon found themselves at 3-13 to Jules Worthington and the game seemed over before Minshaw steadied the ship. A late partnership of 76 between Jamie Harris and Peter Brewer looked as if the tide could turn, but with them gone it was just too much for 11 year olds Adam Minshaw and Kyle Moxham although they were unbeaten at stumps in this 40 over game, Waverley falling 31 runs short on 212-8.

Thanks to this week's guest reporter, Mr B. This match report will also be in Friday's Farnham Herald.

Thursley

A well deserved victory against a depleted Thursley side who were only able to field nine players for this 40 over encounter against an in-form Waverley.

Batting first the visitors set a total of 249-7 with J Harris top scoring with an unbeaten 60. I Verrinder and A Wright opened the batting with some swift boundaries, but both lost their wickets with the score on 63; Verrinder making ten and Wright putting on 36. A Minshaw and M Carmichael pushed the score along but Carmichael lost his wicket for 14 and Andy also returned to the pavilion soon after having made 22. Harris and C Ryan (who had just about recovered from an early morning drinking session in Southend) put on a magnificent 89 run partnership for the fifth wicket before Ryan was dismissed for 23. A Day pushed the score along with eleven before being caught and swashbuckling D Powell smashed a lightening quick 27, including a huge six back over the bowler's head, before valiantly surrendering his wicket to give P Brewer the chance to protect his average with one not out in the last over.

After tea, Waverley were made to work hard for their first wicket but the experienced bowling arm of H Scarth made the breakthrough, a catch in the deep by Powell. Ryan added to his wickets tally this season when he claimed the other opening batsman, caught behind by gentleman's helmet wearer of the year Verrinder. The impressive Harris followed up his batting display with some fine bowling and was rewarded with two wickets in as many overs, first tempting the batsman with an awful half volley that was caught by Ryan, before clean bowling his next victim. Some unusual bowling changes were made by stand in skipper S Webb to compensate for the fading light but Waverley claimed victory having restricted the home side to 229-4.

Thanks once again to this week's guest reporter, MC.

Medstead

A regulation victory for Waverley in arctic conditions. Having opened the batting S Webb and A Wright set off like a train with a steady stream of runs in the first ten overs. Stuart "KP who?" Webb dispatched the opening bowler back over his head for six early on. A change in bowling, however, brought a change in fortune for Waverley with the runs quickly drying up. Wright was the first to lose his wicket having made 33 when he was caught trying to hit out (having already been dropped three times). He was joined back in the hutch soon after by Webb (36), who was clean bowled. A Minshaw scored his first runs of the season but was also soon dismissed when he was caught having made eight. A Day finally got off the mark for the season with a magnificent two before being bowled and skipper S Brewer was sent back to the pavilion without scoring. M Carmichael and C Ryan steadied the ship, putting on 32 for the sixth wicket but with the scoring down to a Mog pace runs were needed. Carmichael was out caught (eight) and Ryan followed a few overs later, also out caught, having made a respectable 29. D Powell, clearly still seething from the Whitney Houston concert last weekend, was dismissed without scoring but J Harris put on 17 in the last few overs before getting out caught off the last ball of the innings from the bowling of a small boy. P Brewer protected his average valliantly with 0* while H Scarth did not bat. Waverley declared at tea on 154-9.

The Medstead innings was all about one man as Super Bertie tore through the middle order. Powell and Harris made early inroads, with Powell getting the breakthrough in his second over. He could have had a hat-trick in his third but was denied thanks to "some bloody rubbish" (said by someone with a suspiciously Yorkshire-like accent). The opening bowlers kept it tight and eventually the fourth wicket came courtesy of Harris with the score on 29. With the introduction of a small boy to the crease, Powell was taken out of the attack to prevent the lad from being hurt and replaced by Ryan, who promptly bowled him a head high beamer and then rather unsportingly bowled him a few balls later. Scarth had also been introduced to the attack and the master of disaster was working his magic at the other end, tearing into the middle order with two wickets in his first over, the first turning wickedly up the hill to clean bowl the stunned batsman ("Only me and Shane Warne could have bowled that, and he's retired"). Scarth kept up the steady flow of wickets, claiming two more clean bowled and one caught at mid-on by Harris. He completed his five wicket haul with the dismissal of the last batsman, again clean bowled, to bring him closer to 1,000 career wickets.

The final paragraph this week belongs to Jim Jam. In responding to Mr B's comment that he got himself out playing the wrong shot, Waverley's loveable oaf responded with the sort of in-depth analysis worthy of Sky Sports: "No Pete, it was the right shot... just poor execution."

Thanks to this week's guest reporter, MC.

The Bourne

Playing on the side of Mount Bourne, a previously undiscovered geographical region which lies half on and half off the square, Waverley won the toss and decided they would like to play on another, flatter track. After a brief silence it was decided that this one was in fact fine and that the visitors would field first (as is the custom). It was hard going to begin with, The Bourne racking up 60 in just ten overs. Jamie Harris eventually got the breakthrough, clean bowling the opener having struggled with the sheer drop that existed between outside the off stump and leg stump. He doubled his tally a few overs later but the bowling plaudits belonged to Herb Scarth, who racked up 900 career wickets for the club with his first wicket of the afternoon. Some tight bowling gave him bag three more. Pete Brewer added to last week's tally with one while Adrian Day suprised himself and the batsman with two straight deliverys to claim two wickets himself, both clean bowled. After some late boundries from the tail, the home side crossed the 150 mark to leave Waverley needing 160 to win.

The batting was more problematic for Waverley. Bob Moxham was dismissed early on... although he was never out LBW... Jim got it all wrong: "It was a disgraceful decision" he said back in the pavilion, "I'll make sure I'm umpiring when he bats, but until then I've left him a nice suprise somewhere in his kit bag!" Ian Verrinder and Stuart Webb struggled to get the required runs and Waverley rapidly fell behind the run rate. IV was eventually trapped LBW, bringing Marcus Carmichael to the crease who looked to push the score along but was spectacularly caught one handed on the boundry at long-on.

The report gets a bit sketchy here as Waverley's roaming reporter was in the pavilion changing and showering, but he gathers from Adrian's prompt and rather loud arrival in the changing rooms that things weren't going well. After much kit abuse from Mog and dodging of flying gloves by MC and Jim, who was lurking with intent in the corner, MC made a swift retreat to the shower while Jim helped sooth Mog's feelings by helpfully laughing at him. Mog was given yet more consolation by IV, who made a point of thanking him for making him feel better: "I don't mind doing s*** as long as somebody else does worse than me Adrian, so thank you". It's this kind of moral support that makes Waverley the club it is. There will be special classes held during the year to teach those not yet fully versed in the procedure.

By the time MC emerged from the changing rooms, everyone appeared to be back because it had got a little wet outside. After a brief stoppage, both teams returned to the field for an over before play was abandonded for the day, with 19 overs to go and Waverley having scored under 60 runs. Speaking after the game captain Simon Brewer said "It's a shame the game was abandoned, Herbie and Thor were fired up and ready to hit some big sixes to win the game for us. I'd have stayed out there".

As an addition to last week's report, it should be noted that Kyle Moxham is the latest player to graduate from the Waverley Academy of Cricketing Excellence. And keeping it in the family, this week saw the return of "A Moment with Moxham: the philosophical musings of Moxy the Destroyer. Today's offering: an analysis of IV and Rafa's batting partnership... "Passing a kidney stone is more exciting then watching Ian and Stewie bat. The groundsman will have to go out and cut the grass soon!"

Thanks to this week's guest reporter, MC.

Shalford

Apologies for the delay in uploading a match report for the opening game of the season! Time, tide and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 wait for no man. Anyway, the report:

Batting first Shalford were soon in trouble as Dave Powell grabbed his opening wicket of the season with only one on the board. A 55 partnership between Dave Shilcock and T. Eff brought the home side back on track when Jamie Harris opened his account. Peter Brewer took 3 before being withdrawn and Bob Moxham chipped in with a wicket, but S Dawkins with E Arcon set about the visitor's attack, with Shalford reaching 222-7 at the interval.

After tea Waverley's openers Ian Verrinder and Jim Wright cruised to 58 without loss and were then suddenly 69-3 with Torrey striking twice. Powell and Harris brought the score back to respectability putting on 49 then Harris and P Brewer with 57 saw the visitors within touching distance but fell just short, Rowe putting the brakes on, as Waverley finished on 211-7 and started the season with a very respectable draw.

Thanks to Mr B for providing the report, which will also be appearing in Friday's Farnham Herald.