Four Elms Cricket is 140 years old this season and to celebrate we are holding a 140th anniversary game on the 17th August 2008.

Colin Graves has kindly assmbled a team for us to play consisting of ex-test and county players. The game will start at 11.00am.

As well as the game there will be variety of other activities such as the balloon race and bouncy castle, there will be a BBQ and bar available all day as well as other refreshments.

So please feel welcome to join the cricket club to celebrate our 140th anniversary. We look forward to seeing you, your family and friends at our club.

The Bonus Ball Competition is back. There are still a few numbers left so please let Andy Hills know if you would like one of these, they will cost £17 for the rest of the season.

Congratulations to the winners from the previous draws

The Four Elms Cricket Club 2008 AGM was held at the Four Elms Inn on Wednesday 26th March. The attendance was good, a change from recent years.

If you did not receive a AGM notice the reports can be found on this page of the site, below or in the archives section. If you wish to recive a AGM report next year please give your address and contact details to a committee member we can then update our records.

The officers for the 2008 season are as follows:

President: Adrian Greenwood
Chairman: Andy Hills
Vice Chairman: Jon Pike
Treasurer: Tim Seegar
Secretary: Bob Richards
Child Welfare Officer: Pauline Crowhurst
Fixture Secretary: Bob Richards
Team Secretary: Jo Allman
First XI Captain: Stuart Bradley
Fist XI Vice Captain: Tim Seegar
Second XI Captain: Dom Conlin
Second XI Vice Captain: Andy Hills
Sunday Captain: Tim Seegar
Sunday Vice Captin: Alex Williamson
Committee: Andy Hills, Jon Pike, Tim Seegar, Bob Richards, Pauline Crowhurst, Alan Crowhurst, Alan Jenner, Matt Hird

Adult Annual Subscriptions have increased by £10 to £60 rising to £70 if not paid by the 30th June 2008. Adult match fees remain the same at £8. U16 match fees - £2, U18 match fees £3.50 and 18-21, student or unemployed £5 annual subscriptions will be £10.

Oppositions teas will be charged at £40 for the 2008 season.

Other issues discussed were the insurance claim going through at the moment for the subsidence and the tree felling due for the start of April. This season is the clubs 140th year and any special events that could be arranged to mark the occasion. The fact we have to plan some fundraising events to provide cash reserves that will start to run low.

Good luck to all those starting new roles within the club this year and thanks to everyone for the work inprevious years.

As some of you know last year we purchased some ale from Westerham Brewery. It seems it all went down very well and was thouroughly enjoyed so from the start of this season we will be using Westerham as our sole provider.

Robert from the brewery has been and inspected our bar and cellar and is currently making arrangements for any changes to equipment that may be required. We will be changing the Orangeboom to another lager maybe Budvar depending on cost and availabilty otherwise another brand. The bitter will change to one Westerhams own we have had a tasting to help all you bitter drinkers to decide although we can change weekly. We will be able to keep the Gunnness as well.

The decision to change has a lot to do with wastage we were getting by having to order the beer by Wednesday then with last years weather games being called off and tapped barrels going to waste. With the location of Westerham Brewery we can pick the beer up on Friday evenings and they give us the options of smaller barrells if required this will help to save on wastage and if we need more then it is just a short drive away. Hopefully the extra flexibility will make running the bar a simpler task.

Our tasting session at Westerham Brewery was held on the 14th March 2008. Unfortunately this coincided with the Cheltenham festival which meant the numbers could have been better. I think I can speak for everyone when I say it was a very informative and enjoyable evening. I would like to thank Robert for his time in showing us around the Brewery and explanation of the brewing process at Westerham. All that remains now is for all you bitter drinkers to decide which brew you fancy although there is a degree of flexibilty to our choice

Below are some of Westerham Brewery's ales but for more information on Westerham Brewery and their range or beers visit their website at www.westerhambrewery.co.uk.

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Chairmans Report 2007

As I started to prepare this report, I wondered how long I have been Chairman. So, I checked the records and the answer is 1994. In a three page report, I described the post as a bed of nails: not much change there. 1994 saw our 2nd win the inaugural KCVL 2nd XI competition, cases of ill-discipline and record bar profits under a Bar Steward. At the the time, I was also Chairman of the KCVL, then in its fifth year.

How did I find the time, I ask myself - well, there were fewer clubs in the league and workpressures were much less. The league has grown considerably and, last year, it became apparent that I had too little to devote to the post, so I resigned.

The decision was made partly to release some time for the Club but, as many of you will know I suffered a mild heart attack late last year, which necessitated an operation and I now wonder whether I have time for his post. Certainly, work pressures are still there and it seems that I have overburdened myself to my own detriment and, ultimately, to the possible detriment of others.

So perhaps it is time to hand over the reins. Bob Richards has donea terrific job of holding some difficult things together when I have not been around and a number of others do onerous jobs well - Aan Jenner, Fred, Alan Crowhurst, Matt Hird, various ladies and captains, for example. In this respect, it was pleasing to see Dm Conlin make a sucess of the 2nd XI job. As mentioned in the treasurer's report, Tim Seegar is now poised to assme full responsibility forthe accounting functions.

In preparation for the time when I my no longer be around, Andy Hills took on the role of Vice Chairman, with a view to me transferring responsibilities at some stage. As always, there are unfinished tasks, which I would like to see through. I have talked to Andy and one possibility is to reverse the roles. I simply do not ave the time to attend to important day to day matters, but can deal with some of the longer term, more occasional matters, such a bringin our rules up to date. We shall see what members think.

In 2004,i observed that there seemed to be no real dynamism around the Club and that I could understand this - those of us who run it are tobusy withour workng lives to devote extra time that we would like to do so as to make the Club more sucessful. Thankfully, this has been corrected to a degree and I am grateful for those who have achieved this - witness the website and fixtures card for example. Matt Hird was a unanimous winner of the AD Greenwood Trophy.

On the playing side, over the years, we have achieved respecatable positions in the league, which has now been divided into anumber of smaller divisions with the admission of a number of clubs about whom your Committee is not happy. Our playing strength, in terms of numbers, is much improved, thanks to the development of a cadre ofyouth players, brought on by Alan Crowhurst.

This is very encouraging and I hope that we can retain their services for a good while, before other attractions take over. It is certainly a much better position than 2004, when the 2nd XI captain was on the receiving of people crying off on Saturday and he was left with teams of less than eleven players on a number of occasions, a very demoralizing situation. Sunday cricket continues to be a struggle though some regular, well established fixtures remain on the calendar.

As most of you will be aware, we had no official Treasurer in 2004 and the task devolved onto your Chairman. This has caused its problems but, as mentioned elsewhere, Tim is ready to assume control. I have prepared the acounts forthis year with Tim and Matt.

My thanks are due to the team captains for their input and performances, Kevin having done another good job at the helm, whilst I would particularly like to thank all of those members, a shrinking number, who have devoted time to the Club over the years which I have been Chairman.

On the monet front, we kept our heads above water, but only just as can be seen from my Treasurer's report. We have a major expense coming up to repair subsidence damage to the pavilion. My thanks also go to thankthose of our Vice Presidents who provide us with welcome financial contributions. We lost one VP this year, in the shape of Dennis Keating, an unforgettable figure to those who knew him.

Once again, I am sure that there are many people thati should be referring to, but I hope that they will have a mention in the Captain's reports, especially those who prepare such tasty teas, widely reputed to be amongst the finest on the circuit.

Jon Pike

Chairman 2007

Treasurer's Report; 2006/2007

In the year to October 30, 2007, the Club displayed a suplus of £1085.13. The details behind this outcome are summarised in the income and expenditure statement. this also shows the corresponding figures for the years since 2003. The overall picture is of a steady state situation, where a small profit or surplus is achieved. Obviously, this makes us vulnerable to anyunexpected events.

One such event is in place. The pavilion has been "on the move", leading to cracking and insatbility in the structure. We informed our insurers and, in turn, have been poured over by loss adjusters and tree surgeons. The upshot is that trees behind the pavilion have been identified as the unwitting cuprits, their roots searching uner the pavilion for water, part of which they no doubt obtained from the adjacent pond that ued to exist in the Greenaway estate. The trees are to be felled and the pavilion repaired. We have an excess on our insurance policy of £2500 and our choice is clear, pay it and have the work done or let the trees do thier work. Your Committee judges thatwe have no alternative but to take the first option.

Fortunately, we have some reserves and these will be used to fund this work. Clearly, this is a situationthat cannot last forever and we need to find ways of replacing these funds. We will have reserves of around £4000 after the work has been completed.

So some fund raising will be required. In 2006/2007, we held a Race Night and a Quiz Night, which generated around £1000, around £400 onceexpenseshad been deducted. The annual sponsored walk generated £275. All of these are worthwhile, but bigger initiatives are needed to give us the contingency that we need.

Match fees and tea revenues increased, but then so did the prices/fees that we charged. Our bar produced a surplus of almost £1400, better than in previous years and thanks to Matt Hird for sterling work in this area. Yet, our costs continue to place pressure - we managed to stabilise utility costs and saved on mower costs for the year by conducting our own maintenance, but this is not a long term possibility. Ground maintenance costs are reasonably stable, but insurance premiums rise inexorably. The other expenses category contains sevral one off items, such as advertising, skip hire, the construction of a mobile net, for which we have to see real benefit yet.

During the lastcouple of years, I havetried to transfer the stewardship of this role to Tim Seegar, buthave been thwarted by bank bureaucracy and poor communiction - much to the frustraionof other committee members, with the result that not only did they fail to transfer the responsibility but stopped sending out statements! This should be now resolved and I think that Tim is now in a position to assume full responsibilty for maintaining the accounts with perhaps, an extra lesson in Excel to be thrown in at some stage. It is important that we become a little slicker in the way we collect and handle our working capital. Tim's proximity tothe club should greatly assist in this process. It is also important that those with resposibilty for collecting and transferring monies should do so promptly and accurately, providing appropriate receipts.

Jon Pike

Secretaries Report 2007

It’s been a funny start to the club’s 140th year; several occurrences have combined to bring both sadness and joy to members of our throng. Our Chairman, Jon Pike suffered a heart attack in January, which caused much anxiety within the club, but thankfully after an operation, Jon appears to be on the mend and looking forward to nine ‘pacey’ overs up the hill again this year! Vera Knight has also been unwell in the early part of the year and our best wishes go out to both Jon and Vera for speedy recoveries.

The season started with some new faces in the first eleven and we got off to a good start winning our first three games. From there on in things didn’t run quite to plan, we picked up some good wins along the way but also suffered a couple of baffling defeats.

Otford 12th May 2007 (Home)
Otford batted first and amassed 153 for 9, the last batsmen unable to bat as he was on his way to hospital after unfortunately dislocating his shoulder donning the umpires coat! E. Piper top scored batting through the innings for a well crafted 67. Lee Shepherd 4 for 41 and Chris Naden 2 for 33 were the pick of a rusty looking Four Elms attack. In reply Stuart Bradley and Zenroy Thomas put on a hundred partnership for the first wicket, Thomas plundering 11 fours and 3 sixes in his 74. After the mercurial Kevin Allman was clean bowled for 6 it was left to Alan Crowhurst to see the game through with Bradley who finished on 45 not out.

Groombridge 19th May 2007 (Away)
On one of the few bright days this summer Groombridge won the toss and decided to bat first. Groombridge made steady progress losing few wickets with a short boundary. C. Scoble reached 50 and then Lee Shepherd came on to bowl and took his second four wicket haul this season with Zenroy Thomas, Chris Naden and Tim Seegar taking a wicket a each. This lead to Groombridge reaching 194 for 7 at the end of their 40 overs. In reply Kevin Allman opened with Stuart Bradley and they got off to a great start, Kevin scoring at ease when Stuart fell for 21 without having much of the strike. Kevin was briefly joined by Ryan Payne (7) and then by Alan Crowhurst (12). Kevin finished on 125 not out with extras of 34 being the next best score a resounding result for the Elms chasing 194 losing only two wickets with 8 overs left.

Chiddingstone 26th May 2007 (Home)
Chiddingstone batted first and got off to a brisk start through James Lockwood (33) and Rob Littler (25). Tony Baldwin came in upon Lockwoods departure and batted the rest of the innings out for a belligerent 43. As Baldwin held his end up, wickets fell around him to Seegar 3 for 21, Zenroy Thomas 2 for 38 and Chris Naden 2 for 19. Chiddingstone finally achieving 182 for 9. Alan Crowhurst (28) and Kevin Allman (51) got Four Elms off to a solid start putting on an 89 partnership for the first wicket. Chiddingstones bowlers then tightened the screws through Rob Littler 2 for 50 and D.Gower 1 for 23 from nine. However Ryan Payne (34) and Zenroy Thomas sped the run rate up and Bob Richards 18 n/o and Tim Seegar saw Four Elms home for the loss of 6 wickets.

Fordcombe 9th June 2007 (Away)
Four Elms elected to bat and were soon in trouble at 5 for 2 after 2 overs. Kevin Allman started brightly dismissing any loose balls with aplomb but was undone by ‘Noshers’ arm ball for 32! Stuart Bradley (26) and James Allman (11) struggled against tight bowling and a tricky wicket only managing 21 runs from 12 overs. Bob Richards joined Stuart Bradley for a fifth wicket partnership of 57. The Elms innings closed on 153 for 8 tail end wickets falling in an attempt to boost the score Richards not out 67. Zenroy Thomas was dangerous for his first 2 overs but lost his radar in the 4th which boosted Fordcombes score to 46 from 7 overs. Lee Shepherd tightened things up and Tim Seegar found prolific spin and bounce claiming 2 for 31 from his nine. But our ‘Keystone cop’ style fielding let Fordcombe off the hook and no matter how we tried to vary our bowling the end result was a formality as the opposition strolled home with 8 overs spare. 32 extras, enough said!

Bidborough 16th June 2007 (Away)
Having sat in the changing room watching the drizzle before the start of the game it was no surprise we were asked to field first once the covers were off. Bidborough started well C. Howes scoring 54 however Chris Naden did take the prized wicket of Charlie Harding for only 5. Chris picked up another wicket to finish with figures of 9-2-36-2 making him the pick of the bowling. Tim Seegar also took two wickets for 46 and Lee Shepherd got another to add to his tally. Unfortunately we let them get away from us at the end with A. Healy scoring a quick 86, Matt probably won’t mention these overs, ever again. When we lost both openers with less than 20 on the board things didn’t look good for the Elm’s however this brought Kevin Allman to the crease and with his partnership with Alan Crowhurst it looked as though they would see us home. Kevin fell just short of a well deserved century on 97. There have been times when we could have contrived to lose this game from a good position but there was no need to worry despite the run out of Bob Richards. Then came Ben Crowhurst who carried on where Kevin had finished hitting the opening bowler back over his head for six. Four Elms reached the total with an over to spare, Ben not out on 42 and Alan not out on 59. A great win against the eventual league winners. Last week was surely just a blip....?

Plaxtol 23rd June 2007 (Away)
At Bidborough we watched the rain from the changing room but then it stopped completely for the rest of the afternoon. We were not to be so lucky against Plaxtol. Buster had come along to umpire for us and what a day he ended up having. Due to the weather we never seemed to be on the pitch for more than half an hour at a time with thunder rumbling around the hills. Plaxtol batted first and Four Elms bowled well with only B. Thomson getting far into double figures for Plaxtol his 61 proved to be a good knock. Plaxtol were kept to 148 for 8 in 40 overs, Bob Richards picking up 3 for 25 from his 9 overs. Tim Seegar picked up 2 for 49, Matt Hird 2 for 15 and Lee Shepherd 1 for 19. In reply Four Elms started slowly due to some very good bowling from C. Perry. He picked up the wickets of both openers. Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings although being up with the run rate. In the end we fell 27 runs short with six overs left to go. Stuart Bradley top scored with 28 a disappointing afternoon however the pub was enjoyable afterwards with a live band and the beer flowed.

Sissinghurst 30th June 2007 (Home)
Match Cancelled due to bad weather. Our first League game to be cancelled this year and it wouldn’t
be the last of the season.

Penshurst Park 7th July 2007 (Home)
Penshurst won the toss and asked Four Elms to bat. Alan Crowhurst held the side together throughout the home sides innings forming a partnership of 77 with Stuart Bradley who was second highest scorer with 21. Several Four Elms batsmen perished trying to push the score along but only Alan Crowhurst mastered the slow, low conditions finishing with a fine 113 not out and giving Four Elms a fighting chance on 198 for 6. The pick of the Penshurst bowlers was John Boyden with figures of 3 for 28 from nine overs. Penshurst Park struggled to get going against Richards nine overs 0 for 12 and Chris Naden who dismissed the first four batsmen for 35 runs in his nine. Tim Seegar then bowled a tight middle spell eventually claiming 4 for 19 to dismiss Penshurst for 99 in 32 overs.

Withyham 14th July 2007 (Away)
After a couple of pints in the Dorset Arms beforehand and the captain and opening batsmen arriving by taxi for a pint of course, we batted first on what looked to be a quick but very even track. After a reasonable start wickets fell at regular intervals but the momentum didn’t really slow Kevin Allman top scored with 43, Stuart Bradley was next with 42 and Bob Richards added 37 with a late flourish from Tim Seegar with 15. In reply Withyham started well and wickets were hard to come by and they seemed to be well within the run rate but good bowling and fielding later on pulled us back into it. The game resulted in a tie with 1 run needed from the last ball bowled by Bob Richards which ended up in a run out. A quick mention of Ben Crowhurst who had to bowl the penultimate over, it happened to be his first and only over of the game and only went for six runs, fair play.

Leigh 21st July 2007 (Away)
Match cancelled due to bad weather although the 2nds did manage to get the game in at home, good thing we have a bar where most of us spent a pleasant afternoon watching them beat Leigh 2nds by 8 wickets.

Hadlow 28th July 2007 (Away)
We arrived at Hadlow with our form having stuttered since the impressive win at Bidborough. Four Elms batted first on a damp wicket Tim Seegar opened the batting with Alan Crowhurst but unfortunately couldn’t carry his form over from the previous Sunday with an impressive knock opening the batting against WPP of 75 he departed without troubling the scorer. An impressive partnership between Bob Richards (25) and Stuart Bradley (57) gave the innings momentum. Kevin Allman added 21 and James Allman 39 to set Hadlow a total of 179 to win. Hadlow were never really allowed to get going with some tight bowling all round, Chris Naden being the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 18 from his nine overs. Tim Seegar finished with 2 for 15 from his 9 and Matt Hird 2 for 39 and Bob Richards 1 for 24. Hadlow finished with 143 for 8 from their 40 overs a solid win only marred slightly by the altercation over run out rules, you can’t deliberately hit the ball away surely, never mind points well earned!

Limpsfield Chart 4th August 2007 (Home)
Limpsfield Charts innings started impressively W. Wild 56 and L.Denton 32 putting on a 78 partnership for the first wicket and looking like the decision to bat was the correct choice. However the introduction of Tim Seegar into the attack saw wickets fall and runs dry up as he claimed 2 for 12 from his nine overs. Matt Hird joined Seegar at the other end and finished the Limpsfield innings off with 5 for 17 from 8.3 overs leaving Four Elms to chase 139. The Four Elms innings started shakily as early wickets fell to L. Denton 2 for 36 and O.Blake 2 for 26. Ben Crowhurst started a come back batting solidly for 24 which was carried on by Zenroy Thomas 23 and Bob Richards 33 creating a partnership of 62 which saw Four Elms home in the 27th over.

Southborough 11th August 2007 (Away)
After the win at Hadlow we went to Southborough feeling relatively confident, maybe too confident. Southborough batted first on what looked to be a good wicket certainly one of the driest in recent weeks. Southborough got off to a good start although we were guilty of dropping two catches that would have slowed progress. Because of their good start a double bowling change was enforced. What a change it yielded eight wickets. Zenroy Thomas picking up 4 wickets for 32 runs using his pace to great effect. Meanwhile not to be out done Tim Seegar was busy taking for 4 for 38 plenty of bounce and turn. Chris Naden later came back to take 2 for 21 this kept Southborough to 165 all out surely we could chase that down. The short answer is no! Only two batsmen made it into double figures and Four Elms were all out for 66, 99 runs short of the total with 16 overs still to go maybe we were a bit complacent but the fact is Southborough bowled superbly the pick of the bowling was G. Brookes with 5 for 18. On the bright side it was a warm evening and the terrace of the pub over the road was very nice as was the beer. An opportunity lost though.

Outwood 18th August 2007 (Away)
Outwood batted first and made a steady start to their innings Bob Richards then claimed both openers, Ben Crowhurst taking a sharp catch in the slips for the first. Outwood lost wickets at regular intervals after this. The innings was held together by I. Milton who scored 58. We had to go off the field because of a rain shower but not for long and the covers protected the wicket. The wickets were well shared out Lee Shepherd taking 3 for 41 and two each for Bob Richards and Matt Hird, Chris Naden and Tim Seegar taking one each. Outwood were kept to 202 for 9 in their 40 overs a good bowling and fielding performance on a small ground. At tea the weather looked like it was closing in again. The Four Elms innings was opened by Kevin Allman and Alan Crowhurst and although Alan was out for 9 the innings was progressing well having scored 41 from the first 8 overs it looked as though we could well reach our target however the weather had other ideas as the rain came down the match was abandoned and another game slipped away.

Horsmonden 25th August 2007 (Away)
After the abandoned match at Outwood we went to Horsmonden feeling we had performed well last week but gained nothing. We fielded first and Horsmonden started well Bob Richards bowled tightly as usual and took 1 for 25 from his 9 overs. N. Paul top scored for the home side with 50 until he was bowled by Matt Hird after some big hitting. Lee Shepherd took 2 for 36 and Tim Seegar 3 for 44. Hormonden finished with 178 for 7 from their 40 overs. At tea it was thought that this would be an achievable target this didn’t prove to be the case. S. Lewis opened the bowling and claimed to very early wickets while A. May took a wicket in his first over leaving Four Elms three wickets down without notching a run on the board not much of a way back from here. Because of a superb knock from Bob Richards of 76 and support from Zenroy Thomas with 45 we ended up falling only 20 runs short when the last wicket fell with 5 overs left. Another game where we should have done better.

St. Lawrence 1st September 2007 (Home)
A ten man St. Lawrence side were asked to field and took full advantage of a dry Four Elms wicket, bowling the home side out for 146. Excellent spells from B.Cobb 4 for 24 and D. Turner 4 for 28 capitalising on an uninspiring batting display from Four Elms. In reply St. Lawrence lost early wickets to Zenroy Thomas 2 for 14 but A. Reid 30 and D. Ayling with a solid 51, showed the home side how to master the conditions. Tim Seegar 3 for 21 and Fred Naden 1 for 10 offered some hope but were unable to stop P. Martin 17 and T.Cobb 24 who performed the last rites to a dismal Four Elms performance seeing St. Lawrence home to a deserved victory in the 38th over.

A mixed season then. We had a great win against Bidborough the eventual winners of the league and until the rain came down were in the driving seat against Outwood. However poor games against Fordcombe, Southborough and Horsmonden really cost us so next year if we can be more consistent throughout the season who knows where we could end up. I would like to thank the wonderful ladies for all the teas we enjoyed over the summer also thanks to Buster and Fred who umpired for us when possible. Of course a big thank you goes to all of you who played in the 1st’s and gave it your best.

I look forward to seeing you in April.

Kevin Allman

First XI Captain 2007

A strange thought came to me last winter. ‘You know, I fancy skipping the 2s this year.’ Of course most sensible people keep that sort of stuff to themselves and when they’ve sobered up they wisely decided to keep mum. Still, for those who decide to think out loud in close proximity to the AGM, at least you get to open the batting every week.

Anyway, I thought, how bad can it be:

Otford A 12/5: Lost by 10 wickets
Well at least I won the toss. A semi respectable start was let down by a sudden flurry of wickets. Only Phil Crowhurst’s swashbuckling 47 not out facelifted us to 149 all out in 36.3 overs. In reply a mix of the well judged lofted shot and the plain lofted agricultural saw the home team home in comfort in only 25 overs. They’d have won anyway but really…

Groombridge H 19/5: Lost by 7 runs
Looking back on this game I can say that we gave the eventual League runners up a really good game. At the time we were all devastated. Inserting the oppo on a typical slow low wicket at the Elms we had them rocking at 40-5. But two key partnerships allowed then to post 125. We allowed ourselves to get a bit bogged down in mid innings, Phil Crowhurst (39) but, agonisingly, we fell just short on 118-8 off the 40.

Shoreham A 26/5: Won by 93 runs
Off the mark! One of the batting performances of the year from Greg Langridge (76 not out), scoring well on both sides of the wicket, and with a typically polished cameo from Justin Sharp (51) we took ourselves to the giddy heights of 200-5. Shoreham were never at the races and, with Phil Crowhurst (3-27), making an early bid for the coveted all rounders slot, we bowled them out for 107 and retreated to the bar in good heart to drink Justin’s jug for him. Sadly his only appearance of the year.

Flimwell A 2/6: Won by 50 runs
I can’t provide too much detail on this one as I was at a family wedding. We batted first and Ben Crowhurst top scored with 34 as we made 126 all out. Phil Crowhurst was back in the wickets (3-8) as Flimwell were dismissed for 76. The score book tells me that members of the club other than the Crowhurst family were there. I suspect the bar takings at The Bull would back that up.

Bidborough H 16/6: Lost by 82 runs
The League champions by the proverbial country mile and it showed. Recovering from 98-5 to 160 off the rain reduced 37 overs, their opener batting through for 67. Jon Pike (3-46) and Phil Crowhurst (3-21) the pick of the bowlers. We never recovered from losing two wickets in the second over and despite some resistance could only manage 78 all out.

Plaxtol H 23/6: Lost by 4 wickets
Another one that got away. We batted first and through various rain interruptions, subsided to 64-6. Mike Bey (42) and Jon Pike rescued the day and saw us through to a bonus point at 123-6. Al Jenner (3-15) reduced Plaxtol to 20-4 but yet again we couldn’t make that further vital breakthrough and another opener carried his bat to take them home with four wickets and two overs to spare.

Halstead A 7/7: Won by 3 wickets
In my opinion this was the turning point of the season. With 10 men (including 7 year old Ollie Hills who, by the way, has a better arm than a fair few of us) and facing what turned out to be the 1st XI skipper and a couple of others taking advantage of their 1s off week, we were staring down the barrel at a 100 odd for 1 at drinks. A brave comeback spell by Jake Balcombe (3-43) and Alex Williamson (3-32) stemmed the flow only for a frenetic late partnership and, frankly, some pretty shoddy fielding, boosted them to 211-7. Words were exchanged but we were able to direct the strong feelings back into the match. Myself and Andy Hills took us from 4 wickets down to steer us to within 50 before one of many dubious lbw decisions this season sent your skipper back to the pavilion for 47. Andy was run out for 62 but Alex Williamson (29 not out) including a glorious straight six saw us home with 3 balls to spare.

Withyam H 14/7: Won by 46 runs
The feel good factor continued. Won the toss (I’m getting good at that bit at least) and after a solid if unspectacular start Jimmy Allman (71 from 74 balls) proceeded to uncork his cover drive, the skip making (ahem) more measured progress to 72 and guiding us to 188-6. Damian Conlin (4-23) and Jon Pike soon had the oppo in trouble at 49-7 before a ‘had to be seen to be believed’ spell from Mike Bey (0-42) raised the prospect of an unlikely defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. Fortunately sanity was restored and the last few wickets were mopped up. Safe to say Mike wouldn’t be turning his arm over again for a while.

Leigh H 21/7: Won by 8 wickets
A comfortable win in a rain reduced 36 over game. The introduction of Jake Balcombe (3-16) proved crucial. Fred Naden (3-16) mopped up the rest and sank Leigh to 93 all out in 32 overs. We reached the total for the loss of only two wickets in 29 overs with Dom Conlin 42 not out.

Hadlow H 28/7: Lost by 3 wickets
One of our more inept batting performances saw us stumble to 92 all out. Impeccable line and length from the veteran combo of Damian Conlin, Jon Pike and Al Jenner kept the run rate down and the introduction of Phil Crowhurst (4-23) backed up by some splendid ground fielding saw us run them close but they squeaked by for a 3 wicket win with 2 balls to spare.

Limpsfield Chart A 4/8: Lost by 5 wickets
Another brittle batting display cost us dear. Salis Patel (37) and Andy Hills (23) gave us a great start but we collapsed to 123-9. We just didn’t have enough to bowl at and they got home – not without a scare or two – by 5 wickets. Phil Crowhurst (3-21).

Southborough H 11/8: Won by 4 wickets
Winning ways restored in a strangely bad tempered game. They struggled to 119-9. Damian Conlin (3-23). Several of them got in but no one seemed very interested in picking up the pace (save for an interesting duel between ‘Fiery Phil’ and one of his school mates with Phil a distant second on points). Some interesting umpiring kept things close for a while but Salis Patel (25), Greg Langridge (26) and Ronnie Sinha (28 not out) got us home.

Outwood H 18/7: Lost by 49 runs
The skipper puts his hand up for this loss. We did pretty well in the field, Jake Balcombe (4-59) and Fred Naden (3-26), keeping them to 179 all out. Our reply was hindered by drizzle which got heavier and heavier. The sensible call was to go off but we persevered – Alex Williamson with a fine 41 – and were bowled out for 130.

Horsmonden H 25/8: Won by 5 wickets
On a damp but rapidly drying wicket I won my 10th toss of the season providing more evidence of what many an opening bowler has muttered after another (ahem) judicious leave. ‘Happy Birthday Younger’ you can open down the hill. Damian Conlin (2-10), along with Jon Pike (2-12) and Fred Naden (2-27), took advantage and bowled them out for 95 in the 39th over. Overcoming a particularly vocal effort in the field, including one entertaining over (one scorching cover drive for four, two no balls, six wides and an unplayable yorker), we were able to safely negotiate our way to a 5 wicket victory (Ryan Payne 29).

St Lawrence A 1/9: Lost by 6 runs
The season finale. We had hopes of finishing on a high and a winning record. These lasted through to the drinks interval where a typically niggardly spell from Al Jenner (9-6-7-0) – although as he pointed out, often and at length after the game, five of those came from the last over – pressurised the batsmen into mistakes at the other end, and at 50 odd for 3 things looked good. Unfortunately, despite a fine spell from Jon Pike (4-21) the tail rallied to push the total up to 145. The anxieties that we had allowed them to get away with 20 to 30 too many were to prove well founded. Dom Conlin (47) attempted to anchor the side through to the total and to a winning record but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Joined at 95-7 by Jake Balcombe the game looked up, but a patient stand took us to 130 and 16 wanted off the final over. A couple of singles and a massive six from Jake left 8 to win but sadly the skipper was run out trying to take 2 off a dropped catch and departed (as slowly as he had batted) for a stoic 46. We finished on 139-8, Jake 20 not out and Al Jenner a faultless 0 not out (did not face).

So, a big improvement on recent years but I don’t feel that the overall record of W7 and L8 tells the full story. Even allowing for bias it was only Bidborough, Otford and Outwood who were demonstrably stronger. Three, four or more of the losses could easily have been wins. The difference, mostly, came in a failure to bat out our overs and a tendency to lose wickets in clusters depriving the innings of structure and momentum. With a balanced bowling side (more bonus points than any other team in the division backed by, arguably, the best fielding side), we always looked capable of defending a reasonable total. With a young side, however, I am convinced there will be even more improvement to come and we can all look forward to next season with high hopes.

It only remains to offer the traditional but heartfelt thank you’s. All the regulars, the young’uns and the old’uns who turned out when called, Isobel the mascot and Rosie who still does the best teas in the League. Finally to Freddy, the ‘Wizard of the Weald’. My thanks for his help and support as vice captain, for his enthusiasm and good humour and as top wicket taker a deserved player of the season.

Dom Conlin

Second XI Captain 2007

Ok lads and lasses……welcome to the 2007 Sunday report!.……Firstly can whoever is captain on the day or whoever gets the seemingly awe inspiring job of scoring in 2008, take just five minutes to add the book up? It’s a simple job……not rocket science or something requiring a PHD in Applied Octonian Maths, just read what the scorebook tells you to do and watch the umpire!.......if you get stuck…..ask someone….preferably someone who knows better than you!!!!!! For example the Four Elms innings versus Ide Hill (1ST GAME OF THE SEASON WITH A BRAND NEW SCOREBOOK…..THE SUNDAY BIBLE!!!!) saw us actually score 80 runs off the bat but according to the book we attained a mighty 7 runs all out….bonzer…….some form of grim record or what! However in the same game, Ide Hill popped a mighty 290 for 5. (Which incidentally was scored perfectly!). Certain things are forgiveable but surely the massed ranks of the Sunday team can somehow work out that whilst 2+ 2+ 1 byes plus 2 wides does indeed culminate in 7 extras, it does not make the batting sub total add up to 7!!!. Anyway its largely irrelevant because we only managed 96 all out (according to the book!) and we took a mighty whooping!

The Clarion game was something rather nearer to a game of cricket than the previous week against Ide Hill! Clarion batted and scored 181 for 9, Lee Shepherd taking 4 for 6 from 3 overs. Salish Patel (28), Tom Lingham (28) and Tim Seegar (32 not out) led us to a good win in 39 overs. The other highlight was Kevins tea!

Chelsfield saw us bowl 47 overs and the opposition score 170 for 9, Fred Naden 3 for 43 and Matt Hird 3 for 13 the best bowling on show on the day. Kevin Allman (77 not out) and Bob Richards (64 not out) put on a 140 run partnership to win the game for the loss of 2 wickets.

3 wickets each for Bob Richards and Lee Shepherd held Wadhurst to just over 200, (hard to say exactly, the book doesn’t add up!). Stuart Bradley (77), Kevin Allman (73) put on 114 between them but unfortunately our tale refused to wag and Phil Crowhursts run out for 1 run in the last few overs finished a game we should have won with ease.

The second Ide Hill game saw the opposition get 244. Kevin Allman claiming 3 for 45. Kevin again topped the scoring with 70 but had no support as the rest of the team managed only 49.

Woodpeckers batted first Tim Seegar 3 for 42 and Fred Naden 5 for 60, kept the visitors to 185 all out. Again Four Elms batting let them down, Jimmy Allman the only beacon of hope with 40. The oppositions top wicket taker being Sean Teasdale who guested for the opposition and claimed 4 for 4 from 4 overs.

WPP saw another superb summers day and the food was first class again. However this year Four Elms batted first and thanks only to Tim Seegars 75 we finished our 45 over innings on 170 for 9. WPP finished us off in good style but we did manage to hold them out until the 44th over……..well scored by the way!

77 from Phil Crowhurst pushed us on to achieve 176 from 38 overs against Horton Kirby. But this target was reached for the loss of 9 wickets Matt Hird 3 for 18 and Kevin Allman 3 for 7 the best bowling.

According to the book we batted first against Shoreham who bowled 18.4 overs against us! Kevin Allman (106 not out) and Salish Patel (32 not out) top scoring in our 145 for 0! What an interesting declaration! Their reply saw them achieve 136 all out, our bowlers not conceding a single extra in the whole innings!!!! I’m guessing the book was copied wrong and Shoreham actually batted first! Who knows!

We scored 191 from 42 overs against Chiddingstone Ben Crowhurst 34, Jimmy Allman 47, Lee Shepherd 23 and Fred Naden 22 all chipping in to boost the score. Mark Streatfield batted well to chase the runs but Chidd fell short. Jake Balcombe 2 for 46 and Tim Seegar 3 for 46 claiming the best figures.
Langton bowled 47 overs at us and we amassed a paltry 164 all out. Runs from Alan Crowhurst 39 not out and Bob Richards 42. Ben Crowhursts 10 overs 4 for 28 kept the opposition down to 147 for 9 but we couldn’t manage the last wicket so an honourable draw was the final outcome.

Romany batted first scoring 214 for 8. Four Elms never got going and were all out for 170 in 38.3 overs.

Graham Larbys XI was its usual entertaining day Jeremy Tavare scoring a solid 77 to help Grahams side to 171 for 9. Tim Seegar 3 for 28 the best figures. Stuart Bradley 86 Alan Crowhurst 21 and Kevin Allman 21 finished the run chase off in 38 overs.

The Four Elms Website has now been running for almost a year. I hope everyone has enjoyed the content of the site. The site is very much a work in progress and if anyone has anything to contribute it would be gratefully received.

Over the next few months, before the start of the season I will updating parts of the site for example the news bar on the hompage and the updated Photo's, Fun & More Section, let me know how you get on.

Other parts of the site I would like to update are to teams page to contain players profiles and previous seasons averages and figures. I would like to extend the extra history pages so if anyone has any photographs or articles to add they should be on this site. The junior page can be updated and their results and averages will go on this site.

The archive section has now been updated but like the history section is very much a work in progress if anyone has previous seasons reports beyond those already on this site I can scan and return them to add to the archive.

I would also like to add to the advertising on the site so if anyone knows of any possible sponsors please ask them we can use the site to generate some revenue for the club.

I plan to keep the news section of this site updated on a more regular basis than last season especially as it is the 140th year of the club news of any upcoming events wil be announced and photos afterwards always worth a look.

The batting and bowling polls will also be updated before the start of the season and last years reults posted. This is a just a bit of fun however the counter tool itself can be used to gain members opinions.

If anyone has any ideas or contributions they would like make to this site then please contact me the site is only as good as the information put into it.