Any views expressed in these news items are the views of the author, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Edmonton Cricket Club, its committee or its members. If you find anything offensive or inaccurate in the content of these items, or if you have any queries reagrding this section, please contact us via email, stating the news item you're referring to and the date so that we can take any action deemed necessary.

11th September 2004

Federation Vase added to Promotions

After recovering from the hangovers of the celebrations of last weekend, we had to pick ourselves up to play Southall in the Middlesex Federation Vase final. It was a chance to prove just how far we've come in the last few seasons by bringing home some 1st XI silverware for the first time in recent times. Southall batted first, and were restricted to just 136, thanks to some fantastic bowling, spearheaded by spinners Rajesh Pazhassi and Stavros Elia, and backed up by some immaculate seam bowling, the pick of which came from Tony Willett and Danny Hare. In reply, we eased past the target for the loss of 5, thanks to 33 from almost 2 hours from Alan 'Boycott' Barnard. The 3rd XI took on North London in a friendly, and almost sealed Victory, chasing 230, Sunny Nahal's 44, was not quite enough. Sunday brought the last games of the season in the Chess Valley league for the 1st and 2nd XI's, as they looked to round off their seasons with wins. The 1st XI took on Alexandra Park, who posted an imposing 216 on a bouncy wicket, but in reply, the E-Unit were supremely guided to victory, thanks to an unbeaten 120 from Anil Sharma, and 55 from skipper Adam Herron. The 2nd XI we not so lucky, despite Colin Bennett's 61, their 190 against table topping Tring Park was not enough, Hiram Braithwaite taking all 4 wickets as we slipped to defeat. The 3rd XI posted a tough 207, with Paul Hare scoring 70, but Walthamstow Horizontals eased past the total for the loss of 6.

4th September 2004

Edmonton Achieve Triple Promotion Glory

What can I possibly say about this weekend? It really does not come any better than this, as the 1st XI, 2nd XI and 3rd XI all secured promotion from their respective divisions to cap what has been a truly amazing season in the most sublime fashion imaginable. Starting at the top, the 1st XI, achieved perhaps the most unlikely finish possible as they wrapped up a win against in form Calthopre, whilst defending just 142 runs. Meanwhile, elsewhere, results went our way to ensure that there were wild celebrations at 6.15pm. Star performers were Tony Willett who bowled as well as anyone this season to claim figures of 4-23 from his two spells. Nobody excelled in the batting, but a mention has to go to Simon Roche and Tim Beeden who managed to put on 56 for the first wicket, which was a massive partnership in the context of the match. As we phoned the news back to an ecstatic Hydeside, we learned the news that the 2nd XI had wrapped up a hard fought win against British Airways to clinch the 2nd XI championship from second placed Birkbeck College by just a single point. What makes this all the more remarkable is the fact that they are undefeated in almost to 3 seasons now, a massive tribute to the great job that Kevin Lawrence and Pat Carr have done at the helm. Pick of the performers as they chased down 110 with just 2 wickets in hand was Dominic Harte, who returned 3-27. The 3rd XI Cruised past Alexandra Park's 129 all out for the loss of just 1 wicket, with Joe Greenaway doing most of the damage with 4-18. Dave Baker and Colin Bennett wasted no time in chasing the total down to cap off a triple celebration, and perhaps the most memorable Saturday in the clubs recent history. The 4th XI weren't about to be upstaged as Richard Coe took the South Hampstead batting line up apart with 5-21, as they were reduced to just 65 all out. It was an easy run chase as Kevin Fursse's team ran out winners 9 wickets. Sadly Dave Sans's 5th XI couldn't make it 5 out of 5 for Saturday, but this did little to dampen what was an amazing (and rather drunken) atmosphere at Hydeside. There was still a job to be done; however, as the Sunday sides looked to extend the Championship and 1987 successes into the Chess Valley League. The 1st XI, who are still hopeful of gaining a possible 3rd promotion slot traveled to in form Ickenham, who were perhaps the only team in Middlesex more hung-over than we were, as they'd also secured promotion the evening before. Edmonton took the field, and thanks to some inspirational bowling from Archer Cornwall (4-29) and Adnam (4-31), they were restricted to a chaseable 131. Adam Herron and Anil Sharma set about the run chase in style, piling on 96 for the first wicket. Skipper Herron defied the hangover to post an excellent unbeaten 64, as we eased home for the loss of just 2. The 2nd XI took on Harpenden in a bid to stave off relegation from the top division, and managed to chase 152 for the loss of 3 thank in the most part to an unbeaten 50 from James Hazell. The 3rd XI slipped to a narrow defeat against a strong looking Isambard side. See News Section for more details.

21st August 2004

First XI so close, 2nd XI March On.

7th August 2004

Draws the Order of the Day in the Heat.

As the season reaches it final quarter, we are in the impressive position of having three teams challenging for promotion, something that I'm sure not a lot of teams can boast. The 1st XI, who have let things slip a little recently traveled round to MTSSC, and found themselves chasing 220, after Tamils had batted positively for the most part of their innings, Rajesh Pazhassi taking 4-67. In reply, we stuttered to 60-5 before Adam Herron (88) and Alan Barnard (48) put on 120 in 20 overs, to almost win the game. In the end, we had to settle for a decent draw, as we came up 12 runs short of the target. The 2nd XI, who are unbeaten this year hosted Alexandra Park on another batting paradise, and found themselves chasing an enormous 342, after 2 of the best 2nd team batsmen in the league both scored centuries. Martin Loveday managed to take 4 wickets, but 342 was too big an ask, and the E-Unit settled for 235-8, with Asif Padhani scoring an excellent 103. The 3rd XI took on 2nd placed North London at home, and new boy Adnan proved to be the star of the show, taking an amazing 9-31 from 16 overs, effectively ending the game after the first innings. It was plain sailing as we cruised past 97 for the loss of 1, thanks to a quick fire 46 from Drayton. The 4th XI traveled round to Hanwell, and had a disappointing afternoon in the heat, chasing 235, but falling over 100 runs short, as their stop start form this season continued. The 5th XI claimed a creditable draw, as they posted a total of 200+ for the first time ever in the league. On Sunday, the 1st XI traveled into Hertfordshire to play a weakened Radlett side in the Chess Valley League. Adnan and Mark Varley impressed with the ball, as we skittled them for just 54, and chased for the loss of 1 in double quick time. The 2nd XI in the same competition took on Kenton at Hydeside, and took things down to the wire, as Dave Bakers 68 was enough for the home side to scrape past the required 188 for the loss of 9. Earlier, Linserd Miller had taken 5 wickets as he continued his impressive season with the ball. See News Section for Reports.

31st July 2004

Mixed Fortunes for Top Teams

Apologies for the lack of updates in the last few weeks, I've been away on holiday, so, without further ado, let's start out on two weeks worth of roundups. The Saturday 1st XI had a torrid time over the past couple of weekends, and this didn't get any easier, when they were reduced to 120-8 against Birkbeck College but some late order heroics from Ciaran Dodds (52) and Justin Benedetti saved the day. In reply, Birkbeck were stifled by a sublime display of slow bowling from Rajesh, who took 5-12 from 19 overs. The week after, 4th placed Mill Hill Village traveled to Hydeside looking to close the gap, and succeeded, chasing 220 in 44 overs, despite Tim Beeden scoring an excellent 62 at the top of the innings. The 2nd XI fared better, beating 2nd placed Birkbeck College on the 24th, thanks to 3-18 from off spinner Stav Elia. A week later, they made the trip to Mill Hill Village, where they couldn't quite overcome the hosts imposing 222-9 despite 4-52 from Kevin Lawrence and scores in the 40's from James Hazell and Jilesh Pattni. The 3rd XI are going from strength to strength this season, taking on Winchmore Hill and chasing 263 for the loss of 6 thanks in the most part to a livewire century from Kirk Brown. Before this, Archer Cornwall, Andrew Thomas and Linserd Miller all took 3 wickets as 3 bowlers proved enough on the day. On the 31st, 5-50 and 5-52 from Andrew Thomas and Linserd Miller respectively was enough to restrict Twickenham to 158, and the E's chased with ease thanks to Dave Baker and Colin Bennett. The 4th XI continues their inconsistent season, losing easily to MTSSC, but then bouncing back to win against Perrivale Phoenicians, Richard Coe being the star of the show with the ball, taking 4-23, and 5-39 as we scraped home by just 13 runs. Veteran wicket keeper Colin Turner and Amir Sohail both contributing well with the bat. The 5th XI slipped to defeat against Shepherds Bush, but the week before saw them almost record a historic first victory, as Dave Sans' men needed just one more wicket to record victory. John Kenway and Bill Bilimoria both performing wonders with the ball to take 4 each.

On Sunday, the 1st XI took on top of the table Osterley in the Chess Valley, and struggled early on, as Osterley racked up 278 all out, despite the best efforts of seamer Mark Varley, who took 4-38. In reply, it was the Adam Herron, Alan Barnard show, as some sublime running between the wickets led to 159 being scored off 19 overs, Herron's unbeaten 92 coming off less than 50 balls, as Barney chipped in with an unbeaten 85. The 2nd XI struggled against a very strong looking Harrow side in the same competition, whilst the 3rd XI continued to shine, thanks to 118 from Andy Belcher, 71 not out from John Hinnigan and 4-15 from Bala Gokul as Potter Street were beaten by 200+ runs. The week previously, they had slipped up to Phoenix Gower, despite Ray Dodds' excellent 3-15. See News Section for reports.

Before I close for the week, I'd like to thank a few people, who have helped with contributions to the website, and without whom, the site wouldn't be where it is today. So, Firstly, thanks to Tim Beeden for getting the results to me, Tony Brown for the averages, Linserd Miller for the 3rd XI tables and reports, Pat Carr, Martin Loveday, Matt Worton, Adam Herron and Simon Roche for report writing, and Luke Foulger for hosting and forum support.

17th July 2004

1st XI Slip Up, 2nd XI Roll On

This was a tough weekend for the 1st XI, losing on Saturday in a tight fixture against league leaders Southall, after batting terribly, then bowling and fielding superbly. Things started badly, as we slumped to 165 all out, with only Adam Herron (58) and Alan Barnard troubling the scorers. We bowled as well as could be expected with such a limited target, Rajesh spearheading the attack with 3-53, and Matty Worton also contributing well with the ball. The 2nd XI we back in winning ways against 2nd placed Indian Gymkhana, as they racked up an impressive 246 on a tough wicket, Pat Carr stealing the show with a well constructed 92. In reply, Gymkhana slumped to 158 all out, thanks in the most part to some inspired bowling at the end of the innings from skipper Kevin Lawrence who contributed 5-18. The 3rd XI's excellent winning streak came to an end as they had to settle for a draw against a strong Acton side, Archie Cornwall starring with the ball, taking 6-42. The 4th XI slipped up away to Kenton, and the 5th XI were beaten easily by Harrow St Marys. On Sunday, the 1st XI threw away the chance of a win, slipping up to Winchmore Hill in disappointing fashion, only Adam Herron contributing. The 2nd XI also lost to the same opposition, with Archie McArthur the only success, taking 3-26. The 3rd XI continued their fine run of form, as Andy Belcher crashed 77, then Gary Barker and Ray Dodds combined to take 3 wickets each as Goodwill Wanderers were defeated. See News Section for 1st 2nd & 3rd XI reports.

10th July 2004

Weather Frustrates 1st & 2nd XI

Not a great weekend for the top two teams this one, as the weather played a major role in what could have been 60 points, but turned out to be less than half that tally. The 1st XI traveled to the Fullers Ground to take on top placed Turnham Green, and after a poor start, Rajesh Pazhassi excelled with his left arm spin to claim 6-27 from 20 overs, including 1-3 from the last over of the innings. Tony Willett also bowled an excellent line and length, and was unlucky not to claim a wicket in his economical spell of 13 overs. In reply, the E-Unit stuttered to 152-9, after being in the driving seat on a number of occasions with Adam Herron and Dave Hinnigan all getting starts. Alan Barnard was left 36 not out, as he ran out of overs and partners in fading light. The 2nd XI fell victim to some negative play from North London, as they batted 2 balls shy of 70 overs, in a rain affected game. Prabhul was the star with both bat and ball (52 & 4-92), as Edmonton scored at over 7 an over to try to chase an impossible 253 in 25 overs. The 3rd XI took on Mill Hill Village at Hydeside, and did as well as ever, bowling them out for 115 thanks to 5-17 from skipper Linserd Miller. In reply, Kirk Brown and Dave Baker made light work of the chase, both scoring not out 40's to see Edmonton home and secure their place at the top of the 1987 league table. The 4th XI took on British Airways away from home, and found themselves chasing 199 as Airways were troubled by A Goshi, it was the same player that led the charge with the bat contributing 75, but this was not enough to win it, and we had to settle for a draw. The 5th XI game finished in stalemate as Dave Sans scored a solid 1 not out. On Sunday, a strong-looking Hanwell team came to Hydeside to play the 2nd XI, who didn't get near, despite some solid batting from James Hazell, contributing 41 for the 2nd day running. The 3rd XI won again thanks to an inspired unbeaten 97 from skipper Andy Belcher. See news section for 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI reports.

3rd July 2004

High Drama as Top 3 Teams All Win

What a weekend this was - with some excellent results both on Saturday and Sunday, as we won 5 out of a possible 7 league games, with the 1st and 2nd XI both winning 2 days running. The 1st XI took on Calthorpe at home on Saturday, and were faced with a tough ask of chasing 234-7, despite 3-54 from Simon Roche's medium pace. In reply, it was touch and go all the way, as Simon again was the star, contributing 71. The game went to the wire with Matty Worton and Ciaran Dodds holding their nerve to see us home with 4 balls remaining and 1 wicket in hand. The 2nd XI made easier work of British Airways, as they restricted them to 152, thanks largely to Mark Varley's 4-30 at the start of the innings. In reply, it was comfortable all the way as Barrat Ganji made 61 not out. The 3rd XI hosted Alexandra Park at Hydeside, and batting first made a lightning quick 237-8, the main contribution coming from Dave Baker. In reply, AP never got going, and it was the seam bowling (and jug avoidance skills) of Micky Bilson that won the day as he took 5-43 to seal a 129 run win. The 4th XI were less fortunate, traveling to South Hampstead only to find themselves chasing 281, which they never looked like doing, as they were bowled out for a disappointing 126. The 5th XI were soundly beaten in the league, but a 4 wicket haul from N Arul was enough to raise the spirits of skipper Dave Sans. Sunday could never live up to the entertainment of Saturday, but it was a success nevertheless. Adam Herron's 1st XI hosted Bushey in the Chess Valley league, and restricted them to 189 from 45 thanks to a well deserved 5-34 from Danny Muschamp. In reply, the E-Unit look in control all the way as Tim Beeden was unlucky not to make a century, calling for a run that was never there, and leaving himself stranded on 86. It was still plain sailing though, as we crused home for the loss of 4. The 2nd XI traveled to Potters Bar, who batted first, and could only make 195 all out (Greenaway taking 4-15). In reply, James Hazell stole the show, as he crashed 84 to lead the way to victory. See news section for 1st and 2nd XI reports.

26th June 2004

1sts 2nds & 3rds Consolidate their Poisions

For a weekend that was supposedly supposed to be threatened by poor weather, there were equal amounts of elation and controversy as the 1st XI led the way with two excellent victories away from home in the Saturday and Sunday leagues, and the 2nd XI were left frustrated on both days. The 1st XI, away to Polytechnic managed to restrict the hosts to a gettable 174 on a decent pitch, wickets came courtesy of Mark Varley (3), Tony Willett (3) and Rajesh, who posted figures of 19 overs 2 for 30. In reply, Tim Beeden struck a magnificent 87, and was ably supported by Dave Hinnigan (51 not out) to guide us home for the loss of two. The 2nd XI suffered frustration as Twickenham batted for 70 overs on a true Hydeside wicket for 224, with Prabhu taking 3-61. In reply, it was a case of so near yet so far, as Patt Carr and James Hazell both scored over 75, but sadly we finished up just 6 runs short. The cause was boosted however by the news that Birkbeck College had only taken 10 points from their abandoned game against Osterley, increasing the gap at the top of the table. The 3rd XI, also away at Polytechnic raced to 245 with Colin Bennett again top scoring with 86, whilst Kirk Brown crashed a quickfire 56. In reply, Poly were skittled for just 82, as Kirk Brown (4-28) and Archie McArthur did the damage, Arch taking a hat-trick amid wild celebrations at the Quinton Hogg Memorial Ground. The 4th XI came up against a strong Perrivale Phoenicians side, who racked up 245, and then bowled us out for 126, with just Colin Turner offering resistance with the bat. The 5th XI posted a reasonable 151, thanks in the most part to up and coming young all rounder Billy Pete, who recorded 68, sadly Harrow St Mary's spoiled the party to chase for no wickets. On Sunday, Adam Herron's 1st XI traveled to Stevanage for a spot of splosh and nosh in the Chess Valley League. Restricting the hosts to 188 from 45 (Mark Varley impressing with 10 overs for 18 and Ses Jayasena taking 2), the E Unit chased with ease, thanks to 48 from Adam Bilimoria, 45 from Dave Hinnigan and 43 not out from Alan Barnard. The 2nd XI were set a chaseable 220-8 against Knebworth Park in the same competition (Linsford Miller chipping in with 3-34), but rain prevented any result as we eased to 77-1. The 3rd XI sadly couldn't get a game in either, as rain intervened at Hydeside, but not before El Presedente Micky Smyth weighed in with an impressive 5-18. See News Section for reports.

19th June 2004

Win and a Draw for Championship Sides

It was another good weekend for the club, despite some inclement weather all 5 Saturday competitive teams managed to go unbeaten. Starting with the 1st XI, away to Ruislip Manor Dave Hinnigan stole the show again with the bat, notching his first Saturday 1st XI century. Alan Barnard also contributed with 44 as the E-Unit declared at 217-5. In reply Manor looked threatening, but a couple of quick wickets meant that they settled for 175-5, and we took 17 points. The 2nd XI played host to Highgate as they looked to secure their position at the top of the division, and looked good when they restricted the oppo. to 205 on a good track (Pat Carr took 3 wickets, and was later seen muttering something about 'killing Smith'). In reply, Barrat Ganji (64) and Cypriot all time leading runs scorer Stavros Elia (47 not out) saw the side home for the loss of 6. The 3rd XI were also facing Highgate, and a tricky total of 235 was negotiated thanks to 64 from Colin Bennett and 48 from Kamal Panchal. The 4th XI had to settle for a draw as they rattled up 250-7 with Danny Muschamp 81 not out and Clive Berry 53 leading the way. In reply, they could only take 7 North London wickets, despite an impressive 5-for by Watson. The 5th XI picked themselves up from last weeks defeat to post 204-9 against Ealing, Anand Rooban scoring 46, and Ealing stuttered to 161-6 in reply, with Bill Bilimoria taking 3. On Sunday, the weather played a major part, but not before Rajesh underlined his left arm spin credentials against a hapless Barclays Bank side, as he took 4-8 from 8 overs. Colin Bennett was again in the runs on Sunday for the 2nd XI as they drew with British Airways, whilst the 3rd XI blew Holtwhites away thanks to a superb 5-26 from youngster Liam Barker. Off the field, the club has been dealt a bitter blow this week with the news of the impending closure of top London nightspot O'Raffertys. In a joint statement, Martin Loveday and Dave Smith said: "It's a tough one to swallow, we've had so many good nights there, and the quality of women is so high - I just don't know how we'll fill our Saturday nights anymore." Watch this space to see if they cope. Also, in other off the field developments, Adam Herron is taking over the on field running of the Sunday 1st XI from Gavin Mardell, who will continue to do the admin. We'd like to thank Gavin for his efforts over the last couple of seasons, and wish Adam every success in his new role. See News Section for 1st and 2nd XI reports.

12th June 2004

1st XI march on all weekend

The weekend just gone was another weekend of success for the club, spearheaded by the 1st XI away at Lohana, as they rattled up 202 in 48 overs thanks mostly to Dave Hinnigans fluent 93 on a tough pitch. In reply Lohana succumbed to 149 courtesy of some controlled swing bowling from Matt Worton (3-38), and immaculate left arm spin from overseas star Rajesh (3-30). The 2nd XI had to content themselves with a draw as they hosted fellow promotion contenders Osterley. Batting first on a good track, they slipped to 81-6 before Tim Beeden (86) and Kevin Lawrence (52) bailed them out of a tricky situation to post 260. In reply, they could only take 7 Osterley wickets, with Prabhul taking 5-80 on debut, but in doing so, took the Lions share of the points. The 3rd XI continued their stead progress towards the top of the 1987 tree, as they hosted Mill Hill Village, and it was Dave Smith and Dave Baker who starred with the bat as we reached 256-6. In reply, Village slipped up to 202 all out with captain Linsford Miller the pick of the bowling with 3 wickets. The 4th XI travelled to local rivals Southgate looking to secure another win, and managed to chase 180 thanks to a solid 45 from Paul Hare. The 5th XI suffered at the hands of Lohana 3rd XI, who bowled us out for just 88, one of their bowlers taking 9 wickets! The only bright spot was some solid all-round play from new-boy Simmons who took 5-56 and score 52. Sunday was a great success for the 1st XI as they began their campaign in the Chess Valley Sunday League. Set a huge 278 to win from 45, and staring down the barrel at 43-3, Adam Herron (119) and Alan Barnard (100 not out) piled on 219 in a little over 28 overs to turn the game on its head and take all the points. The 2nd XI came close away to Wembley in the same competition, but fell 30 runs short of a testing 292 target with Dave Baker scoring 110. The 3rd XI managed to cling on for a draw thanks to a determined 102 not out from skipper Andy Belcher after Mayfield had racked up a huge 342, the only highlight bowling-wise being 3-64 from Graham Brookes. See news section for reports.

5th June 2004

1sts and 2nds win again

A complete reversal of fortunes this weekend, as it was the top two XI's turn to show their class, as they both recorded victories to consolidate their positions in their respective divisions. The 1st XI hosting MTSSC for the first time since 2001 had the luxury of declaring before 55 thanks in the most part to a fantastic unbeaten 89 from Dave Hinnigan batting at number 3. Dodgy was ably backed up by Danny Hare who scored a run-a-ball 57 after openers Gavin Mardell and Tim Beeden had seen off the new ball. In reply, Tamils were on track until Rajesh was introduced, and a memorable spell of 5-12 from 20 overs wrapped up a deserved win. Raj was expertly supported by the seam bowling of Mark Varley, who took 3 wickets, whilst skipper Tony Willett made a welcome return to the team. The 2nd XI looking to extend their lead at the top of Division 1 had the best of starts, bowling Alexandra Park out for 142 on a tricky Racecourse Ground pitch, Cypriot international skipper Stavros Elia taking 6-42 with the new ball. In reply, Jilesh Pattini was the star, crashing 75 not out in double quick time to see us home for the loss of 2. The 3rd XI were involved in a win the toss, win the match scenario at North London, as Colin Bennett (102) and Kamal Panchal (76) eased the score up to 253-5. Sadly there wasn't quite enough in the wicket to force a win, and North London were content to see out the draw. The 4th XI were soundly beaten by Hanwell, Micky Bilson's 67 being the only highlight. The 5th XI secured another sound draw, despite conceding 310, Peter Pate was resolute in defence for his 56 as we held out for the draw. On Sunday, the 1st XI's bowling was cruelly exposed by a strong Harrow Town outfit, as Mark Varley was the only bowler to perform well. Batting second, Ses Jayasena, Adam Herron and Alan Barnard all scored in the 40's, but we were still 80 runs shy of the target. The 2nd XI overcame Barnet, and the 3rd XI were inspired by Skipper Andy Belcher (66) and the relentless pace bowling of Ray Dodds (4-15) as they won without Paul Hare smashing 90. See news section for 1st and 2nd XI reports.

29th May 2004

Two Wins and Two Draws for the Top 4

Despite two draws chasing difficult totals for the two Middlesex Championship Teams, it was a positive weekend for the club, as the 1987 league teams built on what is already turning into a solid campaign with 2 wins out of three games. The First XI made the trip around to Burton Hole Lane to take on table topping Mill Hill Village, and found themselves chasing a tricky 257-7 on a fair wicket. Indian slow left arm specialist Rajesh impressed with 5-93 from 23 overs on debut. In reply, we could only struggle to 154-7, with Dave Hinnigan (53) the only person to pass fifty, as Alan Barnard and Matty Worton dug in to see out the overs. The 2nd XI hosted the same opposition at Hydeside, and finished up chasing 266-7, a tough ask, which at one stage looked possible thanks to Dominic Harte (64) and stand-in skipper Patt Carr (66), but a late flurry of wickets meant that a draw was settled for. The 3rd XI went from strength to strength, as Linsford Miller and Andrew Thomas both took 3 as Twickenham were reduced to 180, and then a solid unbeaten 62 from Colin Bennett was enough to see the E-Unit home for the loss of six. The 4th XI built on last weeks victory by bowling out Perrivale Phoenicians for 126 thanks to 3 apiece from evergreen seamers Anan Roobanand Bill Bilimoria, although made hard work of chasing, limping home for the loss of 8. The 5th XI meanwhile had to settle for another defeat against a strong Ealing side, although youngster Peat stole the limelight with an impressive unbeaten 42. On Sunday it was the Paul Hare show once again, the run-machine's 56 sadly not enough to secure victory against Kenton. The 2nd XI were in action against Harrow Weald, and James Hazell was the star performer with an unbeaten 78. See news section for 1st and 2nd XI reports.

22nd May 2004

1sts, 2nds and 4ths post Victories

In an outstanding weekend for the club, the 1st XI defied all odds to come back from the brink against Birkbeck College at Hydeside. Edmonton batted first, scoring a less than fluent 222-7, with Alan Barnard hitting 75. In reply, Birkbeck were 144-4 at one stange, but some excellent bowling from Matty Worton (4-35) Tony Willett (3-24) and 2 wickets from debutant Ciaran Dodds at the death sealed the unlikeliest of victories, as College were dismissed for just 163. The 2nd XI made it two in a row, after Kevin Lawrence (3-24) led the bowling from the front to dismiss Birkbeck for 167. After a solid platform from Harte and 73 from Padhani, the E-Unit ended up stuttering home, but nevertheless made it 168-8 to complete a clean sweep against our West London rivals. The 3rd XI were not so fortunate, as they had to settle for a draw away to Winchmore Hill, new boy Berger impressing with 106 in one of his first games for the club. The 4th XI, inspired by bowling heroics from veterans stars John Creese and Anand Rooban made hard work of a run chase of 207, but former 1st XI skipper Clive Berry anchored the innings with an impressive 73 to steer the E's home. Dave Sans's 5th XI we up against it vs. Shepherds Bush, but Northern Exlile John Kenway took 5-52 to give a glimmer of hope. Sadly, it was not to be, as we slipped to defeat, despite some sterling resistance from Allen (52) .Meanwhile on Sunday, more progress was made in the Federation Shield, where Acton 3rd XI were overcome by a strong looking Sunday 1st XI. Simon Roche was the pick of the bowling, taking 4 wickets, whilst Ses Jayasena, Dave Hinnigan and Gavin Mardell all cashed in on runs, as we chased 114 for the loss of 1. See News Section for 1st & 2nd XI reports.

15th May 2004

2nd XI off to Winning Ways, 1st XI Draw

After a couple of false starts, the season is well and truly underway now, with a lot of early season rain, not much has happened since the first weekend, but the league programme for the 1sts and 2nds got underway in earnest this weekend. The 1st XI made the trip round to Southall to play a tough fixture, and had to settle for a draw, after the hosts posted a mammoth 272-7, with Matty Worton and Gavin Mardell each taking two apiece. In a reply that never really threatened, the E's made a solid 220-4, with Simon Roche top scoring with 55. The 2nd XI hosted Indian Gymkhana in their return to the top flight of the Championship, and managed a comfortable victory, bowling Gymkhana out for a meagre 94. Key players included Lloyd Henry with 3-21 and Dominic Harte 33*. The 3rd XI bowled out Acton for just 99, then chased in double quick time, with Dave Baker contributing an unbeaten 58 and Grenaway taking an impressive 6-32 on debut. The 4th XI were not as fortunate, clinging onto a draw at Kenton thanks to a solid 57 from Ray Bullen. The 5th XI, making their debut in the 1987 league under David Sans were involved in an extraordinary game, getting thumped for 239, and then lasting out 39 overs to score 43 runs in a less than thrilling climax, but a battling draw. See news section for 1st and 2nd XI reports.

14th May 2004

Weather Hits Early Season

Welcome to the first news update of the new season, we're three weeks in, but with the weather being so temperamental, have only managed one weekends worth of fixtures. That's not to say that we haven't made progress, in fact the first XI, entering the National Shield for the first time overcame Wembley's second string at Hydeside on the first weekend of the season. Chasing a fairly modest total on a slow early season wicket, we slumped for 7, but Tim Beeden and youngster Danny Muschamp steadied the ship to steer us home safely. This was after Ciaran Dodds and Ses Jayasena had both impressed with the ball.

The league programme starts in earnest this weekend; after all last weeks fixtures in Div1 and Div2 of the Middlesex Championship were all rained off. Tony Willett's 1st XI take the trip round to West London to face Southall, hoping to do well against a side that they beat in both encounters last term. In the 1st division, the 2nd XI are hoping to start their campaign where they left things off last season, as they host Indian Gymkhana. Watch this space for more news updates as the season progresses.

2nd April 2004

Pre Season Update

With the season almost upon us, I'm sure you're all starting to look forward to the first few games. This season, let's help the club by making sure that you're as well prepared for the first league games as possible by playing in as many pre-season friendlies as possible. Not only will this blow away the cobwebs, and start to get some of that match fitness back, it's an excellent excuse to have a few beers and see people you've not seen since September. On that note, I'd like to take a few minutes to remind you of a few things going on at the club at the moment:-

• On the subject of fixtures, please can you let Andrew Cooper know as soon as possible which of the following games you are availible for: Saturday April 24th, Sunday April 25th, Saturday May 1st, Sunday May 2nd. We're hoping to field as strong a team as possible for these fixtures, especially for Sunday 25th, which is a cup game.

• Outdoor nets start on April 21st - can all members try to attend as many sessions as possible.

• There will be a quiz night on Friday 23rd of April, everyone is welcome, for what is always an excellent and entertaining evening.

• The club will be running a fundraising Euro 2004 Competition where cash prizes can be won for correctly predicting match outcomes in this summers football tournament. Please contact David Sans or Tony Brown for a registration form. Entries will cost only £5, so why not have a couple of goes, as the proceeds go towards helping out the club.

• 2004 season subscriptions are now payable, please contact Dick Owen on his usual number. Prices have increased by £5.00 from last year to £90.00.

• If anyone has not filled in a Middlesex Championship League registration form, and is likely to be playing either for the 1st XI of the 2nd XI, please contact Andy Cooper immediately - you will not be able to play if you are not registered.

10th February 2004

Optimism at ECC as New Season Beckons

Welcome to the first update of 2004! I'm sure that those of you who regularly check the site for updates were wondering what was going on over the last few months. To bring you up to date on the goings on at the club, there have been a few changes in leagues, thanks to the 2nd XI - both on a Saturday and a Sunday, who gained promotion to division 1 of their respective leagues. Once again, both the 1st XI teams narrowly missed out, but are hoping for success this coming campaign under the captaincy of Tony Willett on Saturday and Gavin Mardell on Sunday. The Saturday 2nd XI are looking to make the historic step of gaining entry back into the Middlesex County League, which if they achieve it, will be their 3rd promotion in a row. Real credit has to go to Kevin Lawrence and vice skipper Pat Carr, who have instilled a winning mentality into a struggling team to completely turn their fortunes around. Elsewhere, Linsford Miller continues with the Saturday 3rd XI, whilst Glen Brown will skipper the Sunday 2nd XI in their first campaign in the top division of the Chess Valley League.

I've updated much of the site in the last few days, with the full end of season averages now available, as well as the 1st and 2nd XI league fixtures for next season being published. Thanks to Tim Beeden for putting together the Saturday 1st XI averages, which can be found on the Statistics page. It's also good to see the web forum still being used.