a great effort by mr vaughan's men but not quite enough. fantastic cricket never the less, lets hope we see more of the england batting of the second innings in the rest of the series and against the aussies next year!
just one suggestion for next years events calendar: friday 1st july 17.30 old trafford, Lancashire v Yorkshire in a 20/twenty clash, anyone fancy it......Dickie and the CDO, i can almost hear the banter!!!!!! who's up for it? i ve booked my day off work and will be chasing some tickets as soon as i can get my hands on them. i think they are between £10-15 last year. think about it folks.
laters

Come on England - just 142 to win the 8th match in a row. Very well bowled Simon Jones today, 4-39 on a pitch not favouring the quickies!

good to get back to losing again (although not by so much!). A much better atmosphere when we lose and football blogs aswell!
I thought the whites did really well in terms of not getting dragged down by our crapness.
Q: did that guy play as well when he played for the rag tags?
Q: did Clive play as badly when he played for whites?
Q: did Richard play for the whites?

Does anyone know what the final score was? I lost count when we'd got 31! Scintillating stuff at times, though I did feel a bit sorry for poor CDO who was left bemused and more irate with every passing minute and goal! We hardly missed a thing, which did make quite a difference.

Anyway on with the real stuff and a great start to the series for England, with Smith out 2nd ball! Follow the progress here! Fantastic yorker from Harmo to wipe out Kallis!

I wholeheartedly agree with Nick on this one, even though I have Sky Sports and therefore can see the games. Channel 4 revolutionised cricket coverage in this country, and on a budget far less than that of the Murdoch empire. In Mark Nicholas they had a very slick presenter, and with Benaud's wisdom complementing an array of young commentators, the coverage was light years better than the staid old BBC broadcasts - when you factor in innovations such as the snickometer, the LBW tramlines, the fantastic "vanishing" front pad and so on, it made for excellent coverage.

Having said all that, SKY do provide brilliant coverage - if you don't mind ad breaks every 5 minutes! Looking forward to the South Africa series kicking off this Friday - if you don't have Sky, you can listen on Talksport!

Getting back to the Sky coverage, I'm sure there are loads of TSJers who fondly remember the spoof Richie Benaud tapes of Channel 9, with the Bill Lawrie-Tony Greig niggling aggro act, the funny names (SomeJerk RammedMaCar, Wasi Acrim, etc). The Sky coverage of the Aussie test matches feeds from Channel 9 - and they're all there! Bill and Tony, Ian Chappell, Richie ... Merv, Merv, Merv!

All together now ... shewroteuponitreturntosender ... BA DA BA DA ADDRESS UNKNOWN!

For those who haven't a clue what I'm on about ...
It's Just Not Cricket

i see the ECB have taken the money instead of allowing cricket to be available to a greater number. i thought channel 4 had done a good job of promoting the sport in the last few years and providing good coverage. but surly the best advertisement for the sport is a susscefull team and when you have one make sure youngsters see the likes of freddie in full flow, not put it on sky where there is limited access in homes where sky is paid for. lets face it cricket is not everyones cup of tea, and how many homes have more than one tv? plenty. and how many homes have the ability to watch more than one sky channel at once? not many!
time will tell but i dont like! why? i dont have sky!!
laters

dickie p,what ever happened to the idea of arranging a friendly with your former team from across the boarder? nice trip over there or them coming to visit? could be a fun day mid way through the season.
just an idea for another social occasion and to see the cdo bbq the life out of the food!
laters

Cliff, have you been touching personnel again? Hopefully not that "enhanced" barmaid at the Robin Hood!

Good website for you folks - create your alternative TV listings; one for the creative minds!

Creative TV

just recieved my copy of mr ainscoe take on season 2004.
have to say very disappointed to find it with a stamp......what happen to the shadow delivery service? and clives personnel touch???
excellent stuff mike, clive i'm disappointed.
laters

Ok, I must apologise for the ridiculous delay in getting these pics out, but they're here at last - some memories of that glorious Viking night! Create your own captions!

Young Rob is led astray by Janet Street Porter; Garvey can't bear to watch!


"I'm off to the bar - who wants pork scratchings?"


The skipper and two transvestites!


Steve Smith does a double take as Nelly has got his mate all excited ...


Nelly ... or a Swiss mountain girl?


Young Jedi feels the force ... and dresses as Jon Bon Jovi, circa 1986


If you bring that used loo roll near me again, Kieran, I'll whack you!


Words can't do this one justice!


Everyone sees the funny side as Cotters tells us about his final wickets tally

Looking forward to footy as ever, even though have slightly messy cold - be good for putting off attackers and keepers ... things have been strangely quiet on here this week, where is everyone? We haven't heard from lots of you for weeks!

sorry Clive - bl##dy mary's on't donkey and t' star's above thut......again

I know its short notice - But is there anyone out there who can attend a meeting tomorrow nite at Radcliffe CC ? Its on the really important subject of obtaining funding.

Dickie P - strictly come dancing!

CDO: "Richard, are you really gay?"
Dickie P: "I'm not really sure ..."

BTW Cliff, Val Doonican called and he wants his cardigan back!

good laugh on Saturday night - culminating in Kebabs with Nelly B. Great turn out. Funniest moment? Dash dressed as Rupert Bear.....Paul headbanging to StatusQuo.....Dicky P's Bus snobbery.....Matt Cotton having shoe reserves.....Nick H's flsher-mac.....Matt A's "I've Trapped"....

sorry about the trip Clive - and sorry for enjoying your fall so much! Good game played in a great, but competitive, spirit.

Tremendous game last night, really enjoyed it, and would like to thank Garvey Hudson and Jedi for the two enormous bruises!

Only 1 word for tomorrow night ... CHICAGOS!

Mt good lady wife and I shall be attending on saturday. 7.30 at the Robin then?

Yes I'll be out Saturday - Helen also fancies it, but not if there are no other wives/partners/females ... anyone bringing their other halves?

No Flash and the Hud back for the RagTags - whites will have to be at their best this week ...

7.30 Robin Hood - where ever we want

pietersen has hit the ground running with 77 no in a total for england of 263 for 6.
jones helped with 66 to spare some blushes as the top order did not capitalize on some good batting by solanki and strauss. who cares about political wrangles as long as we win???!!!???
laters

scoop doggy's blog rap - fantastic!
I hope Ashley squealed like a CDO.
My ankle is purple and swollen.
Replacement for Lord Flash-heart?
Never.

What the bloody hell happened there then??

Football Update:

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe who is unavailable due to suspension (best reason wins a prize)

The Whites are rocked by the news that their inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be unavailable for up to 3 weeks with ankle ligament damage. Replacement TBA.

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be out for up to 3 weeks with

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be out for up to 3 weeks

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be out for up to 3

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be out for up to

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are
The Whites are

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson will be out for

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley Parkinson

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker Ashley

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational playmaker

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that inspirational

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news that

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the news

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are rocked by the

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag Tags

The Whites are

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the Rag

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike Ainscoe for the

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces Mike

Football Update

Nick Hudson replaces

Football Update

Nick Hudson

Football Update

Nick

Hello

Some absolutely tremendous football last night, and the finishing was top class - from everyone! We must have trebled last week's goal output. Didn't think the defences played badly, it was just that there was more creativity from both sides in attack and the finishing was outstanding - from all 10!

CDO, hope you're ok, you big girls blouse!

Headline: "New ball finds net" (but old ball not found in net). Were we playing basketball or was it Man City -v- Man City? After a few weeks of close man marking and defenses being on top, the flood gates opened - I thought some of the goals were sublime (both sides) - shots on target percentage in the 90's? Turning point was my sqealing like a bush pig - it marked the end of the white hot period and the start of a bit of rag-tag brilliance. Breathless....

splendid cdo, but no mention of the trailer park......i'm sure you could be more adventurous with the insults. go on.
paul i agree with the sentiment, but i am a great believer in removing politics from sport wherever possible. i know this is not easy when teams sport the nations name so how about alternative names eg. convict kangroos or the blue lions....please help me out here!

Personally I think it's scandalous that our chaps have been put in this position by the ECB - David Morgan wants his head examining for not pulling us out. The players who have been brave enough to tour have come out as extremely opposed to it. If you consider the hoo-hah over the racist chanting in Spain, and the Dwight Yorke court case yesterday, why are we pandering to the likes of Mugabe who is exhibiting far worse racism in reverse?

Get them home now!

KTSN: do you have any friends? (Gruff enough?)

tour back on , but is it right and is it on sky sports........

just to show anyone that stumbbles across this site that we are not just cricket, beer drinking and occasional 5-a-siders, i thought i would raise the question of englands one day series in zimbabwe. it may well now not happen, is that blow against dictatorship or a blow to sport, cricket in piticular? i know this is probbly not very interesting to some but i was hoping to inspire chatter about something other than team selection, the site seems to be very quiet these days. besides, some form of gruff response from the cdo would be worth it.
laters

Football - only change is Pearcy in for Clive.

CDO - Don't forget the ball!!

ball acquired, if only to secure selection;-)

172 blimmy, what was the total score for that!
not had chance to play much recently......best get practising to regain the top scorer crown!

Nick, at the end of the session, CDO booted the ball up in the air to signify the end of the game ... and it landed on top of the cricket nets, and no amount of cursing, throwing things and yanking the nets would bring it back down!

BTW, 172 not out - trescothick! Get in, stick cricket!

Good game last night, very competitive, well done Cliff for an all-action performance. Where we did improve on last week was composure and we tracked back much better. We're still prone to 10 minutes of noddy defending though - every week! Also, will someone on the rag-tags inform Jedi that he's got a better chance of scoring if he doesn't attempt that silly 20 yard in the top corner from against the wall shot he went for every 5 minutes last night ;-)

Dickie P - how's the nose? Sorry 'bout that ...

what happen to the ball.......did the cdo put his foot in it or through it?
refreeing these matchs would be a thankless task for anyone to do!

sorry about the ball - summed my night up (played like a carthorse). Well played whites - esp Clive who was 'talking football' on the way back (creating space....closing down....letting you know I was there...). This and other funnies to be in Christmas newsletter to be published soon. Christmas drink to take place maybe 1st Saturday of December - availability to Clive.
Will buy ball for next week as don't trust taffy.

It's odd you know, Dickie thought you won last week because of your grit, I thought you won because you played damn well, much better footy than us. Tonight will be very interesting to see how the Barge Bros (Cliff and Scoop) do together!

Referee ... I knew something was missing!

at the risk of being accused of being a one-phrase man - if its not broken don't fix it - any more rules and you will require a referee. I also think it is an insult to say we killed the game - if you think we are skillful enough to play "KEEP-BALL" I think you are mistaken.......good attempt though, change the rules when you lose!!! (just a wind up)

You know, I'm quite excited about tomorrow. Not because we'll be gunning for revenge, not because I am feeling fit and raring to go, but because we'll see Cliff and Scoop on the same side. These two are famed for their run-ins (almost as much as Craig and Ash, wonder if they're speaking yet ...!) but together they could cause chaos!

There was some offline discussion last Friday about whether we should think about tweaking the rules a little to make the game a bit more free flowing again - does everyone else agree that the games have got very very tight and there's little real football played now? We're all getting good at the man-marking thing.

In an attempt to spice it up, what about using a good idea of Ashley's ... teams must keep 1 man in the opposition half at all times. That will have 2 effects. Either teams will have to leave 1 man back to defend, thus creating a less crowded 3 v 3 scenario, or can push forward with a man advantage, but leave themselvs exposed to the quick break!!

Let's try and KO at 8.45, at least for the warm-up, and get cracking asap thereafter!

clive - you are gonna be bwused all over

Only one change so far (hopefully) - Cliff in for Pearcy on the Whites. Triumphant Rag Tags as you were.

The Caretaker told me last week that there is now nobody in the hall 8-9pm. If we arrive a bit earlier (say 8.45-8.50) we can have a warm up kick around, sort the nets and start on time -assuming the Caretakers correct - otherwise we can freeze in the car park.

See you all Thursday.

Well done Rag Tags - well deserved victory - thought CDO and Jedi had excellent games.

well done rag tags - like we ate too much chocolate though - lets get back to losing, please

Same teams as last week apart from Dickie P in for Nick Hud.

what about the pre match footy banter that always seems to fill the screen every wednesday, or has all the classic football lines been used up? then there is always the friday back slapping comments on how well the rag tags played despite another defeat.......by both sides!
when do the nets start i bored?

i ve got loads of stories about people and their medical histories and things.......but unfortunately patient confidentiality and all that....spoil sports!

Oh it's all gone quiet over here ...
Oh it's all gone quiet over here ...
Oh it's all gone quiet
All gone quiet
All gone quiet over here ...

SHHH .... AAAAHHHH

Come on folks, entertain us! Osama, tell us about Sud Africa, Nick, any hospital tales, Cliff, any new mowers being purchased?

What's the difference between George Dubbya Bush and a chimp? Not a lot apparently!

That was an absolutely belting game last night - and very physical too! Think I got my own back on a few for the kicking I got last week. Very high quality indeed, and a very fair result - both teams had the lead at times and both played good football. The defending especially was top class. It's getting harder and harder to break teams down.

However next week - No Nick Hud, so will that help the Whites? We shall see!

Excellent game last night. A draw was probably the fair result. Felt the Rag Tags didn't quite achieve their potential - the better side on paper. Perhaps the weight of expectation affected??

Whites had a solid display apart from the usual silly mistakes. Special mention to Paul who I thought was outstanding last night.

Only 16 goals in the hour - shows how competitive the games are getting.

Well played both teams! I thought we deserved to sneak a draw last week and were probably the least happy with a draw last night. Just shows we enjoy losing more than drawing (imagine how unhappy we'd be to win!).

Nick your suspicionsare right about the viaduct. It was filmed 1 night during the summer. They ask me to switch the roller off because it was disturbing the wildlife, particularly the bats !!! How bizzare

paul, have you been able to establish a high single batsman score, or is 165no still the best!!!
unfortunately the team score is a poultry 258.
laters

Well there's been a staggering lack of trash talking ahead of tonight's fixture - an indication that both sides know how big this game is?

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Nick will be pleased to hear I've raised the Stick Cricket bar to 276!

Looking forward to tonight and the inevitable banter before, during, after and online tomorrow!

did anyone see alan titchmarsh programe about the creation of the land we call home last night? the reason i asked is that at the end of the programe they focus on the local regions and in the north west part of the programe i'm sure they were filming from the viraduct and the lodge at the back and side of crompton meadows. can someone confirm my suspicions.
laters

typical football talk Paul - are you A.Fergusson in disguise? We will endeavour to keep our underdog spot - ta very much - by playing crap.

Morning all,

well the superbug that laid me low at the weekend is still in force, but I'm hoping to shake it off in time for Thursday - all my work colleagues have been off sick so it's clearly a Manchester student borne disease!

I was hoping to pay tribute on Saturday to the sterling efforts of everyone over the past two years especially, and in particular Cliff and the CDO who have worked wonders behind the scenes to help me out this year while I've been occupied with baby matters. Thanks a million, guys. Looking forward immensely to being back in the ranks and helping take us further forward next year.

Anyway, that looks like a very very strong rag tags outfit for Thursday - no weak links at all, and one that will give us our stiffest challenge yet. I'd actually put them down as favourites man for man, but will our team consistency help??

Early indication of the teams for Thursday

Whites

Scott
Ashley
Pearcy
Mike J
Paul M

Rag Tags

Kieran
Mike A
Matt A
Craig
Nick Hud

Should be one hell of a match with either side more than capable of winning. Kieran - sorry, Cyril's not available.

good turn out Saturday meant a really good do - Clive has said we easily beat last years cash total (ta to me for losing loads!). Congratulations to all the trophy winners in what was a fantastic season.

Scott - firstly any comments about team fixing are made in jest and do not reflect my gratitude for your organisation. Secondly, you have not realised the one thing that brings us rag tags together - we are all losers, we love to lose, we revel in our under-dog status - as I pointed out last night any goal for us is like xmas/birthday coming at once and is followed by jubulant celebrations (whereas a white goal merely affirms your superiority and is received with universal smugness). Thirdly, I do not think that picking the teams on the night will add anything but sadness for the last person selected (Clive). Fourthly, I think your management of the five - a - side has taken us forward and keeping it to 5s is without doubt the best. The games this year have been really enjoyable (and, for the most part, competitive) and I feel that any tinkering will be detrimental to this. Bibs for the rag tags is a good idea, though.

Good game again last night despite my poor performance for the Whites (or good performance for the Rag Tags!!)

I feel there are a couple of issues that need input / clarification...

Firstly, it would appear that certain individuals feel that I favour the Whites when putting the teams together?? Initially at week 1 I constructed the sides broadly in line with how they finished last year (and the Rag Tags won). Since then I have simply filled the vacant position (for whichever team) with any available person whilst trying to prefer TSJ people. I have not made wholesale changes to the sides as it is difficult enough to get 10 people each week without having to phone people to ask them to bring a different coloured top!!.

The second point (and I do not dispute this) is that the Whites in the main have been the stronger side - the scoreline of matches won demonstrates this. I see there being a few alternatives...

• We choose the teams on the night and buy some bibs to distinguish the sides
• Someone else takes over the organisation and constructs what they consider to be fair sides on a week by week basis - I don't have time to do this.
• We continue as we are

Please give me some feedback as I do not want the Rag Tags to lose interest by getting beat most weeks and I am not prepared to have certain insinuations directed at me.

good game again - not as close in terms of scoreline (doesn't matter if we lose!) but I thought we competed really well. Matt will not be welcome back to the rag tags as he fitted into the whites all too well. Looks like personell changes for next week will bring the teams even closer......
Clive - my wife thinks I'm having a bit with you - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and you asking for Monday aswell!

OK people, as I have heard nothing to the contrary I am pleased to advise that the teams are as last week.

See you all tomorrow.

I know i'm really gutted I can't be there on Saturday but I am there on friday night.

I did watch a bit of the Currie Cup when I was over there but sarah was non too pleased but I managed to watch the City v Chelsea game! He he! How romantic am I!

Osama, great to have you back in one piece, half of me thought you'd be kidnapped and sold into the slave trade, the other half thought you might pop up playing for Western Transvaal in the old Currie Cup!

Shame you won't be there on Saturday. That's now ruined half my jokes. Damn.

Back at work rubbish!

South Africa was fantastic, what a place! Enjoyed every minute of it (and the wedding of course!).

Gutted! I can't make it to the race night its my bro's surprise 30th that night so i'm going to miss out!

JUST A QUICKIE FOR ANY SECOND TEAMERS WHO ORDERED PRINTS FROM THE HUNTER CUP TRIUMPH - I'LL BE BRINGING THEM WITH ME TO THE RACE NIGHT PRICED AT THE ROCK BOTTOM AND VERY COMPETITIVE PRICE OF £3 EACH WHICH INCLUDES YOUR INDIVIDUALLY HAND PRINTED PICTURE IN ONE OF THOSE CLIPFRAME THINGIES. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE A BIT OF A PAIN LIKE JONESY AND ARE A BIT FUSSY ABOUT GETTING YOURSELF A FRAME WHICH MATCHES YOUR SOFT FURISHINGS AND COLOUR SCHEME, THEN THEY'RE £2 TO YOU. HOWEVER, I HAVE FRAMED ALL OF THEM (EXCEPT JONESY'S OF COURSE) SO DARE TO MAKE A FUSS. DON'T FORGET YOUR CASH AS THIS WILL BE MY GAMBLING MONEY FOR THE EVENING!!!
see some of youse at the league do on Fri as well.
laters.......

I think the best comment on last night came from Micky J as we were leaving:

"The trouble with us [whites] is that when we're not firing we try and go more fancy, rather than keeping it simple. When we're playing well all the flicks work. The ragtags worked harder and put in the running"

Spot on - for 35 minutes last night, we were appalling and couldn;t string 3 passes together, which is to take nothing away from Kieran's one man super show when he banged in a number of screamers early on. Thankfully (for us) we then put in 20 minutes when everyone came good at once and we clawed right back. A tremendous last 25 minutes for both teams. Well done Ragtags for a superb game and thank goodness we started to put passes together or it could have been embarrassing!

Oh and thanks Nick for the swollen and bruised knee ;-)

Game of two halves eh....what...mmm!!

Really enjoyed last night. If that was CDO with a dodgy foot what will the fully fit version do next week. With the same teams likely I wouldn't like to predict the outcome (apart from me & Clive falling out of course).

Laters...

good game, good game! Thought a draw was better result (I would) - Rag Tags couldn't maintain the unbelievable start and whites took the honours - probably 2nd best game ever.

Looking forward to another super game tonight, it should be extra competitive with the return of the Hud! Pity there's no Jedi, but then again ... come on you Whites!

Apologies once again to those who turned up last night for my non attendance. Unfortunately with 2 young children domestic matters sometimes take over!!

Anyway, one change for the football tomorrow...

WHITES

Scott
Ashley
Steve Pearce
Mick J
Paul

RAG TAGS

Kieran
Nick H
Clive
Craig
Dickie P

See you tomorrow.

Checked the constitution and we require 3 committee members to become quorate so last night did not prove to be a complete waste of time after all.

I gave my apologies over the weekend, together with the offer of our house as an alternative venue so that I could attend. Unfortunately Cathie has a rehearsal on a Tuesday evening at the moment, and without the availabilty of usual babysitter last night I could not leave the house.

PS never thought I would see the day when CDO classed 2 hours in the pub as a waste of time!!

Did people just not turn up? I gave Clive my apologies last Thursday ...

really bad turnout at comm meeting meant that we were not quorate (?) - basically means that those not turning up wasted our time....(present - Chairman, Secretary and CDO, with RP later).

Race Night: really need to get 100+ there, so bring friends/family - kids are welcome also (there are a few coming - could be good to use as jockies, or is that sizist in this pc world?). Also need good turnout to recognise the trophy winners - as a club there have been some fantastic individual and team performances and we should really be giving everyone a big clap on the back.

Spot on Cliff, the pace was electric last night. Apart from a sloppy last 10 minutes, thought the whites put on a good show last night. Well done the Rag Tags too for some high energy stuff; maybe Jedi would have given you the finishing power to complement your improved outfield display?

Very enjoyable!

Great game again tonight. Either the pace is getting faster or I'm getting slower.

A reminder that Committee Meeting is on Tuesday at 8pm in the Dungeon. All Committee members should now have their minutes and agenda.

Also last date for ordering NMCL tickets is next Weds (20th) and last date for Race Nite tickets is Weds 28th. Let me know how many you need especially with regard to the latter.

Well I'm particularly looking forward to the game, and let's hope this week that the ball isn't kicked onto the top of the cricket netting within the first 2 minutes! Nice one.

Glad to hear the CDO's gout has cleared, which should make the RagTags altogether more competitive, not to mention more sanitary! I fear some of us now just have to worry about our gut, not our gout!

same team .........hmmmmm........if only we can harness the force of the jedi and stop flash Gordon.....("Saviour of the Universe").
Me foot's better anyway.......
Come on Clive!

Thought the Welsh might have done us a favour... no such luck.

Same teams as last week for the football, not sure if that's a good or a bad thing for the RAG TAGS?

See you tomorrow.

Nick - perhaps your comments also apply to Rob Holt (missing from the batting averages!).

cheers paul, but after seeing my bowling figures i wish i hadn't said anything.
clive, who went up from the third and down from the second, looks like some nice grounds for the 2nds to play at next year.
laters

Chaps,

The 2nd XI averages have now been updated and are online.

Hope you all had a good weekend!

yup - its gout! just been to Docs and been given tablets that make you vomit and crap - I said isnt the NHS great - I came in here with one problem and I'm leaving with two!
Was that not the same (or v. similar) team as the one which beat the whites on the first week? I thought we did great bearing in mind our best player is on a par with the white's 3rd best (MA and MJ respectively).
Clive you are a really bad driver.

the return of clive has coincided with the return of my gout - probably have to resign myself to being Alan Rough tonight.

Sorry Rag Tags can't seem to get you a settled side....

WHITES

Scott
Ashley
Pearcy
Paul
Mike J

RAG TAGS

Kieran
Craig
Matt A
Dickie P
Clifford the Invincible

See you tonight.

Nick - I remember you bowling an over or two. If you're concerned, you can have my figures. No wickets and not very economical (the batsman's friend) but at least it would look like you did something other than creep in at the end of our innings and try to sneak off with the batting prize with all those not outs!
laters

Nick - I remember you bowling an over or two. If you're concerned, you can have my figures. No wickets and not very economical (the batsman's friend) but at least it would look like you did something other than creep in at the end of our innings and try to sneak off with the batting prize with all those not outs!
laters

Please send me the updated averages whenever they get done and I'll pop them up.

At present got 18 booked into league do ! These are Steve x3, Jedi x3, Rob x2, Smithy x2, Phil, Mike J, Mike A, Cotters, Skudders, Me, CDO, Birdy. If anyone else wants a ticket let me know ASAP.

Chaps

I cannot take all the credit or dis-credit for the averages. Steve has compiled the 2nd XI ones so please take up any discrepancies up with him.
I do agree that 258 divided by 10 is not 21.5 but I did not check his figures. I do apologise !!!

well just been looking at the averages for the 2nds and i know i didnt have the greatest season with the ball but i do recall bowling a few overs and taking the odd wicket.
who could forget the swearing at the woodbank batter incident, when i had to eat humble pie and apologise. not me anyway as it was the only time i bowled well!
laters

Just eyeballing the 2's batting. SURELY 258 divided by 10 is 25.8.....even with MY maths??? Clive - don't forget, not outs don't count!!!!!!

Chaps,

Thanks to Cliff for compiling them - the 1st and 2nd XI averages for 2004 are now available from the left navbar. Huge cringes for the first XI batting, which fell away towards the end of the season (4 of us averaging over 30 in August), but the bowling stats make great reading for all our main bowlers, no-one going for more than 3.9 an over.

And please note who took the most catches in the field ;-)

Scott, I think you'll like this - following on from yesterday's stuff with Kaye, read this!!!

Peacock child given unfortunate name ... magnificent!

Heartiest congratulations to Matt and Sarah who were successfully wed yesterday - as the attending minister remarked "half of Matt's possessions" are now shared by Sarah - which by our reckoning means she must have about a quarter of last season's subs!!!

It was a very good day out, attended by the Johns contingent of Dickie and Kaye (P. Cock ;-)), Scott and Helen, Mr and Mrs CDO, CLiff and myself. A particularly nice touch was in Ian (father of the bride)'s speech, he made good mention of last season's Calverly Cup final success. Good man.

There was one particular challenge when the lights went out halfway through the speeches, leaving Matt on tenterhooks for the best part of 2 hours! Given that we were in the middle of nowhere, it was quite interesting ... and allowed certain people, who shall remain nameless, to get very very drunk indeed. I think we're clear that the title CDO actually means Club Drinking Officer!

One added bonus - Kaye and Richard were booked into Room 19 at their hotel, which is apparently haunted by the ghost of a nun, Sister Benedict, who hanged herself! So we'll await a report from Dickie this week to see if any ghostly goings on were noted!

Sorry. Sarah. Must have skipped the 'a' key.

First off, GOOD LUCK Matt & Sarh. Have a great day!!!!!
Secondly, Kieran, if you didn't get my text: Bobby Goldsboro (told you), Summer (the first time), August '73, got to no.9 you'll be glad to hear.

Alert for anyone driving to Matt's wedding tomorrow and following the "from manchester" directions. The A471 road through Read is closed for resurfacing tomorrow morning and afternoon - so allow an extra 10 or 15 mins for the inevitable diversion!

Great game last night - bossed by the whites until the last 10 when we ran out of steam. Something Jedi will seemingly never do. That's the last time I'm man-marking him for 80% of the game ;-) I'm knackered still! Thought all 10 pulled out the stops last night, some wonderful goals and great play all round. Well done Rag Tags for keeping going and playing some neat stuff despite another mass change of personnel!

well played whites - (stock email for Friday morning) - Q: where was Matt running to? A: Where wasn't he running to!

Well 2 days to go and alls fine! Its my last day in work so I'm off to the pub tonight to get wasted! Anyway COME ON heres to Married life!

Cotters

on paper whites look v. strong, but who can predict the rag tags? I look forward to the return of the jedi!

Teams:

WHITES

Scott
Mike J
Paul
Ashley
Pearcy

RAG TAGS

Kieran
Mike A
Matt A
Craig
Russ

Many congrats Clive and a superb effort from Mozzer too! Richly deserved.

Big Bird - what a way to end the season and third in the league bowling is fantastic stuff! Looking at the 4 batsmen's averages and the respective league standings I think shows 2 things -

1. we all could have done a lot better (we all have the potential to be (or have previously been) averaging 40+) and
2. what a poor season it's been all round for batsmen in the league if you can get in the top few with an average of 30!

Well done all!

Morning all

Update for football.

Definitely not available from last week - Dickie P & The Hud.
Available again after missing last week - Me & Paul

Not sure about the following - can the individuals or people in the know advise me re:

Matt Cotton (2 days before the wedding...Hmmmmm??)
Russell Brooks
Matt Ablett

I can be contacted on:

Work - 01204 397421
Mobile - 07799 868141 (office hours)
Home - 01706 826417

Thanks for your help - I will post the final teams (hopefully tonight/tomorrow AM)

Scott.

Final league tables and averages now been published. Congrats to 2nd XI who confirmed their runners-up spot with a margin for 3 points. Also congrats to those individuals who featured in the league averages.
Div One Batting
Nellie Butterworth 6th - ave 29.55
Russ Brooks 9th - ave 27.73
Keiran Coe 20th - ave 23.64
Paul Meehan 22nd - ave 23.50

Div One Bowling
Russ Brooks 3rd - ave 9.42
Paul Meehan 6th - ave 10.04

Div One Wicket-keeping
Clive Brooks - winner (lets party)

Div Four Batting
Mike Ainscoe 12th - ave 25.80
M Jones 15th - ave 20.25

Div Four Bowling
Steve Moriarty - winner - ave 5.65

Div Four Wicket-keeping
Mike Jones - no where in sight !!

Well done chaps - see you at the league dinner

Greetings all, back after a nice week down Stratford way.

Raring to go for Thursday footy - if required??

Good to see that Osama recovered from the Edinburgh do, looking forward to the weddding next weekend, should be a blinder.

combination of our bad shooting, white's good goalkeeping and wobbly legs all-round! Still a good sweaty workout though!

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Teams for Thursday

WHITES

Ashley
Mike J
Pearcy
Craig (free transfer)
Russell

RAG TAGS

Kieran
Dickie P
Mike A
Matt Cotton
Nick H

Enjoy.

Good Morning Fellas!

Just about recovered from the weekend of Shandy drinking! Just like to say thanks for everyone who turned up and to all the well wishers. Had an absolutely fantastic weekend which was almost spoilt by a pint of Wkd Irn Bru, whisky, gin, vodka, bacardi and various other shots.

Cheers to cdo who new my dress size!! How did you know, it was a perfect fit! I think i'm on 50% of all mobile phones in Edinburgh. All I can say is that wearing a dress is very liberating!

calling all diggers! bodies required at Crompton Meadows to fettle drains, square, pavillion, trees - please consult Clive for technical terminology for END OF SEASON GROUNDWORK. People will be down Saturday and Sunday so please make your availability known to Clive - or just turn up!

well done the whites. I thought your biggest improvement was in your marking - big effort from you all which closed us out/down.

Oh my word, this is spooky. I rarely remember any dreams but this morning I woke up and remembered that I'd turned on the TV and seen New Zealand playing Australia in a one day international and being bowled out for about 92. The Aussies then knocked them off for 2 with Gilchrist batting through. Until about 30 mins ago I didn't realise the two teams were playing today.

As I type this, New Zealand are 90-7 ...

Mike - yes of course you can use my comments!

Come on you whites!

Gents

Teams as last week apart from Craig replacing Danny.

Dickie, don't forget I am making my own way there.

I'd appreciate any pics on disk/CD for the newsletter. I've already put mine into the current newsletter which is 'at the printers', including an 'attractive' front cover. Hope to have a newsletter post-race night/league night pre-xmas.
Paul - could I use your 'Thanks' comments in the next newsletter along the lines of 'captain's comments'?? AND of course any other comments/observations on the season from ANYONE.
write yours and I'll key them in or post as word docs to mainscoe@yahoo.co.uk
Cheers. Good luck for the weekend Cotters. Look forward to hearing.....

Yes that will be fine - but bear in mind I'm off work from Friday and not back in work for a fortnight ... so can do poorer quality scans at home first.

Cheers paul

It will be a cultured weekend were going to visit the castle and be in bed for 7.30 prompt (am that is!)

COME ON!!!!!!!

Looking forward to footy tomorrow night - is the rampant Jedi returning to action? Also hoping to see the pics from Sat night, they shoud be belters. Would like to get a few so I can scan them in for the site.

Matt Cotton - if I don't see you before, have a fantastic time in Edinburgh. Really wish I could join you, but I'll be wending my way to Stratford with the family for a week's break, including some culture at the theatre on Monday! I guess the only cultures you lot will be seeing will be in the Edinburgh equivalent of behind Bolton Street station ;-)

And there was I thinking Nelly had disappeared behind Bolton St Station because of his interest in Steam Trains!!!

just heard Nelly B was in character right to the end - being sick BEFORE eating his curry! Good work, fella!

Rich

I spoke to Chris last night, he was playing football last week and got kicked in his calf. As a result its burst and has had to have a week off work. He's going to see the doctors tomorrow and see what they say. He's not been able to walk for a week but he says its feeling better.

Has anyone tried the cricket game its well hard! My best score is 160 odd

Richard

Oh yes it was....

Newsletter to be delivered to printers on Thursday chaps! will include some 'viking' pictures, although Richard - you need to get some scanned onto some sort of disk for me to use in the next news please!!!

Chaps, I have updated the Stick Cricketlink on the left - there's a new and much improved version available! Much more stylish and you can even get caught and bowled, just as if Big Bird's bowling at you! Plus you can register and keep track of your stats!

Chaps, thoroughly enjoyed the couple of hours out and all the shouts of "Odin" down Totty Rd. The best part of the evening? Seeing all the smiles in every pub as the Vikings walked in - no aggro, no nonsense, just lots of good humour and enjoyment. Top effort.

Best costume? Matt C, closely followed by Nick Hud and CDO, with Jedi walking away with "campest Viking" title - although he did try and remedy that by chatting up someone 10 yrs older than himself in one of the early pubs!

A fantastic end to the season, pity about the rain at the match though, it would have been even better to end with 5 points!

Fantastic night! Sore head in the morning though!

Saturday the activities finish at 5.30 so we should be back at the hotel for 6ish. So a quick sss then power drinking onwards!

I'll give someone a call to make arrangements to meet

COME ON!

where did everyone go? Last thing I remember was being saved by Rob Holt with toilet paper in the Robert Peel -then waking up 4.30am with one piece missing from the pizza on me belly in me front room!

Great effort last night lads. Had a really enjoyable evening rounded off with a nice curry with Russ, Nellie & Nick.
Just come back from a thrilling Calverley Cup final at Greenmount. Chasing 148 ao, Catholic Club were reduced to 47 for 7 then some big hitting from Mo and some proding around by captain H they got to 148-8 in the last over. Third ball ELPM claimed a wicket and last man for Rochdale played out last 3 balls to make it a tie and RCC won by virtue of losing 1 less wicket.

Well it's not a great day to be a bowler ... if you're American. After containing New Zealand to 205-3 in the first 40 overs, the Yanks astonishingly got smashed for 142 in the last 10, including 95 off the last 4!!! Whoops.

Not a bad start for England v Zimbabwe either. 102-2 off 16, with Solanki again leading the way. Vaughan and Tresco both blazed for a few balls, but it's now up to Strauss and Solanki to set the platform for the main man to come in and clear half of Birmingham!

Rain, stay away, I want to end the season with a proper game!

Team for Saturday, meet 12.30pm at ground:

Doc P (c), Cliff, Bird, Osama, Dickie P, CDO, Micky Jones, Scunners, The Hud, Nelly Butt and either Chadders or young Jedi (tbc)

Whats the team for tomorrow and what time are we meeting at the ground 12.30 or 1.00?

ODIN ODIN ODIN ODIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, it might be a good idea ahead of time to prepare your unique Viking name with which to be identified.

examples:

Dickieborg the Softhanded
Cottersthud the Crimpbeard
Skundric the Unaware

Viking name anthology

Yours in Thor's service,
Docmund the Berserker

Viking warning: Those who have paid in to fines not turning up in Viking attire on Sat. evening will be fined; those who have not paid in will be requested to divvy up; those who have not paid in and do not resemble Nogin the Nog - the fear of Odin be with you!
7.00pm meet at the robin - thence to t'Dungeon and so on and so forth. In the event of bad weather we must attempt to be sober-ish for this start time so as to prevent an unlevel playing field. Allowed: cameras. Not allowed - slow drinking and late sequential arrival at pub.

Looks like we're back up and running - received an apologetic email from Blogger support about yestersay's downtime.

Scott - are you 100% sure of M.Ainscoe's availability?

Scott

Sorry bud but i'm going to have to cry off for thursday because i've got my Wedding Rehearsal that night.

10 Days til Edinburgh COME ON!!!!!!!!!

Last night's committee meeting was somewhat enlivened by the show in the corner, which certainly kept the CDO and Bird entertained ...

Attendees: Bird, Cliff, myself, CDO, Scoop, Dickie P and Mozzer

Items of interest to all - tickets are now available for the two end of year bashes. For anyone who wants to go and celebrate the 2nds fantastic season and see Mozzer collect up to 3 trophies the NMCL dinner is on Friday 29 October at the Elizabethan Suite (Town Hall). Let's make sure we have a good club turnout.

The following night, Saturday October 30, is our big fund raiser and celebratory night of the year, the race night/presentation evening. Once again we'll be celebrating the events of the year, making money for the club, listening to Derek's jokes about Sheikh Loomba and watching the Brooks boys collect about a gazillion quid in race prizes. Not to mention the speeches! Greenmount have pulled out all the stops to provide us with the venue FREE of charge, which is fantastic news, so let's try and get 100 people along for what is sure to be another superb club night.

Other news items to pass on: the Committee would formally like to thank and congratulate all players and officials this year in what has been another great season for the club, with the 2nds leading the way and the 1sts building on last year's outstanding efforts. More silverware for the club and a very exciting year in prospect next term.

Other than that, the usual behind the scenes discussions of grants, mowers, equipment, renovations and so on. Cliff or the CDO will pick up anything else I'm sure ...

Teams for Thursday night

WHITES

Scott
Paul
Mike J
Ashley
Pearcy

RAG TAGS

Kieran
Dickie P
Mike A
Matt C
The Hud

So.....Steve Moriarty's been playing with Evil Stig has he?...........

Following prior revelations about certain members of the club, including Big Bird's hairdressing exploits and Matt Cotton's fraternity days, a quick search of the Internet has turned up all manner of oddities.

For example, did you know that Mozzer is a big fan of post-punk resurgence music? (sounds more like a MR Ainscoe thing to me)

Staying on a musical theme, why not check out Big Joe Louis and His Blues Kings - the drummer may be quite familiar! niiiiiiiiiice

and finally, esther, nuclear physicist Mark Chadwick apparently wants his staff to "work like dogs". A bit out of kilter with his normally-relaxed Bondi Barbie persona there ...

Most peculiar goings on. Our ump on Saturday (don't know his name) said he'd had a call at 12 o'clock to say that F&H 1's weren't playing and that he'd had to race over to us!!! ...and of course the EV boys were a bit put out as they'd had to be their 1's recently due to that Asian wedding thing....awaiting more clarification...this is keeping me awake at night...

Let me try and clear a few matters up

Fothergill's II's were playing Rochdale away and at 1pm the league sec (kkkkeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrr) demanded they come back to Fothergills and play as a 1st XI. Didn't go down too well in the Rochdale camp I believe.

When teams are on level points, normally league placings are usually determined on the number of 5 point wins, NOT alphabetical or how the results went against those on level points. However, don't quote me on this for end of season placings.
If the first is the case then it is congratulations to our 2nd team. Promotion will be secured as long as no teams drop out of the divisions before start of next season, so a decision will not be made immediately by the league.
Hope this clears up any confusion.

The Fothergills situation is weird - we were told at the game on Sat that the Fothergills game was a walkover for Robbies b/c F couldn't raise a team, yet they clearly did so ... according to the NMCL results page:

FOTHERGILL & HARVEY 78 a.o. V ROBINSONS 79 - 6

What a strange old revrse world we live in. Fothergills can't raise a 1st team on Sat while their 3rd team scores 258 on Sun. I think there's only one winner in this situation and they're sitting in second place in Div 4.........

Mike,

I am sure Cliff can clarify, but it is my understanding that if teams finish level on points, the team with most 5 point wins is placed higher - in which case you guys have finished 2nd ... and therefore promoted???? Can anyone confirm that?

Shame in some ways about Dalians losing to Catholics - BUT it does mean we can have a crack at 2nd place. ELPM always a bit of a thorn in our side, but with a party atmosphere in place it could be an entertaining spectacle.

Can we do selection at the committee meeting tomorrow - shouldn't take too long??

Can I just say very well done to all the 1st team boys - and indeed all those who have filled in over the season. 3rd place (at worst) is a terrific achievement for a side that's regularly been missing players, particularly in the big games. Well done to all of you. There have been a number of outstanding performances this year, capped off with Nelly's 6 for on Saturday and some dogged batting on a very tricky pitch. There have been more individual match winners this year than I can recall.

AND...in Div 4 Fothergills beat/thrashed Darcy....COME ON THE 2's.
Can someone explain what that means in terms of the league????

sounds like a good game - RCC v R. Its going to the wire! Come on Totty take 2nd!-

For all you committee folk. A further reminder that Committee Meeting this Tuesday at 8pm at Dungeon.

Played in a friendly today - finger seems okay.

Can someone get Mike his medication please....

In the style of Peter Kay:

Superior fitness??!!! SUPERIOR?????......FITNESS?????
Clinical finishing?!?!?!? CLINICAL???!!......FINISHING!?!?!

Come you rag tags!

I'm going to go straight to the ground so what time is kick off?

First blood to the Rag Tags - a hard fought victory

I feel your superior fitness level and clinical finishing made the difference.

For our part I cannot believe that we managed to find the keeper and even miss those bloody huge goals as many times as we did!!!!

Excellent first match.

Well I must say that was the best first game of the new footy season that we've had - very close all the way, some good football, and only 1 or 2 in it all the way until the end when Jedi - clearly fitter than everyone of our team put together - knocked in a good final two goals to seal our fate. Considering most of us haven't played in 6 months, a very good workout indeed, and Mr Ainscoe and Young Jedi are far too fit for their own good.

Well done the rag tags but we'll be back!!

Meanwhile, let's now focus on a good Saturday, securing a confirmed 3rd place for the 1sts and getting the 2s promoted!

ooooooooooooo one scabby win and look who's dishing out the coaching - I could mention many negatives about last night, but, in the attempt to develop team spirit will merely mention Matt's Bush-like speech in my car - "There's no I in Team...."
(Bush - some people think I have a swagger - in Texas that is called walking).

So Abbers has improved 300%?? Good God!! When he starts looking up he'll improve another 300%!!

Nows not the time to gloat - cos the whites will come back strong next time and we'll never play as well as that again!
Its been a long time since something that I've really looked forward to has over-delivered - hope it continues same.
Q. If Matt Ablett has improved 300% at football, why can he not improve at Cricket?

i tell you my knee is a tad sore, but the old stick cricket is keeping my spirts up and softening the blow of missing the end of season run in and i get to watch a bit of england v india.
all the best to the "fiversiders", i hope none of you injury your knees!!
laters

Come you rag tags! Use the cotters spirit and beat them whites!

I don't know what I'm looking forward to most ...

Scott v Clive or getting Dickie to fall for that "inside out" turn down the left ;-)

Just had a very intriguing text from an unnamed member of the rag tags saying he's going to "get us". Get us with the usual long balls from the back right channel perhaps!

Here's to being knackered by 10 past 9 and completely screwed for the weekend!

ta for confirming, Matt. The Coe taxi shall be calling 8.30pm, 8.35 at chez-Ainscoe (or t'other way round). Please bring tactics on how to break down the mighty whites with what looks like our only commodity - topless poultry.

well - that looks fair - fairly one sided that is! The rag tags should be trying to sign a replacement for the goal-filler Mozzmaester General. I do not think the 'night of no goals' is to be repeated (maybe for the other side, though!). Matt Ablett - are you out there? If so please confirm to me that you are playing and want a lift.

Doesn't time fly.... Welcome again to another season of 5-a-side all out warfare.

Looking to be a bit closer to the numbers this year with the intention that we play with even numbers each week but with no more than 12. In exceptional circumstances this may mean that some weeks demand will exceed the 12. In the pursuit of fairness the people who played the previous week will always have the option for the following week with any vacancies then filled by people who have supported the football over the past 3 years. This decision will be entirely at my discretion (as I spend the time on the phone each week).

I do expect the above to be the exception and hope you all understand my rationale??

Anyway, on to tonight's teams...

THE WHITES

Scott P
Ashley P
Doc P
Mike J
Pearcy (Nick & Ashleys mate who filled in last year a few times)

THE RAGTAGS

Kieran C
Dickie P
Young Jedi
Mike Ainscoe
Clive (headless chick) Brooks

Let battle commence - see you all tonight.

Scott.

We are the cheeky whites,
we are the cheeky whites,
you are the chickenheads
you are the chickenheads

(or headless chicken, in one case!)

... and there you go, a 50 for Solanki, a swift start from Tresco, 40odd unbeaten from Strauss and a magnificent cameo from Freddie (including three sixes in 25 balls) to wrap it up. England win with 17 overs to spare!

He's at it again!

Hat-trick for Harmison in the one day opener against India, the visitors 170 all out! Come on you whites!

BEST to Big G for a rapid recovery.
Saturday availability - I should be OK for an end of season blast against EV although having said that I'm struggling with my neck/shoulder/muscular trouble I've had all year. (age y'know).
Also should have some prices for 2nd team cup photos so anyone reading who wants one, bring your cash.
Is 5 a side starting this week or was it an ugly rumour?

What happened yesterday?

Great result Sat with Glodwick beating Robbies - well done! Assuming we play to our potential on sat, that's 3rd place ... and that's a huge game for Catholics/Rochdalians at the weekend!

does anyone know availability for this weekend? 2 games same day so poss. problems.

Advance notice of next committee meeting :
Tuesday 7th September at the Old Dungeon Inn commencing at 8pm. Minutes and agendas available at weekend.

Thanks for the well wishers regarding the old man, he's feels fine and just wants to get out of hospital asap! it's day 5 without a cig so spare a thought ;-) , though he has now got a nicotine patch.
for the rammy supporters at the club they beat rawtenstall with 5 balls to spare in the final of the floodlight challenge in an entertaining, if not slightly wet affair. the curry afterwards finished off a splendid evening.
laters

Osama, can you let us into some fraternity secrets, please? From now on, forget the Osama tag, you are to be known exclusively as "Kappa Mu"

Matt's frat past!

Some positive news from Nick; Graham's doing fine but bored and aching to be out of hospital! Nick also informs me that:

tonight rawtenstall are playing ramsbottom (i think) at home in the final of the rossendale floodlight cricket cup, it starts at 1800 and is 20, 8 ball overs aside, £2 per person and is good
fun if it doesnt rain!

Matt, what are you nervous about? It's not like you'll be bowling or batting above number 11 anyway ;-)

The game is on Monday. Clive is a dick. All the best to Fletch Senior.

Speedy recovery Mr Fletcher!

I'm getting really nervous about these last few games! I don't think i'll sleep tonight so i'd better get leathered like last week! COME ON!!!!

I tried that game that chadders posted and i'm REALLY crap at it. My best was about 10 or so. I guess nothing changes there then, well apart from I can't get 10!

Is the Greenmount game now Sunday - thought it was Monday??? Has the team been finalised?

For those that haven't heard, Graham Fletcher has suffered what docs have said is a mild heart attack. I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery, and also send our best to Nick and family at this time.

On a less serious note, we will be joined by some new TSJ bloggers soon! Looking forward to that.

getting it on? oooooo er!
I say lets play in't mud!

thus says our best batsmen - physician heal thyself! (moral high-ground achieved by having scored 5 more runs).

It's time for the batsmen to step up and be counted this weekend. Our bowlers have consistently done the job all season, with few exceptions, now we need the batting to come off for 3 games and we'll end the season riding high. If we win the next 2 games the final weekend will be VERY interesting indeed!

oh yes - GOOD LUCK SPRINGHEAD!!!! STUFF THOSE ROCHDALIAN BOYS!!!

looking forward to weekend - good weather forecast. 2nd place is ours for the taking!

Teams for weekend (remember all games now commence at 1.30pm)
Sat 1sts XI V Failsworth meet ground at 12.30pm : P Meehan (c), C Brooks, R Brooks, M Chadwick, K Coe, M Cotton, M Deegan, A Parkinson, C Parkinson, R Peacock, P Skundric. Res: TBA
Sun Select XI v Greenmount (The Bobby Loomba Testimonial Match). Meet Greenmount 12.30pm : FROM - K Coe, C Brooks, R Brooks, M Ablett, M Jones, N Fletcher, G Fletcher, P Skundric, M Cotton, N Hudson, P Yates, M Ainscoe, A Smith, R Peacock, M Deegan.

Osama, it'll match the pea brain then won't it? Sorry, too easy.

Very odd - do we have a transsexual in our ranks? Who is Julie Entwistle and where are the rest of you?

Bad news people the beard has gone! I've got a pea head!!

Did you know that Odin is Thor's Dad? So actually, Thor would say ...

"AAAAARRRGGH - DAD!!!!"

which somehow doesn't seem quite as, well, manly, does it? On the other hand it's quite conceivable that Odin might say ...

"WHO'S THE DADDY? GIVE ME THAT HAMMER!!!"

VIKING ALERT - nothing less than full viking attire (head to toe) will suffice for the 11/09/04. A whispy beard and horny helmet may seem a giggle now but raping and pillaging requires 100% commitment to authenticity, or as Thor (God of Thunder) would say - "AAAAARRRGGH - ODIN!!!!"

Aaahh....maybe....was hoping to be there with the campcorder gathering 'material' for the next newsletter ('End of season special').....

258-8 - Test Match batsman (as long as they don't bowl short outside off stump I guess!)

36 all out - I'm a sunday league loser!
Oh - I'm available if required for Greenmount - I think Mike Ainscoe may be sniffing for a game too.

Cliff, I'll sort Digger out shortly.

Chaps, what a astonishingly bad batting session that was on Saturday - as ever we bowled and fielded really well, but from 20-0 we just had a collective mare didn't we?

Time to herald Saturday's late order hero - well done Craig. By his own admissions he's not had a good year and not enjoyed his batting at all, so what a joy it was to see him stand tall and bash the winning runs on Saturday - a vital vital 5 points, one which keeps us in contention for 2nd and also means that's another player who can justifiably claim to have played a big part in a win - what a great collective effort this season has become. Well done, Ex-Vice! And of course well done all the bowlers for doing superbly in wet conditions, and Ash too for his good batting.

Excellent! I didn't think I was that laced!

£2.00 Dicky P. for various misdemeanours inc. not turning up, flora conversations, pain, etc. Matt Cott was £3.50 (cake).

Matt

I don't have the precise ordinance survey co ordinates, however if it helps I think you fell into the compost heap of the big white house on Holcombe Road - Whitebirk House?

Excellent night made up for the dire game of cricket which preceeded it.

Congratulations to Matty Ablett are due for making it in one piece to the 2nds game on Sunday!!

Kieran your nethers must have strange powers - turned into a loony when you left.

Really don't remember that! Where did this happen?

Password for the bog?????

Amusing incident on the way home from the pub on Saturday night....

Myself, Big Bird and Osama are wandering up Holcombe Road when myself and Russ realised Matt had disappeared. We turned around to find him collapsed via a bush into a front garden. Once he had composed himself he announced 'Oh, I don't know what happened there??'

Still in with a shout of runner-up spot with Rochdailians beaten by Robbies yesterday. Excellent news !!!

Paul - can you provide Digger with a bog password. He asked me last week. Cheers

Cliff,

If we were to list everything you miss, we'd be here until Doomsday ;-)

On a more serious note, we're at Fothergills on Saturday and you know what that means ...

Wot do u mean by that CDO ? Have I missed something ?

oooo is yer rhubarb moist Clive?

Can we not delay the delivery of the newsletter ?Everytime we take receipt of it at an 1st XI away fixture it rains. Take ELPM and Springhead for example.

We need those player profiles back from Dickie, Digger and Nellie for inclusion in next editions.

newsletter ready to print so should be av. weekend. Next one, including cup final stuff nearly ready also - Mike: are we eventually going daily (broadsheet or tabloid)?

Really? Not actually tasted the cake itself but chose the fillings etc.

Morning all,

Well done the 2s on another great win yesterday.

A poor batting performance on Saturday against Dalians - if only Ash, Russ and Nick had been available we would have made a far better fist of things - too many rash shots (I count myself most culpable there) against an attack that was never overly threatening but steady. Thought we did well to keep a very strong batting side to 182 on that wicket, especially as our bowlers were severely depleted - no Ash, Bird or Osama, myself with an injury, and Scunners not having bowled that many overs all season.

There's a 7 point gap between ourselves and Robbies - let's regroup for the next 3 games, all very winnable - Fothergills, Failsworth, Elton Vale - and let's make sure we finish in third, which will represent a tremendous achievement with all the selection problems of the year.

No probs mike! You will all be glad that i have purchased my cake and its very nice indeed! Bring on the weekend!

bet I've got the biggest horns on me helmet! Clive I've got you a helmet/shield combo also. Need to get sheepskin rug for jacket now.

Cheers Matt. I take that as a compliment, although I was actually meant to be Robert Plant from the mighty Zep. In fact as we speak, I'm cultivating the very same look. As for picture 2, that's pure 80's isn't it? I seem to possibly recall that as being in some bar in Bangor (Uni time). Being surrounded by bottles - very impressive again. Nice cardigan too!!! Kieran - is that now 1 all? and well done on searching those out. I think that the race is on for more 'blasts from the pasts' guys.

is there anybody out there? or have I got a crap 'puter?

more like Justine from 'curly hur' shop.

Mike, you look like Justin from The Darkness!

1st team selection for the weekend - Sat v Rochdalians (H), meet ground 1pm

Doc P (c), CDO, Ex-Vice, Cliff, Digger, Dickie P, Nelly, Scunners Boom Boy, Mozzer, Surf Boy Chadders, Young Jedi

And now, revenge is indeed a dish best served cold, and here at editorial Towers we think this is a blinder. Remember the "schoolboy Kieran" pics in the last newsletter? We can now go one better with these ... and yes, that is Denise Coe impersonating Rod Stewart in picture 2! Anyone like to suggest some captions?

Cliff,

Very spooky! More to the point, how many's Big Bird got cos we need to catch him up! Also, can you email me Digger's address so I can add him to various things?

Ta!

Finished updating the 1st XI averages and they make spooky reading. Nellie, Dr P and CDO have all scored exactly 294 league runs. Who will go ahead after the Dalians match ?

Just had an e-mail from Dasher that I thought I would share with you.

Well done second eleven, brilliant breakfast and a good days cricket,
Been drinking Stella again with Scunners, went home and burnt the F***ing jam again.
Digger Deegan

TSJCC Exclusive!

What a day it's turning out to be - we've got a new insider scoop. You think the battling Brooks boys are just adept at blowing the clarinet and sax? Think again, as you witness their infamous Pop idol audition. You'll need your speakers turned on for this one ...

Brooks Boys in Top Gear

Anyone care to guess who they're singing about? Prize for the best guess ...

Many thanks to Dickie P and his camera for the following images. Here we have an exclusive of that man Scunners in action ...

Everything looks ok ...

Send in Scunners ...



BOOM! BOOM!

and thanks also to a mystery contributor, who I am not allowed to reveal, here we have a picture of some of our Saturday "friends" ...

not at me best today - Lees bitter is OK all day long, but Stella takes you places you do not want to go, trust me.

Assuming Paul, Dickie & CDO are not feeling hugely sarcastic this morning I am believing the 2nd's picked up the pot yesterday.

Well done lads.

Many congrats 2nds ...

Looks like Scunners has found his natural level, haha! ;-)

We had a brief chat with the Dalians boys yesterday - they're confident and raring to go for next week. After Saturday's debacle at Glodwick, which I'm sure we're all biting our tongues over, it'll be nice to get back to a game of proper cricket!

Thanks for the cake hmmm lovely!

beer, beer we want more beer! got to work - no cuff links, feel like LLB from changing rooms. I am still **ssed. Well done the 2's!!!

Ashley's just informed me that Chadders is still on holiday so it looks like Cotters/Rowdy are moving up tomorrow ... Osama, you're with the big boys fella!!

Those all important teams for the Cup Final weekend.
Sat 7th Aug
1sts away at Glodwick. Meet Robin Hood at 12.30pm. P Meehan, C Brooks, R Brooks, N Butterworth, M Chadwick, K Coe, M Deegan, A Parkinson, C Parkinson, R Peacock, P Skundric. Res: M Cotton
2nds at Home to Chew Moor Brook. Meet Ground 1pm. M Jones, M Ablett, M Ainscoe, M Cotton, R Holt, S Horner, N Hudson, S Hunter, N Fletcher, D Moriarty, A Smith. Res: P Yates
HUNTER CUP FINAL
2nds V Fothergill & Harvey at Woodbank C C. Meet at Robin Hood 10.30am for Breakfast. S Moriarty, M Ablett, M Ainscoe, G Fletcher, N Fletcher, R Holt, N Hudson, M Jones, P Skundric, A Smith, P Yates. 12th man: S Hunter

Well it's set to be an absolute jaffa this weekend with lovely warm temps and so on, no doubt I'll be bowling 20 overs uphill into the Sun but hey ho ... have just had a brilliant pressie popped down in front of me by er indoors with instructions to bring it to cricket. It's one for you, Dickie!

Personally I'm hoping the diet coke's chilled la!

la?

Gutted does that mean i'm going to have drink all day sunday and watch the cup final la!

Nowt gets you keener than being off - COME ON!!!! PITCH IT UP!!!!

Good luck to the 2's - you can count on some loud Yorkshire support from me!

Matt's gone all Scouse on us! Lock up your daughters! Fasten on your car wheels! Remove piles of bricks from his presence! Don't let him grow a mop top, no sorry no chance there!

ta la?

You can tell he's back! Oh I've still not seen the last TSJ handout will someone bring one tonight ta la!

Hey! That's my 9th wicket batting partner you're talking about; I can confirm he was most definitely batting and running for the Johns boys on saturday! ;-). Although perhaps bowling for the Catholics in his first over, arf arf!

cheeky boys....chosing a cake.....Q: are you batting for the other side?

They are a cheeky bunch them dalians boys eh! Defo available for this saturday (if required) but not for the dalians game. Can't get out of the party we're choosing the wedding cake that day aswell. Should be at nets/selection at 7ish.

Oooh, the Dalians boys have invaded - see guestbook! You're very welcome, fellas. Indeed, we have slipped to 3rd after the weekend results and there are some pretty big clashes coming up. Parky's Glodwick boys are not actually that far behind us either, so we need to make sure we do the business on Saturday, when we'll thankfully be back at full strength again.

It's an intriguing league this year - just look at the scores from the weekend!! ELPM losing, Fothergills(!!) scoring 300+ ... and Failsworth chasing 250 to win!

Big selection meeting tonight ahead of weekend clashes - I am aiming to be there for about 7.

hi all - must get a good turn out at nets tuesday - ALL places up for grabs!

Chaps,

Put Saturday into perspective - outclassed by a stronger side - and let's get back into the winning habit next weekend. We took 5 points from tough very tough games (Robbies, catholics) and we'd probably have settled for that. We're in second with 6 games to go and we must put in some tough performances now until the end of the season.

Let's get cracking at Glodwick next weekend eh?

Welcome back CDO!

Just in case anyone's wondering, I am playing tomorrow but not at the start, hence Nelly's captaining!

A bit later than normal but here are the teams for the most important weekend of the season especially for the 1sts.
1sts v Rochdale Cath Club (away). Meet Robin Hood at 12.30pm. Nellie B (capt), C Brooks, R Brooks, M Cotton, M Deegan, P Duckworth, N Hudson, C Parkinson, P Skundic, R Peacock & P Meehan.
2nds v Westleigh Meths at Home. Meet ground at 1pm. S Moriarty, R Holt, D Moriarty, M Jones, S Horner, R Ablett, N Fletcher, G Fletcher, A Smith, P Yates & A N Other.

Good luck men !!

Good point daddy nick!  But i think he's fail to say that he's been s**ging Talula his blow up friend!

just want to know what jedi is shagging. lets face anyone who saw the jacket he was wearing at chew moor brook and those boxing boot things must also wonder which team he is batting for if you pardon the pun!

As you know, a couple of weeks back we decided to install a feature which lets us track who is using the site. I've just had a quick look at the logs and have unearthed a few things.

So who is a typical TSJ website visitor?

Well, first off, we've had an astonishing 550 DIFFERENT people access us in 2 weeks. For  a small site devoted to a cricket club of 30 members, that's pretty amazing. Please, please, please sign our guestbook and let us know who you are. When we get Mike's newsletters online, we can only see usage increasing!

99% of our users are on Windows computers, with just 3 people using Linux (the fools). 61% of our users have a screen resolution of 800x600, which is fairly small - clearly the technological age is yet to catch on with some! 98% of people use Internet explorer (v5 or v6), with a measly 2% using Netscape! Microsoft is clearly continuing to rule the world ...

One of the most intriguing things is how users find us!

Yesterday someone did a google search for Most haunted Pontefract and we came out at number 1 (try it if you don't believe it). It's for an old reference to Osama going on that TV show! Other searches that people have used to find us include: Keith Lees NOT plumber (hilarious!!), Nancy Dell'Olio naked (?!) , an Australian search for, wait for it, song im blue lardey de lardey die, free wimple knitting pattern, lads mooning gallery, and my personal fave crap cricketer picture!!!

Greenmount are playing Westhoughton on Sunday at Bradshaw in the Hamer Cup Final. Should be quite good if the weather is anything like. Just been invited down by Derek and Bobby. By the way, Bobby sends his regards to all the lads. He will probably be umpiring the match on Bank Holiday Monday.

Thanks for pointing that out paul i feel quite ill now!

Chaps,

There's an undoubted aura of professionalism sweeping the club this year - just check out Matty Ablett's guestbook message, which we're printing and posting to his dad as we speak ... (just kidding, Jedi! Enjoy Magaluf)

Availability for next weekend:

at the moment, the situation for Saturday is that myself, Dickie P, Chadders, Kieran and Mike A are all definitely not available. Ashley is a TBC (by tomorrow). Craig, Big Bird and Osama are all back and available. Does anyone else know of any potential missing players??

Well done everybody!! Thats fantastic! Really looking forward to next week now bring on the Catholic Club!  Me and shafter will rip em apart! COME ON!!!

Many congratulations Steve and the boys on a terrific result - another great weekend for the club!

Well done to all my boys on Saturday, firstly for battling to a decent total of 180-8, then for keeping cool when it could have got out of hand, and for bringing it home with some disciplined bowling (especially Flash) at the death. Good stuff. 9 wins in a row now!

Congratulations to the 2nds who have won through to the Hunter Cup Final on a bowl out.
The score was 4 - 2, well done to Skunners, Craig, Mike and Rob who all hit the target.

Well as I type this Rob Key is on 213 not out and England are on about 470-2. Any bets on what they're going to end up with? My guess is ... 671-6 or about 900 if Flintoff gets going ;-)

[update 1pm - well, that put the mockers on them, Key out shortly after, Thorpe not lasting long and Flintoff dragging his 4th ball onto his stumps after hitting his third ball for 6! 535-5 at lunch, still Jones to come in though and Vaughan's on 90 ...]

Good luck to both teams for the weekend! 

Paul

game on Sat v's Robinsons not Dalians

1st XI v Robinsons*, home, (sat), meet ground 1pm

Paul (c), Cliff, Dickie P, ShagNasty, Dasher, Nelly, Flash, SurfBoy, MickyJ, Garvey Hudson, Ducky

*Bird, I knew that really ;-)

Weekend 1st team selection. At the moment the following are definitely unavailable: CDO, Bird, Osama and Ex-Vice.
 
Can anyone confirm the availability of the following: Digger, Nick Hudson, Chadders and Ashley? Cheers ...

Excellent news re: Stag!  Good work rich I owe you a few pints.. 
 
Booked my honeymoon yesterday, were officially going to South Africa.  I've booked 3 nights in Cape town then were going to drive round the "Garden Route" and the "Winelands" areas looks fantastic. 
 
The Funny thing is were going all that way and were staying at a Holiday Inn!!  Its on the waterfront though

Hello world! Would like to say a big hi to all those non-TSJers clearly reading the site! Since Friday morning there have been *127* unique users of the site, and even allowing for the regulars to view the site both at work and home, that indicates there are perhaps 70-80 people from outside the club viewing us.
 
Please post in our guestbook and say hi!
 
A disappointing weekend with the rain affecting all games except for 'dalians, who picked up 5 points to go joint 2nd with us. We have some massive games coming up, and it's holiday season; next week we face Robbies with another depleted line up (we played them with 9 last time, plus Andy who hadn't played in 15 years). Time for people to step up and contribute!
 
Fantastic new edition of the newsletter from Mike!

You're for it now CDO, there'll be lawyers and everything.
 
Typical bloody rugby player!

"The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray!   The dog is in the boot and Leesy's out to play!"

Exchange from last night's committee meeting (abridged)
 
(general discussion about trying a new type of match ball)
 
Osama: I like these balls we're using, they swing
Cliff: We'll try the new ones, you'll be able to bowl straight
Osama: I like them
Doc: Do they make you bowl short and wide too?
 
Don't think anyone managed a sensible contribution thereafter!

Good luck for the weekend fellas. I know it's going to be difficult when your missing a class bowler like myself but you've got to try and get through it! 
 
Lets keep this run going!!  COME ON

Morning all,
 
Last night I was asked if we can put a counter or some monitoring stats on the site so we know who is visiting us. This has now been done and I will be periodically informing you of the figures!

sorry - that should have read' severely'.
The 'c' is next to 'v'.......

Committee - don't worry. I'll be taking the p**s out of myself secerely in the next issue over my appalling attempts this year at the tricky art of 'catching the ball'.    laters

does this mean that you'll be clipping the ball through mid wicket; cutting it behind point; changing  (split) ends; something for the weekend?   Ooo, suits you Russ!

Reminder to all committee members that there's a meeting tonight at the Dungeon, 8pm. Matters on the agenda will include how to get our own back on Mr Ainscoe, the recklessness in giving Osama all our cash when he has an upcoming stag do, a discussion on when young Jedi will turn to the dark side (it'll probably be evident when we catch him in the throes of heavy breathing), a measurement of just how far Craig Ralph hit Scunners last ball on Saturday, and the quality of Big Bird's rallying call below.

Damn - you've sussed me out at long last.

Anyway I'm up for giving Leesy and Co a short back and sides on Saturday!!

thats 2 from 2 - bet you're glad we're not in Div one for a full house - I think they must bottle it against Yorkshire because they do have a better side on paper....

20 overs a side rubbish - you'd never catch us playing that!

Just stumbled across a fantastic piece of gossip, and now I can reveal what Big Bird does on the side to make some dosh ... typical Bird sense of humour, look what street his shop's on!

Big Bird moonlighting ...

How come yorkshire have managed to get Ian Harvey from Glos.? Fantastic 108n/o from 59 deliveries -putting freddy's flames out!

Chaps - will be going straight to Darcy Lever for tha match aginst Darcy Lever on Sunday. Is that Woodbank then?

After CDO's little problem the other week, I think we might all assume that sweaty sock bashing is the only thing going on in the CDO household ;-)

rhyming slang for Jocks

It is that weekend but i'm not understanding the "sweaty sock bashing" but if you want to carry on the viking scenario then thats fine!

Cotters - your stag is the week after Viking raids into Bury - does this mean we can keep our axes, horns, etc for 'Sweaty-sock' bashing?

1sts v Springhead (A), Saturday, meet Robin 12.30pm

Doc (c), CDO, Ex-Vice, Cliff, Big Bird, Shagnasty, Rob H, Beach Bum, Dickie P, Dasher, Nelly Butt

2nds v Darcy Lever (A), Sunday, meet Robin 12.45pm

Mike J (c), Mike A, Rob H, Ducky, Daddy Nick "laters" F, Graham F, Rowdy, Frankie B, Smithy, Steve "Postman" Horner, Matt Jedi

team selections?

Ah I can already sense the delights awaiting us in the next newsletter! Osama, have a good break and come back fighting fit for Catholic Club, when you'll be spearheading the attack in my absence. Must apologise re unavailability fro stag do, as we're heaidng in opposite direction for Ollie's first holiday - to Stratford. Got to show him some culture ;-)

Generally good results at weekend - Robbies lost and Rochdalians didn't play, so let's make sure of a good result next week and we're looking good for a top 3 finish, hopefully 2nd and maybe, just maybe ...

don't start being nice now - I do read the bloody thing before I print it!
Cotters - unavailability was you, N.Hudson, Ash only?

By my reckoning Kieran, the 'keys' episode alone should earn you a weekend of debauchery in a location of your choice.

Just a reminder Re: Selection I'm not available for the next 2 weekends.

colluding with the enemy Mike means you are as guilty as if you took it with your own hands.
Actually it will probably be good news as I can play it up a bit and therefore gain enough points for Edinburgh (and there was the keys....)

I would like to publicly thank DENISE COE for her photographic contribution to this months newsletter.

Yes, Mike, thanks for the newsletter - 16pg - it will be available this weekend - can you please return the photograph you stole from my house - thank you....

Too right Dickie P. Pity the only thing we/I didn't get a grip of was that damn tricky catch. I'll just have to take the p**s out of myself in the newsletter, as I will you too for trying to lose yet another sweater. Talking of which, I've just dropped the latest newsletter off at Kierans as we're both on hols soon, so hopefully it should be in circulation by the weekend. Laters.

There was some confusion on Sat re our next few fixtures.

After Springhead away on Sat, the following week 24th we play Robinsons, followed by Catholic Club on 31st.

I am unavailable on 24th, but available on 31st ie available for the BIGGY.

Well done to the 2's yesterday - its becoming a habit for the club!

Another great weekend for the club!

As you are aware i'm getting married in October and I'm arranging my stag doo at the moment. I have booked the weekend 17/18 September 04 and were going to sunny Edinburgh.

I've spoke to richard & scott about it and they are coming up to Edinburgh on the saturday night for a few light ales. So if anyone is interested you're all more then welcome to come up and celebrate the event.

Cheers

Tree beard

good win for 2nds - another low score win at Elton!

He's not!!!!

You do know Scunners is opening the bowling don't you? ;-)

Im seriously going to kick some ass tomorrow! Cheers paul thats made my day! Where do you get these things from!!

TeamTalk is delighted to announce that the "Campcorder" [(c) Mike Ainscoe] was on hand to capture the moment Osama's windows got done ...

channel your aggression brackers! West Leigh are well known for their primative pebble-dashing antics - IT WAS THEM!

Its always been rubbish!

Some little f@@ker smashed my bathroom window last night! I've only had my new windows in for a month. I reckon it was a gat gun or something like that because the hole is tiny and a stone would do that kind of damage.

W@*kers!

used to be a good song, before Glitter's demise.....

This is your captain speaking ...

I'M THE LEADEEEEEERRRRRR, I'M THE LEEEEEEEEEADERRRRRR

COME ON COME ON
COME ON COME ON
COME ON COME ON COME ON!

turncoat

2nd XI team for Sun V Elton Vale (A). Meet direct at EV 1.15pm. S Moriarty (C), M Ablett, M Ainscoe, G Fletcher, N Fletcher, R Holt, S Hunter, M Jones, D Moriarty, R Peacock, A Smith. Res : P Duckworth & F Brockway

Also for those Committee Members who read - next meeting Thursday 15th July at Old Dungeon Inn for 8pm.

1st XI Selection for weekend v West Leigh (H) - meet ground 1pm

Paul(c), Cliff, Bird, Chadders, Cotters, Dasher, Former Vice, CDO, Scunners, The Hud and Nelly B. 12th Man: Dickie P

Also thought you might want to know that in the Karmad 350ish they hit 32 4's and 34 6's . They also lost 30 balls, I wonder how many windows were smashed. Serves them right for beating us !!

hi boys good win at the weekend, I'm back this week i'll be availible for selection for either day over the weekend ( or both if desperate) Speak to you guys later on in the week, have a good one.

Osama,

It's nice to see us back where we belong in the top couple of places, but just think how it would look if we'd been competent week 1 (to take nowt away from WL, who simply outplayed us) or the rains hadn't come against Springhead ...

Always great to see Dickie P on form!

Glad to hear that the forms still there richard!

I keep looking at the League table and then looking at it again to see if its right! I think i've been on the nmcl web site at least 5 times today! 2nd Lads how good is that!!

so if we have same last 6 run in.......

While next Saturday is an important game against Westleigh in the context of continuing our great run and also getting revenge for the opening day howler, let's also put the season in context. A win next Saturday and we surpass last season's win total and points!

welcome back Dicky P - how were the inner Hebrides? Did the drizzle break the surface tension?

Can anyone ever remember us declaring before? A fantastic effort on Saturday with the bat, in poor conditions on a dreadfully slow wicket. Another fine knock from Bird, and good to see Scunners get a few at the end too. We stuck at it well with bat and ball despite some hiccups in the middle - last 7 wickets for 12!

Moment of the season so far - Beach Bum showing his, well, beach bum, taking a spectacular diving catch!

Summary: TSJ 218-5 (Paul 71, Bird 51), Ashton 105 (Paul 5-14)

Up to 2nd boys!!!

unlucky lads in 2nd team - a cracking game with 400 runs scored - only 8 runs short at the end!

Hey, fantastic. There's a street called "The Ladysmith" presumably about where the ground is ...

Route planner map
Map of Ashton's ground

How would we know if he is out anyway? Isn't he the "shadow", famed for his silent newsletter distribution?

I do worry about clive. He should get out more!

Cliff, I'm confused. There's no "d" on the end of "banker" and it's not even a rude word! ;-)

More things to promote "freaky Friday".

Woman gives birth to frog
We need this chap down at the Meadows!

You're a sad b#stard....

Call me a sad ba***rd but but just been genning up on directions for Sat. Seems dead simple according to handbook. For those who cannot find their book (Chadders). Follow M60 south to Ashton U Lyne Jnt23, turn left towards A-U-L & follow A635 to 2nd roundabout. Take 6194 to jnt of A670, turn right & follow for about 1 mile to Rose Hill Rd. On left past Stamford School and ground is then on right.
As Brucie would say 'That's all there is to it!'

Indeed chadders!

Good shout CDO! Not played for 2 weeks so lets ave it big style! I'm still dreaming of the HUGE six i hit at nets and also smacking Paul " i've got 15 wickets cotters" Skundric all over the park!

Ave it!!!!!!

Not been said for a bit: COME ON! or as the Vikings say, ODIN! THOR, GOD OF THUNDER! The time for raping and pillaging is nearly upon us once more......

It was Scunners who carted my 'marine roll' delivery - all done for comedy effect - honest!

Yes Matt almost forgot the boots - good match for your belt!!

That was quality! Almost a funny as abbers boxing boots!

Quote from training last night;

Scunners to Jedi - Who have the 2nds got this weekend then

Jedi - Woodbank at Woodbank on Sunday

Scunners - Is that Darcy Lever then.

However highlight had to be CDO tripping up over rope mid delivery stride - hitting the deck with a thud - and in one movement jumping up and continuing the delivery (probably to be slapped for another 4 by whoever was facing!!)

From NMCL meeting last night;

New teams accepted into the league from next year

Blackley - 1st & 2nd teams
Rochdalians - 3rd team
Saddleworth - 3rd team

This is potentially of great significance to our 2nd team, since reading between the lines it was obvious that all the new 2nd and 3rd teams would start off in Division four. Blackley 1sts in division 2. Hence the likelyhood is that at least 2 teams will be promoted from division 4 this year (possibly 3).

All to play for!!

Team selections for weekend.
Saturday - 1st XI v Ashton Ladyboys (away). Meet Robin Hood 12.30pm. P Meehan (c), C Brooks, R Brooks, N Butterworth, M Chadwick, K Coe, M Cotton, N Hudson, A Parkinson, C Parkinson, P Skundric. 12th man M Deegan.
Sunday - 2nd XI v Woodbank (away). Meet Woodbank 1.30pm. G Fletcher (c), M Ablett, M Ainscoe, M Deegan, N Fletcher, R Holt, S Hunter, M Jones, D Moriarty, A Smith, P Yates. Res: S Horner, S Moriarty

Would any of the teachers or teachers partners on this board care to comment on the following practice? They didn't have teachers like that in my day!

Novel punishment

my balls? They are in a sealed container on our mantleplace - not to be let out until I have grovelled sufficiently! No- I'll be there Saturday night to dispell rumours started by someone with Scunners that I cannot hold my drink - on the contrary it is my women I cannot hold!

Good man Bird! Shame you won't be batting though ... I'm sure everyone would fancy trekking all over Tottington to find their balls - speaking of which, Kieran have you got yours back yet after Sat night!?!?!

Clive

I will attend league meeting for you tonight - might also manage to get to nets earlier as well (weather permitting) - strictly bowling only - wouldn't want to bat myself out of form!

hi boys, can not belive you had a good session without me, looks like you boys need me back only lasting 7 hours on the drinking session, me and Stu Atkinson would have at least seen it through till last orders. I'm back in just over a week i'll show you how it's done then.Kick some ass at weekend if i don't get to speak to you guys before then.