The club have decided from 2009 season onwards that all results and match reports will be registered on the ECB Play Cricket websites.

http://bowden.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/results.asp

2008 season

Northants Cricket League Division 3
Saturday 20^{th September 2008}

Rushden Town Cricket Club 2nd XI versus Bowden CC 1st XIOn the final day of the league season, Bowden’s first eleven travelled to mid-table Rushden Town and in direct contrast to the difficulties experienced this season, Bowden posted their highest ever league score and completely dominated the match although were unable to eventually force the win.

The game also marked the end of the cricketing career of Bowden’s Australian batsmen, Jason Stokes, who returns permanently to Oz next month. The rest of the team were determined to give their overseas player the best of send-offs after 7 dedicated year’s service to the village club.

Club Skipper Mark Kenny won the toss on a glorious afternoon and had no hesitation in electing to bat first on a good looking wicket. As is typical on occasions like this, opener Stokes (0) was dismissed in the first over without scoring. Despite his obvious disappointment, his team colleagues reminded him that the great Don Bradman also recorded a ‘duck’ in his final innings in England too! There the similarities unfortunately end.

Following the early departure of Stokes, Chris Knowles (88) and Tony Roberts (53) then constructed a superb 121 run partnership at a run-a-ball. Knowles was particularly brutal on the home side’s bowling attack in recording his highest score of the season. Roberts was dismissed soon after reaching his half century and in a change to the usual batting order, veteran fast bowler, Steve Bellamy was promoted up the order. Despite a cautious start, Bellamy was soon enjoying himself at this elevated position and handled the bowling without difficulty. Once Knowles was dismissed, caught in the deep, Simon Linsell (18) stepped up the tempo and Sam Freer (32 not out) continued the momentum. Bellamy was unlucky to be dismissed 3 runs short of his fifty but was satisfied with his efforts. By the close of their innings, Bowden had posted an imposing 263 for 5 from their 50 overs.

It was likely to be a tall order for the home side in chasing down the victory target but Rushden’s openers showed every intention of trying too. Both Steve Bellamy (2 for 40) and Rob Gomez (2 for 34) were put to the sword in their early overs as the ball disappeared to the fence at regular intervals. Gomez struck first however, with 2 wickets, and the introduction of spin-guru Sam Freer (3 for 38) made further dents in the batting line-up. By the halfway stage Rushden had spluttered to 114 for 6 and with little chance of chasing down such an imposing total. As the light began to fade on a wonderful afternoon it was a question of whether Bowden had enough penetration to take the last few remaining wickets. The Rushden batsmen had by this time decided on batting out the overs and despite a wicket for Tony Roberts (1 for 9), Bowden were unable to claim the last 2 wickets and the match ended with Rushden on 195 for 8.

The end of the cricket season will be marked on Saturday 11th October when the Club holds it’s Awards Presentation at a Dinner & Dance at Market Harborough’s Golf Club (tickets in advance from Rob Gomez 07738 629827).

Bowden’s First Eleven all but assured themselves of safety and their position in Division 3 of the Northants Cricket League for next season with a hard fought draw against St Crispins & Ryelands, the side immediately below them in the table. The day’s first objective, to avoid defeat, was only achieved in the game’s final over.

The pitch looked greenish and Skipper Mark Kenny had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat first. Despite the first two balls of the match disappearing to the boundary the season’s outstanding bowler, Steve Bellamy (1 for 33) again bowled with control and proved a real handful for the opposition’s opening batsmen.

Bellamy was well supported by his new ball partner Chris Knowles (1 for 67) and St Crispin’s began at a pedestrian pace through the first 20 overs. Off spinner Mick Brammer (4 for 74) is developing a real understanding and partnership with young wicket-keeper Sam Atkins who for the second week running claimed 3 stumping victims. Despite the steady flow of wickets, St Crispin’s middle order batsmen slowly began to repair the damage to their innings and some powerful hitting by Kenny Heath (57) and Mark White (52) enabled the visitors to make progress. By the time the innings closed, St Crispins had recovered well and posted an above par score of 239 for 7.

The Bowden reply began steadily as openers Steve Lilley (36) and Mick Brammer (42) enjoyed a partnership of 70 before Lilley fell. Bowden continued to chase down the target, Skipper Mark Kenny contributing 16 and Tony Roberts 12 but the loss of these two slowed the scoring. In his most impressive innings of the season, Chris Knowles powered his way to 44 not out and he marshalled the tail well. Losing 3 wickets in the last 10 overs left the home side wobbling and the players biting their nails in the pavilion during the last couple of overs as Knowles and Bellamy (1 not out) played out the last 2 overs in the gathering gloom.

Bowden closed on 178 for 8 in reply and earned some valuable batting points and in all probability, their status in the division for next year.

An horrific injury to middle order batsmen Guy Other (51 retired hurt) all but sealed Bowden’s second eleven to relegation when chasing a victory against near neighbours East Haddon. Guy Other was laid cold after an accidental beamer caused a double fracture to his jaw. The game was suspended for 45 minutes whilst he received medical treatment and a trip to hospital.

The game had started brightly for Bowden, with young Sam Keenan (3 for 51) rediscovering his form and bowling exceptionally well. Gary Freestone (0 for 47) was again unlucky and teenager Alistair Williams (0 for 29) continues to show promise and is learning his trade at this level. It was left to Skipper Rob Gomez (5 for 32) to once again inflict the damage and despite some late order hitting from Jon Gibson (61) a total of 204 for 9 from their 50 overs looked to be within the reach of a strong Bowden batting line up.

Club stalwarts Gary Waterfield (13) and Tony Marlow (41) built a good opening partnership and despite the loss of Steve Oldfield (1) and Mark Lumby (0), Bowden were always in touch with the required run rate. An excellent partnership between Rob Gomez (49) and Guy Other was leading the visitors to victory when the unfortunate injury occurred. The retirement of Guy Other effectively ended the run chase and the loss of three further lower order wickets, Danny Varnsverry (5); Sam Gomez (0) and Alistair Williams (0) left the last pair playing out the last few balls as Bowden fell 19 runs short of the victory target at 186 for 9.

This summer’s demons returned as Bowden’s first eleven failed to convert an excellent all round bowling and fielding display. The batters tamely handed Horton House a 41 run victory following another familiar collapse.

The afternoon started brightly for the village side with Steve Bellamy continuing his excellent for this season. Bellamy again bowled with pace and hostility on a slow, low pitch, claiming 3 for 39 from his 15 overs. He was unlucky not to claim more victims. New ball opening partner Chris Knowles (0 for 8) from his six overs has more than economical as Horton House struggled to generate any momentum. The spin-twins of Sam Freer (3 for 31) and Mick Brammer (1 for 44) bowled with excellent control as the home side made heavy weather of conditions. Only James Reynolds (46) and Dan James (47) managed to show any real application and it was James whose assault on the bowling during the last 10 overs managed to ensure Horton passed the 150 mark, their innings closing on 157 for 7 after their 50 overs.

A special mention should be made of Bowden’s young keeper, Sam Atkins who continues to improve with every match and looks completely at home at this level. Atkins claimed five including the distinction of 3 stumpings.

Bowden’s reply started inauspiciously, last week’s hero, Jason Stokes (2) was bowled in the third over and was soon followed back to the pavilion by Tony Roberts (2). Mick Brammer (14) and skipper Mark Kenny (18) set about repairing the damage but both fell to catches after poor shots on the slow pitch. Chris Knowles (19) showed some real patience and with Simon Linsell (13) the game was there to win. Both were bowled by balls keeping low and the innings petered out. Only some late order hitting by Sam Freer (30) including an enormous six which disappeared out of the ground over square leg, gave the score some respectability, but a total of 116 all out in the forty fourth over was woefully short.

Bowden second eleven’s chances of avoiding the drop this season took a step in the right direction on Saturday with a hugely impressive win over highly flying Long Buckby. Bowden look to require wins from their remaining two fixtures and hope results elsewhere go their way but at least they’ve given themselves a chance.

Batting first, Long Buckby soon lost opener Jack Mousley (0) to Ben Wade (1 for 35) who bowled with control. Opening new ball partner Sam Keenan (0 for 30) was unlucky not to get amongst the wickets, but fellow teenager, Alistair Williams (2 for 16) was well rewarded for some excellent bowling. Two of the other youngsters in the side, Lee Munton (0 for 16) and Sam Gomez (0 for 25) went wicketless and it required a captain’s performance from Rob Gomez (6 for 23) to wrestl control of the match. Even so, Long Buckby’s middle order ensured that a challenging target would be posted. Dan McNally (58) and Stuart Cleaver (45) built an excellent partnership as the visitors innings eventually closed at 165 all out from 42 overs.

Commitment was required from the Bowden batters and it was three of the old stagers who used all their guile and experience to chase down the total. Opener Tony Marlow (55) batted excellently. The top order wobbled as Richard Jones (6), Steve Oldfield (9), Ben Wade (6) and Sam Gomez (0) all fell cheaply. At 99 for 5 Bowden were in danger of falling short but Rob Gomez (53 not out) and Bryn Morris (21 not out) constructed an excellent half century partnership to see Bowden across the finishing line for the loss of no further wickets and give the side every chance of a Houdini act this season.

In a hugely entertaining match played at the picturesque Northampton ground, Bowden’s first eleven very nearly pulled off an impressive victory but had to settle for the draw in the gathering gloom.

Winning the toss, Bowden’s skipper Mark Kenny had no hesitation in inserting the home side. The Northampton side are packed with talented youngsters and the exuberance of youth was soon paying dividends as the home side progressed at a healthy rate. The openers had posted in excess of 50 runs when the first wicket fell to a juggling catch by Sam Gomez making his first team debut. The quality of the Northamptonshire side’s batting was undone somewhat by the recklessness of some of the shot selection. Any of the top order could quite easily have gone on to a century but in the end the top score of the innings was just 46.

Bowden’s bowlers continued to plug away. The opening bowling pair of Steve Bellamy (1 for 53) and Chris Knowles (0 for 41) were punished hardest but the support bowlers Mick Brammer (4 for 74) and Tony Roberts (5 for 44) were well rewarded for their efforts.

By the time the tenth wicket fell in the 49th over, Old Northamptonians had posted a total of 213 and appeared to be disappointed with their effort. In truth, with a little more application, they should have comfortably posted in excess of 250. However, Bowden could now sniff the possibility of a victory.

Following the tea interval, Bowden’s openers, Mick Brammer (37) and Jason Stokes (70) set about constructing a solid partnership and laying the foundations for the assault on the target. That they achieved this goal is testament to their application against some excellent bowling. Both players played exceptionally well with a good deal of application. Progressing at around four runs per over they gave the incoming batsmen every opportunity to chase down the victory total. Despite the loss of Brammer, Tony Roberts (25) maintained the momentum. Roberts and Stokes added a further 50 runs before Roberts departed.

Bowden were a little behind the run rate by this time and the quick loss of Mark Kenny (1), Chris Knowles (3) and Ben Wade (4) stalled the innings. 60 runs were needed from the last 8 overs and though Simon Linsell (10) deposited the spinner for a towering six over long-on the chase was over. It was left to Steve Bellamy and Sam Atkins to see out the final 4 overs of play and earn a thoroughly deserved draw for Bowden.

A heavy defeat for Bowden 2nd XI leaves them all but bottom of League Division 8 of the Northants Cricket League and struggling to maintain their status in the division following last year’s hard won promotion.

Bowden were invited to bat first after the visitors skipper won the toss. Bowden’s top order made heavy weather of the bowling and the home side were soon reduced to 27 for 4. Gary Waterfield (10), Tony Marlow (4), Steve Oldfield (6) and Eddie Ingram (0) all failed to get going. With the innings faltering, Jamie Horne (39) and Skipper Rob Gomez (66 not out) began to develop a partnership which would at least help post a total that the bowlers could try and defend. Unluckily for Bowden, Horne pulled his hamstring and this hampered his progress and resulted in him dealing only in boundaries.

The innings fell away cheaply following the dismissal of Horne as the remaining batsmen Danny Varnsverry (1), Alexa Passingham (2), Andy Marshall (4) and Lee Munton (0) only managed half a dozen runs between them. Bowden’s total of 151 looked to be well short of par come the turnaround.

Gomez threw the new ball to two of the youngsters in the side, Eddie Ingram (0 for 41) and Alexa Passingham (1 for 39). It was Passingham who made the breakthrough and recorded her first ever senior wicket for the club, a notable achievement for the girl who is trialling with Leicestershire Ladies CC. Despite the early breakthrough, Kislingbury were never in any real trouble. Paul Watford (73) recorded a half century as the visitors passed their victory target in only the 28th over.

Special mention should be recorded of Bowden’s other youngsters who are all learning their trade at a senior level. Lee Munton (1 for 20) and Alistair Williams (0 for 21) both bowled well in a losing cause and will gain hugely for the experience.

Sitting watching the steady drizzle which set in at lunchtime on Saturday was not part of Bowden’s 1st XI plans with their match against bottom of the table Wellingborough Indians. The village side were hoping to pick up valuable points and increase the gap between themselves and the sides below them in an attempt to maintain their status in League Division 3.

A break in the weather around 2.30pm saw some intense activity with the super soaker and play was able to start around 3pm in reduced 29 overs a side game. Bowden lost the toss and unsurprisingly were asked to bat first. Jack Ferguson (80) set the early pace, punishing some wayward bowling with some delicious cuts, drives and pull shots in a highly impressive innings. With Ferguson in such form, the other Bowden batsmen supported the young opener. Treating the innings as an extension of a Twenty20 game, the Bowden batters wasted no time in looking for runs. Mick Brammer (7) unluckily chopped the ball onto his own stumps and Tony Roberts (13) clubbed a couple of balls to the boundary before losing his off stump. Chris Knowles (1) made the same mistake as Brammer and played on. Skipper Mark Kenny (4) was caught in front of his stumps and gave the umpire the easiest of LBW decisions.

At the halfway stage at 80 for 4 the innings was in danger of collapsing but Simon Linsell (28 not out) dug in and supported Ferguson who continued to dominate the bowling and the pair added 60 runs for the 4th wicket before Ferguson was caught in the deep. Linsell continued the momentum and cameos from Sam Freer (14) and Ross McSeveney (4) ensured that Bowden posted a very challenging total of 167 for 6 from their 29 overs.

After a short tea interval the Bowden bowlers ripped into the Wellingborough batsmen. Steve Bellamy (0 for 19) bowled with real pace and menace and had the batters hopping around the crease. He deserved a wicket. Ferguson (1 for 12) and Knowles (1 for 11) with a sublime caught and bowled had reduced Wellingborough to 43 for 2 from 13 overs. The rain finally returned at 6pm and scuppered any chance of victory for Bowden. However the village side secured some further valuable bonus points from the abandonment and look a good bet to secure their place in the division.

Bowden CC 1st XI travelled to table toppers and local rivals Loddington on Saturday. Bowden lost the toss and were put into bat on what looked like a good pitch. Bowden started well with Steve Lilley (12) finding the boundary in the early overs and was well supported by Jack Ferguson (40). Lilley was possibly unlucky to be dismissed early, adjudged caught behind, but Tony Roberts (35) and Ferguson kept the scoreboard moving with a series of crunching shots and accumulated runs at a good rate. Ferguson was looking in good touch until he was bowled around his legs by Loddington's Will Stanley (2 for 10) for a well crafted innings.

With the score at 96 for 2 Bowden looked in a reasonable position at the drinks break with Roberts and Mark Kenny (14) at the crease. On the resumption there followed the quick loss of Roberts. This brought Chris Knowles (2) to the crease who misjudged a drive and ending his brief stay at the wicket. Sam Freer (0) was dismissed first ball and Bowden saw Stan Robinson (4) caught brilliantly one handed at short extra cover. Kenny then chipped the ball to midwicket and a steady flow of wickets meant that Bowden limped to 151 all out mainly due to batting from Sam Atkins (10) and Steve Bellamy (14 not out). Ben Watts was the pick of the Loddington attack with 4 for 33 from his 15 overs.

Bowden then set about defending the smallish total and some excellent bowling from openers Bellamy (4 for 42) and Ferguson (0 for 25) built pressure on the Loddington openers. Bellamy was combined well with keeper Sam Atkins to dismiss the first Loddington opener. He then removed the dangerous Will Stanley which left Ben Watts (19) and Elliot Ryan (24) at the crease. They started to accumulate sensibly however Bellamy again struck to remove the dangerous Ryan with a peach of a delivery. The plaudits however must go to Sam Atkins who took the catch diving low and one handed and is really finding his feet in the 1st XI. The introduction of Tony Roberts (1 for 30) to the attack brought immediate success removing watts with his second delivery, Bellamy then struck at the other end to leave top of the table Loddington 56-5. Bowden were arguably on top however some solid batting from Liam Hanley (54 not out) and Sam Bouch (35 not out) saw Loddington home with 12 overs to spare.

Bowden’s bowlers fought bravely and deserved more than they got from the game. Had Bowden scored another fifty runs it would have been interesting.

Bowden 2nd XI travelled to Long Buckby on Saturday with a team of youth and experience and desperate to record a fourth win of the season in an attempt to pull away from the relegation zone. The covers had been on the pitch since Thursday and the playing surface was under prepared and sweating which meant that the toss was going to be all important. Bowden’s skipper called wrongly and the tone for the afternoon was set.

Being invited to bat first came as little surprise to Bowden and openers Gary Waterfield (5) and Simon Linsell (18) were made to work extremely hard for runs as the ball bounced prodigiously off a good length and with swing and seam movement scoring was slow. It was difficult for any of the batsmen to gain traction and Steve Oldfield (7) and Sam Gomez (6) occupied the crease without being able to dominate. Bowden’s skipper, Rom Gomez (49 not out) gloved his first delivery behind and the simple chance was dropped by the keeper. Without Gomez’s contribution Bowden would have struggled more. Young Henry Hall (0) was cleaned up first ball and although Danny Varnsverry (5) survived the hat-trick ball he wasn’t able to build an innings.

Gomez didn’t help the cause by running out colleagues Gordon Robinson (2) and Alexa Passingham (6) who was making her senior debut. By the time the innings closed, Bowden had posted a well below par score of 115 for 8 from their reduced 43 overs.

After the tea interval, the demons in the pitch had all but disappeared and it was a stroll in the park for the Long Buckby batsmen who cruised to the victory target of 116 from just 28 overs. None of the Bowden bowlers were able to apply any pressure and the only success went to Rob Gomez (1 for 12). Sam Keenan (0 for 27), Alistair Williams (0 for 15), Gordon Robinson (0 for 16), Sam Gomez (0 for 14) all went wicketless. The highlight of the bowling was a great spell from Alexa Passingham (0 for 19) who was unlucky not to record her first senior wicket.

Bowden travel to high flying Stony Stratford this weekend in search of that elusive victory.

A below par performance from Bowden’s first eleven on Saturday saw the side slide to their sixth defeat of the season and remain in the lower half of the Division 3 table.

Fellow strugglers, Rushden, won the toss and invited the home side to bat first. There was to be no repeat of the heroics from last week’s centurion, Mick Brammer (1), who was castled early on. Steve Lilley (33) laid the base for a big score before once again falling in the thirties, this time run out by the slowest man in the side, skipper Chris Knowles (17). Jack Ferguson (11) showed some brief glimpses of form before departing and it was left to last week’s stand-in captain, Mark Kenny (61 not out) to add some impetuous to the innings with a well crafted half century. Ably supported by the Aussie, Jason Stokes (15) and Richard Jones (9 not out) the village side closed their account on 172 for 6 from their 50 overs.

It was always going to be a big ask to defend the smallish total on a good batting track and fast outfield and the evergreen Steve Bellamy (1 for 50) was only ever firing on three cylinders. He was unable to repeat his impressive form so far this season. It was left to teenager Jack Ferguson (3 for 39) to trouble the Rushden batsmen and provide some hope for Bowden to turn the game around. Chris Knowles (0 for 26 from 4 overs) returning from holiday may have wished he’d remained sunning himself on the beaches as he took some punishment and Mick Brammer (0 for 21) seemed strangely subdued despite managing to turn one of his off-spinners off the straight. Ben Wade (0 for 28 from 10 overs) bowled with control but the visitors cantered across the finishing line with 8 overs to spare.

Next week’s return fixture away at Oundle Town who are sitting in 4th position in the league could prove pivotal if Bowden are to survive a tough season.

A thoroughly professional all round team performance from Bowden 2nd XI provided a well needed second win of the season and saw the side begin to climb the table and provides optimism for avoiding the drop this season.

Having won the toss, Bowden’s new ball partnership of Gary Freestone (2 for 30) and Rob Gomez (3 for 30), despite a combined age of 90, bowled with control on a pitch which resembled a battlefield but which surprisingly played without any demons. Weather conditions were tough, a strong breeze blowing across the pitch made it hard for the supporting bowlers to find any rhythm. Gordon Robinson (1 for 21) and Alistair Williams (0 for 20) were not able to up-root opener Jignesh Patel who batted very sensibly for his 73. At 136 for 4 the home side appeared to be heading for a reasonable total.

The match turned on an excellent run out from Simon Linsell who whipped the ball in Caribbean style from the cover boundary and the bowler, Sam Gomez (0 for 29) removed the bails to leave the batter stranded as he tried to complete a second run. The skipper then introduced part time bowler Jamie Horne (3 for 19) to the attack who wobbled the ball sufficiently in the conditions to regain control. Wellingborough folded quickly as Bowden clung on to the chances offered and the home side were dismissed for 154 in the final of their 45 overs.

Bowden’s dash at the target started inauspiciously as Simon Linsell (2) and Rob Gomez (4) were both harshly adjudged caught behind. It required the level-headed experience of Gary Waterfield (31) who chose to try and bat through the innings. He was ably supported in a third wicket partnership of 51 by the new bowling hero Jamie Horne (29) and more so by another of the side’s elder statesmen, Steve Oldfield (33) and their fourth wicket stand of 77 sized the initiative and put the result of the match beyond any doubt. Despite losing these two seasoned campaigners late on in the innings Bowden raced across the finishing line with more than 8 overs to spare to record a comprehensive win.

Bowden's first team were involved in a match on Saturday which could have easily been won by either side and despite a superb century from opener Mick Brammer they were consigned to a close defeat at St Crispins and Ryelands.

After being asked to bat on what looked like a good surface Bowden moved quickly out of the blocks with openers Steve Lilley (35) and Mick Brammer (113 not out) striking early boundaries. Lilley looked in excellent touch again but was the first to fall after a fluent innings. Tony Roberts (22) was the next to go with the score at 91 for 2. Brammer and Mark Kenny (23) had a partnership of sixty before Kenny fell playing one shot too many. Brammer continued to bat with excellent footwork and rarely looked troubled throughout the day. He was ably supported by flourishes from Jason Stokes (5), Ben Wade (8) and Chris Locker (12). Bowden posted an above par score of 233 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. Brammer registered his first century in a Bowden shirt and his first six for the club in five seasons in a classy and near faultless knock.

St Crispins and Ryelands came out after tea looking to finish the game in quick order with openers Mark White (41) and Mark Oliver (44) slamming boundaries at a rate of just over 6 per over. Tony Roberts was the man to make the breakthrough bowling White with the score on 75 for 1 after a chaotic first 12 overs. This saw Bowden seize back some control after a disappointing start.

Bowden's bowlers further wrestled back the initiative for the next 13 overs. The introduction of off-spinner Brammer who followed up his century with 11 well controlled overs collected figures of 2 for 35 and young Ben Wade (2 for 29) provided the breakthrough with three wickets falling in the space of 4 runs. By this stage the initiative was back with Bowden and a superb run out from Steve Bellamy from the boundary left St Crispen & Ryelands struggling at 149 for 5. Bellamy, in the autumn of his playing years is having a superb season and he was brought back into the attack and immediately had another breakthrough to force an edge behind to wicketkeeper Sam Atkins.

Atkins once again had a superb performance behind the timbers with three catches and involvement in the run out with Bellamy. Unfortunately the home side re-grouped in the lower middle order and a partnership of 45 swung the initiative back to St Crispen. When the sixth wicket fell as a result of a diving catch from Kenny, Bowden once again looked to be in with a good chance of victory; however a powerful batting display from Dan Warren (21 not out) brought St Crispen back into the game. A late flurry of controlled hitting from the number 10 saw the Northampton side home by two wickets with one ball to spare.

Bowden were on the wrong end of an extremely close game however if they show some of the strength of character displayed on Saturday, future results will reflect in the favour of the villagers.

Bowden 2nd XI entertained near neighbours, Ashby Timken in an enjoyable match on Saturday and whilst the result ended in a draw, some hugely positive performances from the teenagers in the side bode well for the future.

Some clean late order hitting from Craig Neighbour (46 not out) swung the initiative back to the visitors but Bowden stuck manfully to their task. The ground fielding was excellent again and the inclusion of youth in the side saved around 20 runs in the field. A late wicket from the ageless Gordon Robinson (1 for 39) ensured Ashby could not reach 200 and they concluded their innings on 192 for 8.

It was important that Bowden made a solid start, something that was lost on opener Steve Oldfield (5) who clubbed an impressive on-drive for 4 and then promptly lost his off stump trying to repeat the shot. Rob Gomez (41) and Simon Linsell (9) consolidated and their partnership had begun to blossom but when the partnership had reached 40, Linsell was harshly adjudged LBW to a ball pitching outside leg stump and hitting his thigh. Jamie Horne (9) also looked in good touch and the classy left hander had also weathered some excellent bowling from Craig Neighbour (2 for 30) before hooking a short ball down the throat of the third man fielder. Danny Varnsverry (2) was too slow out of the blocks and was run out by a distance and Sam Gomez (11) quickly followed. The loss of Rob Gomez was crucial and the home side were 6 wickets down with just over 100 on the board and staring down the barrels of defeat.

Enter the fray, young Henry Hall, on his senior debut. Moving his feet well and getting into line, Hall (17) showed the senior players how it should be done. The experience of Tony Marlow (11) at the other end helped Hall keep his head and the pair put on 30 runs and to all intents and purposes saved the game. When Hall departed there were just 5 overs left and another teenager Alistair Williams (5 not out) and Gordon Robinson (16 not out) saw out the remaining overs much to the relief of the number 11 batsmen Gary Freestone who spent half an hour nervously pacing up and down in front of the pavilion.

Bowden took a big step to turning around their season on Saturday with a comprehensive win over fellow strugglers Podington. The weather didn’t promise much cricket on the longest day of the year but this didn’t deter the village side from putting in probably their best display of the season. The last two matches have seen some improvement in performances and this all gelled at the weekend with a thoroughly professional team effort.

Stand in skipper Mark Kenny lost the toss and in a reduced 35 overs game Bowden were asked to bat first. Steve Lilley again looked in good touch and scored a classy 34 before edging behind. Jason Stokes chipped in with 16 which was followed by a polished 31 from Mark Kenny and 37 from veteran Steve Oldfield and together their partnership blossomed and maintained momentum through the innings. By the close of their innings Bowden had posted a very respectable 149 for 6 off their allotted 35 overs on what looked to be a good batting surface.

Bowden then set about the visitor’s top order. Bowden’s new young opening bowler, Sam Keenan (15 years old), provided the breakthrough, bowling Podington’s opening batsmen for a duck. This was the first of three wickets for the Bowden youngster whose 5 overs set the tone for the innings as he recorded 3 for 19. Evergreen Steve Bellamy continued to roll back the years and be-lie his advancing age, as operating from the railway end he too was also immediately amongst the wickets, forcing Podington’s number 3 batsmen to edge behind a catch which was comfortably taken by first team debutant wicketkeeper Sam Atkins. Atkins also followed up with a superb catch diving forward off Bellamy for a later dismissal. Bellamy finished his 10 overs with another impressive haul of 4 for 42.

The support bowlers too joined the party with another youngster Jack Ferguson chipping in with one wicket before club veteran, Rob Gomez, finished off the innings with 2 for 11. Podington were routed by the 23rd over, all out for 106 and tasting defeat by 43 runs.

It was an excellent performance all round by the Bowden side who can take this win into this weeks clash with bottom placed St Crispins & Ryelands. It also shows that Bowden’s youth policy is paying dividends. With over 80 juniors involved in coaching sessions on a Friday night at the Club the time and effort spent developing the younger players is now paying dividends.

Match abandoned without a ball bowl bowled

Encounters against Long Buckby have in recent times proved to be tense and at times tetchy affairs but in this weekends match was played in exactly the right spirit and nearly 600 runs were scored in a very close game in which Bowden almost snatched victory. However another defeat leaves the side perilously close to the drop zone. If the determination shown in this game is repeated however, the village side should soon move out of trouble.

Long Buckby batted first on an ordinary looking wicket which played well. A lightening fast outfield provided value for the batters shots and any ball which pierced the infield quickly raced away to the boundary. Bowden bowled first and Steve Bellamy (2 for 49) continued his excellent form. Good support work from the youngsters Sam Keenan (0 for 14) and Jack Ferguson (0 for 26) kept things as tight as possible on what proved to be an excellent batting surface. The Long Buckby batsmen all managed to get a start and 2 batters recorded half centuries and were ably supported by their middle order. Sam Freer (0 for 61) again went wicketless but skipper Chris Knowles (3 for 49) and Tony Roberts (2 for 41) got amongst the wickets late on. Long Buckby felt confident enough to declare 3 overs short of their allotted 50 overs when they reached 250.

With steely determination the Bowden batters set about their task. Some exceptionally powerful hitting from Steve Lilley (71) who clubbed anything wayward to the boundary and Jack Ferguson (18) laid a platform. Tony Roberts (31) continued to demonstrate some excellent stroke play. Simon Barkworth was again unlucky, being triggered LBW despite being closer to the bowler than the wicket keeper when the ball cannoned into his pads. The momentum was maintained by Chris Knowles (32) and Ben Wade (35) but 2 needless run outs cost the visitors. Despite late cameos from Sam Freer (16) and Jamie Horne (10) Bowden fell 15 runs short of their target, dismissed for 235.

For the third consecutive week Bowden 2nd XI failed to make three figures and with it they slipped to yet another poor defeat.

Winning the toss and electing to field first Bowden set about their task with commitment and a high tempo. Gary Freestone (1 for 24) bowled exceptionally well without reward early on. He consistently beat the bat with pace and a nagging line and length. It was Rob Gomez (6 for 31) from the pavilion end who did the damage however. Bowling with his usual accuracy, Gomez made regular in-roads into the East Haddon batting line up. He was backed up by the fielders who held all the catches offered and displayed excellent ground fielding to keep the pressure on.

Young Alistair Williams (0 for 13) seized his opportunity at this level and continued to display confidence in his bowling. Support bowlers Simon Linsell (1 for 12) and Guy Other (1 for 26) were also amongst the wickets although Danny Varnsverry (0 for 26) and Sam Gomez (0 for 39) were unable to register anything in the wicket’s column. East Haddon progressed at a slow pace but leading batsmen Jon Gibson proved to be an obstacle, as he marshalled the lower order and went on himself to record a century. Despite some sloppiness in the field in the last few overs when Rob Gomez provided some entertainment with his impression of Michael Flattley from Riverdance as he failed to prevent a boundary and Steve Oldfield who completely fell asleep at cover as the ball trickled past him, Bowden could be reasonably happy with their work as East Haddon were bowled out for 188 in the 43rd over.

A good start was required in the batting department but it didn’t materialise. Sam Gomez (5) and Gary Waterfield (14) were unable to establish anything resembling a solid base and with the loss of Steve Oldfield (4) and Guy Other (4) the home side were soon in trouble. Jason Stokes (10) started cautiously and appeared determined to set his stall out before he was undone by a superb one-handed leg side catch from the keeper. Simon Linsell (16) and Rob Gomez (15) looked as if they might challenge the total before both fell in quick succession. Fred Hawkins-Byas (6 for 23) soon mopped up the tail as Sam Atkins (0), Alistair Willams (0) and Gary Freestone (0) all failed to trouble the scorers, leaving Danny Varnsverry (3 not out) as Bowden were bowled out for 96.

On Sunday, Bowden CC traveled to near neighbours, Langtons at East Langton.

In a timed game, Bowden won the toss and elected to bat. With opener, Chris Knowles (65) scoring freely and being well supported by Mark Kenny (41), it looked like Bowden were in for a large score. However once these two were out there was a steady clatter of wickets and Bowden could only reach 163 for 8 off 42 overs. The pick of the Langtons bowlers was Tom Duckworth (2-34).

Bowden’s total was always 40 plus runs short and Langtons knocked them off in less than 30 overs for the loss of only 3 wickets. A. Nair (48 no), D. Pollard (47) and E. Haynes (43) all just missed out on their 50’s. Pick of the Bowden bowlers was Mark Lumby (1-13).

Nerves got the better of Bowden CC 1st XI when they were closing in on what would have been only their second victory of the season against high flying Horton House. In the end the village side were grateful to hang on for the draw after they lost their way towards the latter stages of the run chase.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first after sixteen overs had been lost to the weather which caused a delayed start. Bowden’s elder statesman, Steve Bellamy (5 for 32) continued to add to his impressive wicket haul this season with another superb display of hostile fast bowling. Utilising the conditions to the full, ‘the old man of Bowden’ roared in from the railway end to reduce Horton House to 37 for 4. Ably supported by Sam Keenan (1 for 10) and Jack Ferguson (2 for 17) the visitors struggled to make any headway. Recent improvements in catching and ground fielding by the home side continued and another excellent display ensured that title chasing Horton House were unable to break the shackles. Progress was at best pedestrian as the spin twins of Mick Brammer (0 for 25) and Sam Freer (1 for 24) kept things tight.

Bowden wrapped up the innings in the final over and dismissed Horton House for 132 and picked up maximum bowling points.

When it came to the run chase Bowden were well aware of the need for a solid start and this was provided by the openers, Mick Brammer (32) and Jack Ferguson (9). 36 runs were on the board before the loss of the first wicket. Enter the fray, Club Captain, Chris Knowles, sporting a new bat with which to put the visitors to the sword. As so often happens on these occasions, the skipper’s first delivery squared him up and he squirted a leading edge tamely to the gully fielder who gleefully took the catch.

There then followed a period of consolidation between Brammer and Ben Wade (23) who took the score to 81 before both fell in quick succession. Mark Kenny added an enterprising 16 runs before holing out to mid-off which left the lower order needing to chase down the score at 4 runs per over, a task which ultimately proved beyond them. A clatter of wickets reduced the home side to 112 for 9 and the last wicket pair of Steve Bellamy and Sam Keenan negotiated the final 3 overs as Bowden closed their innings on 117 for 9.

A miserable performance with the bat resulted in a third defeat of the season and ensured that Bowden CC 1st XI slid back in to the relegation positions. The improvements witnessed last week were undone by an abject display after the tea interval when the home side were unable to chase down a modest target of 186 and slid to a 114 run defeat by collapsing to 72 all out on a blameless pitch. A significant improvement in fortunes and a change in the players attitude is going to be required to ensure the side survives in Division 3 this season.

Winning the toss, Bowden elected to field first on a warm afternoon and 42-year old veteran Steve Bellamy (3 for 41) was soon asking a lot of questions of the visitor’s young opener batsmen. It was as if Bellamy was operating from within the body of a 20 year old as he repeatedly found an extra yard of pace and zipped the ball across both left-handers groping outside edges. Great support work from Jack Ferguson (1 for 14) and last week’s bowling hero, Tony Roberts (3 for 46) applied the brakes still further and ensured that Old Northamptonians were struggling to post anything resembling a competitive target.

By the halfway stage the visitors had only 75 runs on the board. Crucially a healthy mid-innings partnership of 60 between Dave White (49) and John Peck (42) gained some momentum to the innings but the Bowden ground fielding was the best seen so far this year. The catches were held, the boundaries cut off and there was a general fleetness of foot in preventing ones turning into twos. By the time the innings closed the home side had restricted the opposition to a below par score of 186.

There was justifiable optimism in the home team’s dressing room during the interval room about the chances of recording a second win of the season. With a batting line up of some strength it was important that Bowden got off to a solid start. The wheels however, quickly became detached from the axles, following a catastrophic mix-up between opening batsmen Chris Knowles (8) and Mick Brammer (1) which saw the latter stranded two yards shy of his ground after retreating from half way down the pitch. Tony Roberts (13) and Jack Ferguson (2) departed cheaply and although Mark Kenny (14) and Steve Oldfield (25 not out) gained some traction to the innings, the loss of Kenny with the score on 49 for 5, signalled the beginning of the end. Bowden recorded 4 ducks from the last 5 batsmen as Dr Jason Stokes; Mark Lumby, Sam Freer and Steve Bellamy were all unable to trouble the scorers.

A change in attitude and performance is going to be required before next week’s home match against league leaders Horton House.

If it wasn’t enough to see Bowden 1st XI suffer a heavy loss this weekend, the club’s second XI suffered an even more humiliating defeat at the hands of County Hall when they travelled away for their League Division 8 fixture.

Following last week’s excellent victory over Wellingborough Indians, Bowden Seconds came back down to earth this week with a very large bump and a 10 wicket trouncing.

When arriving at the ground the players took one look at the playing surface and said to the skipper "Win the toss and we win the game" but unfortunately he lost it and Bowden were put into bat on a very wet and distinctly ‘ordinary’ looking pitch. It was somewhat difficult to know where the pitch ended and the square started.

In a matter of 22 overs, Bowden had been skittled for just 48 runs with Rob Gomez (13) and Stan Robinson (10) the only players to reach double figures. Even before the tea interval, County Hall had easily knocked the runs off with out losing a wicket. Alistair Williams and Sam Gomez bowled well but were not rewarded as the Bowden fielders proceeded to drop a number of catches which didn’t aid their cause or diminish their embarrassment. Bowden will be hopping for a better showing this week when they travel to bottom placed side Ashby Timken.

Bowden 1st XI finally got their season off and running with a hugely impressive and emphatic win away at Wellingborough Indians. Normally, encounters between the two sides have always been close affairs but on this occasion the Bowden players all performed at their best and the result was never in doubt from the moment 15 year old Sam Keenan removed Biran Patel (0) in the second over of the match. This was the highlight for the young bowler however as during his next over he was unable to cling onto a very hard hit caught and bowled chance and had to leave the field for the rest of the game after with a badly bruised right thumb.

This set back seemed to reinforce the resolve of the Bowden team to get a positive result from the match. The ground fielding and catching along with some tight medium pace seam and swing bowling was excellent and pegged back the usually free-scoring Indians to around 2 runs per over. Further injury worries occurred in the 11th over when elder statesman and opening fast bowler, Steve Bellamy, had to end his spell with back trouble. The introduction of Tony Roberts (6 for 29) proved decisive and despite a costly first over, he proceeded to cause all sorts of problems for the home batters. Every chance offered was taken and Bowden were finally firing on all cylinders. For the first time in a long while, Bowden were able to press home their advantage and go in for the kill. Good support bowling from Chris Knowles (1 for 34) and Simon Linsell (1 for 12) together with a bizarre run out of the final pair ensured that Wellingborough were only able to muster 102 runs from 29 overs.

Following an early tea interval, Bowden openers, Steve Lilley (39) and Mick Brammer (27 not out) set about chasing down the small target. Both players batted positively and punished the bad ball. The scoreboard was ticking over at a rapid pace before the loss of Lilley but Bowden were already half way to their victory target. Despite the loss of Tony Roberts (6) Bowden cruised past the winning post from just 23 overs, thanks to some lusty blows from Chris Knowles (24 not out). In typical fashion the Skipper finished the game with a hit over long-off for 6 runs.

This first win of the season and results elsewhere mean that Bowden climb away from the bottom of the league and are now sitting in mid-table. A continuation of this type of performance will ensure that Bowden continue their upward ascent in Division 3.

Wellingborough Indians won the toss and put Bowden in to bat on what looked a superb wicket to bat on. Bowden lost Sam Gomez early in the day and this bought together Gary Waterfield and Steve Oldfield who shared a partnership of 140 for the 2nd wicket before Waterfield fell for 82.

Oldfield went on to score a grinding 47 before he was out. The momentum of the innings continued with some magical free-flowing batting as Guy Other (83) and Chris Locker (29) made the Indians bowling look decidedly average on what was proving to be a good batting track. The pair put on 77 for the fourth wicket before Locker chopped on to his stumps. Bowden were able to declare on 267 for 4 in 43 overs knowing it was going to be difficult to bowl the Indians out on this track.

After tea Bowden took to the field knowing they had to take early wickets. With Sam Keenan promoted to the first team it was left to old timers Rob Gomez and Gary Freestone to make the breakthrough. The experience of these two showed and they were able to knock over the first four wickets quickly.

It was then down to the Bowden youngsters to take charge with the ball. Alistair Williams and Sam Gomez bowled exceptionally well with Alistair taking his first senior wicket for the club. He finished with 1 for 31. Sam Gomez bowled well too and had a hat trick ball at one point but the batsman was able to block out the attempt. Sam finished with 2 for 9 from 6 overs. Guy Other also had a good day with the ball by taking 2 for 27 from his 8 overs.

The Indians dug in for 10 overs and made it hard for the Bowden bowlers but with good second spells from Rob Gomez and Gary Freestone they were able to knock over the Indian tail-enders. The visitors finished on 136 all out in 44.3 overs with Rob Gomez finishing with 4 for 20 from 12.3 overs and Gary Freestone 1 for 28 from his 12 overs. Like their 1st XI counterparts, this impressive victory ensured that Bowden 2nd XI gained 30 points and moved them into mid table too.

A match-up against local rivals Loddington & Mawsley gave Bowden CC 1st XI the opportunity to put their poor early season form behind them at a damp and overcast Bowden Rec on Saturday 17th May. Winning the toss and inviting the visitors to bat first was the easiest of decisions and was duly rewarded when fast bowler Steve Bellamy (2 for 35) dismissed opening batsmen Patrick Brown with the second ball of the match, the simplest of catches through to the keeper. It transpired that this was to be a highlight of an inept fielding performance by the home side, as an aging team proceed to spill 7 catches during the opposition’s innings.

Two breaks for rain reduced the match by 9 overs but despite an excellent bowling performance by first-team debutant, 15 year old Sam Keenan (0 for 39), Bowden were unable to fully capitalise on a pitch offering lateral movement, pace and bounce. Loddington stuck to their task well and worked the ball around nicely, scoring at 4 runs per over. The second wicket fell with 44 runs on the board but there then followed an excellent 150 run partnership between Elliot Ryan (128) and Ben Watts (46) which put the visitors firmly in charge. A strangely out-of-form Mick Brammer (0 for 43) was unable to deliver his usual variations of flight and guile and a nasty injury to youngster Ben Wade meant that the bowling options were further hampered. Conditions didn’t help the fielders and it was surprising that more injuries weren’t sustained. Jamie ("sick-note") Horne was lucky not to limp off when sliding across the turf at third man he collided with a tree.

Loddington, aware of the loss of overs, declared their innings on 226 for 4 off 45 overs to enable them to have the best possible chance of winning the match. The Bowden openers set off at a good pace in response to the large total and Steve Lilley (26) and Mick Brammer (14) made an encouraging start. The visitors always had plenty of bowling options and their armoury of fast and medium pace bowlers managed to exploit the conditions far better than the home side had. With the ball popping off a length and zipping through at head height when pitched just short, Bowden were always up against it. The batters dug in, determined to put their recent poor run behind them and though the loss of Simon Barkworth (0) and Skipper Chris Knowles (1), Mark Kenny (56 not out) was in excellent touch and with the support of Simon Linsell, the pair added a partnership of 50 runs but more importantly used up a lot of overs. By the end, Bowden comfortably held on for the draw, completing their innings and closing on 128 for 7.

With other matches elsewhere in the league being affected by the inclement weather the village side managed to lift themselves of the bottom of the table but remain in the relegation places.

Match abandoned without a ball being bowled because of the weather.

Despite a much improved performance following last weeks’ dismal batting display, Bowden 1st XI were unable to stave off a further defeat in Northants Cricket League Division 3. Although only early into this season, Bowden now prop up the table and the 2008 campaign looks likely to be equally as difficult as last year’s.

On the warmest of days, Bowden travelled to Northamptonshire to play early pace makers and table topping Wollaston. There was little need of any Churchillian dressing room speeches from the skipper, Chris Knowles; the players knew that responsibility for a change in fortunes lay firmly on their own shoulders. Having been asked to bat first on a hard, firm and bouncy pitch the Bowden openers set about their task in positive fashion and good shot selection was rewarded with a score board ticking over at 4 runs per over. Makeshift opener, Mark Kenney had initially justified his promotion to the top of the order before he was deceived by a quicker delivery and being unable to control his pull shot fell to a catch behind.

Tony Roberts (34) then joined Steve Lilley (19) who between them began to lay the foundations of a reasonable total. However, in a familiar repeat of previous batting performances, wickets fell in clusters and Bowden soon found themselves five wickets down with less than a hundred on the board and the innings appeared to be going the same way as many had done previously.

Enter the fray, Simon Barkworth (89). It may not have been November 5th, but Barkworth had brought his own version of a firework display. Starting cautiously, it wasn’t long before he began opening his shoulders and dispatching the bowling to all corners. It is only a pity that the maximum runs available from a single shot is six for some of Barkworth’s hitting was so impressive in terms of power and distance, that somehow six runs didn’t adequately reward some of the shots. Bowden’s modern-day Goliath was well supported by Freer (12) in a 70-run partnership which helped Bowden post a very respectable total of 205 all out in the final of their 50 overs.

When the Wollaston reply began, Bowden’s opening bowlers, Steve Bellamy and Jack Ferguson hoped to repeat the success they’d achieved in the first two matches of the season. Bellamy in particular bowled with good pace and bounce on a helpful wicket and soon had the opposition batsmen hopping about the crease but the early breakthrough just didn’t come. Poor shots fell just out of reach of the fieldsman and Lady Luck seemed to be continually smiling in the wrong direction.

A half century opening stand had been posted before the first wicket fell. Despite this good start, Wollaston had consumed plenty of overs and were behind the required rate. Off-spinner Freer (0 for 63 from 15 overs) was introduced and continued to restrict the scoring. Three further reasonable chances went begging and Bowden then began to know that fate was going to be against them yet again. Ben Wade (1 for 14), Chris Knowles (2 for 35) and Simon Linsell (1 for 16) managed to get amongst the wickets but to no avail as Wollaston crossed the finishing line with an over to spare in the gathering gloom.

Next week’s home fixture against Loddington & Mawlsey now becomes a must win game if the village side are to give themselves a chance and to start their ascent up the table and away from the danger zone.

Bowden’s 2nd XI entertained Loddington & Mawlsey in Northants League Division 8 in what turned out to be an enthralling day, played in hot sticky conditions. Bowden won the toss and invited the opposition to bat first. The visitors made good use of the conditions and posted a very healthy score of 225 for 4 wickets from their allotted overs. The main bowling contributors were Rob Gomez (1 for 60); Guy Other (1 for 48) and Gordon Robinson (2 for 21).

The home side felt the target was achievable and set off at a good rate in an attempt on the score. Veteran opener, Gary Waterfield (46) carried his bat through the innings and was well supported by Guy Other (40); Sam Gomez (24); Sam Atkins (17) and Steve Oldfield (21 not out). Bowden just fell short of their target and had to settle for a draw at 207 for 7 and a share of the points.

Northants Cricket League Division 8

Barton Seagrave versus Bowden CC 2nd XI


Bowden 2nd XI began their league season with a disappointing loss away at Barton Seagrave. Bowden won the toss and invited the home side to bat. Some good bowling, especially from the youngsters (Ali Williams 0 for 22 and Lee Munton 0 for 24) , was unfortunately not backed up by the Bowden fielders who managed to drop 9 catches during the innings. The only wicket taker being old mister reliable Rob Gomez who finished with 1 for 29. This allowed Barton Seagrave to finish on 201 for 1 from their allotted 45 overs.

When Bowden came out to bat they thought the total was quite achievable on a small ground, but a steady loss of wickets meant they could only attempt desperately to cling on for a draw at the end. Some valiant batting from Ali Williams and Sam Keenan ( scoring 14 and 15 not out respectively ) almost secured some points but it all ended in the penultimate over. The only other batting of note being the 28 from Danny Varnsverry and the 17 from the ever youthful Gary Waterfield. The only positives to come out of the game were the performances of the Bowden youth which will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.

Saturday 3rd May 2008

Bowden CC 1st XI versus Kempston Hammers CC


The ghosts of the 2007 season made an unwelcome appearance in the second match of the new campaign for Bowden CC 1st XI. The haunting prospect of another battle with relegation needs to be quickly extinguished following a dismal batting display, which saw the home side slide to a 60 run defeat in a low scoring encounter. Recent matches against Kempston have proved to be close affairs but this encounter failed to live up to any of the previous excitement produced by these two sides and by the end of the match Bowden looked a very sorry outfit.

The village side won the toss for the second week running and invited the visitors to bat first on a pitch with a greenish tinge. Fast bowler, Steve Bellamy, continued from where he left off last week and was soon amongst the wickets. Ably supported by his new ball partner, Jack Ferguson (2 for 25), the pair soon had the visitors in all sorts of bother at 41 for 4 after 15 overs. First change bowlers Simon Linsell and Mick Brammer continued to apply the pressure and although both went wicketless in their spells, they continued to restrict the Kempston batters who had to be content to deal in ones and twos for the majority of the next 16 overs. By the time the final dozen overs arrived, Kempston were in real trouble, having only just reached three figures by that stage.

The support bowlers continued to stick to their task and tight bowling from Tony Roberts (1 for 27); Skipper Chris Knowles (2 for 9) and further reward for Steve Bellamy (5 for 48) returning for a second spell from the railway end, kept the pressure on. This good display in the field, despite 3 dropped catches, ensured that Kempston were all out in the final of their 50 overs for 161.

The score posted by the visitors should have been easily manageable for a Bowden side fielding one of its strongest possible batting line-ups. Simon Barkworth, playing in his first match for his new club, was paired with stalwart opener, Mick Brammer. Barkworth didn’t trouble the scorers, in fact the players and spectators had hardly taken their seats for the Bowden reply, when the unlucky opener was triggered LBW to his first ball, a ball that wouldn’t have hit a second set of stumps placed on top of the first set.

Despite this early set back, Brammer and Tony Roberts began constructing a partnership, albeit, cautiously. However the pair departed within a few overs of each other and the new batsmen could gain no traction and build an innings against a very classy leg spin bowler, Ashley Field, who finished the match with the remarkable figures of 6 for 20 from 14 overs. Chris Knowles (5), Steve Lilley (8) and ducks for both Jamie Horne and Mark Kenney left the Bowden run chase in tatters and the club staring down the barrel of a tame home defeat. Jack Ferguson (18) and Simon Linsell (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as the village side capitulated to 92 all out.

The side will need a great deal of fortitude and application next week if they are to recover and pick up points when they travel to high flying Wollaston.

Friendly Fixture

Sunday 27th April 2008

Bowden CC XI versus Shepshed CC XI


On Sunday 27th April, Bowden CC hosted Shepshed Town CC in a pre-season friendly.

In a 40-a-side game, Bowden won the toss and elected to bat. Bowden batsmen showed their rustiness with plenty of mistimed shots and struggled to score runs quickly. Bowden eventually finished on 142 for 8 in their 40 overs. Steve Oldfield top scored with 29, including Bowden’s first 6 of the season. Mark Kenny scored an unbeaten 28. Pick of the Shepshed bowlers were Pollingsworth (2-19) & E.Murray (2-19).

In reply, the Shepshed batsmen scored freely to reach 145 for 1 with 16 overs to spare. South African, M.Dipha (50 n.o.) & J.Shilliam (48 n.o.) being the top batsmen. Pick of the Bowden bowlers were veteran, Gary Freestone (1-40 off 8 overs).

Northants Cricket League Division 3

Saturday 26th April 2008

Bowden CC 1st XI versus Oundle Town CC 1st XI
On the warmest day of the year so far, Bowden CC 1st XI began their campaign in Northants Cricket League Division 3 on Saturday 26th April with a home match against newly promoted Oundle town, who are tipped for promotion this year.

Compared to last year, there was an immediate reversal of fortunes for the village side, when skipper Knowles won the toss and unsurprisingly invited Oundle to have first use of a dampish pitch. The visitors set about their task with some caution, given the appearance of the pitch, but their caution was misplaced as the pitch played without incident. As the openers confidence grew, so did their shot selection. Opening their shoulders, Oundle's opening pair were soon depositing the cream of Bowden's bowling attack to all parts of the ground, on a number of occasions clearing the boundary on the full. Only the abundance of the Chestnut trees prevented any damage to the local houses circling the picturesque ground.

Credit however must go to Bowden's bowlers who stuck manfully to their task and the breakthrough finally came in the 28th over with the score on 142, when off-spinner Brammer tempted the batter with a wide one and Kenny, standing up behind the timbers, gleefully accepted the chance. This made up for the skipper having dropped the same batsmen some 5 overs earlier when he was offered a chance which was harder to miss than catch, much to the amusement of the home side's players.

Oundle's other opener soon followed, again Brammer providing the guile to make the breakthrough. Veteran fast bowler Bellamy be-lied his advancing years to get in amongst the wickets, claiming 5 for 44, as Oundle's last 9 wickets went down for less than 80. A slightly above par score of 226 for 9 appeared within reach of the home side however who were, on paper, fielding a strong batting line-up.

Bowden's openers started nervously too, feeling for their touch and timing against a good new-ball opening attack. 25 runs were on the board when Brammer guided one to the gully fielder, a chance that was easily accepted. Star batsmen Roberts, lasted a mere 2 balls before being castled by a bowler operating off the wrong foot. Lilley and Ferguson set about repairing the damage and had advanced the score to nearly 100 when Lilley received a shocking decision, given out caught and bowled off a clear bump-ball. Knowles then joined Ferguson and the pair continued to ensure that the home side were within
striking distance of their target, but both fell in reasonably quick succession. Despite a promising knock from the new player, Horne, it was left to Kenny and Linsell to see out the remaining overs and earn the draw.

Bowden CC 1st XI versus Rushton CC 2nd XI – Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 3

TEAM HEROICS ENSURE RELEGATION IS AVOIDED

In a must win encounter on the final day of the season, Bowden CC 1st XI ensured their survival in Division 3, with a heroic 7 wicket defeat of local rivals Rushton. Bowden began the day occupying the second relegation position, knowing that only a win and help from results elsewhere, would give them any chance of maintaining their status in the division.

Bowden won an important toss and elected to field first. They soon had the home side in trouble at 10 for 2 before the Rushton middle order began to rebuild the innings despite tremendous bowling efforts from Gomez (4 for 66) and Bellamy (3 for 37). Rushton’s skipper Pike clubbed his way to a fast scoring innings (66) and was well supported by Watts (44). Bowden’s off-spinner Freer was unable to repeat last week’s 5 wicket haul and none of the supporting bowlers were able to get amongst the wickets. By the close of their allotted 50 overs, Rushton had posted a very respectable 236 for 8 thereby asking Bowden to score their highest total of the season to achieve the victory they so badly needed.

Bowden’s batters enjoyed a nervous tea interval before strapping on their pads and setting about their task. Despite the early loss of Brammer (9), Ferguson and Roberts played very sensibly and began to establish a partnership. Intelligent running between the wickets and powerful boundary hitting of anything loose delivered by the Rushton bowlers ensured that Bowden remained up with the required run rate. As the partnership developed both players got stronger and Rushton were left trying a variety of bowlers to break the stand and check the scoring. The partnership had reached 146 before Roberts (90) departed, but by then the damage had been done and the momentum was with Bowden. Ferguson (72 not out) was joined by club skipper Knowles (45) who enjoyed himself with some lusty blows and the pair confidently chased down the target with 6 overs to spare.

The players had to wait for around half an hour before results elsewhere were confirmed and Bowden knew that their bid to avoid relegation had been successful and the celebrations could begin.

Bowden CC traveled to local neighbours, Medbourne, for their last Sunday
fixture of the season. It was decided to play a 40 overs a side match, win or
lose game.
Bowden won the toss and elected to bat on a dry hard wicket. Bowden
struggled to score runs quickly as the Medbourne bowlers bowled tight and accurately
from the start. Only Opener, Jack Ferguson, was able to score at any rate and
he carried his bat to a superb unbeaten 81. Jack was well supported by 15
years old Sam Gomez who recorded his personal best score of 32. Bowden finished
on 171-5 in their 40 overs. Pick of the Medbourne bowlers was Tom Driver
with 2-13 off 6 overs.
Bowden¿€™s score of 171 was never going to be enough to win as their bowling
attack was not the strongest. Medbourne knocked the runs off inside 26 overs
to win fairly easily, finishing on 174-3. Star batsman for Medbourne was Tom
Driver with an unbeaten 60. He was well supported by Andy Holyoak (34). Pick
of the Bowden bowlers were Astley Sharples (1-26 off 7 overs) and Jack
Ferguson (1-38 off 6 overs).

BOWDEN CC versus UPPINGHAM CC

On Sunday, Bowden CC played hosts to Uppingham CC in a fixture arranged via the pool system. This was a traditional timed friendly match.

Uppingham won the toss and elected to bat on a dry hard wicket. Openers, S.Wade (22) & E.Scott (28) got Uppingham off to a good start. Some tight Bowden bowling then slowed down Uppingham’s run rate until M.Bennett (65) & C.Scott (50 no) pushed the Uppingham innings to 189 for 5 in their allotted time. Pick of the Bowden bowlers was veteran skipper, Astley Sharples (3-19 off 10 overs). Lee Munton (1-20 off 6 overs) and Ed Ingram (1-37 off 9 overs) both bowled very well & deserved more reward.

In reply, Bowden started well but once opener, Chris Knowles (19) was caught chasing a wide ball, it was always going to be a struggle with a weak batting line up. However, Opener, Jack Ferguson (63) almost pulled it off for Bowden especially when Lee Munton (15) came in for a late flurry. Unfortunately once they were both out the tail couldn’t hold on for the draw and Bowden were all out for 154, losing by 35 runs with one over to go. Pick of the Uppingham bowlers were B.Clarke (3-15 off 10 overs) & E.Scott (3-31 off 8 overs)

Bowden youth policy showed it is going the right way with Bowden having a 5 wicket win at the weekend. 15 Year old Sam Keenan got the show on the road by talking 4 for 27 8.2 overs with Ed Ingram 16 taking 1 for 14 in 6 overs. Sam Gomez who is also 16 taking 2 for 14 in 5 overs, Alistair Williams 15 also got in on the act taking 1 for 13 in 5 overs. Rob Gomez supported them with 2 for 19 in 8 overs as County Hall were all out for 95.

In reply Bowden lost Ross Mcseveney without scoring and Sam Gomez for 4 in the first 6 overs. A stand of 35 between Jamie Horne And Gary Waterfield saw Bowden recover but a cost off 2 quick wickets saw Ed Ingram come to the wicket and score nice controled 16 befoe he was bowled. It was then left to the experience off Gary Waterfield 38 not out and Rob Gomez 15 not out to see Bowden home with a 5 wicket win

Bowden 1st XI versus Long Buckby 1st XI – Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 3

In the most important game in Bowden’s recent history the village side entertained Long Buckby 1st XI in a bottom-of-the-table clash. In a tense atmosphere both sides played a high tempo and hugely competitive game of cricket ending in the closest of finishes – a tied game.

A pitch with a green top had been prepared to try and ensure a result and help Bowden’s quest to avoid the drop in this, their 125th anniversary season. Bowden won the toss and had no hesitation in inserting their relegation threatened opponents. In a cautious start the Long Buckby openers started slowly in an attempt to set a platform and post a challenging total. Controversy occurred as early as the eighth over when Bowden confidently claimed a catch in the gully only for the batsmen to indicate to the umpire that it had been a bump-ball, the umpire concurred, and the batsmen received the benefit of the doubt. This only fuelled Bowden’s young opening bowler, 17 year old Ferguson, who two balls later knocked back the batters off stump with a ferocious delivery and justice was seen to be done.

The visitors continued to build their innings slowly and it was the spin-twins of Brammer (4 for 33) and Freer (3 for 37) who ensured that the batsmen never got away. Flynn (41) gave some late impetus to the innings and the visitor’s total of 173 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs looked just short of par.

The Bowden reply began cautiously too and it was evident that Long Buckby had four very good seam bowlers to contend with, one who could be described as genuinely ‘quick’. Despite the loss of an early wicket, Brammer (22) and Roberts (25) took on the short stuff and began hooking and pulling to the boundary. The loss of these two batters required some re-building and thanks to the skipper, Knowles (38) and Kenny (26) runs came at the right rate. After the loss of Knowles, Mather quickly followed and it was Lilley (36) returning from injury who, with a few lusty blows, brought the target down to 27 from the last 3 overs.

Long Buckby continued to slow the game and in the gathering gloom Bowden pushed, prodded and scampered their runs until 11 were required from the final over. A four, a two and a couple of ‘dot’ balls meant that 5 was required off the final delivery, in near darkness. Lilley clubbed the ball out to deep mid-wicket and with his partner, Bellamy crossed for an all run four that tied the game.


Stony Stratford CC 3rd XI versus Bowden CC 2nd XI - Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 9

In a top of the table clash, the top two sides in League Division 9 came together at Stony Startford. Bowden loss the toss and were invited to bat and after a tentative start they built a decent score of 192 for 8. The main contributors to the total being the two old timers Rob Gomez (86) and Gary Waterfield (43). The youngster Eddie Ingram chipped in with a quick 12 runs showing some of the quality shots he can play.

After the tea interval Bowden went out feeling confident with the score they had posted. The fiery young quick bowler Sam Keenan made some early inroads, picking up 2 wickets in his first spell. This brought Stony Stratford’s big hitting Zimbabwean to the wicket and his hard clean hitting proved to be the winning factor in the game. Stony Stratford won the game with 8 overs to spare. Sam Keenan finished with the figures of 10-3-47-2 showing what a good bowler he his becoming, the only other wicket taker being Rob Gomez taking 2 for 41.

To ensure promotion Bowden need a win at home next week to lowly St Michaels.

Bowden 1st XI versus Horton House 2nd XI – Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 3

In another highly charged atmosphere at Bowden Rec the home side narrowly failed to achieve the win that would have left them above the relegation zone. Bowden took 11 points from the match, which now leaves themselves, Long Buckby and Wicken fighting hard in the last 3 matches of the season to avoid the drop to Division 4 along with bottom club Rushton. This makes next week’s home fixture against their closest rivals, Long Buckby the must-win game of the season.

Bowden won the toss and decided to bowl first. The visitors 2 young openers got them off to a positive start and a big total looked likely. It took some tight bowling from Bellamy 3 for 37 and the promoted second team skipper, Gomez 3 for 33 to check the innings. With the ever reliable off spin of Brammer 2 for 37, Horton House were bowled out in the 47th over for 218, a score which looked around 25 runs short of par on a good batting surface.

In response, the Bowden openers, Ferguson 51 and Brammer 36, laid the foundations for the run-chase and with the middle order of Roberts 36 and Knowles 26 performing well the home side were always up with the run rate. Poor shot selection and 2 needless run outs increased the pressure and nerves got the better of the lower order. Despite Stokes’ innings of 20, Bowden finished 11 runs short of victory on 208 for 9.

Bowden 2nds cricket report
Bowden 2nds travelled to Harlestone this week and came away with another
hard fought win. Batting first Bowden struggled all the way through their
innings and only managed to score 125 all out. Rob Gomez led the way with
the bat scoring 48, and only 2 other players managed to get a score in
double figures, Steve Oldfield (22) and Gordan Robinson (13). After tea
Bowden needed to perform and so began the Gomez show. Firstly the old boy
Rob Gomez bowling out of his skin to return figures of 6 for 11, and then
the young gun Sam Gomez following his dads example by returning figures of 3
for 17. The other wicket fell to the new boy Gordan Robinson aided by Sam
Atkins who showed how good a keeper he will be by taking an exceptional
catch standing up to the stumps. All of this meant that Bowden had bowled
Harlestone out for 87 and so continued on their way to promotion.

Bowden Cricket Club – Saturday 21 July

Bowden CC 1st XI versus Raunds CC
Bold Dragoon CC versus Bowden CC 2nd XI

Both matches on Saturday 21 July were abandoned without a ball being bowled

Bowden Cricket Club – Sunday 22 July

On Sunday, Bowden CC travelled to near neighbours, Kibworth in a 40 over a-side friendly match.

Kibworth won the toss and elected to bat on a damp, soft wicket. Opener, P. Illingworth (34) steadied the Kibworth innings while wickets tumbled around him. At one stage, Kibworth looked unlikely to reach 150 until S. Pole (31) and a late swashbuckling innings from C. Hill (36) saw Kibworth all out for 180 in the 40th over. The main Bowden wicket takers were Malcolm Walker (3 for 41 from 9 overs); Astley Sharples (2 for 30 from 9 overs) and Jack Ferguson (2 for 36 from 8 overs).

In reply, Bowden lost 2 quick wickets with only 2 runs on the board, but a very dogged innings from Jason Stokes (34) and an unusually careful Rob Gomez (39) put Bowden in a good position to win the game. A middle order collapse then saw Bowden in real trouble and not even a smash and grab innings from Eddie Ingram (27) could prevent Bowden losing the match by 31 runs as they were all out for 149 in the 38th over. Pick of the Kibworth bowlers were I. Khan (3 for 21 from 8.3 overs); C. Hill (2 for 17 form 9 overs) and B. Beaves (2 for 42)

PRESIDENT'S MATCH REPORT


Sunday 15th July 2007 - BOWDEN CC versus Darian Homes XI



The President's game is always special day in the fixture card and more so this year, as a Darian Homes select XI, including Alan Cork (FA Cup winner with Wimbledon) and Gerry Taggert, a former Leicester City favourite & Northern Ireland international were the opposition. There was a local charity theme this year as both teams sold raffle tickets with monies going to the Eva Winston-Hart Charity. A fantastic ¿900 was raised !!



Bowden won the toss and elected to bat in this 40 over a side game. Openers, S. Bellamy (17) & J. Ferguson (33) gave the villagers a steady start. Bowden were soon in trouble though when demon fast bowler, Alan Cork ripped through the middle order with figures of 4-12 from 4 overs. Bowden's innings was saved by Mark Kenny (79) and Simon Linsell (21) who helped the villagers reach 200 all out. Fine bowling from Kane Foskett (5-12 form 4 overs) prevented a higher total being reached.



In reply, Darian Homes started positively with James Hubbard hitting a massive 6 off opening bowler, E. Ingram much to the astonishment of all!! Excellent batting from James Hubbard (34) & Alan Cork (31) kept Darian Homes in the hunt. Then Bowden's secret bowling weapon, Mark Lumby, came into action and in just two overs devastated the Darian Homes innings with 4 for 4 and the cause was lost. Darian Homes innings ended on 114 all out in the 27th over when 13 year old Joseph Sharples got his first senior wicket for Bowden, clean bowling Andy Mathews.



Gerry Taggert deserves special mention for his unorthodox batting style. The red mist descended and he decided to charge forward to Bowden skipper, Astley Sharples, and was clean bowled!! Bowden bowling merits also go to Upal Soysa (2for 23 form 5 overs). Overall the game was a great advert for friendly village cricket and for once the weathermen got it wrong!!

Bowden Cricket Club- Match Reports Saturday 14th July

Brigstock CC 1st XI versus Bowden CC 1st XI

Another poor batting display resulted in a heavy defeat at local rivals, Brigstock and leaves Bowden 1st XI deep in relegation trouble.

Winning the toss, Bowden asked Brigstock to bat and excellent bowling by young Jack Ferguson, which went unrewarded, (0-27) together with veteran Bellamy (1 for 41) ensured that the opposition never quite took command. Further steady bowling by the spinners Freer (2 for 32) and Brammer (0 for 34) ensured that for the most part Brigstock were unable to really cut loose. Powerful hitting in the last 10 overs ensured that they posted an above par total of 236 for 3.

In reply, the Bowden innings never really got going and wickets fell all too often against tight disciplined bowling. Only 3 players managed to reach double figures, Knowles (28), Ferguson (24 not out) and Linsell (13) and the innings was quickly wound up at 101 all out. For Bowden to avoid relegation, the season really starts next week and the players need to dig in and turn the performances around.

Harlestone were invited to bat first on a dry pitch and Bowden’s bowlers all got amongst the wickets. Guy Other (3 for 39), Rob Gomez (3 for 44), Bryn Morris (1 for 11), Sam Gomez (1 for 36) and Sam Keenan (0 for 40) ensured that they restricted the opposition to 175 for 8 from their 45 overs.

In reply, useful knocks from new recruit Mark Kenny (50), Tony Marlow (35) and Rob Gomez (31) ensured that Bowden chased the target and were always in the hunt for a victory until the innings lost momentum towards the end which resulted in the home side finishing 9 runs short of victory, all out for 165


Junior Section

Bowden CC U13’s versus Market Harborough CC U13’s

Bowden U13's came out on top in the local derby against Market Harborough U13's. Asked to bat first, Bowden scored 99 for 7 in their 20 overs. Tom Morris recorded his fourth unbeaten score of 25 in 5 innings. He was assisted by Joe Douglas (25 not out) and Dan Aspinall (16) in posting the final total. R. Barber being the pick of the Harborough bowlers with figures of (1 for 6). Harborough's reply got of to a bad start with Alexa Passingham claiming the wicket of one of the opening pair in her first over, George Thornton (2 for 13) and Ali Gordon (2 For 11) strangled the Harborough reply before Callum Morris, not to be outdone by his brother, got in on the act by returning excellent figures of (1 for 3) including a wicket maiden. With Harborugh needing 12 runs of the final over, Alexa Passingham returned to the attack to polish off the win and claimed match winning figures (3 for 9).

Upcoming Fixtures

Bowden CC versus Darian Homes Celebrity XI – Sunday 15th July

As part of a number of special events this year to mark the club’s 125th anniversary, on Sunday 15th July, Bowden Cricket Club will play a match against a Darian Homes Celebrity XI at Bowden Rec. The Market Harborough based house builders and developers have promised stars and celebrities from the world of football (Leicester and Coventry players past and present are rumoured to be attending) to test their cricketing skills against a Bowden side selected by Club President, Ian White.

The match begins at 2pm and all the family are welcome. There will be a barbeque, licenced bar and raffle with excellent prizes. A large crowd is anticipated. There is a serious nature to the match; in addition to the celebrations of the clubs anniversary, the proceeds raised on the day will be donated to the Eva Winston-Hart appeal.


Leicester & Rutland Cricket Board

Bowden Cricket Club will play host to a Representative Match on behalf of the Leicester & Rutland Cricket Board. On Monday 16th July, Leicestershire Girls Under 17's entertain Worcestershire Girls Under 17's at Bowden Rec. The match starts at 1.00 pm and all are welcome to come and spectate.

Bowden 1st XI versus Wellingborough Indians 2nd XI – Northants Cricket League Division 3

The first game of the second half of the season saw Bowden record their first win of the year. In the opening game of the season Wellingborough had won by 1 wicket in a very close match. The result in the reverse fixture was more comprehensive as Bowden came home by 50 runs.

Losing the toss for the ninth time in eleven attempts, Bowden found themselves yet again being invited to bat first and it was the experimental opening partnership of Brammer (55) and Locker (27) who posted 73 before the loss of the first wicket. The pitch became lower and slower as the innings proceeded and thank to contributions by Lilley (32), Linsell (13) and Stokes (14), Bowden were able to claim a third batting point as the innings was completed on 182 for 9 from 50 overs.

Bowden’s bowlers set about Wellingborough from the start and made life uncomfortable for each of the batsmen and the visitors soon found themselves 21 for 3 in reply, thanks to Groenewald (2 for 27) and a spectacular run out; a direct hit from cover by Stokes. The spin twins of Brammer (4 for 19) and Freer (3 for 43) ensured that Wellingborough never seriously threatened the total and despite some late hitting, their innings ended at 132 all out, giving Bowden a real boost in their attempts to avoid any thoughts of relegation this season.

Little Harrowden versus Bowden 2nd XI

On a pudding of a wicket at Little Harrowden, Bowden 2nds went out to bat first. The score moved along very slowly with runs proving difficult to find. A solid partnership of 60 runs in the middle of the innings, between Rob Gomez (52) and Danny Varnsverry (31 not out ),gave Bowden some momentum and they managed to post a score of 134 for 6.

When play resumed after tea, the combination of the wicket and some excellent, tight bowling from the Bowden bowlers proved to be too much for Little Harrowden. All the Bowden bowlers performed well, the pick of them being Rob Gomez with figures of 6 for 8 runs, Bryn Morris 3 for 17 and the ever improving Eddie Ingram taking 1 for 19. The youngsters Sam Keenan and Sam Gomez bowled extremely well with no reward, and there was another solid performance by the young keeper Sam Atkins. This all led to another victory for Bowden 2nds victory as they dismissed Little Harrowden for 91.

Northants Cricket League Division 9 - Wicken CC 2nd XI versus Bowden CC 2nd XI

Bowden 2nd XI travelled through the rain to Wicken on Saturday. After winning the toss Bowden put Wicken in to bat on a very damp wicket. The Bowden bowlers performed well, and bowled Wicken out for 135. Rob Gomez led the way taking 5 for 16, and he was ably supported by young Eddie Ingram taking 2 for 27 and the wily old Lancastrian, Guy Other, taking 3 for 13. Bowden felt very confident going out to bat. Rain had reduced the number of overs available and a revised total of 133 to win. Confidence was short lived as wickets steadily tumbled. Chris Locker being the only batsman to score at the top of the order, but he unfortunately ran himself out on 31. The winning total got steadily nearer but wickets continued to fall. A partnership between Stan Robinson and Sam Atkins yielded 35 runs until first Atkins went lbw on 14, and then Robinson quickly followed, caught in the deep on 29. Bowden needed 6 runs to win but with only 2 wickets left. Some tight bowling and pressure fielding from the Wicken team brought an end to the Bowden innings 3 runs short of victory.

Horton House 2nd XI CC vs Bowden 1st XI CC – Saturday 23rd July, Northants Cricket League Division 3

There was a rather soggy end to Bowden’s match with Horton House following the abandonment of the game after a stormy deluge at the pretty Buckinghamshire ground. Yet again, Bowden lost the toss, and found themselves being asked to bat on another damp pitch. Openers Lilley and skipper Knowles (49) played with great care at the start of the innings. Despite losing his opening partner Knowles’ innings began to blossom and with some sensible and controlled aggression he was unlucky to fall one run short of what would have been an excellent half century. Progress continued slowly after the fall of the skipper’s wicket and when the rain came with Bowden at 102 for 6 from 43 overs there was a realisation that there would be little chance of completing the match.

Bowden 2nd XI vs Burton Latimer 3rd XI – Saturday 23rd July, Northants Cricket League Division 9

Bowden 2nds entertained Burton Latimer 3rds on Saturday in a thriller of a game. Batting first, Bowden got off to a steady start on a damp wicket. The two openers put on 51 before the loss of Gary Waterfield (19). His partner Chris Locker, went on to make a steady 41. Bowden amassed 166 in their 45 overs with the help of some solid batting from Steve Oldfield (21), Rob Gomez (32) and Danny Varnsverry (32 not out). After the tea interval Burton started their innings in a similar fashion to Bowden. Some fine bowling at the start from young Sam Keenan earned him figures of 1 for 10 from 5 overs. Some excellent bowling in the middle of the innings from the youngsters George Douglas and Sam Gomez kept the game very tight. With Sam Atkins putting on another fine display behind the stumps, and Mr Dependable, Rob Gomez, bowling his heart out (1 for 30 from 13) the game reached a final over climax that Burton won on the penultimate ball.

Bowden CC U15’s versus Langtons CC U15s – Tuesday 19th June

Bowden under 15's handsomely won a midweek encounter with near neighbours, Langtons on Tuesday the 19th of June. The home side, Langtons, won the toss and batted first, scoring 82 for 8 in 20 overs. Sam Gomez was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 11 runs in his 3 overs. Sam Keenan bowled with excellent pace and swing taking 2 for 22 from 4 overs. George Douglas also bowled well taking 1 for 14 from 4 overs, Eddie Ingram took 1 for 12 from 4 overs too. Bowden scored 84 for 4 in reply with Sam Atkins showing his class once again with a measured 28 and George Douglas scoring 10. There was also a freak dismissal with Eddie Ingram standing on his stumps after scoring 6 from just 4 balls.

Long Buckby CC 1st XI vs Bowden CC 1st XI - Northants Cricket League
Division 3



In one of the strangest matches the Club can recall, Bowden recorded
their second consecutive winning draw and swapped places with their
opponents in the relegation zone. It was no surprise, given the recent
poor weather, that the pitch looked poor, but no-one was prepared for
the 'fun' that was to come when trying to bat on a snake-pit of a
wicket. Skipper Knowles promptly loss the toss again and Bowden were
invited to bat. It was the skipper himself, opening the batting, who set
the tone, gloving the first ball off his nose, the ball looping over his
head and to the keeper. It was clear that batting was going to be a
lottery but Bowden crept along to 31 for 3 when 11 overs were lost
following a sharp shower. This made the pitch even juicier and in the
space of a further 9 overs, Bowden lost their last seven wickets and
collapsed to 68 all out. Only Mather (25) and Lilley (18) making it to
double figures as all 4 Long Buckby bowlers enjoying themselves, got
amongst the wickets.



Long Buckby survived the 5 overs before the tea interval and at 4 for 0
looked well placed to chase down the very small target. A further rain
break immediately after tea prevented the players resuming for an hour
but when they did return to the field the Bowden bowlers took full
advantage. 3 overs after the resumption, Long Buckby found themselves 5
for 5 and in a desperate fight to hang on for the draw. Groenewald (6
for 20) and Bellamy (2 for 14) bowled unchanged for 30 overs and never
let their opponents get close to challenging the Bowden total.
Exceptional fielding and smart catching ensured that Bowden's opponents
remained on the back foot throughout their innings. In the end it was
Long Buckby who felt relieved to see the end of the game as they batted
out their reduced 32 overs and finished on 46 for 8.



Bowden CC 2nd XI vs Stony Stratford CC 2nd XI



In a top of the table clash, Bowden entertained Stony Stratford at the
Rec. After losing the toss, Bowden were asked to bat on what looked a
good wicket, the covers having done their work following the unsettled
weather in the previous few days. Bowden's openers soon got to work on
the Stony attack with Chris Locker (41) and Gary Waterfield putting on
90 for the first wicket, before Locker fell. Bowden then lost Guy Other
(11) and young Sam Atkins (7). This brought skipper Rob Gomez (50 not
out) to the wicket and with an in-form Waterfield, they added 105 for
the 4th wicket before Waterfield was dismissed to the last ball of the
innings for 88 ensuring that Bowden posted a very competitive 236 for 4
in their 45 overs.



In reply the Bowden bowlers started well with the ever youthful Gary
Freestone roaring in to take 2 wickets in his first two overs with aid
of two fine catches from Atkins and Gomez. Stony were behind the clock
when the rain started to fall at 44 for 2. When play resumed Stony
needed 171 from 32 overs but tight bowling from Gomez 2 for 43 from 13
overs and Freestone 2 for 37 from 10 overs, backed up by the athletic
Bowden fielders, Stony finished on 151 for 4. Bowden won by 22 runs
against the revised target. This result keeps Bowden 2nd XI second in
the table and moved them a lot closer to their opponents Stony Stratford
who remain in the top position.



Tuesday 12th June - Bowden CC Under 15s vs Medbourne CC Under 15s



Bowden under 15's had a resounding win against Medbourne on Tuesday.
Medbourne scored a respectable 96 in 20 overs with Sam Gomez being the
pick of the bowlers taking 2 for 15 from his 4 overs. All the other
bowlers bowled well without much luck.



In Reply, Bowden scored 97 without loss, Sam Atkins scoring a fantastic
51 runs, his first 50 for the club. Sam Gomez scored 20 and since Atkins
had to retire after scoring 50, Eddie Ingram got to the wicket and
scored a quick fire 10 to finish things off within 12 overs. Well done
to the under 15's.

Bowden Cricket Club – Match Reports Saturday 10th June

Bowden 1st XI vs Kempston Hammers – Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 3

On the most perfect day for cricket so far this season, Bowden 1st XI entertained Kempton Hammers at The Rec. On a beautifully prepared flat pitch, Bowden lost the toss and were invited to bat. The batters set about their work with a renewed and determined relish. The innings got off to a fast start and the first fifty was posted in the ninth over before Brammer (14) was castled with a full pitched fast-swinging ball. Lilley (92) was joined by Roberts (92) and the pair constructed a partnership worth 178 runs, which fell just 2 runs short of a club record. The partnership was full of hard-hitting shots with many classical cover drives and pulls to the mid-wicket boundary as the pair put the bowling to the sword. Some lusty blows from Mather (17 not out) ensured that Bowden posted their highest score of the season and at 259 for 6 it left Skipper, Knowles, with the luxury of declaring after 47 overs.

With the first decent total on the board this season, Bowden’s bowlers had the licence to get stuck in from the start. Ever reliable Steve Bellamy (3 for 51) steamed in from the railway end and had the batters hopping around the crease on occasions. 3 sharp catches behind the timbers by Linsell were matched in the gully by 3 excellent catches by Brammer. Medium pacers Ferguson (0 for 19) and Roberts (0 for 35) didn’t really feature and it was the off-spin of Freer (1 for 35) and Brammer (2 for 31) who, along with 2 wickets from Knowles, bowled Bowden to within 2 wickets for victory as Kempston completed their 53 overs in reply at 203 for 8.

The winning-draw represents the best performance of a so far disappointing season but there were enough signs seen in this match indicate the 1st XI will get themselves out of the relegation positions over the coming weeks.

Great Houghton 2nd XI vs Bowden 2nd XI

Bowden travelled to Great Houghton on Saturday and came away with a narrow defeat. Bowden batted first and scored 183 for 8 in their 45 overs with Gary Waterfield top scored with 67. Bowden innings never got going, as each batsman got themselves established before giving their wickets away. Danny Varnsverry 26, Steve Oldfield 15, Rob Gomez 15 were all guilt. Bryn Morris finished on 23 not out and a nice little cameo from Sam Atkins saw Bowden reach a total of 183 from their 45 overs.

After the tea interval the pitch had dried out and batting became easier. Great Houghton put 63 on the board for the first wicket. Great Houghton always look in control until Sam Keenan came on for a second spell and took 3 wickets in 8 balls and set some panic amongst the batsman but it wasn't quite enough the home side got the winning runs in the last over for the lost of 6 wickets.

U15's Bowden vs South Wigston



Bowden under 15's lost narrowly to South Wigston on Tuesday. South
Wigston scored 117/6 in 20 overs. Sam Keenan bowled well, 4 overs 2
wickets for 13 run. Sam Gomez bowled 3 overs 1 wicket for 23 runs.
Bowden scored 110 in their allotted 20 overs with Eddie Ingram scoring a
fantastic 48 and Sam Keenan scoring 15. Sam Atkins scored 13.



Midweek



Bowden played Laughton and Mowsley. Laughton batted first and scored
118. George Douglas bowled brilliantly with figures of 1/27 of 3 overs.
Dan Varnsverry also bowled well with figures of 2/23 of his 3 overs.
Bowden batted 2nd and could only manage 52 with Danny Varnsverry scoring
16



Bowden Cricket Club - Match Reports Saturday 2nd June



Wollaston vs Bowden 1st XI



After the previous week's washout, Bowden 1st XI travelled to Wollaston,
high in the hope of recording their first victory of a so far difficult
season. Despite losing the toss and being invited to bat, Bowden set
about constructing a challenging target for their opponents to chase.
The team recovered well from the early loss of both openers. Lilley (10)
and Brammer (12) and the Aussie, Stokes (2). There was a welcome return
to for Skipper, Knowles (52) who, along with Mather (40) put on 87 for
the fourth wicket and had over 120 on the board by the 30th over.



It was at this point that the complexion of the innings changed. Knowles
did well to dig out a fiery Yorker, but it was as if the rug had been
pulled from beneath his feet as he stumbled some yards down the wicket
trying to recover his balance, failed and crashed to the floor, like a
great Oak tree felled by the woodman's axe. Mather departed soon
afterwards to a dubious looking lbw call. The rest of the side all fell
cheaply, four of the batters failing to trouble the scorers. At 136 all
out it didn't appear a total which looked defendable.



Bowden's bowlers put in a tremendous effort and made Wollaston work hard
for every run. Wickets fell at regular intervals and a couple of strong
appeals were turned down by the umpire. Both quicks, Bellamy and
Groenewald bowled economically but the off-spin of Freer (1 for 18) and
the leg-spin of Mather, bowling on a turning wicket, made life extremely
uncomfortable for the batters. Wollaston crept over the finishing line
with 6 wickets down. Another 25 runs and the result would surely have
been different.



Bowden 2nd XI vs Daventry



Another commanding performance from Bowden 2nds gives them another win.
Fielding first Bowden 2nds overwhelmed their opposition. Excellent
bowling from the young quickie, Sam Keenan, saw him return figures of 3
for 39. Old Mr dependable, Rob Gomez, also saw a bit of the action his
final figures being 4 for 8. Other performances of note being the old
wily Gary Freestone only conceding 1 run from his 6 over spell, and
young Sam Atkins having another impressive game behind the stumps. The
bowlers were backed up by some extraordinary fielding with moments of
pure twinkle-toed genius. This all meant that Bowden bowled Daventry out
for 69 runs. This brought the 2 old-timers, Gary Waterfield and Chris
Locker, to the crease to open Bowden's reply. This they did with a
combination of both power and some excellent and well judged running
between the wickets. Bowden reached their target (70) without losing a
wicket, Gary Waterfield finished not out on 27 and Chris Locker not out
on 36. So the Bowden 2nds march on up the table

Bowden Cricket Club - Match Reports Saturday 25th May
Bowden CC 1st XI versus Wicken

Bowden 1st XI entertained Wicken in the Northants Division 3 clash. Despite losing the toss and being invited to bat, Bowden's batsmen were in buoyant mood, having the initial use of a hard, dry pitch, for the first time in recent weeks. The home side's first wicket fell with only 10 on the board as opener Lilley clubbed a rank long hop to cover. This brought to the wicket Roberts (81) who joined Brammer (69) and the pair constructed a highly impressive and hugely watchable partnership of 120. Runs came at a brisk rate and after 30 overs Bowden at 140 for 1 were on course for a very large total. As has been the case too often this season, a mid innings collapse slowed the scoring rate. Skipper, Knowles who can't buy a run at present, departed for 0 and the Aussie, Stokes fell short of making double figures. Mather and Ferguson added a few before South African, Groenewald clubbed 16 towards the end of the innings, the last 5 overs of which were played through drizzle and rain. The innings closed on 221 for 7, a reasonable score that Bowden felt confident in defending. The rain continued through the tea interval and became more persistent. The Umpires and players amused themselves in the pavilion with a game of cards but with no sign of the weather improving, the match was finally abandoned at 6.30pm without a ball being bowled in Wicken's innings.

Burton Latimer 3rd XI versus Bowden 2nd XI

Bowden 2nd XI went to Burton Latimer on saturday, Skipper Rob Gomez won the toss and asked Burton Latimer to bat on what looked a good wicket. The host's openers batted extremely well and got of to a flying start scoring at 10 a over for the first six overs. With the introduction to the bowling attack of Gary Freestone and Rob Gomez, Bowden got back into the match with Freestone taking 1 for 51 of 13 overs and Gomez 3 for 36 of 13 overs. Burton contiued to bat well and closed their innings on 227 for 5 from 45 overs. This wasn't a big total on a small ground and Bowden felt confident of chasing down the runs.

In reply bowden opener Gary Waterfield started to make short work of the target by hitting a quick 65, with rain starting to fall Bowden batsman chanced their arm to get well above the run rate at a cost of 4 wickets. Steve Oldfield's 40 helped Bowden to 175 for 5 before playing one shot to many. This then brought Lawrence Watson to the crease who hit a 6 off the first ball he faced and went on to make 19. Bowden reach 207 for 9 of 38.3 when the umpire called it a day due to heavy rain which gave Bowden victory due to a faster scoring rate.

Match Report - Bowden Cricket Club 1st XI versus Poddington

Bowden 1st XI travelled to Poddington, missing 5 regular first-teamers but buoyed by the previous week’s solid performance and hopeful of kick starting the season by recording a first victory of the league campaign. Bowden’s skipper, Knowles, called correctly at the toss and had no hesitation in asking Poddington to have first use of a damp batting wicket. Bowden were missing both of their regular opening bowlers and the untried new ball pair of Roberts and Ferguson (17 years old) were asked to get amongst the wickets. It was Ferguson in particular who best exploited the conditions and picked up a couple of early wickets. Off-spinner, Sam Freer was introduced first change and bowled very tidily for 15 uninterrupted overs returning 2 for 44. Another young bowler, Eddie Ingram bowled 4 good overs without reward and it was left to Roberts (3 for 36) and Ferguson (4 for 28) to return for seconds spells to finish off the Poddington innings at 169 from 48 overs.

A solid start was required and the makeshift Bowden openers of Linsell and Locker had 30 on the board before both fell in quick succession. Further casualties were taken and soon the innings was faltering at 76 for 5 and the target seemingly a long way away. It was at this point that Mather (43) and Ferguson (33) constructed an enormously impressive and hardworking 75 run partnership. Ferguson played through bouts of cramp and with the aid of a runner. The pair took Bowden to within 19 of victory when unbelievably the innings faltered and with a clatter of tail-end wickets Bowden found themselves 6 runs short, all out for 164.

Match Report – Bowden Cricket Club 2nd XI versus Bold Dragoon

Bowden’s 2nd XI fared no better than their first eleven counterparts and went down to a 6 wicket home defeat against Bold Dragoon. A poor batting display by Bowden in a rain interrupted innings saw the home side post a very modest total of 130 fro 7. Amongst the batters, only Steve Oldfield, who rode his luck (38) and Bryn Morris (24 not out) mastered the pitch and conditions.

Bold Dragoon were required to score a reduced target of 108 from 37 over (Duckworth/Lewis). Although Bowden took wickets, they did not do so at a quick enough rate to worry the opposition who passed their target for the loss of 6 wickets. Congratulation must go to teenager, Sam Keenen, who took his first league wickets for the club in recording figures of 1 for 13.

After last weeks humiliating defeat at the hands of Raunds a strong performance was called for when Bowden 1st XI entertained high flying Rushden Town. In a rain affected match, Bowden controlled the game from the start and recorded a morale boosting winning-draw.

The wet weather during the week had seeped under the covers and left the pitch damp. It didn't bode well when Bowden lost the toss, were invited to bat and quickly lost their opener, Brammer, cheaply. However, the players rose to the occasion and put in their strongest batting display of the season. Solid knocks from Lilley (24) Roberts (45); Stokes (44) and Mather (35 not out) ensured Bowden posted a respectable total of 177 for 7 from their 44 overs.

Rushden began their reply solidly on an improving pitch and Bowden's new ball pair of Groenewald and Bellamy went wicketless for the first time this season. Bowden turned to medium pacer Roberts who made the break through, taking the first 3 wickets (3 for 30). It was then the turn of club stalwart, Rob Gomez, who rolled back the years and with a fine spell of bowling (4 for 32) continued to make steady in-roads into the Rushden batting line-up. Rushden finally abandoned their run-chase with 5 overs to go, finishing their 44 overs on 156 for 8.

Bowden CC U15's versus Market Harborough

Bowden U15's made the short journey across town to open their season with a game against Market Harborough and recorded a fine victory against their local rivals.

Market Harborough batted first and recorded a score of 75 for 6 off their allotted 16 overs. Fine bowling performances from George Douglas (2 for 15); Ed Ingram (1 for 12) and Will Turner (1 for 25) ensured that the total remained within reach. Bowden's reply was well paced and victory was achieved with 3 balls to spare, Bowden crossing the finishing line on 76 for 4 from 15.3 overs. All the batters contributed with Sam Atkins (14 ); Henry Hall (12) and Ed Ingram (8 not out) helping Bowden to a 6 wicket win.

Bowden CC - Match Reports - Saturday 5th May
Please find match reports for Bowden Cricket Club fixtures, played on Saturday 5th May.

Raunds Town CC 1st XI versus Bowden CC 1st XI

Bowden 1st XI travelled to Raunds Town for their Northants Division 3 league fixture and recorded the heaviest defeat in recent times that the Club can remember.

Wining the toss, Bowden inserted the opposition on a difficult looking pitch and were justified in the decision by making steady in-roads into Raunds’ strong batting line-up. Once again, excellent controlled swing bowling from Groenewald (3 for 71) and hostile pace from Bellamy (3 for 52) who enjoyed the unreliable bounce of the track put Bowden in a good position. An obdurate middle order partnership was eventually broken by the excellent spin bowling of Brammer (2 for 28) but not before Raunds had recovered their innings which eventually closed on 237 all out in the final of their allotted 50 overs.

The nightmare then began. The opening over of Bowden’s reply yielded 14 extras and hopes were high that a successful run chase was within their grasp. Alarm bells began ringing shortly after when the veteran opener, Locker, gloved to first slip. Within half an hour the Bowden innings was in tatters as batsmen followed batsmen to the middle, no one managing to find the application to come to terms with the surface as well as the Raunds batsmen had. Only 2 Bowden batsmen reached double figure and with "extras" heading the scorecard with 23, Bowden capitulated to 82 all out in just over 27 overs. A good deal of soul searching will be required before this weeks match with Rushden.

Bowden CC 2nd XI versus Wicken CC 2nd XI

Bowden 2nd XI carried on from last week with a fine 7 wicket win over Wicken CC. Bowden won the toss and invited Wicken to bat with Sam Keenan bowling well again without luck (6 overs for 25). With Gary Freestone carrying an injury, Captain Rob Gomez opened the attack recording 1 for 20 of 8 overs. Bowden then made two bowling changes and Tony Roberts and Bryn Morris ripped apart the Wicken batting line up, Roberts taking 6 for 21 from 8 overs and Morris taking 2 for 6 from 5 overs. Wicken were all out for 81.

Chasing a small total Bowden lost Gary Waterfield early and Lawrence Watson soon afterwards but a stand of 52 between Steve Oldfield (29 not out) and Danny Varnsverry (29) helped see Bowden on their way. It was left to 15 year old Sam Gomez to knock the winning runs and record successive victories.

Bowden 1st XI vs. Brigstock

Bowden’s first home match of the season ended in a rather tame draw against Brigstock. Winning the toss, Bowden’s skipper, Knowles, asked the opposition to bat, and was rewarded with a hostile opening spell from the new ball bowlers, in particular, Groenewald, whose commanding swing bowling reduced Brigstock to 40 for 2. On a pitch lacking any real pace, Brigstock progressed steadily to 219 for 9 off their 50 overs. Useful bowling contributions from Brammer (3 wickets) and a very tidy spell from Ferguson ensured that Bowden’s opponents couldn’t post a large target.

In reply, a solid opening partnership from Lilley (28) and Brammer (23) against one of the league’s quickest bowlers laid a foundation from which an excellent knock from the Aussie, Stokes (43), supported by Mather (16) helped marshall the middle order. Unfortunately the run chase was becalmed halfway through leaving Bowden’s batsmen to play out the final few overs to reach 163 for 6.


Bowden 2nd XI vs. Bugbrooke St Michaels 74

Bowden 2nd XI went to Bugbrooke St Michaels 74 with a new look team and came away with a 9 wicket win .Bowden’s opening bowling attack consisted of 14 year old Sam Keenan who bowled well with no reward (0 for 25 off his 10 overs) and Gary Freestone (0 for 10 from 6 overs).St Michaels lost there first wicket through a brilliant run out by young Lawrence Watson. Bowden then introduced young George Douglas (14 years old) into the attack who bowled a very miserly spell on debut. Club veterans Rob Gomez (6 for 38) and Steve Oldfield (3 for 12) cleaned up the opposition’s batsmen as St Michael’s fell away to 154 all out. Sam Atkins had a good day behind the stumps.

In reply Bowden lost Danny Varnsverry early but a stand of 146 by two other senior players, Gary Waterfield 64 not out and Chris Locker 51 not out saw Bowden comfortably past the finishing line by 9 wickets and off to a winning start to the season.

21 April Match Report
Match Report - Bowden CC 1st XI vs. Wellingborough Indians - Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 3


"Bowden CC 1st XI opened this Season's campaign with an away fixture at Wellingborough Indians. On a warm day, having lost the toss, Bowden were asked to bat and despite the loss of 2 early wickets, progressed at a reasonable rate thanks to contributions from Knowles (33), Other (22) and Brammer (16). However a calamitous mid-innings collapse left Bowden reeling at 88-8 with still 20 overs remaining. The innings recovered thanks to a patient 50-run partnership between Ferguson (29) and Linsell (21) and enabled Bowden to close their innings on 148 all out in the final over of the innings.

With a small total to defend, the Bowden bowler's set about their task with relish knowing that a two paced pitch with variable bounce would offer plenty of assistance. In a hostile opening spell, Bellamy, well supported by the South African, Groenewald on debut, reduced Wellingborough to 52-5. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals but Wellingborough continued to chip away at their target until the match reached it's climax as the 9th wicket fell with 4 runs required. Despite a hugely confident lbw appeal against the final batsmen Wellingborough crept over the line and hung on for a one wicket victory."

2006 season

Bowden¿€™s last game of the season saw the villagers finish the season in
style with a good win against Harborough Taveners.
Harborough Taveners won the toss and elected to bat on a hard dry wicket.
Taveners were soon struggling on 43-4. A cameo innings from Adrian Croasdale
(20) & a quickfire 17 from Connor Masters helped Taveners reach a total of 137
for 9. Pick of the Bowden bowlers were Upal Soysa (4-33 off 10 overs),
14years old spinner, Henry Hall (2-23), & opening bowler, Astley Sharples (1-9 off
8 overs).
In reply, Bowden started badly, losing both openers for only 5 runs. Then
in came 15 years old Harry Picton-Turberville (53 no), who brilliantly hit his
first 50 for Bowden. Harry was well supported by Chris Knowles who
bludgeoned 82 no to see Bowden home comfortably after only 19 overs. Pick of the
Taveners bowlers was Eddy Edwards (1-31).

Bowden 2nds entertained already crowned champions Grendon Pimms on saturday.Grendon batted first and with acombination of aggresive batting and a succession of dropped catches Grendon reached 229-8 in their allotted 45 overs.Bryn Morris was the best of the bowlers taking 4-56.In reply Bowden lost early wickets and were allways behind the rate required and finshed up with 159-9 ,jason Stokes top scoring with apersonel best of 83.Bowden final league match is next week against Little Harroden.

On sunday Bowden staged its annual under 13 6 a side competion.Seven teams took part with Bowden,Houghton,Desborough and Buton Latimer reaching the semi finals.In the first semi Bowden played Houghton and batted first and set a target of 36 which proved to be to low as Houghton passed their target with the loss of only one wicket.Semi two saw a local derby beytween Desborough and Burton with Burton coming out on top.

Inb the final Houghton batted first and with the aid of some big hitting from Tom Wells reached an immpresive 59 of their five overs.Accurate bowling put Burton behind the rate and thet fell 20 runs short of their target.Houghton winning the tournament for the first time.
A succesful day was complete with the news that ¿700 was raised on the day for club funds,Thanks to all competitors and supporters.

Teams next week
1st away versus Wollaston green 11.30
Lilley, Brammer, Roberts, Knowles, Locker, Gomez, Bellamy, Hind, Adkins, Ferguson and Varnsverry
2nds home versus Grendon Pimms ground 12.00
Buckle, Waterfield, Almey, freestone, Morris, Whitmoore, Stokes, Oldfield, Terry, Linsell and Gomez
Games start 1.00pm


Bowden first team entertained Horton House on saturday and recorded a five wicket victory.Horton batted first and struggled with the accuracy of the Bowden bowling reaching onlya 114 all out,bowling honours went to Mo mather3-23 eamon Hind 2-32 and Rob Gomez 2-15.

In replt Steve Lilley 51no and Gary Waterfield put on a opening stand of 60,with the weather closing the middle order scraficed their wickets for quick runs and were rewarded with the winning runs coming minutes before the rain arrived.

The seconds visited Thrapston and were soundly beaten by 7 wickets ,batting first Bowden could only muster 130-8 in their 45 overs with Steve Oldfield scoring 58.The thrapston batsmen were too good for the Bowden bowlers reaching their target of 28 overs.


On Sunday Bowdens game against Harborough South was called off,South not being able to raise a side.

This Sunday Bowden host their third annual under 13 tornament at Great Bowden recreation ground,The hosts will be joined by seven teams from around the district.The games start at 10.30 am. Their will be refreshements and side stalls for the watching public.last year the tournament was won off the last ball by Bowden so an exciting day is expected.

Bowden 1st eleven travelled to Wicken and suffered a disapointing 5 wicket defeat,Batting first Bowden could only muster 114 all out with only Mo Mather 63no showing the application required to bat on a sticky wicket,In reply Wicken reached their total for five wickets,Steve Bellamy did cause the home batsmen problems taking 4-32.

The 2nd team entertained Burton latimer and put up their most immpresive performance of the season, winning by 73 runs. Batting first Bowden reached 225-4 with Steve Oldfield batting through for 73no,Rob Gomez weighed in with 56.hard hittingat the death of the innings by Bryn Morris and stan Robinson pushed the total to allow Bowden to gain full batting points.

Burton Lost an early wicket in reply and then a second wicket stand kept them up with the rate,Bryn Morris then broke the stand and went on to trake 2-24.Steady mid innings bowling put Burton behind the rate and they batted out their innings to reach 156-9.There was another fine spell of leg spin fromk Ben Whitemore and there was a first senior league wicket for thitreen year old Eamon Hind
Teams. 1st home versus Horton house 12.30 ground
Varnsverry, Knowles, Lilley, Waterfield, Roberts, Other, Locker, Wade, Bellamy, Hind and Mather
2nds away versus Thrapston 12.15 green
Buckle, Oldfield, Stokes, Gomez, Almey, Adkins, Whitmoore, Lumby, Ingram, Freestone and Morris

Bowden CC suffered mixed fortunes on Saturday with the first team having a terrific two wicket win over league leaders East Haddon and the seconds going down to a four wicket defeat at Wicken.

East Haddon batted first and were bowled out for 193 with Mick Brammer 4-50,Chris Knowles3-31 and Jack Ferguson 2-43 taking the wickets in reply Bowden batted steadily with Steve Lilley 36,Mick Brammer 47 setting them on the way,regular wickets were lost and it was left to Mo Mather to see the side home with 41no

The second team were asked to bat first on a vastly under prepared pitch,with irregular bounce and some poor shots they were bowled out for just 68

Bowdens bowlers however did not give up and put the home batsmen under pressure.Gary Freestone 2-17 and Ben Whitemore 2-11 and bryn morris 2-18 taking the wickets

This match was set up in memory of local cricketing legend, Roger Funnel,
who played all his cricket in the 50/60/70s for either club. Both sides
compete for the Roger Funnel cup in a traditional timed game.
Played at Mkt.Harborough this year, Bowden won the toss and put Harborough
in to bat. Opener, Chris Weir scored a blistering 100, well supported by
J.Scott (45) and C.Scott (32 no). Harborough set an imposing target of 221 for 4
at the end of their batting time. Pick of the Bowden bowlers was Chris Knowles
(2-66).
In reply, Bowden had a disastrous start, losing their first 3 wickets for
just 28 runs. Then a great fightback entailed with Guy Other (80) & Jack
Ferguson (64) putting on 130 for the 4th wicket. This gave Bowden a real chance of
winning the game but tight bowling meant that the game ended in a draw with
Bowden finishing on 196 for 6. Pick of the Harborough bowlers were Dan
Broughton (4-22) & J.Gordon (2-26).

Bowden 1st elelven entertained Kempston on saturday and were asked to bat first.positive batting meant Bowden reached 251-7 from their 50 overs with Stevee Lilley 88, Mo Mather 40 no and Chris Knowles 38 scoring the bulk of the runs.

Kempston lost early wickets but without the spearhead of Steve Bellamy ,the home side bowlers struggled to bowl a the opposition who early on settled for a draw and finished on 178-8,Mo mather taking 2 wickets and there was a promising spell from debutant Ben Wade.

The 2nds travelled to top of the table Grendon and were beaten by 4 wickets,Bowden batted first and on a difficult pitch reached 143 all out evergreen Gary Waterfield scoring 58 and 13 year old Harry Key scoring 21.

Grendon batted positively with bad weather imminent and reached their total with the loss of six wicketrs with Gary Freestone 3-36 and Tony Buckle 3-66 taking the wickets .Mention must go to fourtenn year old Ben Whitemore who bowled five overs for just sixteen runs.

On Sunday, Bowden CC entertained near neighbours, Kibworth in a 40 over a
side friendly match.
Kibworth won the toss and put Bowden in to bat with openers, Jack Ferguson
(35) & Tony Buckle (38) giving Bowden a solid start. Simon Almey (20) & Guy
Other (45 no) continued the good work & Bowden set Kibworth a challenging total
of 186 for 6. Pick of the Kibworth bowlers were Jameson (2-38) & T.Bale
(2-23).
In reply, Kibworth¿¿™s batsmen lost their openers cheaply but a swashbuckling
88 no from Tom Bale and 40 plus extras conceded by Bowden bowlers saw
Kibworth win the match with 9 overs to spare with the loss of only 2 wickets. The
Bowden wicket takers were Upul Soysa (1-22) & Astley Sharples (1-39).

Bowden 1st eleven entertained Rushden 2nds, and were asked to bat first ,their innings was dominated by the first league hundred by rising star 15 year old J Ferguson who ended up with 108 in a total of 270-5 with Tony Roberts making 71 and Chris Knowles adding a rapid 49.

In reply the total was always to high for Rushden to chase and on a placid pitch batted out for a draw reaching 184-5,Steve Bellamy again the pick of the bowlers with 2-45.

Bowden 1st eleven travelled to Kempston on saturday and after a dissapointing performance came away well baetan by seven wickets. Bowden batted fisrst and could only muster 130-9 after their 50 overs with only veteran R Gomez 47no showing any resistance,in reply Kempston eased to their total with a number of dropped catches not helping Bowdens cause.

Bowden 2nds vs Kibworth 3rds

The seconds entertained Kibworth 3rds,having lost the toss Bowden batted first and with solid performaces with the bat from the top five batsmen reached 168-9. Against a strong opposition batting line up the Bowden bowlers tried hard but Kibworth reached their target after 37 overs having lost 4 wickets,the highlight for Bowden was a superb leg side catch by 14 year old wicket keeper Sam Atkins.

Bowden 1st entertained Brigstock on saturday,Brigstock won the toss and batted first and although there were rain breaks batted the full 50 overs to reach 203 for 9 pick of the bowlers was Robert gomez with 5-55, The weather breaks went that Bowden had only 33 overs to reach their target,early wickets put the chase beyond them and they ended on126-6 wiyh Gomez scoring45 and Simon Linsall 25 the main contributors.

The second eleven travelled to play Bold Dragoon and after wether intruptions Bowden declared their innings on 210-5 after 37 overs,jack Furguson top scored with 68. That gave their opponents a target of 114 of 20 overs,Which produced the tightest of finishes with Bold scrambling a leg by of the very last ball of the match to take victory.

Bowden 1st eleven opened their league campaign with a home game against Long Buckby,Having lost the toss Bowden were asked to bat first and after aslow but steady start ammassed 160-6 following their 50 overs. The runs being scored by C Knowles 45,S Linsell 33 and M mather 20.
In reply Buckby started quite brightley but the loss of their opening batsmen seemed to knock all the stuffing from them and they limped to 65-8 sending most of the watching crowd asleep. The wicket takers for Bowden were R Wood 3-29,R Gomez 3-11 and M Mather 2-4 but with main strike bowler Bellamy sidelined they lacked the fire power to bowl their opponents out.

'Old Timer' Bellamy is Unlikely Hero
Bowden finished their first N.C.L. Division 3 campaign with a tight one wicket win at home to Rushton to secure a respectable midtable position.

Veteran Steve Bellamy started his 40th birthday celebrations five days early by claiming five visitors wickets. Youngster, Jack Ferguson and the animated Mo Mather grabbed two wickets apiece as catches went to hand (for a change)and the visitors were dismissed for just 128. Tea being taken at the unusually early time of 2.30 pm!

Captain, Rob Gomez decided to promote himself to open the innings and at 3.00 pm strode to the wicket. However, at 3.03 pm, Gomez game was over as the move backfired. An attempted pull shot looped to square leg and the Captain departed for nought.

Bowden were soon 30 for 3, before Tony Roberts struck a swift 39 to put the home side on course again. However, Roberts departure was soon followed by much of the middle order. Chris Locker hit 10 and Gary Waterfield added 19, before joining the other 'recognised batsmen' back at the pavilion as Bowden looked to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Things looked particularly dire as the stooped figure of number eleven Bellamy entered the theatre. He joined Bowden's Aussie, Greg Collins, to defy the expectant Rushton attack, who considered the winning points banked with the score on 108-9. Bellamy might be in his twilight years, but the sun certainly shone from somewhere on his person on Saturday. The two unlikely heroes nudged and winkled the 21 runs needed for victory, with Bellamy deftly sidestepping a legside ball that left the wicketkeeper unsighted, for the two byes that gave Bowden victory.

This was Captain Rob Gomez's last game in charge and, whilst he left little impression upon this particular match, he made up for it at the evenings 'end of season' festivities. The ever reliable Gomez, like his cricket, was to the fore of everything, never dissappointing with effort and commitment.

SUN. 18.9.05 BOWDEN CC v HARBOROUGH TAVENERS


Bowden's last game of the season saw the villagers finish with a good win against Harborough Taveners.



Bowden won the toss and elected to bat on a surprisingly hard dry wicket. Bowden were soon struggling on 31-3. Then in comes Rob Gomez (90) who blitzed the ball to the boundary all over the ground. He was well supported by Tom Arnold (16) in a stand of 60 to help Bowden reach 162-8 in 43 overs. Pick of the Taveners bowlers were S.Alcock (4-32 off 10 overs) & J.Lee (3-18 off 12 overs.



In reply, Taveners started well with J.Lee (25) looking to dominate the bowlers until there was a mix up and he was run out. After that the Taveners found runs hard to come by and were bowled out for 87, in 26 overs, giving Bowden a 75 run victory. Bowden's bowlers bowled very accurately with Malc Walker (3-11 off 8 overs), Upal Soysa (3-24 off 7 overs) and Jim Smallman (2-4 off 2 overs).



Special mention to Jack Ferguson who took 4 very good catches in an all round good fielding display by the Bowden team.

MATCH REPORT


SUN. 11.9.05 BOWDEN CC v Ian White's Presidents XI

The game against the President's XI is always special day in the fixture card and usually produces a well contested match. This year was no exception with Ian White winning the toss and electing to bat in a 30 overs a side game.

Opener Gavin Blyth turned back the years with a hard worked 20 to give the President a solid start. Chris Knowles upped the pace with a swashbuckling 49 ably supported by Ian Broughton (17). The Presidents XI's innings then sort of fizzled out on 130 for 6. Pick of the Bowden bowlers were Upal Soysa (3-25),

Mo Mather (1-12) with special mention to makeshift bowler, Danny Varnsverry

(1-10), who is better known for his wicket keeping !!

In reply, Bowden started very slowly and were soon behind the pace. Out of form opener, Jason Stokes, played himself right back into form though with an unbeaten 76. He was well supported by 15 year old Jack Ferguson (28) who hit two big 6's. Mark Kenny returned to the club from Leeds to score 25 but was out with one run needed. Enter Phil Potter to hit the winning run but, alas he was out LBW for a golden duck !! Finally Jason Stokes hit a four to see Bowden (134-3) home with two overs to spare. Pick of the Presidents bowlers were Ian Broughton (2-0) & Dave Wilford (1-26).

Wicken batted firsr and due to the bowling of Bellamy 5-26,Roberts 2-49 and Mick Brammer3-28 were dismissecd for 146.consistant knocks from the top order saw Bowden home with G Waterfield top scoring with 56 no.

The seconds were at home to Kislingbury and with a very youthful side scored a creditable 148-8 with M Lumby 30 and J Ferguson 29 with veteren opener S oldfield scoring 25.The total was never enough against strong opposition batting and were beaten by 6 wickets.

Bowden CC Match Repaort

Bowden 1st Elevs=en travellrd to Kempston on saturday and came away with a hard fought draw.

Kempston we invited to bat first on a damp wicket and struggled to 145 for 8 of 50 overs with T Roberts returning figures of 5-44 of 15 overs supported by S Almey 2-49.

When batting Bowden slumped to 68-8 with Roberts scoring 44, but then a stand of 61 between Almey 26 and D varnsverry 29 no loooked to have seen them home but Almeys wicket meant the Kempston bowlers could restrict Bowden to 143-9 failing to reach their target by 3 runs

On Sunday, Bowden CC entertained local rivals, Medbourne CC.



In a traditional timed game, Bowden won the toss and put Medbourne into bat on a dampish wicket. Medbourne reached 199 for 8 off 44 overs. Star batsmen being openers, A.Clarke (58) and Fergus Kenny (37). Pick of the Bowden bowlers were Astley Sharples (2-27) and Rob Gomez (2-37)



In reply, Bowden's batsmen started very slowly with only 29 for the first wicket off 12 overs. Then enter Rob Gomez (43) and the runs started to flow and a win looked possible until he was bowled. Bowden then collapsed and were hanging on for a draw before being dismissed for 134 just 2 overs short of that target. Medbourne's star bowlers were D.Armitage (4-31) and S.Freer (3-25).

SUN. 12.6.05 BOWDEN CC v EARLS BARTON CC


On Sunday, Bowden CC traveled to Earls Barton in Northamptonshire.



In an exciting 40 overs a side game, Bowden won the toss and put Earls Barton into bat on a green grassy wicket. Earls Barton raced to 136 off only 24 overs but frugal bowlng from Malc Walker (4-14 off 6 overs), Jon King (0-14 off 6 overs) & Astley Sharples (0-6 off 5 overs) ensured that Bowden's target was a gettable 172, Star batsmen being T.Mills (42) and J.Healy (31).



In reply, Bowden's batsmen started very well and after 8 overs were 39-0, but then 3 lbw decisions started a collapse to 81-7 off 23 overs. At this stage a win seemed unlikely but debutant, Alex Fisher (63 no) & Astley Sharples (21 no), in an 8th wicket stand of 92, saw Bowden home for their first Sunday win of the season

11 years old Joseph Sharples made his debut for Bowden with his contribution being some good run saving fielding.

Bowden Vs Wellingborough Indians

A match winning innings of a 102 no from C Knowles was the highlight of Bowden!st eleven 8 wicket win against Wellingborough Indians on saturday.
Wellingborough batted first and scored 204-9 rR Gomez 4-42 the pick of the bowlers.
In reply bowden raced to their target in 43 overs with Knowles being ably supported by C Locker 53no .Bowden picked up 28 pts for their victory.

The seconds fell to another embrassing defeat with Cogenhoe scoring 232-3 and Bowden only managing 86 all out.

Bowden CC have been asked to host the LeicestershireV Northamptonshire Girls under 15s representitive match,The game takes place on Monday 15 with a 2pm start

Bowden juniors travelled to visit Croft in their last game of season and came away with a comfortable victory,Croft batted first and were restricted to 79-7 of their 20 overs with J Ferguson taking 4-10.
Bowden reached their total for one wicket and only used 9 overs,David Aspinall scored 34 and J Fergusson rounded off a fine individual performance with 19 no.

Bowden 1st team entertained Sharnbrook on saturday and came away with a dramatic last ball victory,asked to bat first Bowden made staedy progress to reach199-7 of 50 overs with the main contribution coming from C Locker55 andT Roberts 42.
In reply Sharnbrook got off to a rapid start but the taking of wickets at regular intervals slowed the rate and Sharnbrook were holding out for a draw until they lost their last wicket of the last ball to give Bowden a win by 44 runs,Bowling honours went to C Knowles 4-55 and J Ferguson 2-15

However Bowden 2nds fell to another defeat that roots them to the bottom of their league,barton Seagrave batted first and against a weakened Bowden attack made hay to score 256-3. In reply Bowden reached 167 all out with only T Evans 37 and Mark Lumby 27 not out providing ant resisstance.

On Sunday a crowd of around 150 watched the match between Bowden and a Market harborough district side that honoured the late Roger Funnel and thre opening of Bowdens new pavillion.
The district batted first and ammassed 239-7 with C Hill hitting a splended 123 no and D broughton chipping in with36 against is old club. C Knowles with4-33 was Bowdens best bowler,In reply Bowden were never in the hunt to get the runs but against a strong atttack held out for a draw at149-8 R Gomez54 and D Varnsverry 28 no giving the most resistance.

Bowden CC Match report

Bowden first eleven travelled to Raunds and asked their hosts to bat first,Raunds responded to that request with a sold effort to reach 219-6 of their allotted overs,Bowling honours went to J Ferguson 2-12 and R Wood 1-17 of 11 overs.

In reply Bowden made steady progress but never threatened to reach their target and finished on 177-7 contributions comming from,C Leeder 32, G Waterfield 23,and R Mobsby 24.

The second eleven feilded a very young side against Old and after batting first never came to terms with tje Old bowling,being skittled out for 57,young H Key showing a lot of potential with 12. Old cruised to their total for no wickets.

Bowden CC Match Reports

Bowden first eleven entertained Thrapston and asked their visitors to bat first,

Despite good bowling from S Bellamy3-23 and R Gomez 2-35 Thrapston reached a healthy 250-8 off their alloted overs,Bowdens reply got of to a good start with m BRAMMER HITTING 42, the chase was then taken up by T Roberts who hita stylish 74, but when he was needlessly run out Bowdens challange faded and they had to sttle for a draw finishing on 206-9.

The second team travelled to East Haddon and came away with a narrow defeat in a high scoring match. Haddon batted first and ammassed 253-4 of 38 overs.Bowden went about the total with a determined effort despite losing two quick wickets,hard hitting knocks from S Oldfield (73) and T Buckle (22) kept the chase going and then a quick fire (51) from A Broughton seemed to put Bowden in with a very good chance but despite 16 no from young J Ferguson the wicket of Broughton proved costly and Bowden finshed 17 runs short when they lost their last wicket.

Bowden CC Junior Match Reports

Bowden U 15S enjoyed a good week with two victorys,First they played host to Earl Shilton,they asked their visitors to bat first who reached 125-5 in 20 overs bowling honours went to B Whitemore 2-15 and M Goode 1-16.
In reply Bowden went about chasing their toatal with confidance and with J Ferguson scoring 50 retired,J Campe 23 no and L Watson 18no reached their total for 6 wickets down in the 19th over.

In their next match they entertained Countersthorpe,again the visitors batted first and set a stiff chalange scoring 139-3 from their 20 overs,pick of the bowlers was James Sneath 2-8. On a good pitch and quick outfield this total proved not to be big enough as Bowden reached their total for 5 wickets down in the 20th over,J Ferguson again in the runs with 47 no ably assisted by L Watson 33.

Bowden U 13s match against Billisdon was cut short by rain but the following week they were involved in a teriffic match when the hosted S wigston,Again the visitors batted first and racked up 142-1 of their alloted overs,S Gomez taking the only wicket to fall,although a stiff total to chase the Bowden batsman attacked the opposition bowling to keep themselves in the hunt,but the total proved to be to great by only one run as Bowden finished on 141-5,runs coming from the bat of H Key 25 retiredand Aled Williams 27 retired.

but they could not manage it losing by one wicket. Bowden batted first and collapsed to 36 for 5 before a partnership of 76 between R gomez (42) and Mo Mather (45) seemed to put them back on coarse but another flurry of wickets saw them bopwled out for 150.Wolloston reached their target with nine wickets down in the 47th over Mo Mather 3-15 and Steve Bellamy 2-25 the pick of the bowlers.

Bowden second team batsman fianally hit some form when asked to bat by Barton Seagrave, reaching 178 all out top scorers whereB Morris 54 and G Other46. In reply Barton just failed to reach their target and finished on 172-8,Morris 2-6 the pick of the bowlers.

Saturday result
Rushton were put into bat and scored 227 for 7 (M Brammer 3 for 38 of 10
overs, S Amley 2 for 26 of 8 overs)
Bowden 228 for 5 in 46.2 overs (M Brammer 77 C Locker 28 D Varnverry 27
M Mather 28 R Gomez 27 not out) all saw bowden home, Bowden 28pts
2nds were put into bat & scored 122 for 7 (R Mosby 27) Northampton
Saints lost 4 wkts getting the total to win.

TeaMS:
1st away meet 11.55: green r gomez c knowles s bellamy d varnsverry m
brammer t roberts g collins s almey j stokes m mather r woods
2nds home 1.15 meET: b morris g other g waterfield j shewring w taylor
m evans c leeder r mosby s oidfield d hall t evans

SUN. 3.7.05 BOWDEN CC v KIBWORTH CC

On Sunday, Bowden CC traveled to Kibworth for a timed friendly match.

Kibworth won the toss and elected to bat and soon got on top of the bowling to declare at 257-5 off 41 overs. Star batsmen being Mo Bobut (101 no). Pick of Bowden¿s bowlers was 15 year old Jack Fergusson (2-44 off 7 overs). Special mention must also go to Jack Shewring who took a fantastic diving catch to dismiss the dangerous Chris Hill. One of the best catches ever held by a Bowden fielder.

In reply, Bowden¿s batsmen struggled against the pace of (2-24) and were soon lost both openers for 30. Chris Knowles (56) & Jim Smallman (2) steadied te ship with a stand of 62 in 13 overs. The good work was carried on by Simon Almey (57 no) and Bowden held out for a hard earned draw ending up on 165-8.

Junior Match Reports

Monday 27th June
Harborough v Bowden U13S

Market harborough batted first and reached 116-5 of their alloted overs Ed Ingram 0-19 and Harry Key 1-23 were the pick of the bowlers

Bowden reached their target of the very last ball with the Morris brothers seeing their side home ,other contributions came from Sam Atkins 23,E Ingram 21 and Aled williams 21

Bowden win by 1 wkt.

Hinckley v Bowden U15

Poor batting saw Bowden all out for 73 but a superb bowling and fielding effort pulled the game around bowling hinckley out for 68. J Ferguson 4-4, B Whitmore 1-11 and J Campe 2-12

Bowden win by 5 runs

MATCH REPORT
On saturday Bowden firsts entertained Rushden and asked their visitors
to bat first,

Steady bowling throughout the innings restricted Rushden to
167-9,Pick of the bowlers was G Other 4-33.
Aggresive bowling kept Bowdens reply in check but thbe introduction of
Mather (30) and Knowles (53) looked to have put Bowden on the way to
victory but a late order collapse left them 11 runs short being bowled
out for 156.

Bowden seconds visited Cogenhoe and their bowlers were put to the
sword,with D McLoughlin scoring a massive 147n.o out of a total of 231-1
dec after 41 overs,

In reply Bowden batted sensibly and although never really in the hunt
for victory fdinished on 165-6, With J Shrewring with 40 and a solid 45
no from vice skipper T Buckle. Match Drawn

Under 15s
Sunday June 19th U15's Bowden V Market Bosworth at Home.

Bosworth batted first 139 for 3 off 20 overs

Bowden 141 for 5 off the nineteeth over.

David Aspinall 51 retired Lawrence Watson 21 off 8 balls Jason Campe 16
Micheal Goode 12 not out

The bowling was a good effort all round although wickets were hard to
get Sam Gomez taking a good catch of Ben Whitmore bowling and Sam bowled
a player. There was also excellent running between wickets on such a
hot day.
A very good game of cricket and excellent win for Bowden.

Contributions of 47 fromC locker,36 from chris knowles and 24
apiece from R Gomez and M Mather set up a potential high toatal but a
flurry of wickets left the 10th wicket to bat for the last seven overs
but a fine patnership of 35 between D varnsberry and S Bellamy allowed
Bowden to close on 217.

Wicken started their reply in a positve fashion scoring at around 5 an
over but they lost wickets at regular intervals and were dismissed for
172. Bellamy 2-49,Gomez 5-39

Bowden gained 29 points for their victory

Bowden 2nds travelled to Kislingbury and came away well beaten by 5
Wickets,

Bowden batted better than than the last weeks to score 164-8
With Jack Shrewring top mscoring with 31 Colin leeder chipped in with 24

A strong batting performance from Kislingbury saw them reaching their
total of just 35 overs ,Bowden also rued top many dropped catches.

Bowden U15s entertained Market Bosworth and came away with a 5 wicket
victory.
Market Bosworth 129-3 20 overs, Bowden 141-5 18 overs
D Aspinall 51 no and L Watson 21 of just eight balls.

On Sunday, Bowden CC hosted Old Wyvernians from Leicester.In a one sided timed game, OV’s won the toss and elected to bat and soon got on top of the bowling to declare at 208-5 off 34 overs. Star batsmen being J.Vann (72) and L.Wolloff (62). Pick of Bowden’s bowlers were young Ben Moss (2-43) & Malc Walker (2-57)

In reply, Bowden’s batsmen struggled and were all out for 110. Rob Gomez shone like a lone beacon, scoring a fine 56. Pick of the Clarendon bowlers were spinner, I.Clarke with 2-14 & L.Wolloff with 3-20.

After a disastrous week for Bowden, with all our teams at all levels
suffering defeats, the Under 17s have turned the corner for us with an
excellent win.
Bowden batted first with J Shewring 50 (retired) and Ben Moss 30
(bowled out), to make a total of 118 for 5 off 20 overs.
Croft scored only 82 for 8 off 20 overs, with Ben Moss 2 for 23, Will
Taylor 2 for 6, and Jack Ferguson 3 for 15.
A good win all round for them !!

U13 (Monday 6th June)
Houghton on the Hill Vs. Bowden U13

Bowden batted first: 85 for 2 off 18 overs
Henry Hall 25 retired
Harry Key 12 not out
Sam Atkins 10 run out
Sam Gomez hit a brilliant 6, one of the first seen by U13's.

Houghton scored 88 for 3 off 16.5 overs to win the game.
Sam Atkins got 2 wickets in 2 balls, denied a hatrick by a dropped catch.
Good fielding all round, especially Harry Key, but Bowden were let down
by too many wides being bowled by everyone.

weekends results
A disastrous week for Bowden cricket club with losses all round.

The senior Bowden first team were at home to the Kempston Hammers in the
3rd Division of the Northants County league. Kempston batted first and
although they got off to a solid start, they were pegged back in the
latter stages of the innings thanks to some accurate bowling and tight
fielding. A run out intiated the loss of 4 wickets in as many overs for
Kempston to be 163 all out (Thornton 44), with the pick of the bowlers
being Gomez 4-14, Other 2-32, and Brammer 2-20. Some showers around tea
didn't help the wicket or the Bowden batsmen. Bowden batted poorly,
struggling to get any significant partnerships together and only Stokes
(27) and Waterfield (16) making any sort of contribution. Good bowling
from Hawes (15-5-24-3), Anhtar (15-2-38-4) and Couptan (8-4-20-3) saw
Bowden all out for 110. The main highlight for the day was the
delicious teas from the Red Cow.

Bowden's seconds team fared much worse, getting bowled out for 83 by
Northampton Saints III , with Mobsy making the only significant
contribution of 21 while Gareth Morgan hit 13 runs in one over only to
be bowled out in the next. Northampton got these with 16 overs and 10
wickets to spare. However, the day didn't end too badly for Bowden, as
Northampton provided some free drinks after the game.
The first team this week are away to Loddington, meeting at 12.15 on the
Bowden Green.
The seconds are at home, meeting at 1.15. The teams will be displayed
along with all the latest club information on the website:
http://www.bowdencc.co.uk

U13 and U17 results

Bowden V Earl Shilton Uner 17's May 25th

Bowden 71-6 18 overs, Earl Shilton 74-4 14 overs

Ferguson 17 not out Evans 0-15 (4 overs)



Bowden v South Wigston Under 13's 30th May 2005

Bowden 53 all out off 17 overs, South Wigston 84 for 9 off 20 overs

No scores were made by the Bowden batsmen but there was some excellent
bowling from Tom Morris, Eddie Ingram and Sam Atkins also a brilliant
catch by Eddie Ingram, and a caught and bowled from Sam Atkins.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK - 'Billy the Pin-head' Micky Brammer
A big weekend for Micky with his former club touring. He put in stella
performances on the weekend with a total of 81 runs and 6 wickets.
37 & 44 with the bat, as well as 4-42 and 2-61 with the ball, on
Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Sunday Game
SUN. 29.5.05 BOWDEN CC v CLARENDON CC

On Sunday, Bowden CC hosted Clarendon CC, a touring side from Tring, Herts. It
was called 'Billy the Pin head tour' as it was Micky Brammers former club.

In a tightly contested 40 over a side game, Clarendon won the toss and elected
to bat and amassed a formidable total of 236 for 7. Star batsman being G.Wise
(76). With a late flurry from Aussie, Henry Jones (30 no). Pick of the bowlers
were Mo Mather (2-44) & Billy Brammer (2-61)

In reply Bowden, raced to 152 off just 25 overs, losing 5 wickets ( Billy
Brammer (44) & Mo Mather (38) in a stand of 53). A collapse ensued and despite
a heroic last stand of 44 from Phil Storer (28 no) & Astley Sharples (13 no)
Bowden fell short of their target, ending on 218 for 9. Pick of the Clarendon
bowlers was spinner, M.Emerson with 5-37.

Having been put into bat, Brigstock started solidly but were contained
by steady bowling from Bellamy (2-37) and Knowles (0-47). A bit of
pressure caused a run out and this was followed by Bellamy getting out
the dangerous Trevor Erskine (23), who walked after being caught by A
Charlton of a suspected bump-ball. With the danger men out, Bowden
turned the screws and runs dried up thanks to M Brammer (4-42) and S
Almey (1-16), as well as good fielding, until late in the innings where
they scored 31 in the last 3 overs to finish on 8-149.
For Bowden, Waterfield was out first ball of the innings to their quick
bowler Erksine. But Stokes (46) and Brammer (37) scored consistently to
biuld a partnership of 66 before Brammer was out caught to the change
bowler. Bowden staggered a bit, losing 4 more wickets until A Charlton
(23no) came in to steady things up with Almey (16) as they quickly
closed in on the total required. However, Bowden looked in trouble
again with some suicide running from Almey and Bellamy (0), but Robinson
(2) scampered a run with 3 balls to go to win the game for Bowden.

Brigstock: 8 - 149
(Bellamy 15-5-37-2, Knowles 12-1-47-0, Brammer 15-4-42-4, Almey 8-4-16-1)
Bowden: 8-150
(Stokes 46, Brammer 37, Charlton 23no, Almey 16)
Bowden won the toss and put Brigstock in to bat.

Bowden 2nds entertained Poddington and put up a much solid display
earning a draw in a high scoring match.Poddington batted first and
reached a strong 213-6 with Nick Gell-Wood scoring 91 and Duncan Talbot
46, A Buckle being the most impressive bowler with 3-32.

In reply Bowden batted much more solidly than in recent weeks and ended
their innings on 178-5 with solid knocks from S Oldfield 56 ,B Morris 41
and a very promising 24 from junior Will Taylor.

U13, Mon 23rd May

Results - Wed 18th - 21st Mat
Firsts (Sat 21st May) - Match Abandoned due to Rain
Bowden vs. Wellingborough Indians

U17s (Wed 18th May) - Bowden Lose by 7 wickets
Bowden 5-86 (20 overs) Will Taylor 19, Ben Moss 17, Jack Shewring 13
Leics Ivanhoe 3-89 (17.3 overs) Ben Moss 1 wicket, Taylor 2 wickets