Match Report

On a grey Autumn morning in September the Lavant skipper rose from his slumber to go through his pre game routine one final time for 2025. It had been a long season and he hoped that he (and the team) had enough in the tank for one final push to get over the line. Whatever happened today would not blot what had already been an unbelievable and historical season for Lavant and one that might never be bettered.

After a LOT of stretching, applying of sun cream, strapping, and tape the Lavant skipper hoisted his ridiculously large cricket bags into the car and set off to the L’Oval. 

Arriving at the ground it was clear a lot of effort had gone into preparing the pitch and outfield for the final game of the season. It seems to be the way of the Lavant Loons that the opposition arrived before the majority of the home side with the Lavant skipper cutting a figure of an Arizona wrangler desperately trying to herd his prized ‘stallions’ into some sort of order.

This week the final game of the season saw Emsworth arrive at the ground and with a lot of glances skyward as the drizzle feel, the pitch wet and the smell of a bonfire in the air, the feeling was surely that there were better alternatives for a load of middle ages blokes…such like napping in front of a fire after a Sunday roast!

Undeterred, the Lavant skipper put aside his lasso, found the opposition skipper and headed to the middle. With the first drawback to ending the season on a high the Lavant skipper lost the toss and Lavant were asked to bowl with the Emsworth bowlers gagging to be unleashed on the wet surface with the new ball.

For one last time the Lavant skipper and Justin donned their batting pads and walked out to the middle knowing that (due to the conditions) the start would be tricky, but were hopeful of putting on another opening stand to set the game up.

GAME ON!

As predicted it was tough going. Emsworth’s opening bowlers offered different issues to the Lavant openers with one bowler finding a lot of late swing challenging the defences whilst the other was extracting variable bounce. On the wet pitch the Lavant openers (having to force themselves forward to cover the low bounce) had to wear a few with both men taking blows to the body and Justin getting another hit on the hand (striking his thumb). 

It was tough going and with the very slow outfield scoring was very challenging with balls holding up. Staying in and gutsing it out as best they could both openers looked to see off the opening burst, but unfortunately Justin (mistiming a ball that stuck in the pitch) was out caught in the 7th over for 3.

Next up was Lloyd and he came to the middle at a very tricky moment in the game. With the opening bowler’s tails up and boyed by the first wicket they fired down a brute of a ball that cut through the ‘Lumberjacks’ defences clean bowling him for a duck. Perhaps Lloyd was distracted by the bonfire wondering who was cutting down trees to burn?

Next in was Jayden and he was also given a hard lesson about batting in the top order when the opening bowlers are firing on all cylinders. It was encouraging that the very inexperienced young  man was happy to listen to the Lavant skipper’s advice but like Lloyd it was a tough moment to try and learn your craft. Jadyen stuck in for 4 overs and did well in tough conditions but was out bowled for 3 in the 11th over.

With the Lavant skipper desperate for a partnership next in was Will ‘Master of Ceremonies’ MC. After a quick chat together both men plotted a plan and got down to business looking to punish anything short of a length. Things were going well with both men running well and (apart from the obvious frustration of the ball not carrying to the boundary rope being held up in the long grass) it looked like a partnership was forming….

….until the 17th over. With the obvious frustration of not being able to get the ball to the boundary starting to weigh on the skipper’s mind he missed a long hop (trying to belt it as hard as possible) and the loss of concentration cost him dearly. After doing the hard work the Lavant skipper was out clean bowled for 27 in the 16th over.

Next in was Tam. Jean Claude had been suffering all week with a cold but (as ever the ultimate team man) didn’t want to let anyone down and miss the last game of the season. Thankfully at our level there aren’t drugs testing as he might have been flagged for heavy doses of Lemsip and Lockets.

After a busy morning of organising tea Tam looked to get going but (like many others) found it hard going on the pitch and was out caught for a duck. Some people when getting out throw their bats, and some have tantrums, but Tam quietly returned to the pavilion to continue his tea prep (deploying an electric whisk to whip up some cream). With the rest of the team wondering if he was like Gordon Ramsey we all left him alone…

Next in was Chris ‘Big Pig’ P but like the others found it tough going and was also out caught for 1.

With concern spreading through the team in the 21st over Lavant were 73 for 6 and were staring down the barrel with a real chance of being bowled out cheaply. Will MC had batted valiantly and had scored the majority of the runs himself (and having to run a LOT of 1’s and 2’s that would normally be 4’s) the ‘MC’ was desperate for someone to hang around and build a partnership.

Next in was Dave ‘The Shoes’ Burford. A frustrating injury this season had limited Dave’s playing time but it was good to have someone of his calibre and experience walk to the crease. Dave may not cut a figure of a ‘modern cricketer’ with his old batting pads and gloves with holes in them (you can see his hands) and shoes potentially held together by high strength glue but I can tell you as skipper it’s an amazing luxury to have someone of his calibre in the side and a brilliant insurance policy batting in the lower order.

And that insurance policy paid its dividend!

From ball one Dave showed his class. Getting on top of the bounce and hitting the ball into gaps and running quickly. Suddenly there was a feeling of calm in the air from the watching Lavant players (apart from Tam who was organising his sandwiches and looking for a sous chef). Worries turned to calm, calm turned to joy and joy turned to hope! 

With the scoreboard moving quickly the Emswoth players (after having it their own way for most of the match) suddenly seemed devoid of answers to deal with The ‘MC’ and ‘The Shoes’!

Seemingly looking to avoid hitting any trees today, Will MC held the innings together superbly well showcasing a masterclass of batting and deservedly registered another 50 for the season. 

At 25 overs whispers from the home team of ‘120 / 130’ being a good score Dave and Will majestically flew past that total. With the Emsworth players now chasing leather the total started to really motor with the ‘MC’ deciding to go on the counter attack and by the 33rd over of the game the score had moved past 160!!

With Will looking to move into full T20 mode (getting down the wicket and smashing away the returning opening bowlers) it would have needed something special to remove him….and so was it with Will nailing a delivery that look to be heading to the fence for an Emsworth fielder to stick out a paw and take a great catch at extra cover. It would have been the catch of the day……but…..more on that later….

Will MC was out for a game saving innings of 82. 

Next in was Mark ‘The Chairmen’ S who had been gaining a reputation of late as the club’s ‘Finisher’. In an odd situation (after many years of playing together) it appeared that he and Dave had never met. Executing what can only be described as the most ‘village’ of all village cricket Mark got bat on ball and Dave ran (trying to get back on strike) while the Chairman stood his ground and then tapped back into the crease as Dave got near.

Had Mark gotten too carried away with his finisher role? Had Dave spoken to….anyone…let alone called? Was Mark concerned about Dave’s shoe usage and wanted to keep down the wear and tear? Did Mark just decide to pull rank on the club treasurer?? Who knows….but with both men ending up at the same end Dave was run out for 28 in comical fashion BUT should be very proud of his crucial partnership with Will.

Perhaps stricken with guilt of the mix up Chairman Mark was out bowled shortly after for 0 but like any top quality lawyer defended his decision-making when he returned, litigating his argument to the full. Most of us didn’t argue with him as he might have started to use big words none of us would have understood….

Leaving Tom and Keir at the crease for the final over of the game to try and get the side home.

After Tom telling people he’s batting wasn’t great he did manage to lay willow on leather for a 1 but Keir was out next ball leaving Lavant all out in the 35th over for 169.

From the position the batting unit found themselves in, the one thing that shone through (yet again) was the guts and determination from the team to fight back. There would have been a time in the past where the side could have fallen in a heap cheaply but people stood up when needed and got a score on the board and bat out the overs.

With chef Tam finishing his prep work tea was taken (and sterilised of any potential germs) and with the overcast conditions remaining hot drinks were the order of the day to wash down some very delightful cakes! 

With the Lavant skipper taping up his fingers….knees…back…ankle for the last time this season he rallied his troops asking for one last big push.

Desperate for a good start the Lavant skipper entrusted ‘Jean Claude Van Tran’ and Tom to open the bowling and set the tone for the game. With the fielders tight in and entrusted to keep things tight things didn’t quite go to plan with the first ball of Tam being walloped for 6 by the Emsworth opener and the first over going for 9.

Tom, again trying to find his feet back in the game after a 20 year break, struggled to find his rhythm to the crease and land the ball in the right places giving the Emsworth batters balls to climb into going for 10 in his first over!

With the Lavant’s skippers mood being tested and berating his side for being quiet and low energy (seemingly having an ‘end of term’ attitude) the axe was deployed. It might have seemed harsh at the time but in a low scoring game it could not be allowed for the Emsworth openers to get off to a fast start.

After a volley from the skipper Tam was trusted with one more over to make amends and the club’s premiere opening bowler responded. Bowling much tighter lines and lengths he frustrated the Emsworth opening bat forcing him into a mistake which was hit up in the air and smartly caught by Jayden for an early breakthrough! 

Finishing with a wicket maiden Tam wasn’t done there and continued his discipline in his third over but (as is the way in cricket) his worse ball of the over produced a wicket and a truly magical moment of fielding.

With a ball slightly back of a length the Emsworth #3 (who had smashed a 6 in the previous over) nailed a shot square off the wicket that looked by all accounts was going to be another boundary HOWEVER anyone who hits the ball within the catching radius of Lloyd ‘The Lumberjack’ is always taking a risk. 

With the ball travelling at speed the Lumberjack showed his goal keeping skills and took off salmon like clawing a ball out from the top corner, took a blinder in mid air / both feet off the ground and had the presence to cling on when landing. There have been some great catches this season but gut feeling is this one was the best of the best and a spectacular moment from one of the clubs best fielders. Just stopping the ball would have been incredible but I kid you not you that you won’t see a much better catch.

What was even more satisfying was that it appeared to also dismiss one of Emsworth’s dangerous batters, opening the door for the bowling unit. 

Tam (looking visibly jaded) took some punishment in his last over and perhaps the combination of the cold and a long season had taken its toll but he should be proud of striking when needed and picking crucial wickets finishing with 2 for 23 from his 4 overs.

Replacing Tom was Dave ‘The Shoes’ Burford who also didn’t start well (going for 9 in his first over). With the Lavant skipper considering axing another bowler after one over held his nerve hoping the experienced man would figure it out. Thankfully this trust paid off with Dave’s second over being much improved and then he really got into his groove. In his 3rd over he drew a false shot from the other Emsworth opening batter (caught safely by Chris P) and then broke through the defenses of the Emsworth #5 for a double wicket maiden. Next over he followed it up with another maiden and in his last over clean bowled the #6.

Dave finished his 5 over spell with an impressive 3 for 17 and helped move his team into a commanding position.

Replacing Tam was Will MC and Will did what Will does best…..bowl unplayable delivery after unplayable delivery with very little reward! As always passing the edge into the keeper’s gloves time and time again and on the occasion the edge is taken it falls short of a fielder. The whole team appreciates his skills and the value he brings to the side but everyone was desperate for him to be rewarded today with at least a wicket! 

Thankfully in the 3rd over (and only conceding one run) Will was able to clean bowl #4 batter much to the delight of the team! The Lavant skipper had seen enough and (not wanting him to get too carried away with this wicket taking lark) took him out of the attack. Will finished 1 for 1 from 3 overs! 

With the game blown wide open the Lavant skipper shuffled his pack deploying Chris ‘Big Pig’ P and bringing Tom back into the attack.

Chris P has a stunning record so far at the L’Oval and continued this good work picking up a wicket in his first over clean bowling the #7. He somewhat let himself (and his strike rate) down by bowling a wide but after giving himself a firm talking to rattled off two maidens in a row. Not done there Chris finished his spell with a wicket maiden forcing the Emsworth #10 into a poor shot that was grabbed by Keir. Chris P finished his 4 over spell 2 for 1! 

Tom (after some bowling advice from his team mates) looked much better in his second spell (justifying the skipper’s choice to take him out of the firing line early). Getting to the crease better and going through his action suddenly Tom was hitting the keeper’s hands hard and giving the Emsworth batters plenty of issues. Bowling a maiden first up and then only going for 3 runs in his next over Tom was able to strike in his last over of the day picking up a classic dismissal by drawing the edge from the #9 batter going safely into the keeper’s gloves. It was a great moment for Tom and after a tough start (and a lot of rustyness) it was a great piece of bowling that was enjoyed by everyone. I’m sure Tom will help Will MC out during the winter in the arts of taking a wicket…

Tom finished his 4 overs 1 for 13! Well done Tom.

With the Emsworth batters on the back foot and looking shell shocked the Lavant skipper shuffled his bowling options around once more looking to go for the win and bowl out the opposition.

Next up was Kier ‘The PM’ who was another cricketer finding his way back into the game this season. Keir wheeled away and bowled a terrific line and caused all kinds of issues and was rewarded with a fully stocked slip cordon (even though it appeared the Lavant slips were not so keen staggered in the wrong direction)! Keir bowled solidly but was unlucky not to get any reward for his efforts but should be proud of his spell and a solid platform for him to build on for next season finishing  0 for 7 from his 3 overs.

With the ‘PM’ showing leadership at one end Mark ‘The Chairmen’ came on to show real leadership and didn’t disappoint. Finding his areas and judging the surface quickly in his first over Mark  in his second over he got the ball to….errr….. “turn” off the pitch and beat the edge on more than one occasion. However once Will MC spoke to Mark and told him that ‘trying to take the edge idea’ doesn’t get you wickets Mark switched it up and attacked the stumps taking the last wicket of the match (ending with 1 for 5 off his 3 overs) bowling Emsworth out in the 26th over for 69!!

And I didn’t even mention the drop catches. Oh…

With hand shakes all round the tired and weary Lavant players walked off the park pleased with their efforts, showing the fight and togetherness needed that have allowed for such an incredible season. The game finished just in time for the Autumn Sun to break through and bathe the L’Oval in glorious sunshine which was a fitting end. Other club members (and families) had joined the team at the end. Beers were opened and the game and season were toasted just in time for John ‘Chris Maclean’ to arrive with freshly cooked BBQ sausages that were scoffed (sorry Steve)!!

When I look back at this season I honestly can’t quite comprehend what has been achieved. It has been a truly remarkable season to play 21 weekend games and lost only 1, drawn 1 and won 19. Obviously I’m proud and honoured of that stat but to be honest the manner of how we have achieved this is the most pleasing thing. Some results have come off the back of the team spirit, the toughness not to give up and fight when needed and people within the playing 11 have stood up when needed. The transformation of the club has been sensational and I always go back to the one key thing I wanted from the first day I took over. Winning and losing will take care of itself but my biggest and most important mantra for Lavant CC is that we have fun and are competitive and is something I expect everyone who represents the team buys into. I firmly believe this has allowed everything else to organically follow.

Oh….and someone scoring over 1000 runs might help….a bit…but not much…..a great bowling economy and not taking wickets is actually what get the crowds in ;O)

I’ll sign off saying well done to everyone. A big thank you. I’m off to sit in a dark room for 6 months and not think about cricket anymore! 

Man of the match goes to Will and Dave. Will for a stunning 82 when the chips were down and in tough conditions and also for (yet another) spell of eye catching bowling. A superb effort. As I have said time and time again….one person can get a great individual score and is highly commendable BUT batting performances are won by partnerships and without Dave’s contribution there was a good chance Will would have run out of partners and not got the team score. Also (after a tough start) Dave showed his class with the ball getting back on track and getting the crucial breakthrough wickets. Great work to both men.

Champagne moment. Funny enough during the game I was struggling to think of something (apart from Will hitting the only 6 of the Lavant innings) until the moment of brilliance, genius  and pure excellence came. I had the perfect view of it and Lloyds catch was one of the best catches you will see on a Sunday. I would imagine that Lloyd would have been down about his batting but he is a credit to the team in the field as he doesn’t let it affect his standards and is much loved within the squad and the champagne moment is highly deserved for this week.

See you all in 2026!