2003

Latest News

Players in the lower elevens are going to have submit themselves to a random 'dope' test each week. 1st X1 players have been under this threat for some time. During the tea interval the skipper will draw a name of one of his team from a hat and that player will have to undergo a dope test. This is as a result of the successful dope testing which has revealed some high profile dopes - Alain Baxter (skiing) Shane Warne (cricket) to name but a few. Players who may have a medical reason for not taking the dope test should let their captain know as soon as the season begins. Anyone failing the dope test will then be sent to a disciplinary board meeting

This was the April Fool that was used this year. Unlike previous years no one fell for it. Well done Tom!

21st April: The first weekend turned out to be absolutely freezing. There were defeats all round until the Sunday game against Normandy. However, there were some sparkling performances in the cold. Toby Radford ended up 99 not out and 'Dickie' Channon led the way against Steeple Langford with 90.

Sunday resulted in a great win. Chasing 190 Andover got the result for six wickets and two balls to spare thanks to an explosive 66* not Rob (Bam Bam) Palmer and 49* from Steve Williams.

26th April: The Club Match resulted in a tight finish and win for TK's X1 over Dodge's X1. The game was swung at the end by a devastating bowling change as TK brought himself on to bowl and collected two vital wickets. Toby Radford led the way for Dodge's X1 with 94. The 3rd X1 was called off due to bad weather. However, there was some encouragement for the 4ths in their unfinished match. JB and Coppy put on 75 for the first wicket. Ken Brown then hit 35 and Breezy 38 including four sixes. Breezy is recovering from a badly broken leg sustained playing ice hockey during the winter. Unfortunately the rain ruined what could have been a good game of cricket.

29th April: The U15s had a good win at Trojans scoring 122-1 in their 18 overs with Chris Hadfield making 54 and Ollie Williams 41*. After a tight 3 over opening spell from Martin Roberts for only 3 runs Trojans could only muster 76-6 in reply with Chris Hadfield 2-10, Tim Smith 1-2, John Palmer 1-5, Nasim Alam 1-6 and Luke Andrews 1-16 the wicket takers together with both a catch and a stumping to wicket-keeper Chris Jackson.

The U11As also had a successful trip to Tichborne Park scoring 137-2 in an 8 a-side pairs game and winning by 98 runs with Tom Darby 29*, Ben Stuchbury 15 and Matthew Knight 12 the main scorers, 1 wicket each for Ben Stuchbury, James Knight, Liam Cann, Gilbert Lewis and Tom Darby and a stumping for wicket-keeper Matthew Knight. Tichborne Park were a little under strength due to football cup commitments and borrowed two of Andover U9s, Ben Knight and Robbie Hadfield, who apparently top scored for the opposition and took one of the two Andover wickets!

May 3rd: The 1st X1 were narrowly defeated by two wickets by Havant at London Rd. Set a low score on a damp wicket Havant reached their target for the loss of eight wickets. The other teams were all in action against Sth Wilts who had strengthened their sides with members of their 1st X1 who had had their game against the Hampshire Academy called off. The 2nds and the 4ths just held on for 'losing' draws whilst the 3rds were beaten on London Rd No2. A feature of the 2nds game was the brave batting by Tim Smith and John Palmer. These two youngsters held on for ten overs to frustrate Sth Wilts. It will be interesting to compare the results again in two weeks time when we all meet for the league games.

May 4th: Gareth Tate led the way on his debut as skipper with 86 in a total of 175. Unfortunately it wasn't enough as Andover eventually lost by 7 wickets. Bank Holiday Monday saw another high scoring match Andover losing by just twenty runs. Set to score 209 Gareth Tate (47), Alan Ellwood (35) and Simon Munday (26) led the way in a run chase that was doomed to frustration.

May 11th: Roger Miller hit a sparkling ton against Liphook & Ripsley to help secure a valuable win. Our new over seas capture 'Bob' made 35 on his debut and took a wicket as Liphook were totally outplayed. The seconds had their game abandoned at London Rd due to the weather. The 3rd won away at Hambledon 2nds. The 4ths were involved in a tie against Shrewton 2nds on 175 each (JB scoring 75 which is just about as many as he managed all last season put together). Amazingly this was exactly the same result as the last time the two sides met in 1999, even more amazingly on that occasion the scores were also 175 each. The 5ths reached 130 at Charlton but were defeated by five wickets.

The originators of Fantasy League Football have contacted us to complain that we are using the 'F' word on our web site to publicise our own in club fantasy league. There are vague suggestions that we a contravening various copyright laws and that if we don't change then several large men in dark glasses will soon be knocking at the door of your humble web meister to break his knee caps and remove his RAM. So we have renamed the 'F' League the DREAM LEAGUE.

Sunday games were a little bit disappointing. 1stX1 made an early exit from the cup failing to score 140 against Thatcham whilst in the Border league the 2nds went for 267 but managed 186 in return with 'Bob' making 98 not out.

May 17th: The entire league programme was washed out today. Only the seconds, who travelled to Basingstoke, played any cricket as their game was washed out after thirty overs with Basingstoke on 70 - 2. The Sunday games went exactly the same way with the 1st X1 game against BAT being cancelled and then both Border League games. Thanks to all those who normally only play Saturdays for making themselves available so that we could, in theory, have fulfiled all three fixtures.

May 24th: The 1st X1 went to Bournemouth and found themselves chasing 200+. After twenty five overs the rain came with Andover only on 50 - 1 way behind the run rate. The seconds were bowled out for just 143 by Sarisbury. However, a great effort by Andover saw them reduce Sarisbury to 97-7 when it rained. At that point Andover were half a run in front on the run rate. However, when it was all recalculated after the rain stopped then Sarisbury needed six runs from just ten balls which they duly completed. The 3rd X1 game at Langley Manor ended in similar fashion but this time in Andover's favour with a nine wicket win. 4th X1 beat Amport 2nds. An opening partnership of 106 between JB and Coppy led the way to a score of 207. Amport being dismissed for just 123. 5th X1 lost at Charlton to Hampton.

May 31st: The 1st X1 inflicted a four wicket win over Portsmouth on Saturday. Having dismissed them for 170+ Andover took plenty of time to get the winning runs. Toby Radford with 40 and 'Bob' led the way after Ritchie Taylor had bowled a devastating spell. Guess what the mark was for the London Rd wicket from Portsmouth. We are saying good bye to 'Bob' for a few weeks as he has to return to India for personal reasons, however, he is applying to go to King Alfred's College in Winchester and he is very positive about returning. The seconds won easily at Old Basing, 3rd X1 lost at home to Fawley. There were six wickets for JB at Overton as the 4ths went to a 14 run victory and the 5ths lost at St Cross.

Dale Green played his last League game for Andover today before he moves back to the frozen north. We wish all the Green family every success in the future and hope that they will come back to see us soon.

Sadly we have had to cancel the Sunday match against Leckford in order to be able to honour the Border League Game.

Sunday saw a virtuoso display of wicket keeping from Gareth Tate as the 2nds defeated Swindon in the Border League.

Saturday, 7th June. It was a disappointed 1st X1 who were defeated by South Wilts at home in the first all day game of the season. The seconds lost at Redlynch but there was better news from the 3rds who won at home. Rob Oostendorp leading the way with a ton. You wait for a tie and suddenly two of them turn up. The 4th X1 were involved in their second tied game of the season at Compton. There were 6 wickets for Pat Littlehales. The 5ths are still looking for their first win after losing by just two wickets at home to Stockton. On Sunday the weather struck again and the 2nd X1 match was abandonded.

June 14th: Bashley hit a massive 262 in their 66 overs. Toby Radford then took the bull by the horn and hit 140 in reply. There was also 58 from Ian Gardner. Finally two runs were needed from the last ball of the game for Andover to win. Sadly all four were missed and so they had to be satisfied with a draw. 3rd X1 won easily with Rob Oostendorp again in the runs and Andy Hooper claiming six wickets. 4ths unbeaten run came to an end despite a knock of 51 from 'Big F'. 5th X1 had Marc Kavanagh and John Walsh from the 2nds but still lost. Kavs going to a first ball duck. Sunday 1st X1 had a good win over Swindon in the Border League. Andover hitting 256. Basingstoke managing 21, Mat Hooper taking five wickets, in reply. The seconds lost at Old Basing. There were just two balls left from a draw when Stuart Robertson was caught at slip. This represented a great fight back after Andover were 4-4 in reply to Old Basing's 190. Terry Neale (66) and Andy Swatton (42) added 93 for the 5th wicket.

June 21st: Only the 2nds came home with a positive result today having taken USP 2nds for over 300 at Burnaby Rd. In reply Andover had the unlikely bowling heroes of Tim Keighley and Al Hooper who took 3-60 from 6 overs as USP tried to block it out. The Andover score was thanks to Stuart Summers who hit 94, Al Hooper 64, 'Bam Bam' 70 and Paul Funnell 40. 1st X1 gained a hard fought draw at the Hampshire Academy. The Academy making 250 all out. In reply Andover were going well until they lost Roger Miller (80) and Ian Gardner (40). At that point the run chase was called off and they settled for a draw. Ironically Matt Hooper who couldn't manage to hit the winning runs last week hit a four in the last over. Sadly the 3rds, 4ths and 5ths all lost. On Sunday Hungerford were beaten in the Border League. Terry Neale took 5 wickets including a hat trick to bowl Hungerford out for 105. The strange part about it all was that they scored the runs in just 22 overs. The Andover reply was equally swift coming in just 18 overs for the loss of five wickets. Oh well the nights are drawing in now, soon be Christmas.

June 30th: The Sunday 1st X1 travelled all the way to Havant for the scheduled game to find that Havant had called it off and no one in Andover knew. This meant that the team had travelled a round trip of over 100 miles for a wasted afternoon. At home the seconds beat Portway. Terry Neale with 4 wickets and Tim Smith with 3 bowled Portway out for 170. Sam Hodgson then hit 112 not out to see Andover home with something to spare.

June 28th: The 1st & 2nd X1s completed a clean sweep over Calmore Sports. 1st X1 won by 3 wickets chasing a very modest 127 to win. This was a vital win for Andover which puts some daylight between them and the relegation places. 2nds recovered from 25-3 to score 250. Robert Palmer (Bam Bam) hit a ton and Jerry Hayward 88. 3rd X1 won away at Hythe, no details available at the moment and I don't think Andy Hooper would appreciate a telephone call to enquire as it's 6.00am at the time of writing. 4th X1 hit 231 in their local derby against Wherwell. JB hit 81, James Green in his last match for Andover made 48 and took 4 wickets, brother Andrew chipped in with 10 not out and 1 wicket. Sadly still no win for the 5th X1.

5th July: 1st X1 were put into bat by Havant and then bowled out for just 128. Havant knocked off the runs for two wickets. Ian Langdown hit 85 for the 2nds as they crushed Burridge by 7 wickets. The real headline win has to the 3rds. They bowled out Ropley for 138 there were five wickets for Andy Hooper and four for Chris Hadfield including a hat trick. However, Andover were then 99-9 until the two bowling heroes came together and put on an unbroken stand of 40 for the last wicket to win the game in an incredible turn around. JB and Tim Smith featured in a stand of 70 for the 4th wicket against Easton & M. Worthy. Andover were disappointingly all out for 127. Will Mitchell then took four wickets to help dismiss Easton for just 40. 5th X1 are still looking for their first win. Put out for 88 Fair Oak lost 6 wickets before getting the total.


Dicky Channon returns after his innings of 51 for the 4ths	There can be few prettier grounds than the one at Hurtsbourne Priors.

12th July: The 1st X1 defeated Liphook & Ripsley at London Rd. Having been asked to score 200 to win Andover reached their target without too many alarms. 2nd X1 knocked off a large total at Ots/Romsey and the 3rds were also successful in another high scoring game against Hursley Park 2nds. The 4ths recovered from the disaster of 4-3 to lose by just ten runs away at Hurstbourne Priors despite a 50 from Dicky Channon. Whilst the 5ths were not able to break their losing streak away at Leckford 2nds. Afterwards there was a quiet celebration in a Hawaiian theme.

13th July: Two wins for the Sunday teams. The highlight of which has to be the 120 made by Terry Neale against Hook 2nds.

19th July: 1st X1 scored 250 at BAT but were defeated by 9 wickets. BAT 2nds hit 239 at London Rd and lost to the 2nd X1 by two wickets. This was a very solid batting show from all the team with good scores all through the order. 3rd X1 lost in the last over away as did the 4ths at home to Donnington. 5th X1 are still without a win.


The Hawaiian Islanders At London Rd	1st X1 In Action at London Rd

26th July: Rain washed out the entire programme today. Only 4th X1 had any play at all. They were quite handily placed on 64-0 against top of the table Sutton Scotney before the rain brought it all to an end. The tour begins on Monday and the webmeister is off to the Lake District and so there will be no further updates this week. Au revoir.

Sad Day For Whole Club

August 2nd: The entire club was united in its grief today following the death of one of our favourite sons, Andrew Clark. Andrew had only just returned from Australia with Kate, his girlfriend, to attend the funeral of her father. Then, along with her mother, they went on holiday to Kenya. It was while they were in Kenya that Clarky died. At the moment details are sketchy about the cause of death it seems as if he has had a massive heart attack. However, what isn't known is quite what should have brought something like this on. Each game began with a minutes silence for Clarky and we are grateful to our oppositions for joining with us in our tribute. Later at night, in the club house, we drank a toast to his memory and began a collection for him. If there is anyone reading this who would wish to contribute to this collection please e-mail us infoatandovercricketclub.co.uk and we will tell you how you may contribute. We send our sincere condolences to his mother and father, Steve and Jean, his sister, Helen and to Kate at this very difficult time. Details of funeral arrangements will be posted when they are known.

For the record the 1st X1 managed a draw, there were wins for the 2nds, 3rds & 4ths but the 5ths lost.

Aug !0th: The 1st X1 went down by just 12 runs at South Wilts. Luke Graham collected his first 'fivefor'. Stuart Summers was in awesome form for the seconds who hit 266 to defeat Lymington. 3rd X1 won by one wicket at AWE Tadley. 4ths beat Steeple Langford by nine wickets. Still no win for the 5ths who lost away to Wilton.


Roger Miller in action at London Rd Aug 17th : A second fifty from Robert Atkins helped the 1st X1 to a good win over Bashley. 2nds went down to Wellow to play Eastleigh and also had an equally convincing win.	Toby Radford in elegant form Cadnam were well set with 90 on the board after 16 overs but collapsed to 138 all out and the 3rds won easily. 4ths lost by nine wickets to top of the table St Cross. 5th X1 lost by an agonising 4 runs chasing 210. A fantastic effort.

Cricket Week


The Andover Tuesday X1	The Pat Lttlehales X1

The week began less than auspiciously with a cancelled game. However, the second day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who played in it. Matt Guilfoyle won the toss and batted putting Pat Lttlehales' ageing warriors in the field. It was only a superb last wicket stand of over 60 between Matt and Stuart Robertson that saw them up to 195. The visitors seemed to be in some control at 100-3 but then collapsed spectacularly to 114 all out. Ali Hooper took five wickets - four of them caught by his twin brother Matthew. The original reason behind Pat putting this team together was as a reunion of all those who had taken part in the tours to the Midlands in the early 1980s and it is a credit to them that there were seven of the original tourists playing in the game 21 years later.

On Wednesday Andover were defeated by AJS Sports who managed a score of 247. In reply Andover mustered 192 with a fifty from Gareth Tate.

Tim Brown with his long suffering Mum and Dad as the club sing Happy Birthday

Thursday's guests were Dulwich CC who came down just for the day. Andover batted first and managed 208 in their 42 overs. JB got 44, Alan Holman 42 and there was a fifty for Ian Williams who was playing his first game this year. In reply Andover did their best to help Dulwich along by bowling 39 wides!! There was a superb 98 from their 17 year old number four batter. In the end they ended up just four runs short. After the game the packed club house sang Happy Birthday to Tim Brown who was celebrating his 21st today.

The final match of cricket week ended in defeat at the hands of Southend who scored over 230 in their 40 overs. Andover ended on 190 all out. A good week enjoyed by all who played and came along. Thanks to all the scorers and umpires and especially to Andy and Mary Hooper, Alan Ellwood, Geoff and Mary Dunn who provided catering through the week.

Sat. 23rd: 1st X1 lost by a handful of runs against the Hampshire Academy. 2nds won fairly easily at Bramshaw. The 3rds run of wins came to an end at Fair Oak. There was a win for the 4ths, although they did their best to make it not so. Sadly still no win for the 5th X1.

Clarky's Funeral


JB reads his tribute to Clarky	The scene at London Rd as the crowds gather for the Celebration of Clarky's Life	Master of Ceremonies, Dave 'The Rockin' Rev' Hewitt

26th August: A massive crowd gathered to say farewell to Clarky at London Rd. The proceedings began as the Hearse arrived at the ground to take Clarky on a final lap of the boundary, anti-clockwise. The procession stretched for over three quarters of the length of the boundary such were the numbers present. Then the Funeral Cortege moved on to Basingstoke Crematorium. There were so many cars they managed to completely jam the A303. At the Crematorium David Hewitt conducted a small service of Committal. Visibly moved Dave spoke warmly of Clarky and of the impact he had had on so many people. Back at the Cricket gound a marquee had been put up and the crowd began to gather to hear the citations from various people. First was Clarky's Dad, Steve. He made a moving tribute to his son and also thanked everyone who was there for their contribution to the day. Later Steve told us about the charities that the money collected would be going to: Glendale Institute and to a School in Burma that Clarky had visited. Then came tributes from work colleagues from 'Guilbert'. They spoke of the fun he had created at work and particularly of the nicknames he gave to everyone who crossed his path. Two of Clarky's friends from 'The Tavern' were next. They told us of times they had enjoyed together. Finally John Baxter spoke on behalf of the cricket club. His speech was full of cricket anecdotes and stories. Overseeing it all was Dave 'The Rockin Rev' Hewitt.

Whilst we were all there to Celebrate Clarky's Life we were also there to mourn and there were more than a few tears shed during the day. So long, Clarky we shall never forget you.

To read the full text of JB's tribute to Clarky click HERE

30th August: It was worth waiting for. The 5ths won their first league game with the last gasp when they defeated Paultons 3rds. Dave Hewitt led the way with 88 his highest score for Andover in a total of 180. In reply Paultons could only manage 147. The 1st X1 beat Calmore at London Rd. The 2nds defeated Hartley Wintney comfortably and must end up 3rd and now rely on various decisions going their way as to whether they are promoted. 3rd X1 recovered from 60-6 chasing 170 to win. David Essex and Matt Guilfoyle being the heroes there. 4ths lost to promotion chasing Linkenholt.

31st: The Sunday 2nds closed in on the Border league title by defeating Falklands. Both Sunday teams now need to win next week to clinch a unique double of winning both sections of the Border league.

Double Border league Championship

8th Sept: Andover are now double Border League Champions after there were victories for both teams against Thatcham on Sunday. Congratulations to both skippers: Gareth Tate and Stuart Robertson and of course to their teams.

13th September: The last game of 2003 at London Rd ended in defeat against Tichborne Park. JB got 39, Ali Hooper 35, Dickie Channon 25 and John Coppleston 19 in a total of 172. Tichborne running out winners by four wickets. There were four wickets for Martin Docis.

20th September: The last rites of the season were acted out in the splendid confines of the May's Bounty Ground in Basingstoke. Sadly there was no dream finish. Andover were dismissed for 147. Alistair Hooper and John Baxter added 61 for the 2nd wicket after that only a last wicket stand of 25 between Luke Graham and Martin Roberts took he score to anything like respectability. On an out field made lightening quick through the dry summer this was never going to be enough and Basingstoke reached their target for just three wickets in 25 overs.

AGM Results

The AGM held on 5th December returned some dramatic results. All the proposals for changes to the constitution were carried unopposed. The major change was to the way in which the team selection will be conducted. From 2004 there will be a Chair of Selection rather than a Club Captain with a Cricket Manager to advise the meeting. Also in attendance will be a representative from the Colts selection also in an advisory capacity. Alan Ellwood stepped down from his dual roles as Fixture Secretary and 5th X1 skipper. This will be the first time that the Alan will not have been involved in the Club affairs since 1986. All the Club is very grateful to Alan for his commitment over the years and we hope that he will continue to be involved in the club in some way in the future. Full returns were as follows: Pres - A. Hooper, Chair - B. Funnell, Vice chair - D. Howard, Sec - L. Morgan, Hon. Treas - P. Knight, Fixt. Sec.- TBA, Committee Members - S. Robertson, I. Gardner, G. Dunn. Saturday teams: 1st X1 - R. Miller, 2nd X1 - I. gardner, 3rd X1 - A. McMahon, 4th X1 - J. Baxter, 5th X1 - TBA. Sunday captains have yet to be appointed. Chair of Selection - S. Mundy, Cricket Manager - T. Keighley.

Presentation Dinner

The award winners pose with their trophies during the Annual Presentation Dinner at The Hampshire Golf Club. One lucky winner is literally glowing with pride. For more pictures click HERE.