2004

The day to to happenings of a cricket club will be recorded here from the start of the playing season.

To see the final averages for the season click HERE.

AGM Happenings

The Annual General Meeting of Andover Cricket Club produced no real surprises in terms of elected officers. Phil Knight indicated that it would be his last year as Treasurer and so we must start now finding a successor. The captains are 'as you were' from last year with the exception of Sunday 1st XI. Andy Hooper is to take over managing the side with responsibility for contacting players. The aim is to appoint a skipper on a weekly basis. The other change to the make up of the selection committee is that we will not have a Cricket Manager this year and at the moment there is no Chair of Selection. Jon Walsh formally took over as Fixture Secretary from Alan Ellwood.

The main discussion point concerned the future of the club; particularly in relation to a possible change of venue. Although there was no decision can be made about such a change until all the bodies concerned in the move have been consulted the feeling of the club was recorded and will influence discussion with TVBC.

From next season it is hoped that net practice sessions will have a more formal approach to them. The coaches of the club are being asked to have a bigger input into organising the activities to try to encourage a greater attendance.

Hampshire Cricket league Structure

The make up of the Hampshire Leagues is now complete. Click HERE to read them.

Club Presentation Dinner

16th October: The Club came together to celebrate the past season at the Hampshire Golf Club. For more pictures click HERE.

5th September: The Sunday 2nds completed their Border league campaign with a narrow defeat against Thatcham. Thatcham batted first and hit 225 from their 42 overs. In reply Andover fell just 12 short. Good knocks from JB, Noisy, Matt Hoops and Martin Roberts were not quite enough. Before the game started the younger boys in the team presented Alan Ellwood with a bottle of whisky to thank his for everything he had done for them during the season.

2nds Secure Promotion, 3rds & 4ths Safe

Robert Atkins and Mark Copleston leave the field after completing a ten wicket win over Fareham


The 2nds leave the field after their win over Fareham	The reaction to the winning runs	Celebrations went on into the night

28th August: The 2nds made sure of their promotion slot to the Bronze Division with a crushing 10 wicket win over Fareham & Crofton. Dismissing their visitors for just 77, Andy Hooper 6-15, Andover had to make sure they didn't lose a wicket to gain maximum points. Robert Atkins tried his best when with only 4 to win he spooned a simple chance to mid on who dropped it. 'Atko' then hit the winning runs and to bring up his own personal half century soon after. Mark Copleston completed an excellent summer as the other not out batsman. Despite losing at Basingstoke by 4 wickets the 3rds are also safe in County Div.II for another year. The 4th XI hit a massive 253 - 6 against Dinton at London Rd. TK making up for his first ball duck last week hit 90 in an opening stand of 133 with JB. Andy Holman made 60 to complete an excellent season for him. Dinton weren't interested in trying to score any runs merely in accumulating as many batting points as they could in the end were 129-8. The 4ths gained 23 points, one short of maximum for their efforts and are safe. However, it was a close run thing with only .5 of a point separating the the last five clubs. League tables showing all our teams are below21st August: The 1stXI lost to the Academy at home. Mark Miller continued his excellent season with 90 in a total of over 200. The Academy then lost five wickets getting the runs. The 3rd Xi went down to Whitchurch at home. Whitchurch hitting 278. There was defeat also for the 4ths who lost away to Leckford by six wickets. The 5ths went to a great win over Wellow. Andover made 223. Luke Andrews top scored with 65 and there were fifties for Tim Smith and Jon Hewitt. Jon then followed up with 5 wickets and Tim 3 wickets as Wellow were dismissed for 160. On Sunday there was another milestone for Martin Roberts who made his first fifty in a senior match in the game against Old Basing. Andover were asked to bat first and made 142 all out. Old Basing reached their target for just one wicket.

Rain Spoils Cricket Week and Eats Into the Weekend

The rain has completely washed out Cricket week. The only game to be played was the Andrew Clark game (see below). Southend, who were here on Friday, didn't play one game on their tour. The attempted fielding practice (right) was just about as near to playing cricket as we came. This will have a serious effect on our bar takings for the season and it is hoped that members will do their best to rectify the situation in the last few weeks of the season. The 2nd XI game for Saturday 21st against Flamingoes has already been called off.

Andrew Clark Memorial Match

This time last year the whole club was united in its grief at the death of one of its favourite sons, Andrew Clark. One year on and we were united again in his memory. Here the two teams for the Andrew Clark Memorial Match assemble before the start of play. A full game was able to be played despite the threat of bad weather. In the end there was a victory for the home side but the result was irrelevant to the occasion. It was an occasion when old friends and rivals came together for a game of cricket to remember Andrew and play the game as he would have wanted it.


The Clark family with Brian Funnell (Chairman) and Pongo the dalmatian around the chair that has been created in Andrew's memory.	The plaque which is fastened to the 'Clarky' bench and celebrates his philosophy of cricket and life.	It was also a day for reuniting old friends. John Wallace, Keith Williams and Alan Ellwood. All 1st XI players from the 1970/80s came together one more time.

As there is a strong likelihood of us eventually leaving London Rd it is about time we made a photographic record of our ground. There are lots of pictures of No1 but very few of No2. So here are a few to put the record straight.

2nds Move Nearer Promotion 4ths Gain Much Needed Win.

14th Aug: The 2nds took another big step nearer to promotion by defeating Bramshaw at home. Andover made exactly 200 and this proved to be more than enough. The 4ths gained a much needed win at home to Shrewton 2nds. Batting first Andover made 179-6. After the horrors of two weeks ago when no fewer than 8 catches went down this week they caught everything and Shrewton were dismissed for 131. Sadly all the other results went against us this week.

7th Aug: Only the seconds managed a win to day and are now virtually assured of promotion to the Bronze league of the SPCL. This Division will become the Premier Division of the Hampshire Cricket League next year.31st July: Only 2nds who hit over 300 just to see Lymington II block it out and the 5ths won today. There will be no more updates this week as the web master is going on holiday. If you want to see where click HERE.

Five Out Of Five On Tour

The first four days of the tour have brought a 'ton' a day for the Andover boys. Hoipe this doesn't mean they've been neglecting thier drinking. In the first game there was a 'ton' for Cille Vandermerwe and a seventy for Tim Brown in 287 - 7 Kilmington in reply made 220 - 8. Andy Green 3 - 7 and Rob Atkins 2 - 20. No that it isn't a typing error. Day two brought another ton. Ali Hooper making 120 out of 234 all out. Sidmouth making 170 all out in reply. Paul Carnell taking four wickets. Day 3 saw Andover make 241 with Cille again in the runs with 116. Exeter were 198 all out. Day 4 brought a 130 for mark Copleston, his second of the season, in a total of 270 5. Tiverton were all out for 130 with Stu Robertson, Rob Atkins and Luke Graham among the wickets. The final day was another high scoring day. Andover making 280 -8. Luke Graham this time leading with 70. Matt Hooper 50. Warminster made 278 - 8 with Matt Hooper completing a good day for him taking 5-30. Jugs all round then boys.

Four Out of Five Win

24th July: A good day today. Four out of five teams coming home with the goods. Only the 1st XI suffered a defeat at the hands of table topping Sth Wilts. Andover were set a formidable 254 to win by Sth Wilts. There were four wickets each for Ian Langdown and Roger Miller. Eventually Andover were all out for 176. The 2nds hit 218 all out with Paul Funnell making 56 in reply OTs could only make 180. The 3rds were involved in a tense finish. Recovering from 66-6 they made 205-8. Andy Sale making 101. Mike Adams joined him in a stand of over 100. In reply Cadnam made 203 all out with the last wicket falling to the fourth ball of the last over. matthew Guilfoyle taking five wickets. The 4ths managed a good win away at local village rivals Broughton. Good bowling and fielding had restricted the home team to 125 all out. Fran Andrews on his return from holiday taking four wickets. The Andover reply seemed to be cruising at 97-4 when disaster struck and four wickets went down for just 15 runs. It was left to Chris Breeze and martin Roberts to see Andover home. The 5ths completed a double for Andover over OTs when they won by seven wickets. OTs were bowled out for 128. Jonty hadfield taking 4-7. The Andover reply was steered home by skipper Phil Roberts. 'F' made59. Tim Clarke again got the innings off to a flying start with 32 from 18 balls.

On Sunday the 1st XI beat Thatcham by one wicket in the Border League. But the 2nds went down by 2 wickets at home to Thatcham 2nd

17th July: The seconds lost for the first time this season at Tichborne Park. Asked to score 239 by Tichbourne Park they ended up on just 203-9. Robert Atkins top scored with 43. The 1st XI went down by two wickets with just two balls to spare. Andover made 178-9. Roger Miller making 60. mark Miller then got back into bowling action to take 4-40 but all in vain. After the game Toby Radford announced he was stepping down as captain and Ian langdown will be taking over from next saturday. The 3rds were bowled out for 109 and lost at home. However, better news for the 4ths who won a tight game at Whiteparish by just 8 runs, Dickie Channon getting a second consecutive fifty and Andy Holman getting his third fifty of the season, and the 5ths who won at Michelmersh & Timsbury. On Sunday only the 2nds were in action and they lost quite heavily.

10th July: Rain again severely affected things today. However, there was a good win for the 3rds. John Oostendorp hit 95* in a total of 265. Rowner seemed well placed at 190 - 3 until Mike Adams wrapped things up with a spell of 7-12 to give him 8-59 in the match and his team a very valuable 24 points. The 2nds never started and the 4ths and 5ths being unfinished. 1st XI went down rather heavily against BAT. Just how did this game, which demands dry conditions, ever get to be invented in a country like ours?

3rd July: Only the 4th X1 managed a game today and they went down to another narrow defeat, losing at Hurstbourne Priors by 13 runs. Andy Holman was again the star turn with 70+.

20th JuneJonty Hadfield became the youngest player to hit a 'ton' for Andover when batting against Hungerford in the Border League today. Replying to Hungerford's 245 Andover hit 230-3. Jonty is the middle of the three Hadfield brothers who play for Andover, all three are currently representing the County in their respective age groups.

19th June: The seconds continue to dominate County 1 when the amassed 296 against struggling Burridge. A real team effort with virtually all the batsmen contributing. The 1st X1's run came to an end against the Hampshire Academy. The 3rd X1 went down again as did the 4ths for whom Andy Holman hit a marvellous 97. He was last man out when 14 were still needed to win. The 5ths won an exciting game against Wellow II by just 5 runs.

12th June: More good wins today for 1st who won by nine wickets against Bashley and 2nds. Sadly 3rds, 4ths and 5ths all lost.

The 4ths played on one of the prettiest grounds in the league at Stockton on 12th June. Here they are batting.

29th May: There were good wins for the three senior teams to day. 4ths still looking for a first win and 5ths lost in a tightly fought game.

The 4th X! have acquired their own 'overseas' player for 2004. Duncan O'Reilly joined the teaching staff of Harrow Way School during the winter and is making an impression on all his team mates with his all round humour and catching skills. Here he is caught in the act of trying to steal The Ashes Urn from the Lord's Pavilion.

23rd May: 1st X1 went to Havant and found them ready to exacta terrible revenge for the league defeat three weeks ago. They hit over 300 and bowled Andover out for much less. The seconds enjoyed an entertaining game with Overton. Bowled out for 214 in just 36 overs Andover then dismissed Overton for 158. Martin Roberts claiming his first four wicket haul in senior cricket.

22nd May: There was a close call for the 1st X1 who chased 260 at Sth Wilts only to end up just four runs short. Mark Miller made 88 and Toby Radford a hundred but it wasn't quite enough. The 2nds hit a massive 271 against Sarisbury; Ian Gardner making a hundred and Rob Oostendorp 60. Then bowled Sarisbury out for 145. There was a good win for the 3rds who hit 180. Ollie Williams leading the way with 89. Chris Breeze then took five wickets. The 4ths lost at home. Donnington bowled Andover out for 128 but were then reduced to 80 - 8 before struggling home in the final over. Tom Lucker taking five wickets. The 5ths also lost.

15th/16th May: There were wins for the 2nds and 5ths on Saturday. 1st, 3rd and 4th X1s all going down. More details when available. On Sunday a weakened Sunday 2nds went to Purley on Thames and came off second best. Highlight of the day was a century from the young Purley opener. However, the Andover side showed some fight in resisting Purley to end up with around a hundred for six in reply to Purley's 249. Below are some pics showing the youngsters batting in the drawn out rearguard action.

8th May: "That's another Saturday f**ked". So spake the cricket manager at London Rd today as all cricket was finally called off. The cup match for tomorrow has also be cancelled as Portsmouth were unable to raise a team.

10th May: At last a cricket match. Although not one we will be remembering for very long. The Sunday 2nds were dismissed for about 60 by Oakley and got just four wickets in reply.

Scenes at the two London Rd Grounds

Saturday 8th May 2004

1st May: Only the 1st XI managed to play today and then it was only thanks to Mark Miller who drove back along the M27 from Havant to the Rose Bowl to borrow the water hog to mop up the Havant park ground. As if in reward for his efforts he then scored 60 as Andover reached 125 in their allotted 25 overs. Havant could only manage 106 to leave Andover victors by 19 runs. There were three wickets for Roger Miller, and two each from Ritchie Taylor and Luke Graham. All other cricket over the weekend was washed out.

Fun and Frolics in the Club Match

24th April: There was a definite air of informality about the Club Match. Everybody was guaranteed some time at the wicket and all the bowlers had a good run out. It was particularly good to see Simon Reeves make a return to the Club and there was a warm welcome for the several new boys on show. If only this wonderful weather would continue!!

First Cancellation

22nd April: The first match to fall foul of the weather is the 4th X1 game versus Langley Manor scheduled for Saturday 24th April. Sadly the Langley club have not been able to work on their wicket due to the rain and so the game is off. All other games are on at the moment.

Season Draws In

Week end 16/17th April: The first games produced more draws than a trip to the Marks and Spencer knicker department. At Thatcham the 1st X1 were chasing 197, Ian Langdown had taken 3-40. Andover managed 174-7 by the end of play. Toby Radcliffe leading the way with 46. The seconds entertained Thatcham at home and reached 187-7. There was some good early form from skipper Ian Gardner (40), Stuart Summers (53) and a welcome return to the fold for Simon Reeves who made 33. Thatcham II made 177-8 in reply. Chris Hadfield continuing his good form from last year taking 4-47 and Jon Walsh weighing in with a typical 2-20. The 3rds went to Steeple langford and made134-9. Ollie Williams putting behind him the horrors of last year top scored with 54. Jeff Williams making it a good day for the family scored 33. Steeple Langford made 126-7 in reply. Jony Hadfield (3-27_ and Andrew sale on his debut (2-9) were the wicket takers. This week's games are: Saturday - 1st/2nd X1 Club Match (H) & 4th X1 vs Langley Manor. Sun - 1st X1 Devizes (A).

April 1st 2004

Exciting New Recruit

We are to have a new player this summer who will create a considerable impact. It is too early to reveal what the player's name is but he has recently retired from the game and is looking to make a come back into club cricket. Soon members will be able to judge for themselves just how good he is.