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Weekend 27th / 28th June

What an excellent week of cricket. Community cricket on Friday was the tops (don't forget next Friday, July 3 is official opening night with our guest celebrity - OK so it's it John Fuller, who is actually not a bad lad for a Tory). The U11s excelled themselves against Hales on Thursday. That was preceeded by Tuesday's U13 game against Great Melton. Cricket does not get better than this one. Excellent batting from Tom Wesgate (he doesn't get those shots from his Dad). Exceptional wicket keeping from Matt Carver. All the best today Matt when you make your senior debut behind the stumps. Don't put up with any leg side rubbish, just tell the old boys the line you want them to bowl. At least Ray is not playing to spear them down the legside. Nick Brown took the catch of the season. On a par with Andrew Strauss against the Aussies. Well done to all the U11s and U13s - geat effort boys.

In between, those who came along had an superb night at the 20/20. We defeated Cromer emphatically. Vinay batted superbly (88 off 41 balls). Massive thanks to Canham Consulting, The Bodycentre and John Martin Construction for their greatly appreciated support. You guys are always welcome at Brooke House Park. I nearly forgot. Tom had a near death experience when a flat batted six from JR missed him by inches. Judging from Wednesday and Saturday at Diss the president is enjoying his cricket more than ever, not to mention his whiskey!

Saturday saw the 2s achieve an excellent 25 pointer over Topcroft. We done to Rick and the boys. I am told victory was based on the firm foundation set by James and Daynsey. Promise I'll come and umpire next week for the 2s. Now is that a good thing or a bad thing? The mighty Pants and his boys got the best end of a winning draw at Diss. Excellent game, which we came so close to winning with just one wicket to get at the end. Lots of good perrformances here as everyone chipped in. A real team effort.

Good advice for this week. When catching a cricket ball use your hands, not your nose. Using your nose hurts. The bits of crusty blood are still coming down my nose this morning. A lesson to be learned, but I think it's all a bit too late. I am also expecting to be fined. Luckily two balls later poor old Micky Tooke got one of the worst LBWs you will ever see! Made me feel a bit better, but still watching the game with watering eyes.

Finally. I have always been a great admirer of Shalke Burger. However, if anyone sees him, please give him a poke in the eye from me. See how he likes it. Surely the citing committee will ensure he does not play against the Lions next week or anyone else for sometime. We didn't take Alan Quinlan on tour for a similar evil, and rightly so. Shalke you deserve a really long ban.

Even more finally. The sprinklers are on for the day, before the ground turns into a dustbowl.

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Click on the new updates this week....

U13 match report v Great Melton

T20 squad photo v Cromer

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Weekend 20th / 21st June

This is what went to the paper.........

Brooke 226 all out; Ali Shearer 57 and John Habershon 53 in an 8th wicket partnership of 96. Darren Cubitt 3 for 38. North Runcton 25 for 1. Rain, match abandoned.

So, no shortage of rain. The facts hide another story. Eleven guys turned out for Brooke who play for each other with a terrific team spirit. I don't think it has ever been better. Another great recovery, almost of Swardeston proportions. No disrespect to Monkey (we leave the spinning to him) but we could almost reverse the first ten in the batting order. Once safety is guaranteed I think we should do that. Well done to the 2s for another great batting display. Their game could have gone either way, again rain brought an early end.

My most sincere apologies to the best batsman ever to play (by his own admission). Sir Geoffrey Boycott. As a fully paid up Yorkshireman my reference last week to him as 'Jeff'' cannot be forgiven. I suspect I can never go home again. I shall have to enter Yorkshire by the backdoor, a little like a politician from the Heavy Woollen district (that's basically Cleckhuddersfax for those not in the know). You know who I mean - how bent and dishonest can you be? By the way, as most people are aware I usually write this blog under the influence of drink, so no offence intended. I am sure none is taken!

As always I am happy to dispense good advice. This week - public shows of affection in Scottish cities. Don't do it, they can seriously influence you form with the bat. No names, no packdrill (whatever that means?). But, Vinay please take note. Yet again. Drinking in the changing room after the game is a great bonding exercise, but we have to show courtesy for the opposition - so boys, lets drink in the bar as well.

Late news on 21st June - excellent win at Dereham in the Lady Mary. Vinay anchored the innings. The highlight by all accounts was some excellent bowling by Ollie, taking four for not too many. Well done Ollie. Semi-final next. A sniff of silverwear, now that will bring a few Sunday non-players crawling out the woodwork.

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Weekend 13th / 14th June

Some weekend, again. Outstanding performance - Hat-trick Harold Van Zanten at Burston on Sunday. Brilliant Harold and well done to Jez Andrews for his batting and fielding. Similarly, to Rick and the boys at Cromer - almost made it to 90% with another classic Peter Westmacott rearguard action. Another top performance from Daynsey - proving yet again, 'You never lose it'. 'Form' comes and goes, 'class is permanent. Speaking of class, Walter Elliott turned up to watch the first team game. Now that man could play cricket - he has now assumed the challenging role of keeping Tom supplied with whiskey! Walter, Tom says you are welcome at Brooke every Saturday.

The firsts had an excellent win against a Cromer team who are nobody's pushovers. Lots of class in the batting, especially Sheehy (what a star) and well done the Ben the body) Prentice for his determined sheet anchor role. pride of place goes to Vinay (we signed him as a batsman) who took 6 for 23 with what Jeff Boycott would call 'little dibbly dobblers'. Speaking of which - it's invaluable to have SP and Monkey bowling umpteen overs for very few runs every week. At the end of the day it's 'dot' balls that count in this league.

Finally a word of advice. Hazel Blears - drop the silly grin. It makes you look like a demented lunatic! (There may be a reason for that). Two questions to ask Vinay when you see. How did the England v India game finish up? Talk us through your performaqnce at the Orgasmic last Saturday!

Even more finally - we need everyone to step up to the plate on Sundays. It's a relatively short season after all - you should try playing 30+ plus rugby matches in a season. The lads who turned out against Norwich did really well, especially Pants and SP, who gave up their family days. Well done to all the boys who played, especially Ollie (very well bowled and fielded). Another 50 runs either way, which could easily have happened and the outcome could well ahve been very interesting.

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Click on the new updates this week....

U13 match report v Swardeston

Second team match report against Bradenham

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Weekend 6th / 7th June

It's wet, but the garden looks good today. Hat trick by Rick and six wickets for no runs overall snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the 2s. That's brilliant, as it's been the other way around for a couple of weeks. Dainsey is back in form. Mate, it gets tougher with age, but class always comes good in the end. Well done to all the boys for a real team effort. Mind you with an 'A' containing Shearer, Cushing x2 and Prentice, we should not be looking at losing. Must mention - Ali got a wicket. Pants is clearly missing a trick not bowling Ali in the first team.

So what of our 1st team. Pants explained his master plan. 100 off 30 and don't thow any wickets away. Reality - 102 for 3 off 13. These boys can certainly follow a plan. Careless run outs probably cost us a league record off fifty overs. That said, we would happily settle for 316 for 9. You don't lose many from that position. Vinay got 107 - he never looked like getting out (other than being run out!). The guys batted superbly, especially the skipper at the end. Big Rob Borges is developing into something of a crowd pleaser. Understandably Topcroft were a bit shell shocked and never really looked interested in chasing the total. They finished on 188 for 8. Good points and we came close to finishing it off in the latter overs. Again, excellent bowling from Pants and an agressive spell from Habby. Superb, the hard work is paying off. We shall have to see what impact playing on sub standard wickets has over the next three weeks. Ray is off to celebrate his 70th in the Arctic Circle. Have a great time and keep Brenda away from those polar bears - they are very nervous animals.

The boys did it for Tom. He is on the Normandy beaches explaining to presidents Teacosy and Alabama who won the war. We all know the Frogs and Yanks only had a walk on role. It was our boys what done it.

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Weekend 30th / 31st May

It's early Sunday and the league tables are not posted yet. They are unlikely to make good reading. Apologies again for missing yet another game. I went to an excellent bar-b-cue featuring wall-to-wall rugby from 7s to the Lions, not to mention Wakefield (always Trinity to me) Wildcats playing some Welsh team who all had Australian accents. So what of the cricket? The 2s held on the a losing draw - well done to Andy and Pete for seeing them through at the end. No such luck for the 1st team. With the players we have we should not need luck. Well done to Chris and Rick, whose efforts allowed us to post a score. As the skipper said - we put this one behind us and get on with the job. Guys you have all the ability in the world, but it counts for naught if you don't apply yourselves. Look to Stuart Pritty as your role model. You never see him throw his wicket away and no one hurts more of we lose. Heads up boys - we can do it, you know we can.

At least the weather is superb and Friday night's community cricket was excellent. Massive thanks to everyone who helped - the coaches, the bar and the food, all greatly appreciated.

Date change - the official opening of the clubhouse will now be on Friday 3 July, the same night as cricket for the Little Guys starts.

Sunday worked out a lot better and the excellent weather continued. Dave Gould's merry band cheered everyone one up with an excellent win over Hingham Pirates. Hingham are a good set of boys and did not let their heads go down, especially on their way to posting 181. Ray and Chris Sheehy were our stars with the ball, taking three wickets each. A superb track presented a good opportunity for much needed batting practice. Dainsey decided not to bother with the practice and was caught on the boundary. Colin stuck around and made an excellent fifty. Enter Vinay - he used the opportunity well. 102 not out, going to his century with six to finsih the game. Well done to all concerned. Leigh the tea was top quality.

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Weekend 23rd / 24th May

Not an easy two days. The Mighty Pants was missing - wedding commitments. You can see why Downham are favourites to win the league. Steve Murdoch is a class act. The 2s came across a Halvergate side firing on all cylinders. Highlight, Mike Douglas who just fell short of his fifty. Well done Mike. Sunday was really little better for Dave Gould's merry me. They came unstuck against a very strong Mallards side. Speaking of mallards - have you seen those Egyptian geese down the ground. Magnificent, and that's only their droppings! Jez Andrews (one for the future) got 25 and Dan Bancroft, having rescued his kit from the loft took two wickets in his first game for seven years (well caught Matthew). The 1sts did well in the Lady Mary Trophy, defeating a young (other than Mr Roff) Sprowston side that gave us a bit of a fright, going at ten an over in the early part of their innings. All was safe in the end. Vinay got 80+, Sheehy an excellent fifty (would have been handy to that on Saturday!), Ed looked good, SP solid as ever and two massive sixes from Rob Borges. Welcome to Rob, Jess and the children. We are delighted you have chosen Brooke. John Habershon has abdicated as self-appointed best looking man in Norwich, to be replaced by Chris Sheehy. What the girls dont realise in the apparently dashing New Zealander was born in Ipswich. Not good.

Poor old Newcastle, what did they expect. I just feel so sorry for everyone's favourite paragon of virtue Joey Barton. Surely with Joey playing they would have stayed up? Who in their right mind would ever want 'honest' Joey in their team? He is one up from your average (lots to choose from) dishonest politician.

Two events coming up. Friday 26 June - official opening of the pavilion follwing its refurbishment. By the way, the Friday night community cricket was awesome. Sunday 9 August is Community Cricket Cricket day. The day is steadily taking shape and is likely to have three games. One for our youngsters in the 11 - 13 age range. An Olie Stamp 'Young Gentleman of Brooke XI against and 'Old Gentleman of Brooke XI' featuring a few dads. Then, Brooke against the Rest of the World. In this latter game, which side you play for depends on where you were born. Norfolk or some other poart of the world. For example, Sheehy, as we all know was born in Ipswich.

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Weekend 16th / 17th May

OK, so it's 'early doors', but read the tables. The 2s are top already - no pressure boys. The Mighty Pants and his merry band are third. That's the highest league placing Brooke CC has ever achieved.

Brilliant effort by the Rick and the 2s, not helped by the chairman flooding one end when he removed the covers in the morning. There are times when the man can be a p*****k. Now, what about the Mighty Pants and his boys? Won the toss. Asks should we bat or bowl? Committee decision to bowl. He decides to bat. Things did not look good at 47 for 6. Enter the Sturmanator. Fifty overs gone and 240 for 7. A new Alliance seventh wicket partnership record. Batting was an inspired decision - well done the skipper. SP gets a fabulous fifty and the brilliant Ed 102 not out, getting there with a four off the last ball of the innings He then wins the match with a dazzling catch off the last ball to take the final Swardeston wicket. Mind you, what a wimp - the new 'Freddie' only bowled two overs before claiming he had cramp. Speaking of bowling. That Monkey can bowl a bit. Top job job Simon. President Tom said he imagined Swardeston thought they had us by the b**ls on 46 for 6. You bet they did, because they had. However, every time the skipper circled the pitch on his long march his smile beacame broader. At the end of the day, I think the whole event was attributabe to my inspirational team talk!

Thanks to Peter and the Swardeston boys for their hospitality and sportsmanship, especially Aussie Chris. He breaks the mould. A nice Australian! Now there's something I never thought I would say (other than in reference to Vinay. Even then I'm not really sure). Apologies that most of our team stayed in the changing rooms and did not socialise as they should! That's what you get with a team from the sticks.

Finally, the new flag pole looks really good, thanks to the inspirational advice from our neighbour about its placement. Once again, brilliant to see the kids and their parents on Friday. Next Friday is the big kick off for our community cricket nights. Let's hope for some good weather.

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Click on the new updates this week....

U13 match report v Old Buckenham (Good effort boys!)

Fancy Dress Party

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Weekend 9th / 10th May

Once again, other than Sunday, the Chairman was missing when it really mattered. That said, I reckon Jane and Chris's wedding was a reasonable excuse - totally justified by a kiss and a cuddle from the bride. I have photogrpahic evidence that we can post on the website - Lovely. Congratulations to Jane and Chris from all your friends at Brooke. I could have kissed Chris as well, but there are some lines you simply do not cross. Speaking of crossing lines, what about that idiot Didier Dobhead and his mate Michael Ballack - easy to pronounce the latter wrongly by changing the first 'a' for an 'o'. Luckily the only Englishman involved (unless you count 'brave' John Terry and that paragon of virtue Ashley Cole) was fat Frankie Lampard, who set the sporting standard. Well done to Frank, but the game is still a disgrace when even a top man like Gunny blames referees.

Onto proper sport. Well done Rick and 2s - excellent win. I am told that a lot of positives can be drawn from the first team effort at Acle - good to remain upbeat in the face of defeat. Congratulations to the Acle boys. If we have to lose let be against a set of good guys. I am told that Judge bowled superbly - striking a blow for old people everywhere. A dare not ask Simon what went through his mind in the first few seconds after he drpped Franco!

By the way Friday was magic at the club. Thanks to the coaches who helped to get the youngsters underway. Our newly decorated 'members lounge', as we now to call it, was admired by all and is sure to be a great attraction as the season progresses. BCC is the place to be on a Friday evening and for the rest of evry weekend for that matter.

With rugby and weddings out the way I fully intend to watch a league game next Saturday - what's the betting it rains? Finally, now is the time to start thinking about your costume for Vinay's July fancy dress night - the theme is 'TV and Films'. See Vinay or Hoody for tickets.

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G'day all (speaking Aus for Vinay). What a week? Selection challenges and registration challenges. How complicated can local cricket get? Well done to Rob, Rick and Andy for managing events in the way they have.

The fixture cards are now available. I think they look great. Certainly the picture on the cover is better than the one I intended to put there. I know some of the 'stick in' later addition adverts are not perfectly squared up. Now there is something for the 'well poisoners' to have a go at. Luckily, at Brooke we don't criticise our volunteer work force, do we? My excuse, there were 750 sticky adverts to put in. That said, shame on those who choose to watch football instead of playing cricket. Monkey is excluded from this, as he is team manager and unlike our brave foreign legion at Carrow Road his team are doing well. However they dress it up it's still the old third division. How can the EDP give four pages a day to this load of muppets. Gunny, it was never a good move. You are legend and should have known better. Even so, I really do hope the boys survive. The supporters do deserve a good team, but let's get a few locals playing.

Enough about football. I'm off to Durham to ref my last rugby match of the season. To all the guys who are playing this weekend for Brooke - have a good one. Regular texts are required!

Second mention for the EDP. Did you see Friday's edition? Great pic.of Vinay and some good advertising for Kevin. Lastly, every good wish to Spoons who has joined Norwich. They get Spoons, we get Monkey. Seems a reasonable deal to me! Seriously Spoons, you are a top guy. There is always a place for you at Brooke.

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Weekend 25th / 26th April

Skipper, the Mighty Pants goes from zero to hero. Friday night and the skipper has assembled what looks like a reasonably intellectual quiz team. But no, they finish second last. I looked around and there were some genuine simpletons present! Oh dear. That said, what a brilliant night. Well done Smithy, Andy and Benny; ablsolutely brilliant night. The atmosphere was superb, great community spirit - just what Brooke CC are about. The good vibes continued on Saturday - although I did feel we were a little untidy in the field at times.

Next day, the Mighty Pants is man of the match, inspired by playing his mates from Old Buckenham. Mind you, be careful on Monday. Old Buckenham won, so Jimmy Heaney has bragging rights, at least for the moment. Back to the Mighty Pants. Setting the standard, he scored an excellent fifty and took a stunning caught and bowled. Well done skip.

Another revelation. Recovered from injury Ollie Stamp looks the real deal with bat, ball and in the field. So much so that our New Zealander, the Ipswich born (don't ever foget it) Chris Sheehy was sufficiently impressed to give him what can only be described as a 'love bite'. That's how it was described to me, but I know little of these things. Ollie's Mum is keen to discuss the matter with the Suffolk born Kiwi. At least, I think that's what she said!

Hopefully I have got through this week without offending anyone? I'm missing next weekend, reffing a game in county Durham, last of the sesaon and the old legs are ready for a rest. I will keep in touch by text. All the best boys, have a good one.

Mr Chairman

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Welcome.

Another season starts - perfect weather. Let's hope it continues. Welcome back to Vinay. He will look the 'full deal' once he gains access to Jon Boy's iron! Lots to commend in the Horsford game, especially Oli's bowling. Well done young man. The condition of the ground and club house does massive credit to all who have contributed to the winter effort. Richard and his team were working right up to the last minute. A truely fantastic effort (although the job is not complete yet). It was great to see so many people at the ground enjoying the new facilities both during and after the game. There is more to come when the boys from Notts Turf install the new nets at the beginning of May.

Next Friday is Smithy's Quiz night. Be there and support the event. Let's have a big final push to sell as many raffle tickets as we can (sounds a bit like Delia).

Finally, our newly appointed club chauffer, Ali, says if anyone wants a lift anywhere, they only have to ask. Even more finally - we need all players to follow the club dress code: club tracksuits and blue kit before games and for warming up; dress shirts and club ties after the game. Let's set the standard on and off the field.

Having upset a few people last year I intend to be politically correct this year. Other than to say - 'Jacquie Smith - what a dishonest woman you are. How can you sleep at night?'. Now, I am sure everyone feels better for that. I certainly do. I am planning to have a go at private education next - watch this space.

Mr Chairman

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Brooke and District Cricket Club
QUIZ NIGHT
24th April 2009
Brooke Village Hall

Starts 7.30, Bar and snacks available.

Teams of 4, £10 per team. Great prizes available!

Win a Panasonic 32” TV in our grand prize draw - tickets are on sale now.
Register your entry by 17th April

phone David Smith on 01508 494295 or 07825 147606

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Sponsors for 2009 Season

Brooke & District Cricket Club would like to express sincere appreciation to the individuals and businesses who have kindly agreed to sponsor us for the forthcoming season. We actively encourage all Club members to use our sponsors in their everyday life; whether that be for personal or professional use

Please click on the link at the top of the page to see the full list of sponsors for 2009.

Special mention obviously goes to our main sponsor, The Bodycentre Ltd, who as always are amazingly generous with their support. All members of the club would also like to wish Kevin a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing at the ground in a few months time.

THE BODYCENTRE LTD
Tel (01603) 410777

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Afternoon everyone

Hope everyones winter is going well, a great net session last night with some of the lads performing very well. My new hero Chris Sheehy batted brilliantly for about 4 hours and ended up 80 not out. Alex Ingham the same...both completely shattered by the end! Nets again on 11th March at 6.00pm.

News on our club pro is that he is still crabbing around in the 2's, obviously saving all of his runs for when he returns.

Have a look at him in action below or copy this link into your address bar.....http://www.youtube.com/user/vinayp37

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BROOKE CRICKET CLUB
Norwich Road, Brooke. NR15 1DX

Our AGM was held on Monday 17th November, where the Club agreed on all nominations put forward and all Officers delievered their reports on the 2008 season.

ClubMark was discussed at length and all members offered praise and encouragement, and look forward to BCC gaining ClubMark in 2009

Brooke Cricket Club Winter Nets & Season Preparation

After a thoroughly enjoyable and successful 2008 season, the time has come to plan for
winter cricket and training.
Once again, we will benefit from Chris Brown’s coaching. Hopefully you all agree that he
helped our cricket immensely last winter, which was one of many factors in us being so
successful as a Club this season.

Our nets are booked for Hellesdon High School, dates given below.
Date Time
Wed 10 Dec 2008 18:00-20:00
Wed 17 Dec 2008 18:00-20:00
Wed 14 Jan 2009 18:00-20:00
Wed 28 Jan 2009 18:00-20:00
Wed 11 Feb 2009 18:00-20:00
Wed 25 Feb 2009 18:00-20:00
Wed 11 Mar 2009 18:00-20:00
Fri 20 Mar 2009 20:00-22:00
Fri 27 Mar 2009 20:00-22:00
Fri 03 Apr 2009 20:00-22:00
Fri 17 Apr 2009 20:00-22:00

We have chosen Hellesdon, as their new sports hall has four nets (most halls have two). This
means that the entire Club can attend, and make best use of Chris’ coaching. It’s also hugely
beneficial for the teams to train together and develop as a Club, in preparation for next
season, which promises to be a challenging one for the 1st and 2nd teams.

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