We just have to wait for some rain now to get the new grass growing and by next summer we should have a very usable and safe surface to play on which should only improve over the coming seasons if we look after it. As regards the outfield, we have made the decision to postpone the re-seeding of this until the spring as it is too dry at the moment and is likely to be too late to sow the grass by the time it gets wet enough for the seeder to work properly.
Thanks to all those volunteers who turned up and fortunately didn’t have to expend much energy in the end. It was great to see the support and for everyone to see the finished article after Dale and his team had worked his magic. Thanks again for your help and support.
We can now start to prepare the pitch for next season so we can host home games. Barry Ovel has been working hard on the field over the past few months transforming it from a farmed field to what is now starting to look like a cricket field, he is doing a fantastic job and we would like to thank him. To help Barry we will be having a Stone Picking afternoon on Sunday 26th June at 2pm to clear the last of the stones from the pitch, with a prize for the most stones picked, so if you can, do please come along and if you ask those that helped last year, it is quite fun!!
We will be arranging some Fundraising events over the coming months, to raise funds for the progressive works on the field, so please watch out for those as we need all the help and support we can get to make this a success for all to use not only for Boughton but the surrounding villages also.
Although we have not had a home we still have been busy playing Cricket games over the last couple of months. So far we have played at East Rudham and Methwold with a couple more to play, finishing with the Farmers match on our own field at the end of the season, so watch this space for details of that!!
So if you fancy playing a game of village cricket or want to help come and join us, juniors and seniors, all are welcome.
The players are:
Back row left to right - James Allen, Hugh Jenkins, Gerard Barron, Steve Kornmuller, Ben Hall, Sam Fearn
Front row left to right - Alex Reardon, Barry Ovel, Josh Reardon, Kevin Fisher, Mark Pogmore
Foreground - Ben Wilkinson
Geoff Proctor's Farmers XI
Many thanks to all who played , helped and attended on this wet and windy afternoon supporting Boughton CC on their first match on home soil. Geoff and his team put up an outstanding performance whilst fielding – refusing to halt play despite the driving rain and hail stones.(mad farmers!). Boughton’s young cricket team put up an outstanding performance however were pipped to the post (watch out next year, Geoff).
Special thank you to Gary Reardon for doing a grand job on the B.B.Q. Total Raised for Club Funds £301.00
Gooderstone played host to Boughton CC on Sunday 28th Aug in a friendly that did its best to duck the August showers and prosper during the sunny spells. Played at Gooderstone’s lovely ground–set inside a wooden-fenced boundary, surrounded by horse meadow with a couple of interested equine spectators throughout - Boughton came into the match hopeful for a win against a Gooderstone Sunday team that sported a similar mix of seniors and talented juniors (N.B. I’m not trying to say our seniors are without talent, you understand? We are all talented, in our special ways etc. etc....). The Gooderstone wicket provided an excellent surface for batting and bowling, offering true bounce and even pace. Certainly, a great standard for Boughton to aim for as we develop our own ground during the coming seasons!
Winning the toss, Gooderstone elected to have a bat. Boughton started well, keeping things tight in the field with Alex Reardon and George Porter opening our bowling account with attention to good length and line. Porter removed the Gooderstone opener Merritt, followed by a string of wickets for E. Koopowitz with his mesmerising leg breaks. Another effective spell of left arm medium pace from Mark Pogmore accounted for middle order wickets, with Steve Short picking up another from his short spell of ‘doosras’ (that’s correct isn’t it Steve?). Gooderstone’s batting tail was about to wag however, with controlled aggression from Sayer (49) and Morgan (29) hitting 11 boundaries between them in a strong finish. Gooderstone ended with a tally of 135 for 7 from 40 overs, which represented a good recovery after it appeared for a long period that Boughton would be able to restrict their total to well under 100.
After an excellent tea in the Gooderstone pavilion, giving our travelling supporters a break from the excitement to consume their picnics, Boughton donned their pads and strode into the sunshine for a bat. E. Koopowitz (24) and A. Reardon (21) dug-in with a strong partnership sprinkled with boundaries and some stylish play. Reardon was dismissed by a smart run-out, and Kooperwitzes E. & P. fell victim to a fine spell of seam bowling from young Mitchell Brooks, who also accounted for opener H. Jenkins. Continuing where he left off in Boughton’s last match, Al Roberts showed us some calculated batting, but found it hard to establish any lasting partnerships as Sayer (3 for 4) ripped through Boughton’s middle order. Unfortunately, during his innings Roberts fell ill and the match was called to a halt and subsequently abandoned after 29 overs, with Boughton on 74 for 7 wickets. I am pleased to say Al has made a good recovery, and has all of our best wishes. I also note that Al finished not-out (again) which puts him at the top of the batting averages for the season!
Our thanks go to Gooderstone for hosting us at their splendid venue, and for a competitive match. We look forward to continuing the fixture next season, and hopefully to bring them across to Boughton to reciprocate. Thanks also to our loyal supporters (Boughton Barmy Army) who cheered us on throughout.
Boughton CC: H. Jenkins (Capt), P. Kooperwitz, E.Kooperwitz, A. Reardon, A. Roberts (Wkt), S. Short, M.
Pogmore, K. Fisher, G. Porter, A. Bowles, J. Allen.
Hugh Jenkins
Back row: Ben Hall, Ben Wilkinson, Alun Roberts, Philip Kooperwitz, Elliot
Kooperwitz, Mark Pogmore, Alex Reardon (Umpire)
Front row: Ollie Short, Sam Fearn, Steve Kommuller, Josh Reardon, Hugh
Jenkins (Captain)
This week Boughton CC travelled across the Fens for a new fixture with Welney, breeding ground not only for rare Swans, but also fast-bowlers it seems. On a gorgeous day for cricket, Boughton team and supporters gathered at Welney’s pleasant ground, and losing the toss, were sent into the field for a bowl. The match marked a Boughton return for some familiar faces – Ben Wilkinson, taking a break from work and blogging in the Middle East, father and son cricketing duo Phil and Eliot Koopowitz, and our all-American big-hitter Steve Kornmuller, happily back to match fitness.
Boughton got off to a brilliant start thanks to some sharp fielding by Sam Fearn at mid-off. Gathering a full-blooded drive in a flash, Sam had their opener run out by yards in the very first over. This was followed by quick wickets for Ollie Short and H. Jenkins that kept the pressure on Welney. A superb spell of 8 overs of accurate spin from Eliot Koopowitz brought 3 wickets for 21 runs, with Koopowitz Snr chipping-in with a fine diving catch at point, and Eliot himself pouching a fizzer off his own bowling. Ben Wilkinson was straight back on song with his aggressive and accurate pace, removing two Welney batsmen in his first over! Ben you must have been practicing with some beach cricket during your desert travels? Olly Short and J. Reardon duly mopped up the tail with a wicket apiece.
Boughton yet again showed what they can do, with accurate bowling and excellent fielding limiting a strong Welney batting line up to 108 runs, taking all 10 wickets inside 27 overs. Also worthy of special mention was Al Roberts behind the stumps. A top-notch performance saw Al diving, catching, and motivating throughout the innings. Real ‘body on the line’ stuff! Recognition also for a fine innings of 34 runs from J. Loveday, Welney’s captain. After an excellent tea, Boughton commenced their innings and were immediately faced by a pair of formidable ‘Quicks’ in Welney’s Saberton and Dale. The two pace men blew through Boughton’s top order sharing 7 wickets at a cost of only 14 runs off 10 overs! Some resistance was offered by Wilkinson, scoring 7 before being bowled by a ‘Jaffa’. Boughton also played a nice rearguard action with some lusty hitting by Pogmore (“..that’s the furthest I’ve ever hit it!”) and handy runs from Ben Hall.
Batsman of the day for Boughton was Al Roberts, topscoring with a stylish 15 and carrying his bat. Unfortunately, Boughton were undone by fine pace bowling from the Welney opening duo, finishing 40 all out inside 14 overs. Well done Welney and we look forward to the return fixture next year! Congratulations to Alex Reardon for his umpiring; his unerringly good judgement and cool head under pressure – who needs DRS anyway? Thanks also must go to Boughton’s own ‘Barmy Army’ of travelling supporters, who cheered us on through thick and thin! Finally, thanks to Steve and Karen Short for hosting drinks and a get-together back at Boughton after the match. It was great to replay the day’s events over a cold beer, and talk through the almosts and might-have-beens of an enjoyable day. We have built a fantastic team spirit at the club which extends across players, members and our supporters. If you fancy getting involved and having some fun with us, then do come and visit at our next game vs. Gooderstone on Sun 28th August. You’ll be very welcome!
Boughton Man of the Match Award: Al Roberts, for a great all-rounders’
performance – first with the gloves and then top-scoring.
Hugh Jenkins
On June 5th Methwold played kind hosts to Boughton for their annual cricket fixture, with Boughton attempting to reverse two straight losses to Methwold last season.
This was one of the classic ‘games of two halves’ for Boughton. Starting in the field, we couldn’t have wished for a better performance, with Boughton always on top. From literally the very first ball we applied pressure – Hall taking a good catch at gully off a rising ball from A. Reardon. The theme of great catching continued throughout the innings with Baron, Jenkins (2), Allen, and J. Reardon all holding onto sharp chances. The attitude in the field was exemplary and Boughton probably saved themselves 30 runs with some fine fielding. Boughton’s bowling was also up to the mark, with standout spells from A. Reardon taking 2 wkts for 9 off 5 overs, Short with 2 wkts for 20 off 5 overs, and Jenkins returning a ‘hat trick’ in his final over. Tight spells were also turned in from Pogmore with some tidy ‘left arm over’ medium pace, and from J. Reardon always probing the corridor of uncertainty; both taking one wicket apiece. Methwold set Boughton a score of 112 to win.
Boughton’s innings got off to shaky start with openers Jenkins and Baron dismissed cheaply, despite looking confident for the first few overs. The top order was shored up with solid performances from A. Reardon, hitting a brisk and breezy 26, accompanied by a determined effort of 19 from Roberts before holing out to one that popped off the surface. Unfortunately, no other batsmen made it into double figures and Boughton ended 75 all out. We came up a little short with the bat this time, with more practice needed from all in this department. Bring on the nets!
Nevertheless, still a very pleasing performance by Boughton. Especially so given two thirds of the team comprised Junior players. We have some fine cricketing talent coming through the ranks at Boughton CC that will hopefully set us in good stead for seasons to come. Some of the ‘crusties’ aren’t too bad either J!
Thanks to Methwold for a game played in great spirit and their fantastic hospitality at the Social Club following the match – our turn next season, hopefully! Thanks to Dawn and Debbie for their hard work in making the fixture happen. And a final thanks to Steve Short & Jon Allen for their just and meticulous umpiring on the day – henceforth they shall be known as Hawkeye and Snicko.
Boughton Man of the Match award: Alex Reardon, for a fine performance with bat and ball.
Boughton Team: Hugh Jenkins (Capt), Gerard Baron, Alex Reardon, Al Roberts (Wkt), A.
Bowles, Ollie Short, G. Porter, Josh Reardon, J. Allen, Mark Pogmore, Ben Hall.
Hugh Jenkins
For the first time in nearly forty years Boughton fielded a cricket team in their match on Sunday 10th September against local rivals Beachamwell at Mundford Cricket Club. Ralph Proctor and his wife Ann were very welcome spectators, Ralph having played for the village for many years and is in fact the oldest surviving member of the 1960’s vintage.
The team then played on Ralph’s father’s land on what is known as the Buildings Field in Mill Hill Road. On match days the playing area was cleared of cattle and fenced off, today cattle still happily graze on the field. Prior to that the team played on land now belonging to Park House. In those days teas were served after the match in the White Horse public house, with cups of tea made with milk kindly provided by Ralph’s father’s cows! One of Ralph’s overriding memories was of a young David Cooper who on hearing the team playing away had clinched a historic victory in the Gayton and District League decided to jump on his cycle and spread the news to the village, however he didn’t get too far before his progress was halted by an inconsiderate motor car!
Back to the present day, Boughton were lucky enough to have 11 willing victims to take the field; what the team lacked in skill and fitness they made up for in enthusiasm. Unfortunately Beachamwell could only muster 3 players, however they were supplemented by 2 players from Mundford, 2 from Wereham and Peter and Ollie from Boughton who very kindly volunteered to play for the opposition, so a nine aside game could take place, comprising of 2 twenty over innings per side. Beachamwell batted first and made a very respectable 124 runs; in reply Boughton scored 98.
Following a substantial tea Boughton returned to the pitch with renewed spirit (in more ways than one!) and were able to restrict Beachamwell to 94 leaving Boughton 120 to secure victory, a valiant effort was made with Boughton falling a few runs short. The performance of the Boughton team was excellent. Particular mention must go to Barry and Frank who bowled with the guile of Laker and Lock, to Hugh for some aggressive stroke play, to Emad who had a superb game behind the stumps and to Kevin who fielded for all four innings.
A big thank you to all who contributed to a successful day, particular thanks must go to Phillip, Elliot, Patrick and Alex for stepping in at such short notice. The game was played in a good spirit by two competitive teams who provided a good afternoon’s entertainment for the spectators.
Boughton Team: Back Row (left to right) Barry Ovel, Giles Luckett, Ollie Robinson, Pat Whing, Steve Saunders, Peter Agate, Hugh Jenkins
Front Row (left to right) Emad George, Mark Pogmore, Andrew Faherty, Frank Reid
Andrew Faherty
Boughton Cricket Teams Past and Present
Boughton Cricket Team - Date Unknown
The players are:
Back row left to right - Herbie White, Alan Hearn, Joe Herod, Tony Wink, Roy Sherwood, Angus McIntosh, Bob McIntosh (brothers) and Dusty Miller.
Front Row left to right - John Glover, Rocky Bruce, Jim Miller, Mervyn Bruce, Gerald Suckling and Wally Marriot
The photograph was taken in Downham Market Town Hall as the Boughton Cricket Club attended the awards dinner for that season.
Names courtesy of Ralph Proctor
Boughton Cricket Team in 1959 winning the Gragg Cup against East Winch
The players are:
Back row left to right - Sid Chase, Angus McIntosh, Joe Herod, M Gooderson, J Mann, Mervyn Bruce.
Front Row left to right - Wally Marriot, W Hatton, Rocky Bruce, John Glover, T Brown.
Names courtesy of Ralph Proctor
Boughton Cricket Team 2007
The players are:
Back row left to right - Philip Koopowitz, Vince Verwey, Barry Ovel, Hugh Jenkins, Ashley Wykes, Paul Coulten (Scorer), Giles Luckett
Front row left to right - Frank Reid, Andrew Faherty, Kevin Fisher, Emad George