On the senior cricket front, unfortunately, I can only report that our 1st X1 were successful in bringing home a win last weekend; a 9 wicket haul over Launceston CC with bowling regulars:  Neil Ivamy, Darren Shorland and Ben Stevens taking 2 wickets each and 1st team new-comer Liam Eslick also taking 2 wickets, ably supported by Craig Williams (1 wkt) who has seen progression from our second X1 this season.  In just 16 overs of the second innings, Redruth openers Larry Martin (28*) and Luke Johnson (32) backed up by No. 3 Tom Shrewsbury (22*) soon completed the required runs to see Redruth home to a comfortable 20 pt win.

At this years’ St Gluvias Festival held last week, our youth section enjoyed taking part and gaining successes and with players as young as 8 taking part, right through to our u17’s age group, the future continues to look bright for Redruth CC.

Off the field of play, August has been a very busy month for Redruth having hosted Cornwall Schools matches – u17’s and u16’s over the last two weeks as well as the County 20/20 finals day last Sunday and providing the venue for the Cornish Choughs to play Welsh side Drefech on Monday.  None of this would be possible without the ‘back room’ staff and I extend my thanks to all the ground and catering/bar staff and in particular to: Bryan Riddle, Peter Bolland, Darren Clift, Jenny Hambly, Debbee Frost, Nicky Penberthy, Emily Penberthy, Neil Howarth, Jo Hambly, Sammie Jones and Dean Hicks who I have worked alongside and I know how much effort they have put in to making the events so successful.

On first team home matches, the catering team also produce hot, post-match meals and this evening is no exception as there’s chilli & chips on offer at £3 per portion.  At the end of the season, it is intended to use the monies raised from the additional food sales to go toward replacing the rather old and tired cooker that they currently use!

And finally ... the August bank holiday weekend is going to be a very busy one at RCC .. League matches on the  Saturday and Monday and sandwiched in the middle on the Sunday is our ‘Sunday Fun day’ .. complete with a 6-a-side cricket festival, BBQ etc available throughout the day and then evening entertainment from around 8.30pm with the popular “4 Tons of Funk” performing live in the clubhouse. For further details look up our website or contact Peter Bolland on 07824 998 959 if you’d like to enter a team.

Sarah Stevens
Redruth CC Chairman

This week I pay tribute to the LADIES of the club, all of them, but some need to be mentioned by name for their huge contribution to our club. Over the past two weekends and more in between, the girls have worked tirelessly around the club, but especially in the catering department. They have been UNBELIEVABLE. They have had a host of matches from girl’s county games, club fixtures and full Minor County fixtures. They have done teas, chilli, burgers, bacon baps and even managed to do raffles in between. These people need a big thank you, as the last month financially has been a good one, we need more the same and it is the Ladies that are leading the way. I hope I don’t forget anyone but here goes:

Thank You     Sarah Stevens, Jenny Hambly, Jo Hambly, Nicky  Emily Penberthy, Debbie Frost, Claire Phillips, Suzie Brown, Shelley Shoreland and Sammie Jones. More Hambly’s. Malcolm and Joel as well, Joel Hambly did the score box for 6 hours on Sunday as Cornwall beat Redruth on a near perfect afternoon for the club. Barry did more than enough meeting and greeting to last him a life time. The clubs reputation so far this year has soared and we need to keep up the momentum to our ultimate goal of promotion to the Premier League.

Results continue to go our way and wins against Beacon and Ludgvan, which has allowed us to keep up the pressure on Camborne. LARRY MARTIN was the main run getter, chasing a low 101 after the bowlers led by DARREN SHORELAND proved too good for the Beacon batting. At Ludgvan most of the batters got in and struck the ball well TOM SHREWSBURY (90) LARRY MARTIN (78) and the enigmatic NEIL HORNBUCKLE (69*) totalling 297. In reply Ludgvan were unable to make any headway and were all out for 144 with NEIL IVAMY again showing his class with yet another 5 wicket haul.

Everybody chipped in with runs for the 2’s as they posted 207 against Helston. Only 4 bowlers were needed as PAUL LADNER, PETER THOMAS, LIAM ESLICK and CRAIG WILLIAMS bowled the opposition out for 111 in only 28 overs. Pagey’s Reds won again against Leedstown reaching 200 all out thanks mainly to CALEB ROWE and AARON WALLACE. EGGY led the bowling attack this time as Leedstown could only manage 159. The 2’s are now real promotion contenders.

The 3rd’s and 4th’s have not had it so easy as the 3rd team have been winless in the last two weeks. HARVEY JONES looks like he has made the step up from the 4th’s so there is no looking back now Harvey. Two stalwarts JULIAN FAULL and KEVIN BRAY bowled out Beacon III’s to give the 4th’s an unlikely win last week.


THIS SATURDAY IS CURRY AND A COBRA!!! IF WE COULD SELL 36 AT £5 EACH IT WILL BE WELL WORTH MAKING THE EFFORT AND WILL CONTINUE THE MONEY COMING IN.
PLEASE  PLEASE  PLEASE  SUPPORT IT! UT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE EVERYONE BACK AT THE CLUB

So far results have gone our way but it is probably fair to say the 3rd team have won their games more easily than the 1st’s. Both teams remain unbeaten and thanks to Ted and Harry for seeing us home against Hayle after Steve Kevern put together 49 that turned the game our way. Some interesting umpiring did not help but you get what you get. Ben Page at last weighed in with a ton against Constantine in what turned out to be an easy win for the 2’s. So between them the first 3 teams have played 9 won 8. Life is not easy for Julian and the 4th team as he is still struggling a little bit for players.

Our Sri Lankan overseas still has not managed to get a visa so we have taken on South African, Neil Hornbuckle, who is available until the end of June, please make him feel welcome as I know you all will. Selection for the 1st and 2nd ’s is very keen at the moment and when David Guffick and Mark Burley become available, we will be at our strongest since I have been at the club. Competition for places has to be a good thing.

Junior cricket starts this week and the under 11’s and 15’s would have played their first game by the time you read this on Saturday. Liam Norwell is injured at the moment so you will not see his name on the Gloucestershire team sheet for at least another week, but what a great start he has had to his pro career.

We have a social evening tonight where we would like to encourage all players, supporters and spectators to support the Barbie on Saturday after the match. There is a curry and beer night coming up in another two weeks please support that as well. As I mentioned before we have to generate income and we are in discussion with nursery groups to see if we can use the facilities during the day. If anyone knows someone who would be interested in a venture like this or indeed any other community group we would be happy to talk to them.

Welcome to 2011 at Trewirgie and what a great start with the weather. A lot to tell you about from the close season and a lot to look forward to as well. Last year’s skipper Martin Strick has moved on to Stithians where there may be as many as 5 family members playing together. Liam of course moved to the pro game with a contract at Gloucestershire CC. If you want to see the video of his debut wickets it can be found on the Glos and ECB websites, with Redruth getting a mention. Luke Johnson, Steve Kevern and Darren Shorland have all joined in the close season, Neil Ivamy is staying, but our overseas is still without a visa and is stuck in Sri Lanka awaiting a decision. Dave Guffick played in one of the pre season games but is unavailable at present as he eagerly awaits the birth of his first child, he will return to cricket when life at home gets back to some sort of routine. A defeat against Falmouth and a win against Callington proved to be excellent preparation for the 1st XI.


The ground is looking magnificent thanks to Riddler and a small number of helpers and the seats are being systematically renovated by Joe Graham and they look brilliant, if only we could afford to put them all around the ground.


Off the field the re-development plans have taken a bit of a blow with ECB insisting that we raise half of the £190,000 needed before they give us the second half. My thanks to Scott James, Paul Ladner, Darren Clift and many others for their hard work. We are no nearer acquiring the use of the field behind Riddler’s shed as not all the co-owners are in agreement to let us use it for cricket.


Bob Lamberton has been working tirelessly to improve the club facilities and we have recently acquired new furniture for the Function Room to compliment the recent decorating of the club. This was carried out by a small band of members who have done a fantastic job inside and out. The big room is now looking very impressive and we plan to use it for our own functions at times throughout this season.
But it is financially and socially where we have to improve. The Function Room was decorated so that more people would be inclined to hire it out and in fact we have to make more use of it to make money for ourselves. The Bar and Social committee (which now includes Ben Hitchens and Ben Page) has come up with a whole season of events and I BEG you to support as many as you can, if not all of them. The idea is to try and encourage all the players 1st to 4ths and supporters to get back to the club on a Saturday after the games. We will put on something to eat and drink for a decent price and the club benefits from being used. Every month or so we will put on a major event, where we would be looking for all of us to attract new people to the club. The first month’s events are enclosed but we are looking to have live entertainment, quizzes, race nights, casino nights and many other activites that must be supported.
If not we may have to have football on the outfield during the winter!


I witnessed a close game away at Roche on Saturday where we got home safely, but only after a few scares. In a game reduced to 40 overs we managed to restrict the village side to 162. The ground fielding was pretty good but we did drop three or four catches which will have to be addressed in training. All the bowlers went well and 4 an over did not look as if it was going to be enough. The pitch however was not as predictable and one or two of the batters were troubled by the indifferent bounce. Nigel and Neil saw us home with both hitting some very big sixes.


Craig Williams has started to realise his undoubted potential with a superb 93 against St Gluvius but Page’s boys could not defend what looked like a safe target of 221.


Matt Richards’ 3rd team started with a comfortable win as they beat Camborne III’s by 6 wickets. Mark Richards and Adam le Grange got the runs with Ben Axon the pick of the bowlers. A much harder season lies ahead of the 3rd’s this year.

I did suggest in the last blog that I thought there could still be a twist in this season, but I did not think it would go against us as it did last weekend. The players are the first ones to hold up their hands and say that Monday’s performance against Falmouth 2nd’s was just not good enough. Camborne beat Troon and if we had won on Monday it would have all come down to the last game. I do want to say at this point that we have had a few other batting collapses this season, some during our long unbeaten run, but we just managed to save ourselves. We do need to strengthen this area next season and negotiations have already started with players we would like to join us. I have to thank the players and supporters for all of their efforts this season I still feel we are moving in the right direction. One area of concern for all is the amount of players we have been forced to use in the 1st team this season. We have used well over 20 players, be it through non availability or injury which has led to unsettled batting orders and players not being able to establish them selves as they would have liked. Generally speaking successful sides get by with around 15 players in a season. Yes we have suffered with injuries to important players at crucial times but we need our best players for all matches. 


TED, TOM and HARRY 

I would like to say well done to these three young men who have done remarkably well this season and I look forward to them doing even better in the future with age and experience. 


BEN PAGE 

Well done to Ben for a great job with the 2nd team. He got more of a response from the players than either myself or other predecessors before him and the number of wins reflects how the team has done this year. 


CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT RICHARDS AND THE 3RD TEAMCHAMPIONS OF DIVISION 6 WEST 

Well done to every player who has played in this campaign, masterminded by Matt with a little help from Mark. Matt has loved every minute this year and is already looking at charging through Division 5 next season, a fantastic effort. I played at Praze on Monday and the team spirit was excellent and all the players were keen and sharp and a credit to the club. 
On a sad note we will be losing the Harris family and I do mean all of them. Paul, Will, George, James and Sarah will be moving up country at the end of the season and will be sorely missed. In Will, James and George we will be losing 3 future 1st team cricketers (sorry Paul not you), but we wish them all the best in their new venture. 


JULIAN FAULL 

Thanks to Julian who had the hardest job of all the captains trying to fulfil the 4th team fixtures. 

What a disappointment the weather was last weekend (21st August);  it was amazing that any cricket matches played at all ..

Redruth 1st
With one side of the square holding wet (but not standing water) and with the aid of drying winds and much effort put in from Peter Bolland, Martin Strick and other playing members to make the pitch playable, the first innings, reduced to 30 overs, started at 3.30pm. Redruth won the toss and put visitors Hayle into bat, with the visitors making a good score of 152/6.  Unfortunately by tea time, the rain was setting in and there was no chance that the second innings would ever get started.

Redruth 2nd
Travelled to Mullion where a full game took place.  I’m afraid I don’t have full details of conditions etc, but I do know that Redruth batted first and were all out for 77 runs.  After tea, Mullion made 80/3 and secured a 20pt win.  I note from the papers that Dean Hicks took all three wickets, with excellent figures of 3-18.

Redruth 3rd 
Playing at home to Goldsithney on the Clijah Croft pitch, the visitors batted first, 110 all out, with captain Matt Richards achieving a ‘fiver’ with superb figures of 5-18. In reply, Redruth were close to the winning target, before  rain stopped play with the score at 99/7.

Redruth 4th
Had a bye and therefore were not affected by the weekend weather on that occasion.

The local press have been busy with reports of Redruth CC activity this week, including the following:

• An incredible 100 not out achieved by Dave Guffick in the recent Redruth v Beacon 20/20 competition (well done Guffers)!
• St Gluvias Youth Cricket Festival success for our under 13’s team.
• Redruth and Camborne ladies teams putting local rivalry to one side and joining forces to benefit development of ladies cricket.
• An interesting photo of Martin Strick, deep in thought and preparing to bowl.

Sarah Stevens
Chairman

A CLEAN SWEEP! All four teams winning on the same day!! 

Gorran v Redruth 1st Xl 
On Saturday I watched the 1st team almost beat Gorran before tea. We bowled out the hosts for 122 in just 27 overs and had almost knocked off the runs when tea finally arrived at 4:30pm. Skipper MARTIN STRICK took 4 wickets and HARRY BOLLAND who was on a hat-trick during his spell took 3 for 29. DAVID GUFFICK looked in fine form and made a very confident looking 77 not out, as we cruised to victory and 20 points. 

Redruth 2nd Xl v Constantine 1st Xl 
After the early finish at Gorran we managed to get back in time to see the finale of the 2nd team game. When I got there Constantine needed 10 to win with two wickets in hand. Skipper BEN PAGE skilfully manipulated the weaker batsman on strike and SCOTT JAMES duly cleaned him up, but by now the opposition only needed 2 to win. With pressure and tension rising the Reds held their nerve at the crucial point in the game and the number 11 was run out at the bowlers end, giving the boys a 1 run win. Great game. 

Stithians 2nd Xl v Redruth 3rd Xl 
With Skipper Matt Richards on holiday Joe McElhinney was again in charge. Batting first the Reds clocked up a more than respectable 224 for 4. The rapidly improving LIAM ESLICK scored another half century and Mr Reliable PAUL HARRIS top scored with 79. Three bowlers did all the damage OLLY BRYANT 3 for 11, WILL HARRIS 2 for 17 and the evergreen JOE McELHINNEY 5 for 15, there’s life in the old dog yet!!! 

Redruth 4th Xl v Goldsithney 2nd Xl 
Clijah was the venue for what turned out to be a comfortable win for Julian Faull’s 4th team. DEAN HICKS and KEVIN THOMAS both took 4 wickets apiece, Dean going for 25 and Kevin only 16. Two of our up and coming younger players opened the batting JACK COLEMAN and HARVEY JONES and both looked very promising for the future. Harvey went on to score 22 and kept wicket very nicely as well, before CHRIS PEARN scored in his usual manner with 60 of his 68 coming in boundaries, finishing the game in just 30 overs. A great win for the 4th’s where some of our younger players are beginning to look like good players for the future. 

Redruth v Beacon T/20 
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of witnessing a feat rare in club cricket. 20 over centuries do not happen very often but DAVID GUFFICK was in imperious form as he smashed the ball to all parts in an innings full of fantastic stroke play and excellent running between the wickets. Needless to say we won but with other games on our mind I am not sure that this competition may be overdoing the T/20 stuff. 


Thanks to the ladies for the catering and fantastic hospitality for Sunday’s under 15 National County semi-final you were magnificent. THANK YOU xxx 


I STILL FEEL THERE MAY BE A TWIST IN THE TAIL OF THIS SEASON, SO KEEP BEHIND US! WE ARE READY TO POUNCE IF OTHERS SLIP UP IN THE FINAL RUN IN 

Dont Blame the Players!!!


Results have not gone well over the last three weeks and it appears to me people are looking for someone, anyone to blame. This is not a time to look to criticise, it is a time to pull together and it is a time for supporters to get behind the players and show them some solid back up. I was recently shown an article in the local press where 4 Troon players were allowed to miss a County U – 17 game so that they could play in the National village knockout. Was the real purpose of this to point out that Liam, Harry and Tom missed the Beacon game to play in other games? We don’t have to rely on three teenagers to beat Beacon do we? If we do then we haven’t got enough good players for the premier league! We cannot do anything about the weather and the abandoned game at Roche is plain and simply bad luck.


Camborne away has to be a huge kick up the pants as it knocked us off the top spot and allowed Camborne back into the title race. Is that such a bad thing as Troon play Camborne and Redruth in their last two league games? More misfortune in the Camborne game where Mark Burley, who on the day kept magnificently, broke his hand and may be out for the rest of the season. Talking of injuries Liam Norwell is under the physio at Gloucestershire with a calf strain and we may not see much more of him. We should not be teasy about this, the club has had a huge influence on his young career and we should be proud we have helped him fulfil his dreams. We have to see the bigger picture for Liam. Gabby Stephens has agreed to shift his work schedule around to replace mark this weekend. Thanks Gabby!
The 3rd team are entering a crucial part of the season over the next two weeks. They are top by a few but clear of third, two are promoted. Matt Richards is beaming with delight about his team but he and Mark now take a two week holiday and the side has been left in the capable hands of Joe McElhinney. Three more wins may see them home let’s hope the Harris’ don’t go on holiday.
The junior leagues are coming to end and the U – 11’s, 13’ and 15’s have had a brilliant season. You can count the number of defeats for all of the teams on the fingers of one hand. Well done to all the coaches!!!


Subs are due to players and social members alike so please get them paid as soon as possible please.


Finally in the next few days the plans for the clubhouse and extension and refurbishment will be on the notice board, so take a look and make your comments known to us by sticking a note on the board.


WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!!!!!!

There has been so much going on over the last three weeks that it would be impossible to give reports on all of the games. Instead I will try and highlight individuals who have been performing well for the club.

LIAM NORWELL

As you will have seen in the West Briton, Liam has been picked for England under 18’s to play Sri Lanka under 19’s at Loughborough, starting on Sunday July 18th.  As I type this ‘blog’ there has been another press release this morning from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, announcing that Liam has been offered and has accepted a two year contract to play professionally for the Gladiators. Well done Liam a fantastic achievement and well deserved.

NEIL IVAMY

Neil’s brilliant form for the Reds continues and as a reward for some great performances this season, was picked for Cornwall Minor Counties side to play against Dorset recently. Incidentally Neil is the leading wicket taker in County One with 39 wickets and second leading wicket taker from all divisions of the Cornwall Leagues. Liam Norwell is 3rd highest wicket taker in County One!

CHRIS PEARN

Chris, as far as I am aware broke the club record for the highest score by an individual batsman last Saturday. He amassed 190 runs against Barripper 2’s at Clijah Croft. Chris plundered 23 fours and 12 sixes in what was an amazing display of power hitting. Neil Howarth will be able to confirm whether it is a record or not. Brilliant! Well done Chris.

TOM SHREWSBURY

Tom made a brilliant century for Cornwall under 15’s away against Dorset last weekend. Tom scored 127 and helped keep Cornwall at the top of their group in the National ECB Cup competition.

MATT RICHARDS

Matt took 5 wickets against Camborne last week, 5 for 29 to be exact, to help keep the 3rd team top of Division 6 West. Matt has taken 5 wickets earlier this season and now has over 20 victims in that league.

JUNIOR CRICKET

MARK RICHARDS is coaching the very, very strong under 11 side, who are yet to lose a game. GEORGE BOLLAND scored 50 in 5 overs against St Gluvius recently and the side regularly score over 300.

SARAH HARRIS is doing a brilliant job with the club under 13’s, who have only lost one game this season and that was when we were struggling for a side.

KEVIN BRAY is the energy behind the under 15 side which is supplying players as far up as the 1st team. I believe that at this stage of the season they may have only lost one game as well. HARRY BOLLAND and WILL HARRIS both scored 50’s in the last game against Mount Hawke.
We have also entered two girls’ teams in the Chance to Shine league and recently hosted St Just and Helston. Again where would we be without the RICHARDS family as MARK runs this part of the club.

Finally could players be aware that subscriptions are now overdue and should be paid asap to MRS RICHARDS your Saturday captain or a cheque into the till over the bar.

1st XI

Two more wins in the last 2 weeks to maintain our 100% start. Stricky batted first and all the batters except Dave Guffick this time, made a contribution to the 248 for 5 total. TOM SHREWSBURY and MARTIN STRICK took 3 wickets each as Roche struggled to 131 all out. It was a bit of a hard slog when you feel that the chase has been given up very early.
Last Saturday was almost the end of the run and it was the depth of the batting that again came to the rescue. Launceston made 222 for 8, dropping our 1st bowling point this year. HARRY BOLLAND picked up the ‘rabbits’ at the end for figures of 3 for 18 all caught by Stricky, all at mid off. BEN STEVENS again looked good with the bat and rattled up a quick (44), DAVE GUFFICK (40) and the fast improving AARON WALLACE (32) scored the bulk of the runs. But we were 8 down with an over to go before Nigel and Neil took us over the line. Perhaps that is the kick up the, you know where, before Saturdays crunch game?

2nd XI

Mixed fortunes for Pagey’s boys with a win and a defeat in the last two games. 176 was enough for Perranporth who could only manage Nelson in reply. Wickets from the expected trio of SCOTT JAMES, PAUL LADNER and ROB NORWELL were too much as the batting crumbled in the face of such an onslaught.
However the 2’s managed to get themselves into an amazing amount of trouble against St Gluvius before rallying late on to make the score look respectable. After bowling out St Glu for 182 the boys managed to get themselves to 5 for 5 in reply before CRAIG WILLIAMS and CALEB ROWE batted superbly to get us to 135. A brave effort!!!

3rd XI

Two more wins for MAT RICHARDS as the 3rd’s continue to challenge at the top of Division 6 West. JOE McELHINNEY scored 50 in a total of 185 v Truro. Wickets were shared around as Truro could only manage 147 in reply. On Saturday MARK  RICHARDS  went berserk at Falmouth. He hit 26 fours and 3 sixes in a fantastic innings of 165 not out. JOE MAC was again in the game with 5 wickets which helped skittle the opposition for 125. Keeping up the pressure at the top.

4th XI

CHRIS PEARN is fast becoming the star turn in the 4th team as he scored 41 against Constantine in no time at all. Apparently he hits like a ‘donkey’. DEAN HICKS making a much welcomed return took 2 for 8 but was unable to prevent the loss. Last Saturday was better as DEANO (51) helped with the bat to get us to 161. KEVIN BRAY was the destroyer with 5 for 22 dismissing Chacewater for 139.

Everyone seems to be enjoying their cricket and there seems to be a good atmosphere around the club at the moment.

Redruth v Wadebridge (31st May)

I was not present at the Bank Holiday fixture as I was away with the County Under 15 side for a game against Lancashire that actually ended in a tie. Both HARRY BOLLAND and TOM SHREWSBURY are a part of that team. But it appears to have been service as normal.  Wadebridge won the toss, elected to bat and the bowlers dominated proceedings to the point of bowling the opposition out for 110. NEIL IVAMY again taking wickets and LIAM NORWELL again causing a stir. DAVE GUFFICK continued his rich vein of form with 63 not out as we won by 7 wickets with 22 overs to spare.

Redruth v Beacon (5th June)

In difficult conditions we managed 20 points at Beacon but not without some interesting performances from some of the non-players. Wickets fell regularly on a slow paced pitch and we were thankful for 59 extras in reaching 228. With some inspired umpiring to say the least we were soon in control with them at 27 for 4. Beacon were not able to recover but some spirited middle order hitting allowed them to reach 169, being all out in the last over. NEIL IVAMY was again in the wickets with 4 and HARRY BOLLAND bowling for the first time in County One took 3 on a bouncy turning pitch.

Ludgvan v Redruth 2 (31th May)

Ludgvan racked up 335 against the 2’s which as the final score suggests was not as massive as it first appears. On a small ground, some wayward bowling was severely punished. But in reply against top of the league, the boys all batted well to reply with 257 a good score against a well fancied side in that division.

Redruth 2 v Leedstown (5th June)

On Saturday 172 was not enough against Leedstown although it took them 44 overs to knock them off. ADAM STRICK top scored with 39 and ROB NORWELL took his weekly 3 wickets.

Mount Hawke 2 v Redruth 3 (5th June)

The youngsters again tried to make their mark on this game ADAM LE GRANGE with the bat scoring 43 and WILL HARRIS taking 5 for 13 with the ball. But scoring 110 batting first was not going to be enough even with Will’s heroics.

Wendron 2 v Redruth 3 (31st May)

An easy 10 wicket victory last Saturday, saw Wendron all out for 137. MATT RICHARDS, 5 for 21 and MARK RICHARDS (53) and the rapidly improving ADAM LE GRANGE (71) completing the rout keeping the 3’s in contention near the top of the table.

Redruth 4 v Beacon 3
A fine win at the much maligned Clijah Croft for the 4th’s, which with DEANO’S help, is producing runs in abundance.There are worse pitches than this around!!! Redruth 179 Beacon 82, 4 wickets for WILL THOMAS who looks to have a good action that could take him into the higher teams at the club. On Monday even though GRAHAM JENKIN scored a brilliant 96* we were not able to overcome Perran 3rd’s but things are improving for the 4th’s and some more youngsters will emerge from Julian’s care I am sure.

INTERESTING READING
Ten best bowling performances this season (all teams)

Ten best batting performances this season (all teams)

Yet another successful weekend saw all 3 teams winning their respective fixtures again. The 1st and 3rd team remain unbeaten and both sit top of their division but it was the 2’s with a great win at Crofty/Holmans who are this week’s team of the week.

Redruth v Menheniot/Looe

STRICKY won the toss again and on a beautiful day we had a bat. No Nigel as he was off reliving his past at a Rod Stewart concert in Birmingham. DAVE GUFFICK outlasted his opening partner this week as Larry went for 13 and Dave eventually went on to play one of his best innings for the club. A partnership of 131 with MARTIN STRICK (51) took the score to 205 with Dave timing the ball better and better. LIAM NORWELL joined him when 4 wickets were down and proceeded to dispatch the bowling to all parts of Trewirgie and surrounding properties. Liam scored 67 in 28 balls (6x4 and 3x6) to rattle up a more than respectable total, but he did lose David on the way who was finally run out for a brilliant 131, with 302 for 5 the final score.
In reply the opposition were soon in trouble at 16 for 2 but it was the slow scoring rate that was noticeable as the bowling was very tight and gave away very little. There was some resistance but we finally took maximum points in the 46th over. Liam again bowled quickly and to say some of the batsmen didn’t fancy it was an understatement. The best spell of bowling came from another teenager TED ALLSOPP who took 3 wickets in one devastating over and finished with great figures of 5 for 13 off 5. LIAM NORWELL seasons best figures of 4 for 14 and one for the very occasional LARRY MARTIN finished the game. It is important that when we win we get the full 20 points!!!

Crofty Holman v Redruth 2

This from the pen of Mr Neil Howarth, (without the scorebook).  Crofty won the toss and put us in!!!!!   We lost Darren in the 1st over, AARON WALLACE batted well for 27, his lowest score of the season, but wickets fell regularly and when Ben Page was out we were 92-5.  BEN HITCHENS went in to join HARRY BOLLAND and, in typical Hitch style, bashed a quick 42 as those two put on about 90. JORDAN CHALLENGER joined Harry who continued to bat aggressively. Harry reached his ton taking 16 off the last over to finish 110*. Jordan finished 27*and the stand was worth 89ish.
Crofty lost a wicket in the 1st over to EGGY who also got their skipper and main batter Alan Shears for 13ish. They ended 170 all out, wickets shared around.  Neil. 

Redruth 3 v Mawnan

Matt and the unbeaten 3’s went to Mawnan on Saturday full of confidence after some exceptional performances in the early part of this season. MARK RICHARDS got yet another 50 but could only find support from son MATT and PAUL HARRIS, as no one else got into double figures, being bowled out for a worrying 128. The opposition started their innings before tea but fear not, CALEB ROWE had other ideas and bowled the spell of his life reducing Mawnan to 58 for 7 by tea time. He finally finished with match winning figures of 6 for 16 bowling out the opposition for just 110. Well Done Caleb !!!!!

Vinter Cup

It’s Thursday lunchtime, as I am writing this and I am still disappointed and annoyed that we are out. For 3 parts of the game we played really well but the last 10 overs we were well below our best. Best of luck to Falmouth in the next round!!                         WE HAVE LEAGUE GAMES TO CONCENTRATE ON

Wanted

No luck with the strimmer!!!!! but I will keep asking. Has anyone got a cooker or a fridge/freezer which is in good condition that they could donate to the club please, as some of the electrical appliances in the kitchen are old, slow and tired or all three.

Another successful weekend saw all 3 teams winning their respective fixtures. The 1st and 3rd team remain unbeaten and both sit top of their division. But it is very early days and we must not be complacent and practice and play hard at all times.

Redruth v Gorran

This time STRICKY won the toss and the batsman were delighted to have first go on another good looking BRIAN RIDDLE pitch. It was in fact the county strip used by Cornwall in the recent match against Devon. LARRY MARTIN did what we want him to do all season and bat for long periods of time anchoring the innings. On this occasion he stayed until the score was a healthy 199 where he had made 93 of them. Larry together with NIGEL HAMBLY put on 97 for the 3rd wicket which included a half century for Nigel. Remember three partnerships of 50 in an innings will usually give you a winning score. We managed 215 for the loss of 7 wickets which we thought may have been 20 short of where we could have been. In response LIAM NORWELL again bowled quickly if a little short and went for a meagre 12 off his 6 overs. TED ALLSOPP was even more impressive with 2 for 18 off his 6, MARTIN STRICK not to outdone by the young guns 2 for 11 off 5 and the new boy NEIL IVAMY 6 for 14 off 8 overs, bowling out Gorran for 59 and keeping our maximum bowling points so far this season.

Constantine v Redruth 2

The 2’s were at Boulder Park taking on the much fancied Constantine. Without the scores from play-cricket I know that the match winner was PETER THOMAS who took 5 wickets for 6 runs or something like that. Great to see peter back playing again and realises some of his huge potential. Pages boys have played 4 won 2 lost 2. Decent start!!!!!

Redruth 3 v Stithians 2

Third team skipper MATT RICHARDS took his boys and a few old men to Clijah for the top of the table clash with Stithians. LIAM ESLICK turned out to be the match winner with an excellent spell of pace bowling yielding 5 for 18 of 8 overs. The skipper himself and the ageless JOE McELHINNEY took two wickets each in bowling Stithians out for 151. MARK RICHARDS (60*) and PAUL HARRIS (47) again knocked off the runs at a canter in just 31 overs.

Vinter Cup

Last week in a match they may have gone un-noticed we defeated a spirited Helston side by 5 wickets in our first t/20 of the season. It was a wet and dank evening and we were all pleased that we got it out of the way.
The reward is a home game against Premier League Falmouth 1st’s. The game is to be played on Wednesday 26th May at Trewirgie. A good opportunity to judge just how far we have come and if we are focused and competitive on the night, who knows?

Grampound Road ladies v Redruth Ladies

On Sunday the ladies travelled to Grampound Road for a 35 over match. Redruth batted first and SUZI BROWN scored what I believe is a first half century by a lady player!!! NIKKI KELMAN supported her with a solid 24 the team reaching 142 for 5. Chair Sarah Stevens led the bowlers with 4 for 11 and there were 2 wickets each for BECKY KENNEDY and LISA KEVERN as Grampound were bowled out for 53. A great performance by the girls.

Liam Norwell

Liam played for Gloucestershire 2’s in the week in a three day game and as we go to print has bowled 10 overs for 45 runs against Northamtonshire but remains wicketless.

The Bank Holiday weekend was a very busy time for the club as we hosted Luckett in the league on Saturday and the Cornwall v Devon Minor Counties game on the Sunday. Covering two wickets in that week preceding the games was a particular problem and we decided to give the better covers to the County game on the Sunday.

Redruth v Luckett

When we removed the sheets covering Saturday’s wicket, it was clear that sweating and other moistures had got to the pitch. Whoever won the toss would put the other team in to bat for sure. We lost and duly got invited to have first go. At 13 for 5 we were reeling, on the ropes and nearly out of it. But these days there is a spirit and determination about the team and this was personified by TOM SHREWSBURY and MARK BURLEY. Unbelievably they took us to 190 for 5 without too much trouble at all. Tom, who is still only 15, scored a magnificent hundred (112*) on his home debut and Mark on his return, supported him with a battling half-century. A club 6th wicket record partnership was created by the pair, beating the previous best by 87 runs. The previous best 6th wkt stand was 89 by DAVID THOMAS and the late STEVE SMILEY in 1993 v Veryan.  Tom is the 1st Redruth player to score a ton on home debut and the youngest player to score a 1st team century, previously held by Danny Stephens.  LIAM NORWELL after only a few deliveries created a buzz around the Luckett dressing room and not many fancied facing him on a wicket that had some pace at times. While he removed danger man Brenton other batters tried to take their chance at the other end, but BEN STEVENS, TED ALLSOPP, MARTIN STRICK and NEIL IVAMY (4 for 11) all prospered as the batters tried to get away from Liam. Luckett were finally dismissed for 67 just before the rain came and we were one of only 2 games to be completed in County One on the day.

Cornwall v Devon

There are so many people to thank for what turned out to be a fantastic day for the club. Weeks of preparation went into this fixture both on and off the field and we should feel proud, as our efforts were appreciated by all concerned both from Cornwall and Devon. BRIAN RIDDLE the clubs Head Groundsman needs praise for an excellent pitch and Martin Strick, Darren Clift, Joe Graham, Dean Hicks and Neil Howarth for their efforts with the outfield and surrounds. SARAH STEVENS and her team of caterers need a very special mention as the food was brilliant. Suzie Brown, Debbee Frost, Claire Hanson, Tamsin Jobson, Lisa Kevern, Bill Rogers, Malcolm and Jenny Hambly were magnificent indoors and Martin Strick, Judith Coughtrie and Paul Hancock were equally brilliant outdoors with the BBQ. Assisting in the kitchen we also had Yvette (Suzi’s sister), Emily Penberthy  and Joel Hambly. Great teamwork all round and appreciated by players and officials alike from both counties. Hospitality was left to the very, very proud President, Mr BARRY PRISK Esq. who was unequalled in the friendly welcome shown to all of our guests. He must have blisters on his hands the amount of meeting and greeting he did. That what a pres should do. Well done Barry.  Neil Howarth, assisted by Ben Page, Adam Strick, Ben Steven and Craig Williams handled admissions and car park co-ordination and the ever reliable Raymond and Marlaine Reseigh ran a highly successful raffle.
Cornwall 244 Devon 204 All out! Good pitch Riddler. A great effort by the club!!!!!!!!

Rosudgeon v Redruth 2

Back to club news, the two’s played Rosudgeon on Saturday 1st May and performed well compared with games played against them in previous seasons. Ben Page was disappointed to let them get to 215 as earlier a score of 175’ish looked more likely. CRAIG WILLIAMS and ROB NORWELL both had figures of 3 for 42 and HARRY BOLLAND 3 for 39. In reply AARON WALLACE (39), HARRY (28) and ADAM STRICK 22 were the only batters to make a real contribution, as we were bowled out for 159. But I know Ben was pleased with the performance.

Redruth 3 v Camborne 4

MAT RICHARDS and his 3rd team were given the game as Camborne 4ths were unable to raise a side so early in the season. 20pts thank you very much!
Saturday the 7th May was another good day for the club. All 3 teams won, the 1st XI moved to top of the table after beating Hayle, BEN PAGE’s boys won their first game of the season and the 3rd team won again chasing another big total against Goldsithney 1st XI, who were not at all amused.

Hayle v Redruth

MARTIN STRICK lost the toss again and was duly inserted by the Hale skipper and we knew that we were in for another hard day. The wicket seamed and turned and with the help of some ‘interesting’ lbw decisions we were once again struggling at 61 for 6. This time it was NEIL IVAMY and BEN STEVENS who came to the rescue with a big 8th wicket partnership, Neil hammered a quick fire 63 and Ben a classy 31. 170 for 8 was a great score from where we were and considering it was a difficult pitch. With Hayle also finding the going tough we could have felt confident with them at 57 for 6. NEIL IVAMY producing what would later turn out to be match winning figures of 5 for 35 off his 10 overs. LIAM NORWELL was the only other Redruth bowler to complete his 10 overs taking 3 for 23, one can only wait and pray for good weather to put some pace into the pitches and Liam will be even more of a handful. But as long as Paul Lello was at the crease the game was not over and the next wicket put on 96 runs and got the nerves a jangling. Some smart tactics from Stricky kept Paul away from the strike and we managed to chip away at the other, lesser batsman and earn our 24 run victory by accurate bowling and hard work.

Redruth 2 v Mullion

After struggling to post a score in earlier games the 2’s racked up 211 for 5 on another good pitch at Trewirgie against Mullion. The enigmatic AARON WALLACE made 42, BEN PAGE 54 and ADAM STRICK with a back to form 50. Mullion were never in the hunt after the openers had been removed, as 3 bowlers shared 3 wickets each, PETER THOMAS, HARRY BOLLAND  and ROB NORWELL, Rob’s only costing him 4 runs.

Goldsithney v Redruth 3

MATT RICHARDS has really got the 3rd team firing and once again it was the HARRIS family who dominated proceedings at Goldsithney. WILL HARRIS took 4 for 27 and CALEB ROWE 2 for 25 as we restricted one of the leagues stronger sides to 210 for 7. Enter dad PAUL HARRIS who made 86 not out supported by son WILL and the ever improving CALEB. The score was passed for 7 down with 3 overs to spare and brilliant result. Well done Matt and his boys, plus two old men!!!

Liam Norwell

Liam played for Gloucestershire 2's in the week in a one day and a three day game, both against Surrey. In the one day game he bowled 5 overs for 15 and in the three day game bowled 15.1 overs, 2 maidens 3 for 58.

The close season saw a lot of comings and goings for us, as players arrived looking to play for an ambitious Redruth and others leaving for new clubs, hoping to find the cricket experience they want. I am always sorry to see players leave because a club running four teams needs a playing membership of close to 100 if it is to fulfil all of its commitments.

Joining us this season are experienced campaigners LARRY MARTIN and MARK BURLEY. Both have premier league experience and both have previous connections with Redruth. Youngsters TED ALLSOPP from Perranporth and TOM SHREWSBURY from St Minver have also joined to improve their game and help us battle for promotion. NEIL IVAMY is our professional this year joining from premier league Newquay. Neil is a member of the Cornwall Minor Counties side and has taken wickets consistently in the premier league.

Talking of the new, there is a new website and new webmaster that will help provide up to date info and stats about the club. A massive thank you to ROB THOMAS who has taken this on and when the domain name is finally sorted we will let you know.

Last Saturday saw us take on (West Briton favourites) Troon in our first league game of the season. After weeks of great weather the pitch looked excellent and we were a little surprised to be put in to bat first. Larry and DAVE GUFFICK got us away to a great start before Dave was caught at square leg to ball that was very full, around waist height, but not called ‘no ball’. Tom Shrewsbury looked comfortable on debut and with some clean hitting from LIAM NORWELL they helped Larry set what we thought was a modest 160. In reply the impressive BEN STEVENS removed danger man Ian Goldsworthy and then skipper MARTIN STRICK proceeded to destroy Troon's top order. Both Ben and Martin got 3 wickets apiece and Liam, Neil and Tom took one a piece to record a SPECTACULAR win, bowling out the opposition for 59. Liam bowled very quick and accurately for figures of 8-1-16-1 and looked dangerous throughout.

Check out the Gloucestershire Cricket Club website to see both Liam and JOSH WINGFIELD on their Academy page. Josh is injured at the moment but we hope to get him back pretty soon, with the help of the Gloucestershire physio and a new exercise programme.

Good to see so many supporters at Troon, I know they were thrilled with the win as I was, BUT it is early days, a long way to go and with Luckett beating Camborne last week, today’s game will be very tough. I look forward to Nigel Hambly’s return to strengthen the batting as at the moment the bowling looks very strong. Let’s hope people stay fit and we could have a great season.

The 2nd’s played a very strong Perran side but made a good showing with encouraging performances from some of our future stars. Redruth batted first and only skipper BEN PAGE, evergreen DARREN CLIFT and deciduous ROB NORWELL managed double figures. A score of 145 was never going to be enough but CRAIG WILLIAMS and HARRY BOLLAND both managed 3 wickets apiece as they went down by 4 wickets.

A brilliant start by the 3rd ‘s saw them chase down 180 at St Ives. The family RICHARDS scored 90 between them, Mat 43 and Mark 47, but it was the experienced cool head of PAUL HARRIS with a measured 68 that saw the boys home with almost 10 overs to spare.

And finally, the club is in need of an industrial sized strimmer for keeping the banks down, If anyone has one to give, sell cheap or has a contact in the flymo trade please let us know.