The new name for this column will be … (drumroll sound effects) … The Blue & Gold Bulletin. You won’t believe it but I have been inundated with ideas from, well, nobody!! So the name is my idea and I will be rewarding myself by buying myself a drink at the bar.

The 1st XI are now sole occupants of top spot in the league after completing their 4th win from 4 games at home to Hillingdon Manor on Saturday. Chenies batted first and initially things did not go to plan, as the top order crumbled to leave us 76-6 after 22 overs. But the tail wagged, orchestrated by skipper, Roger Vessey, who struck 40 not out, to take us to a defendable, but still below par 187-9. A very controlled bowling and fielding performance which was a vast improvement on the previous week, meant that the run rate was kept in check and taking regular wickets helped to build pressure. But their opener was still there until he became the 9th wicket to fall courtesy of a brilliant one handed grab by Waqas Kiani, and then victory was duly achieved by 21 runs.

The 1st XI have instigated monthly awards for the 2019 season, so each month a bowler, batter and captains award are handed out. Congratulations to the May award winners: Bowler; Dave Brown – 4 wickets from 23 overs at an economy rate of 3.1, Batter; Waqas Kiani – 145 runs across the 3 matches with a high score of 59* and an average of 72.5, Captain’s award to Mike Pickard for his sprawling save in the covers off the last ball of the Wooburn game which we won by 1 run.

The 2nd XI visited Farnham Common and for the second week running they bowled themselves into a winning position, and then batted responsibly to secure victory. This week it was Ronald Eltringham with 4-46 and Brian Shipley with 3-34 restricting Farnham Common to just 152 and with 61 from Alex Martin and 34 from Tom Horsburgh the chase was successfully completed with 8 overs and 6 wickets to spare. This win lifts the 2s to 5th in the league table, but only 5 points from the promotion places and 40 points clear of relegation.

Next week the 1st XI travel to Tring Park and the 2s host Kew.

Colts Matches:

A belated report from the U11 match at home versus Chalfont St Peter on Thurs 16th May. Chenies lost the toss and with CSP electing to bowl first, we ended up at 213-10 with strong performances from Sacha (8) and Will (16) despite very strong bowling from the visitors. CSP took to bat and held a steady course losing their first wicket in the 8th over courtesy of a tidy delivery from Bryn. The visitors managed to stretch their lead to a final tally of 250-4 with wickets being taken by Will, Seine and Charlie in the final three overs. Having played and beaten the CSP team last season, we look forward to challenging them to a friendly match to set the record straight!

Colts fixtures for the next week:
Mon 3 Jun – U15 v Chalfont St Peter (H)
Tue 4 Jun – U14 v Wooburn Narkovians (H)
Wed 5 Jun - U11 v Farnham Common (H)
Thurs 6 Jun – U14 Girls v Gerrards Cross (H)
Fri 7 Jun – U13 v Burnham (H)
Sat 8 Jun – U9 Lions v Gerrards Cross (H)
Sat 8 Jun – U11 v Beaconsfield (A)
Sun 9 Jun – U10 All Stars v Chalfont St Peter (A)

In other news:
Subscriptions – if you have not yet paid your annual subscription then please pay as soon as possible.
Prosecco Cricket is up and running for the season having started last Tuesday. Come along on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. (We meet later as the daylight hours lengthen). It’s a fun way for women to get involved in cricket. It’s soft ball and a great keep fit session with a glass of Prosecco to finish. Roll up to play and £5 per session. Please spread the word! Julie Pickard looks forward to welcoming you all and any queries please get back to her (01494 762707, mgmpickard@icloud.com)
Sunday fixtures – Sunday skipper, Mike Pickard is keen to get fixtures up and running and is looking to arrange matches for 9th and 16th June if we have sufficient players to raise a team. If you’re interested in playing on either or both of these dates then please let Mike know (mgmpickard@icloud.com)
Club BBQ – Saturday 29th June. Put it in your diaries – more details to follow next week.