Willow League Match 1: CBBs v Rhiwbina @ a wet University Fields, Llanrumney 7th May: WIN | Scorecard |
CBBs batting first reached 100 for 6 and Rhiwbina fell short at 64. Mr Director 36 no, Captain 25 and Mr Walker 13. Mr Wides 9. Imran gets a 3 for and Mogridge a 2 for as Rhiw get to 64.

The Captain's Report :
Weather was good all day, until 6.15pm, when the rain fell and as all other games fell by the wayside we continued. The toss was gratefully won and game sensibly reduced to 18 overs. We batted first, myself and Darren (director) made our way against the wind to the middle. After a cautious first couple of overs when I played and missed only twice (honest) we settled into the game the director manfully faced the elements head on and indeed did well to see off the dangerous opening bowler for Rhiwbina. After four overs umpire Dart asked if we were happy to continue, darren with rain dripping from nose confirmed that he was delighted to leave that decision to me, so we did!! we managed to hit a few boundaries and somehow the good balls missed as we accumulated a fifty run stand, this set up the game for us. After i was out (25 i think) Director continued on to anchor the innings, Gareth and Rob Jones came ....and went!!, and Gwyn played a delightful cameo (13) at one point was heard to swear at the Director for making him run 2 1/2 runs before the ball went for a four, he was knackered!! in difficult circumstances rhys and andy rees gave it a go as well. Darren an excellent 36 not out.

Total of 100 looked good but with the outfield short and only 10 men we had to bowl well.

Imran and Robbie Jones set the tone for us, both bowling beautifully and miserly, Imran took the wickets (3) but both could have had more. good catches from andy grills and myself helped. Rhys and Darren took over the ball continuing the good work difficult for them as batsmen were chasing the game. Darren took two wickets as even a change of ends didnt phase him. in the end the scoreboard looks quite convincing, but it didnt feel like it at times.

Special mentions to the fielding of the Andys - Rees and Grills, and Gareth running in saving countless singles, and to phil peddle who endured a difficult night because of the conditions but kept wicket extremly well, his new gloves dirtied im sure!!

Well done guys great start, and well done to rhiwbina for playing the game in the right spirit, enjoyable night.

The Opposition Report :
The cultured Darren Mogridge ensured that the scoring rate ticked along for the opposition. He carried his bat for 36 as we were treated in the last over of the innings to some vintage Dai James (2 for 2 off 1, including a peach of a delivery to end the innings). The Barbarians finished on 100 for 6 from their 18 overs.

It was then a case of piling into the scorer’s hut (or in Sisko’s case – his car) to avoid the drizzle and hope that we could muster a decent reply in very tricky batting conditions to say the least. To make matters worse, the BaBas bowled extremely tightly, deceptive in pace and flight and deadly in accuracy. This meant a cautious, and sometimes shaky, start for the pines. ( Read More)

Willow League 4 v Eclipse Print 28th May LOST |Scorecard|
Eclipse Print 178 beat CBBs 63 all out

R. Dart reporting for match report duty on Captain's orders.

A rare bright and sunny day saw the CBBs resume their Willows League duties after three weeks of sitting on the sofa watching Britain's Got Talent while summer rain continued. Despite the recent inclement weather the pitch was reasonably solid, though with very little bounce. The captain tactically lost the toss and the BaaBaa's took to the field. Messers Mullins and Rusby (S) opened the bowling but were met with firm resistance from a classy opening pair. After a couple from Mark I took over at the 'club' end and promptly bowled two overs of rubbish. Fearing the worst I went off to square leg to have a think, heeding Matt's clear instruction to 'concentrate on line and length'. My next two overs went a little better and kudos to the Chairman and the Skipper for taking the catches when they came along. Gwyn, manfully deputising for the absent Phil Peddle, kept tidily throughout the first ten overs and was rewarded for his efforts with an excellent stumping off a distinctly average ball for my first of the day. Watch out Peddle... Gwyn's coming for you. After the first ten overs I took some rather sweaty gloves off Gwyn and settled in to watch a bowling masterclass from Rob, some lovely swing, two straight bowleds and a dolly for me to catch behind the stumps. Despite the efforts and energy of the likes of Mark, Jerry, Rushby (N) & Andy in the field the batsmen stuck to their guns and amassed an excellent total, with some lovely shots coming towards the end of the innings as they chased a decisive total. Which ultimately they got.

Our innings gives us a number of things to build on for the rest of the season, and was hopefully an innings that we've now got out of our system. Wickets fell at regular intervals including one M.Clarke, given out to a no-ball that neither myself or my fellow umpire (Gwyn) called - lesson learnt there Skipper, and many apologies indeed. Rushby (N) looked tidy until an unfortunate run-out and Gareth gave it the hammer trying to put us back in the game. Mullins and I batted together for a bit, which was a lot of comedy as he's very busy and keen to run singles and I'm, well, not. Fair play to him though, he pushed me to a knock of 18 before I was bowled whilst lazily playing a forward defensive. Ambition to reach 20 still burns brightly for me, though I do concede that fitness could do with improving before I reach those dizzying heights. The 20 barrier was no problem for Mark though as he casually knocked a 22, hitting a couple of lovely fours in the process - for the last few overs he was supported by Jerry, who ended the game on 2 not out and happy.

onwards and upwards CBBs.

Willow League 5 v Cardiff Hockey LOST | Scorecard |
CH 122-3(14pts) beat CBB 118-7(1pt) by 7 wkts

Phil Peddle writes :-

Cardiff Bay Barbarians vs Cardiff Hockey
Llanrumney
02/06/2009

The third willows league game for the CBB's saw them take on the leagues new boys Cardiff Hockey. After the director of cricket did his best to make us miss the match by driving round in circles for 20 minutes we arrived at a sun soaked Llanrumney pitch to find the rest of the team in an upbeat mood keen to put right the lacklustre performance of the previous week.

Batting first the Captain along with new recruit Neil looked set to build a solid opening partnership until a great delivery beat Neil and demolished the stumps. Fortunately for the CBB's this brought the director of cricket to the crease who despite looking a bit stiff was able to run through his repertoire of shots and eventually amass 28 valuable runs. The captain with his usual unorthodox switch grip played a cracking innings pulling out a succession of big hits until he got a bit carried away, forgot to move his feet and lost his stumps doh! After that the run rate stalled a bit as a succession of partners for DOC struggled to get the ball away cleanly as accurate bowling and a few unlucky moments saw wickets fall a bit too regularly (surely the most unlucky person in the team must be Andy Grills who looked set to play a blinder of an innings before being run out without facing a ball). Once DOC was caught and bowled CBB's looked set for a sub 100 score but were saved by determined efforts from Imran, Ihsan and Mark Mullins which saw us reach a creditable 119, on another day that score would have given us a great chance…..

After a short drinks break we were raring to go and things looked good after a solid first over from Imran had the batsman looking a bit uncomfortable. Unfortunately things then went a bit pear shaped as despite some consistent bowling with very few extras given up, the opposition openers established themselves and punished almost every loose ball giving very few chances in the process. With almost 80 runs on the board after 8 overs and only a solitary dropped catch to our names the CBB'S looked downbeat, this prompted the Captain to bring himself on and promptly clean bowl the opener who had not long reached his 50. The spirits of the beleaguered CBB's were duly raised and 2 more wickets quickly followed to give us brief hope but with Hockey needing only 30 runs from 10 overs with wickets in hand a miracle was needed. In the end Hockey ran out deserving winners with their Andrew Flintoff impersonator getting their innings back on track and only coming undone once from a peach of a slower ball by the Captain which bounced tantalisingly over middle stump with the batsman beaten all ends up.

All in all a decent performance by the CBB's who can be positive for the rest of the season as there is surely more to come in terms of performances and 2 of the best sides in the league out of the way.

Roll on next week.

SWFTL 4 v St Fagans Museum Wenvoe 4th June 2009 WIN

Jerry Jones observes....

St Fagan's Museum v Cardiff Bay Barbarians
4 June 2009

A return to Wenvoe and a pleasant sunny evening after the soaring temperatures earlier in the week. The Barbarians after a stuttering start to the season were optimistic of getting a result against the unfancied St Fagans Museum. On arrival we were greeted with the news that only six of there team were available so not wanting to call it a day we agreed to make up the numbers in the field, as Mr Chairman says "we are a nice team".

The Barbarians were first in to bat with Darren and Andy Rees and set a good foundation with 46 runs after 5 overs. Darren (as per the rules) dutifully retired after hitting a solid 32 including 4 consecutive 4s!

Riley and Peddle were the next pairing. The run rate clearly slowed somewhat in this middle period with only 10 runs in 5 overs. Peddle was eventually harshly (in his opinion) given out LBW after 11 runs, he was replaced by Gwyn Walker. Gwyn Walker after a few comfortable singles hit a whopping 6 with consummate ease. Gwyn was clearly back to his old form hitting commendable 24 runs putting the run rate back on target with 43 runs in 5 overs. Gwyn was eventually bowled by Morgan. Commenting shortly afterwards: "I'm **** knackered". Jeremy came in for the last three overs with Riley.

We made a good solid 120 runs and a good all round batting performance. The Museum on the other hand bowled well, notably Thomas and Morgan and were supported by makeshift fielding and a less than confident wicket keeper.

Rhys Dart and Ihsan started the bowling setting the pace. Ihsan, a new recruit to the Barbarians, showed some excellent promise for future games. However, it was easy to under estimate the opponents who started fairly brightly until a moment of brilliance from a rejuvenated Gwyn Walker who caught and bowled their best batsman Thomas. Thomas was clearly a competent batsman from his first dot ball. Lightening does however strike more than once as Gwyn took two more wickets.

Darren was notably impressive for his ability to multi task by umpiring and keeping score, although he seemed a little confused with what to do with the book when calling a wide.

The field was reasonably well marshalled by Thomas Lansley and his dad Mr Chairman, Jeremy and wicket keeper Peddle. Andy taking a neat catch at cover and Ihsan taking a superb boundary catch at deep (and not falling into the nettles). "Picture postcard stuff" said Clarky.

The Museum now knowing they were probably not going to make up the 120 appeared to relax and open their shoulders. A few boundaries followed making the game more interesting last five overs. Clark and Mogridge steadied the ship and calmed any unlikely nerves with the last few overs.

Man of the match Gwyn Walker.

Willow League 6 CBBs v Chartered Trust WIN | Scorecard |

A Thumping 8 Wicket Willow League win see the CBBs reach 147 for 2 at the close against Chartered Trust's 146 for 6 (?) for a most agreeable 14 points. A most excellent CBBs allround performance with batting masterclasses provided by The Director of Cricket & Neil Rushby. Heads held high Gentlemen... Mr S Rushby opines....

CBB's v Chartered Trust, Willows League, 9 June 2009

First of all apologies for the lateness of my match report. It doesn't help when Master Rhys Dart is such a girly swot when submitting his reports. Also I have recently been taking offence to remarks from the Director of Cricket that my sole use for the team is to bring my younger brother along.

So to the game, CBB's v Chartered Trust, Willows League, Tuesday 9 June 2009. We gathered at Llanrumney University Pitches under Iron Clad skies. After the rainfall from the previous weekend it seemed to be a miracle that the game was on.

Did Clarky win the toss? I'm not sure but we took to the field in any case. Imran and Rob Jones opened the bowling. Mr Jones went lame after a couple of overs with an injury that was to keep him out of the Willows Cup game. Imran bowled well and ended up being the pick of the bowling with 2 wickets for 16 runs from 4 overs. The bowling effort was carried on well by Darren and Mark Mullins.

We were electric in the field with Messrs Lansley and Jones (J) pouncing on the ball like squirrells pouncing on acorns in the autumn. Rhys was also performing well behind the stumps in the absence of the Peddle.

Then we decided to make a game of it and the skipper bought himself on from the Rugby Ground End and yours truly from the Pavillion End. We both took a wicket but they proved to be very expensive. Anyway lets move on. Oh yes and bloody Mark Mullins dropped a catch.

Chartered Trust finished with a respectable 146 for six wickets. There was a look of concern from certain members of the squad but after a group huddle, a grope and a few words of wisdom from Captain Clark, Darren and Rushby Junior headed to the crease.

Runs came freely and as the Chairman has already conveyed what came next was a pleasure to watch. The openers picked off 1's, 2's and boundaries with ease and both moved along at an even pace. Rushby Junior had certainly arrived. With Neil on 44 and looking certain of a maiden half century he had a rush of blood and presented an easy catch to the wicket keeper. An opening partnership of 84 was posted off about nine overs.

The wicket bought the Captain to the crease for a quick flurry hitting a huge six over deep square leg before being caught for 10. Rob Jones joined Darren who carried on the free hitting and reached his half century with ease. Rob was equally explosive hitting 8 singles in his final score of 8 not out. Darren finished on 71 not out and the target was reached off 15.2 overs. The only disappointment was that the winning run came in the form of a wide.

So just to confirm; CBB's 147 for 2 wickets off 15.2 overs and a haul of 14 points. That's proper twenty20 cricket that is. Heads Held High gentlemen in the words of Mr Chairman.

Man of Match: Darren Mogridge

Author: Mr Stuart Rushby esq

Willow Cup CBBs v Cardiff Hockey LOST | Scorecard |

Concentrating on the League Gentlemen Mr Dart reports on our recent Cup exploits.

CBBs v. Cardiff Hockey - Willows Cup

A good humoured CBBs team narrowly lost to the cup holders on a lovely evening in Llanrumney. Batting first the baabaas amassed a respectable 115. The strategy was clear "let's think about it boys" said the skip "if you go in late on get yourself out and get darren back in". This was by way of explanation that in this competition batsmen retire at 25. "Hold on" said the esteemed Director "I have to get 25 first". Perhaps hampered by going for a run a lunchtime (certainly not normal CBB behaviour), perhaps just bored of batting due to his excellent unbeaten knock on Tuesday, the DoC ran himself out early on. On to plan B. All in all good knocks from the skipper, Gwyn (classic innings from Walker... huge four, and then out!), Neil and Phil Peddle (!), plus the hammer once more from Gareth pushed us up to a lofty total. Kudos as well to our two débutantes who Gwyn uncovered from the realms of Burger King and further afield, both batted admirably and fielded well as well - welcome to the CBBies chaps. Least said about my batting the better, although I managed to fluke a couple of leg byes to add to my single. Back to the lab to work on my technique I think...

Whilst the innings was ongoing there was a cracking conversation ongoing back in the pavilion. Gwyn, who along with his daughter is quite the Miley Cyrus fan, was sharing his knowledge of Hannah Montana with the guys. Did anyone know (or care?) that Hannah is called Hannah Montana and has the surname 'Montana' because she's from Montana? We certainly didn't. This caused some confusion with the score book as DoC became more interested in whether Montana was one of the American states, or not (it is, I looked it up).

Anyway, the game was poised. 115 wasn't the world's greatest score but wasn't bad in the circumstances. It started to look a lot better once we started our turn in the field. The Skipper and the DoC combined to remove the opener, lovely agility from Darren to take the catch one handed to his right - perhaps the running is paying off after all? Stu then weighed in with a pearler of a delivery that removed the bail on the top of off stump. We bowled tightly and kept ourselves in the match, special mentions to Ishan and Neil as well as the new boys. I also managed a wicket, and bowled a little better than recently in the process. Unfortunately we didn't have quite enough to see us home but we certainly gave it a go and the opposition felt like they were in a game. Many pleasing aspects on reflection of a good week for the CBBs - fantastic win on Tuesday, backed up by a spirited a lively performance today, particularly in the field.

Cracking week CBBs! See you next week.

SWFTL 5 16th June 2009 v Glenwood Church LOST

With God on their side it was going to be difficult at a humid University Fields.

Andrew L Rees reports....

"Mid June saw us playing Glenwood Church. We were optimistic of a good game with a good run going this season.
Darren duly lost the toss and put us into field, divine intervention? Mullins opened the bowling with Ishan. Their Boycott styled opening bat was soon seen off from a good ball by Mullins. After the first 6 overs they had got off to an ordinary start with a few wickets down. Darren duly brought himself on to bowl some demon fast deliveries, and I took a catch at point. In came there two star batsman. Both got into the batting mood. The first was out near 30, and the second retired on 30, but with some sharp fielding it took them alot of time. I managed to take a couple of wickets, a nice caught and bowled, and then managed to find the ball for another catch at point. Hagger came on for the last few overs and clean bowled their last man. Excellent time for Brandy and Cigars. Sadly their retirement player came back the greedy blaggard and decided to score some runs in the last over. A good bowling and fielding effort Glenwood managed to post a fair score of 115 very getable if we got in the batting mood.
With half an eye on the "player of the day" award I opened the innings with Mr Grills. The pitch wasn't good for batting and was completely dead, money well spent as usual at Llanrumney. After I delicatley left most of the balls from the first over the rest of the team had other ideas. Mr Grills hit a quickfire 3. Ishan came out and smashed about 15, Director advising me to talk him up, before being caught at mid on, sorry Director think i over did it. Lansley Jnr was either trapped by a dubious decision LBW or caught behind. Peddle came and was gone. Things werent going well. However Mullins came to the crease and id played myself in. Glenwood playing there 2 over each routine, very much in the spirit of the Full Toss I decided it was time to get going, and was out next ball for 5. Now Mullins and Darren were at the crease, and I saw the player of the day award quickly vanishing from my finger tips. Darren was pushing the running as ever, and with Mullins at the crease I thought someome would be retiring soon. Darren had other ideas, and decided to run himself out with a bit of encouragement from a certain umpire shouting "go on". Perhaps this certain umpire ought to go on an umpiring course was the after match comment. Hagger got one that did a bit, and even the wall Jerry couldnt stop the rot. Bowled all out for 60 odd. The only member of our team happy was Gwyn - Not Out.
A good bowling /fielding performance to take into next weeks Full Toss cup game, lets hope we can to take some of the friendly out of our batting."

Cardiff Casuals play host at Wenvoe on another warm summer evening.

Andrew Grills deliberates....

The toss won, CBBs opt to bat first.

Things do not start well however as a maiden first over is followed by the loss of Gareth for a duck in the second.
DoC. and Neil quickly adjust to the variable bounce and play well scoring nearly 5 an over to move onto 46 off 11.
A promising start of 15 from Doc. is cut short when he's caught at point off a, and I quote "F~*@ing crap shot!" (A technical term I'll have to look up in Wisden).
Neil's fluent 28 could have developed into a great score had he not been run out by a cracking throw from deep scoring a direct hit on the woodwork.
59 for 3 off 15 overs wasn't great but at least we had wickets in hand.
Rob was unlucky to get an inside edge unto the stumps after a steady knock of 13, unfortunately his was one of the four precious wickets to tumble in the next three overs for just 14 runs. And now we're in trouble.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man
With things looking pretty bleak Rhys played the innings of his career hitting hard and running even harder (I know 'cause I was there).
With an unbeaten 22 from 17 balls and the final score of 98/7 Rhys and his team mates alike had reason to look forward to making a game of it in the field.
Carrying on his fine form Rhys took a peach of a catch off Stu's bowling to take the first wicket and dispatch batsman Vyas for a duck in the fourth over.
"I had to catch it I was too knackered to run for it" was the inspiration quote from Rhys.
Good work in the field from all 10 CBBs especially Phil behind the sticks, doing really well to pick up some very unpredictable bounce kept the game finely poised.
We had to wait for the 10th over before we had any more fireworks though.
And it's that man again, Rhys' second over a two wicket maiden and things are really starting to look interesting at 40 for 3 off 10.
Batsmen Furham and Pike weren't flustered however and playing well managed to keep the run rate just about where it needed to be and took the score to 93 with two overs to face.
With very few runs to play with Mark bowled a cracking penultimate over taking the openers wicket and giving the Casuals a miserly two runs in return.
Despite piling on the pressure on the incoming batsman we had to watch the game slip from our grasp as he hit the winning four runs back over DoCs. head with five balls to spare.

Shame about the result but a good game and great effort.

SWFTL Cup Match v WAG 24th June 2009 LOST
WAG 102 for ?? CBBs 102 minus 14 or so....

Mr Chairman to pontificate...

"Fasten your seatbelts cos this chap can't drive".

So said WAG's gobby wicketkeeper as once again DoC despite his iffy plates punched, cut, pushed and yes drove his way to a retiring 30. He wouldn't have to bat again would he ?...Think back an hour and a half as once again CBBs field first. Its a warm sunny evening and the crowd (Gwyn et al) and a passing tennis ball eating dog stop to watch the nonsense. Our captain, was it Matt, DoC or Hagger rotated the bowling as WAG's father and son openers pushed towards their 30s. Ishan loped in up the hill and Hagger thundered down the hill. Mr Ch wheezed and grunted through his usual 2 overs of nothing. Debutante Clay / Lleu / Llew / Cloy / Welshchap was slightly agricultural but seems a born CBB. Clarky and then that Dart chap then started to spoil matters (from a WAG perspective) by skittling out wickets with the regularity of someone who had been on a skittle course and passed with flying colurs ( I know I always use that verbage). Clarky's two odd boots dazzling in the sunshine and Rhys bamboozling the WAGs as they wafted all round the ball. A tight last 4 of the 18 saw WAG arrive at the 102 for station.

And so CBBs open with Messrs Rees and Clark and erm Clarky's back in the pavilion. Berlin Wall Jones was as disappointing as ever (his words). The arrival of the DoC lifted spirits as he.. (see above). Joined by Mr Ch a number of pretty reasonable 3s were runs but DoC did insist on hitting 4s too. Mr Ch was joined by Lansley Jnr for a short but historical partnership. 4 generations in a row of Lansleys have pulled on the whites to date. Welling up here. Jnr's first run for CBBs a punch to mid on was followed by him being bowled through the gate. Mr Ch amassed a mighty 3 before skying one to Gobby. (Mr Ch in pavilion at this point changing back into mufti)

Emerging. Needing 18 from 2.3 overs Clayman, Rhys, Hagger & Grillsy gave of their best and even a returning DoC saw us fall short. A good game played in a good spirit. It would be nice if all our matches were such.

We're too nice I opined post match. It doesnt matter its only the SWFTL remarked a team mate. How wrong could you be ? SWFTL matters a great deal to those of us second string players who don't usually make the Willow squad. I'd like to see more of our string one players turn out for us in the SWFTL. Are you reading this Messrs (names deleted). CBBs need to be have a bit of a killer instinct. Its all well and good being the nicest team in the league but nicety doesn't get us points. A great deal of arranging , administration and diplomacy has gone into SWFTL. Lets see CBBs making more of a fist of it.

Mr Chairman out.

Tennis ball eating dog was asleep at games end....

Willow League 8 v Consmen 25th June 2009 LOST

Con 162-2(15pts) beat CBB 80ao(0pts) by 82 runs

Time will tell....Rushby N to report ?

Willow League 9 v GE Healthcare 1st July 2009 WIN

A walkover offers up 15 grateful points... Up to 9th or is that 8th ?

Willow League 10 v BA 7th July 2009 RAINED OFF

Willow League campaign stuttering to a close.

SWFTL 6 v WBS Vampires 9th July 2009 WIN

CBBs 112 pip the Vampires 111 at the post...Fangs for the memory.

CBBS VS Vampires

Lansley's prayers are answered
Excitement too much for Reilly who needs a nap to recover

by P Peddle Esq.

After a weather induced break from cricket the CBBS were back at Wenvoe last night looking to cement a commendable mid table position in the inaugural South Wales Full Toss League against a BTS side looking to get off the foot of the table.

After arriving early and sneakily polishing off my Bacon Double and large fries in the car park I was feeling quite pleased with myself, that was until a grinning Captain appears and announces I'll be opening the batting with Stew, bugger! could feel the stitch coming on already.

Not sure if we one the toss or not but we ended up batting first, BTS only managed to dig up 8 players of their own so some kindly CBB's were drafted in to field for the opposition (this is the FTL after all). Stew and I dragged up from our usual positions of 10 and 11 actually got off to a decent start and put on a respectable 49 runs for the first wicket with the run rate at a decent 6 an over, helped in part by an all run four (a CBB first?) - forced by stew which nearly had that ill judged burger of mine paying a return visit.

Once I had gone for a seasons best of 20 Stew couldn't bring himself to continue without me (aw bless) and followed about 2 balls later edging to the keeper. Up step the DOC and Mr Chairman who we were later to discover had a bit of a extra help on his side from a higher power.

As always a measured start from the two club officials, DOC in particular refusing to resort to anything agricultural, the scoreboard slowed but kept ticking over thanks to the odd boundary. It was about the 12th over when an event occurred that will likely go down in CBB history. Mr Chairman looking to take on the fielder for a quick single realised about half way down the track he had no chance, with the DOC frantically signalling for him to backtrack the watching CBB's waited for the inevitable run out, unfazed Mr Ch played his trump card, with 3 vampires around the stumps waiting for the ball Mr Ch dispensed with any attempt to run and instead got on his hands and knees, stuck his backside in the air and appeared to start praying. He remained in that position for what seemed like minutes until with the shouts of the entire CBB side (including the umpires) ringing in his ears he got up and ambled slowly towards his crease. Meanwhile at the stumps the 3 Vampires had received the ball but failed at least 3 times to remove the bails. He refused to say after but the rest of us were convinced Mr Ch had more than luck on his side that time!

Having used all his luck/divine intervention/voodoo Mr Ch departed not long after the DOC retired with a cultured 30 (as per SWFTL rules). In came new boy Gavin closely followed by the Captain himself. Not much drama at the end of the innings except for a play and a miss by the Captain followed by 2 huge hits back down the ground for 4. CBBS finish up 112 for 4 after the allotted 18 overs, good stuff guys.

The vampires made a decent start to the run chase with 2 dangerous looking openers, the CBBS doing well to hold down the rate with the returning veteran Ian producing a couple of wicked deliveries seeming away from the batsman and the captain chipping in with a couple himself that nearly cut the batsman and wicketkeeper (myself) in half. After Stew had dropped the only decent chance when it seemed to have stuck until he hit the floor he felt obliged to come on down the hill and make amends with a great C&B.

I have to own up to being a bit hazy on the rest of the Vampire innings as I lazily put off finishing this match report half way through, however the one thing that sticks in my mind is Mr. Reilly deciding to have a nap on the boundary only to be rudely awoken by a huge hit that would have killed him had it not dropped short, whilst half the CBB's shouted at him to wake up the other half had their hands over their eyes unable to watch the horror unfold.

In the end the Vampires needed 3 off the last ball and despite an almost calamitous cock up by me behind the stumps were only able to run a single, giving us victory by 1 run ( a margin that would become familiar to us in the next few matches!)

Willow League 11 v South Glam 14th July 2009 RAINED OFF

The rain once again snatches away our chance to give the league winners a spanking. The league is over and we finish 9th behind Consmen as they beat us. 6.7 average. Its the Plate and time to square up against some old "foes".

Friendly v Glamorgan Centurions at Llantwit Fardre 15th July 2009

The Centurions double booked us and will play WAG instead :(

SWFTL Cup Match v Glenwood 21st July 2009 RAINED OFF

Noah at Llanrumney. Ark waterlogged.

Willow Plate 1 Thursday 23rd July 2009 v Cardiff Uni Staff @ Llanrumney WIN | Scorecard |CBBs 155 for 4 (DoC 83 no) beat Uni Staff 90 for 7
Captain observes :-

Well we all gathered at Llanrumney fields for only the second game possible in july (23rd), as expected the wicket was interesting, resembling at both ends soft mud with a hard crust on it, still same for both sides but i wanted to bat first.

i promptly lost the toss and was thinking of ways to explain myself when we were inserted into bat. The rallying call from myself was met with enthusiasm as always, the main gist was that it was a new competition (the plate) and one which we should be setting our sights on to win, and i believe we can win.

Neil Rushby and myself took to the crease and the first over was a cautious start as a maiden was bowled. 2nd over led to 8 from yours truly, and in over 3 my stumps were broken maybe i should stop playing attempted cross batted slogs to straight balls!! anyway it was a plan to get the DOC (Darren), to the wicket and he set about getting used to the wicket and the delights that it would serve him up. The score ticked over at a steady rate, Neil went for 14 hard earned runs , gwyn came and went LBW but he almost sat on his stumps as well, if they had all disappeared would the game be over i thought?

Stu Rushby joined DOC at the wicket and Darren gave him plenty of running to do as they cleverly turned 1's into 2's and 2's into 3's, along with the odd boundary Darren took his score past 50, Stu found some power from somewhere and the ball was sent into orbit twice over cow corner never had i seen that before, stu was out by a super quick well directed ball from uni staffs captain bowled, that didnt put Darren off and sixes and more fours were dispatched, its no coincidence that Andy Grills has featured in some good partnerships and once again dispite only scoring 2no, the partnership must have yielded 30or so runs, good effort lads. the DOC ended on 83 no. (eighty three).

the DOC missed the team huddle must have been tired or something, i wanted all of us to keep it tight and NO wides. first ball i sent down.....a wide. it was taken in good spirit from the CBB's ( sort it out u w----r was heard) but between stu and myself we only conceded 13 runs for 3 wickets from our six overs add that with a fantastic piece of fielding from andy Rees with a composed take from stand in keeper gwyn, a run out also occured, after much confusion where the language barrier finally proved too much for Neil Ian D came on to bowl the 7th over and got a wicket in his first competitive ball for ages - good to see him back and firing, five down and not many runs on board. couldnt have asked for much more.

the opportunity to give all the guys a bowl was taken, encouraging overs from Mr Chairman, (1wkt), andy Rees, jerry, and a maiden wicket for the CBB's for Andy Grills all followed, Andy Hagger weighing in with two of the best overs i've ever seen him bowl.

extra credit for Gwyn behind the stumps, and Jerry and Jon L for excellent performances in the field, but well done to everyone who played, its much easier when we win, but we all made it happen.

four of the next five games are plate fixtures and with a couple more performances like this one we will be right in the shout for winning this competition.

man of the match (despite stu rushbys efforts) Darren (DOC).

SWFTL Cup v Glenwood Church Tuesday 28th July 2009 RAINED OFF

Rearranged fixture also lost to the rain..

Willow Plate 2 Thursday 30th July 2009 v GE Healthcare @ Llanrumney RAINED OFF

Willow Plate 3 Tuesday 4th August 2009 v Cavaliers @ Cathedral School RAINED OFF

Willow Plate 4 Thursday 6th August 2009 v BA Dragons @ Llanrumney CANCELLED

Willow Plate 5 Tuesday 11th August 2009 v Consmen @ Llanrumney WIN

Willows Plate 5 - Llanrumney

CBB's VS Conmen

by P Peddle Esq.

Final victory in vain as weather robs undefeated CBB's of a chance to win the Plate competition, De Ja Vu!

The final Willows league encounter of the season handed the CBB's with a chance to avenge the drubbing handed out by the Consmen in our earlier encounter this season although we all knew that an (almost certain) win for the Cavaliers against the winless all season GE in the other fixture on the night would end our chances of collecting the silverware .

Batting first the CBB'S amassed a respectable X off their allotted 18 overs helped in part by some wayward bowling and plenty of extras gifted by the Consmen who to be fair were giving their whole team a chance at a bowl.

With one eye on the cup final later in the week the Consmen reversed their batting order and kept their most dangerous hitters in reserve, the openers maintained a slow but steady rate until Mr Mullins produced an excellent delivery which was edged for an easy catch behind I couldn't fail to take. After that wickets fell at regular intervals and the run rate became stifled. By the time the Consmen called in the big hitters the task was too great and CBB's were able to run out winners by 30 odd runs.

Enjoyable game played with great spirit and by my reckoning that's 3 wins in a row, CBB's producing there world renowned end of season charge!

SWFTL 8 Thursday 13th August 2009 v Glamorgan Centurions @ Wenvoe WIN

Mr Grills' verbosity....

Apologies to any one who wasn’t t the game as I’m afraid my match report can hardly do such a game justice.

A quick inspection of the pitch before the game and it looks a bit worse for wear in places, generally slow and low with the usual lush Wenvoe outfield.

A steady start from openers Stu and Phil is soon broken as Phil is the first to be undone by the lack of pace and bounce off the pitch.

Jerry suffers a similar fate in the sixth over, playing a magnificent stroke through mid wicket about 30 seconds before the ball arrives and clatters into his middle stump.

Stu however is seeing the ball well and scoring steadily despite boundaries being few and far between.

With DoC now at the crease and Stu looking confident we are hopeful of a decent partnership to steady the ship.

36 more runs are added before the fall of the next wicket, DoC bowled for 8.

With Stu having retired that leaves Neil and myself to build on a mixed bag of an innings.

Neil starts well scoring freely but is soon caught behind for 6.

I unfortunately didn’t bother the scorers before returning to the pavilion.

The misery continues as Andy Rees is caught on 2 and Lleu bowled by one which just didn’t ounce at all.

Matt came in and ever the team player sacrificed his wicket (and batting average) for a duck to get Stu back in play.

At least I think that was the plan.

Mark (4*) given the chance would have built a big score himself, but does well to keep Stu company whilst he adds an invaluable 8 runs to his previous 30.

CBBs 75 for 9 off 18 overs.

Well with a very modest total of 75 to defend and only 10 players to do it we knew we had our work cut out.

Mark and Neil opened the bowling.

Despite a few extras a wicket in the 3rd for Neil and we had something to build on.

After not playing for several weeks Lleu was on form straight away bowling 3 really tight overs and how Matt didn’t take 2 or 3 wickets from his spell amazed everyone batsmen included.

Everyone worked really hard in the field especially Phil behind the stumps, stopping as many with his feet as gloves.

Despite this somehow the score was 62 for 1 off 12.

So the Centurions needed only 14 from the last 6 overs with 9 wickets in hand.

DoC is unperturbed however and calmly bowls a maiden happy to let the pitch do the work.

CBBs at last have something to cheer about.

Stu’s first over goes for 5 as does DoC’s second.

Batsmen Mansel and Browley look to be coasting to victory now needing only 4 runs from 3 overs.

Stu is not giving up just yet though and his second over goes for just one run.

During which someone is heard asking Matt rather hopefully “how many left Capt?”

“Two overs after this one!” was the slightly forlorn reply.

Defend 3 runs off 12 balls was surely too much to ask.

DoC’s final over, everyone on there toes, up close stopping the singles.

1st. Dot ball!

2nd. They scamper a quick single.

3rd. They look to run another, but a serene bit of fielding from Jerry results in a run out of danger man Mansel (27), much celebration from the CBBs and the odd raised eyebrow from the centurions.

4th. Dot ball

5th. Dot ball

6th. Dot ball

Ok. They still only need 2 runs from 6 balls but we couldn’t have asked more from the DoC.

And the once comfortable Centurions are now looking a little concerned.

Stu’s last over and the boy is pumped.

I wouldn’t want to be the batsman facing right now.

1st Dot ball, C’mon CBBs

2nd. LBW (Bromley 23). Cracking delivery and fair play to the (Centurion) umpire for giving it.

And the quote of the day from Stu “Hey there are some arses twitching now boys!”. (translation courtesy of www.brummytalk.com)

He wasn’t wrong.

3rd Dot ball, (They need 2 runs from 3 balls).

4th Dot ball, Ok everybody head on it now everyone, it only takes one decent shot for them to win this.

5th Bowled! Another blinding delivery and this is surely too good to be true.

Last ball, 2 runs required, please don’t let it be a wide.

6th BOWLED!

We’ve only gone and bl¤¤dy won!

Centurions 74 for 5, 2 runs short and despondent but generally gracious (I would have been absolutely fecking livid)

CBBs 75! For 8, victorious, jubilant and somewhat gob-smacked.

Amazing last 6 overs, 4 wickets for only 12 runs when the pressure was really on.

Fantastic effort from Stu and the DoC and great support from everybody in the field.

Stu Rushby 38 not out, 3 wickets for 6 runs off 3 overs. A very well deserved Man of the Match.

SWFTL Cup v Glenwood Church 17/08/2009 @ Wenvoe WIN

Match Report for Glenwood Church - Cup Semi-Final (or Final... no-one was really sure)

By Rhys Dart

Are you sitting comfortably?

Then I'll begin.

Before I go too much further I need to point out that the match was so excting that I can't fully remember who exactly took each wicket. So apologies if I leave something out.

This was easily the most exciting match of my CBBs career. Lots at stake with a place in the final / a trophy for the winning team.

The match began with the CBBs only fielding 7 men as the Brummie brothers had mistakenly turned up at Wenvoe and Andy Rees was running a little late. Glenwood put us into bat. By the time Stu and his younger, more attractive, brother arrived we were three down... with four runs on the board. Not the start we wanted, or had planned. Good rearguard action from the brothers Hagger & Rushby and Marky Mullins ensured that we hit a respectable 95 - quality knocks from Mark, Andy H and Stu in particular. Another unbeaten knock from Stu and able support from Andy Rees would prove to be the matchwinner.

So then, onto the bowling. With a smallish figure to reach the 10-man CBBs knew that tight bowling and switched on fielding would be the order of the day. First up, captain-for-the-day Hagger called on Neil Rushby, who ran in like a mad rhino on a stampede and knocked over the first wicket in over number one. Glenwood's next pair played very well, with one batsman in particular scoring at a decent rate, despite some decent controlled bowling from Neil and Andy Rees... I'm fairly sure that Anday took a wicket too - though I might have hallucinated it. Chances came and went, sharp one to Mark Mullins who did very well to dive and get a hand on it, high one that skimmed my finger tips at square leg, looping spinning one to Stu - we weren't taking our chances and the runs were slowly accumilating. Their class batsman hit 30 and retired. At this point Stu and I were introduced to the attack and worked hard to build the pressure - runs slowed, I bowled a wicket maiden, Stu replied with a wicket in his next over and I got a second in my last. Glenwood were starting to feel the pressure. From ticking along at 52 for 2, Glenwood were now looking at 60ish for 5 with six overs to go. On came Super Mike Reilly who bamboozled the batsmen, luring them into a false sense of security with a couple of wides and a no ball, and then punishing them with 2 wickets in 2 balls. Cool as a cucumber he then requested to be removed from the attack. The big man is on a hat-trick the next time he bowls. Awesome.

Buoyed by the fact that his brother was keeping wicket with bruised hands - Andy H ran in with some hostility, softening up the batsmen with some aggressive stuff. From my position at 'Fly-slip' (where?) I wasn't sure if he was trying to get a wicket or break Owen's hands? The light was fading and we accepted the request to play the remainder of the game with a white ball. Eventually the pace and the pressure paid off and Andy bowled someone through his gate. A few balls later and Andy Rees and Owen combined to removed the 9th wicket after an ill advised run.

Scandal in the penultimate over. Umpires called 'over' after the fifth ball. Scorers called on to say that the over was short - the CBBs had already changed ends ready for the final over. One Umpire wanted to play the final ball, the other was adamant that he'd called over at the right time. Captain Hagger to the fore "You've already called it, we can't go back". No more Mr. Nice CBBs.

The match situation was now this: 5 needed from one over to win the game for Glenwood. Their star batsman was at the non-strikers end with the number 11 facing. Mullins tyo bowl. First ball - the batsmen scamper a single, second - 2 runs, third - dot ball, fourth - single. Glenwood now needed a run from the last 2 balls with their number 11 facing.

Fifth ball - dot ball.

Last ball of the match. Scores tied. One run to win.

Cometh the Mark, cometh the Mullins.

Bowled him.

CBBs go mad and win on the basis that our last pair remained unbeaten and saw off the last four overs of our innings.

Impossible to choose man of the match - all ten players fully contributed

Neil: excellent bowling, started us off well and good partnership with Stu in the middle of the innings
Stu: great 22 not out with the bat, very controlled bowling spell.
Andy Rees: Crucially held his wicket under great pressure at the end of our innings, very precise spell to open the bowling
Andy Grills: Sharp in the field, couple of great stops that restricted batsman to one instead of two runs
Gav: Marvellous catch out at Long on, brilliant.
Owen: Looked very fluent with the bat and kept wicket very tidily and with good humour.
Andy Hag: Captained very well, fully contributed with both bat and ball and sharp fielding close in.
Mark Mullins: Excellent last over under extreme pressure, lovely batting as well. Good fielding but did get out sprinted by me in race for a ball. Needs to do more sprint work...
Mike Reilly: Two wickets in two balls, brilliant!
and me: Returned Wenvoe-like figures at Llanrumney. For the first time this season didn't get battered to all corners of Llanrumney... about f*****g time.

Well done CBBs, we've won something! (a place in the final / the trophy ... delete as appropriate)

Lovely game to play in, great atmosphere and very exciting. Makes me sad to think that the season is ending.

SWFTL 9 Wednesday 19th August 2009 v Sportsman's Rest @ St Fagans CANCELLED

Friendly Thursday 20th August 2009 v Housing Hawks @ Wenvoe WIN

CBBs 99 for 4 : Set 100 to win off 18 by a keen CBBs, the Housing Hawks came up short despite the presence of Imran Ahmed in their ranks. Or maybe because of IA in their ranks ?

Mr Chairman clarifys... Succinct and to the point for a change. A warm muggy night saw CBBs open the batting and post a very creditable 99 off 18 overs. Congratulations to Messrs Rushby S and Mullins M both not out 30. Rushby S joining the long line of people to run out Mr Chairman too.

In reply the Hawks were put under pressure as a string of wickets continued to fall throughout their 18 overs. Only a small downpour and retreat to the pavilion postponed our win. Not even Imran's lucky 6 to Cow Corner was gonna alter the result.

Mark Mullins not content with his 30no was our bowler of choice. He was fricking everywhere last night. Think he took a catch too. Yours truly managed a 2 for 11 must have been because the press were there. Sterling bowling from Ian who winkled out two. Lleu snaffled a jaffa at point. Captain Fantastic finished matters off by taking the last wicket. Good support from Messrs Dart, Hagger & Rees too.

Top drawer wicket keeping from Rushby N, nimble and safe pair of hands. Jubbly.

Good stuff. He's here he's there he's every fricking where Imran .....

MoM : Mark Mullins.

SWFTL Cup Final 24/08/2009 @ Wenvoe v St Fagans Museum RAINED OFF

SWFTL ?? 25/08/2009 v Highways Hurricanes @ Wenvoe RAINED OFF

SWFTL 10 Thursday 27th August 2009 v WAG Wizards @ Wenvoe RAINED OFF