Headlines 2008

The 8 wins achieved last season equals the same total achieved in 1992 and 1993.
The best bowling performance was Tim Bunn's 5-8. KC took 26 wickets at an average of 14.50 just ahead of Tim Bunn's 24.
The best batting performance was Richard Hussey's 112 but Paul Fanning beat his own record of last season with 685 total runs at an average of 36.05.
Graveney scored 3,514 runs for the loss of 168 wickets. The opposition scored 3,176 runs losing 136 wickets.

Appearances (This analysis includes a summary of batting, bowling and catches)

Asked to field first in this hastily arranged fixture against Down Under Dragons, all the bowlers, except perhaps KC with figures of 8-2-26-1, took some punishment at times. The Aussie oppo' wracked up a cricket score of 258-8 in their 40 overs, with Raghu the most successful in picking up 3-33 in 6 overs. Jay Vibert also produced an excellent 8 over spell which deserved better than a return of 2-41.
(The other bowlers will thank me for not displaying their figures!)

In reply, Dancing Bear and Rob Davies began well enough before the Bear was run out walking a single! Man of the match Raghu Kankate rode his luck, being dropped 4 times whilst keeping Graveney in the run chase. His departure for an excellent 94, followed 2 balls later by KC, left a little too much to be done, however, despite the best late efforts of Paul Fanning (39) and Barry Gray (19), and Graveney were eventually bowled out for a creditable 239 in the penultimate over, the oppo' skipper picking up 7-70!

Graveney so nearly recorded a ninth victory of the season, but ultimately fell agonisingly to a one wicket defeat. An excellent game saw Graveney win the toss and bat first, with Paul Fanning (67) and Rob Davies (20) putting on 72 for the first wicket. Skipper Nick Goodburn (32) added the only other notable contribution in a total of 171-9 from 40 overs.

In reply, Woldingham were reduced to 127-9 after great spells from KC (8-2-12-3), Raghu (8-2-26-1) and Tim Bunn (8-0-36-2) which left Graveney within grasp of victory. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, however, and Woldingham skipper, Barney Annan (53 not out), proceeded to take the game away from Graveney, ably supported by No. 11 J. Patel. With KC and Ragu bowled out, the last wicket pair put on an unbroken 46 to win the game by one wicket, courtesy of a six over mid wicket, with 7 balls to spare.

Graveney achieved their eight victory of the 2008 season after an entertaining finish saw them get home with 2 wickets and ten balls to spare. Opting to field first, Graveney made early inroads through KC, including a wicket from the first ball of the game. There were also 2 wickets apiece for Barry Gray, Chris Pullen and Jez Skidmore as Brockham scored 225-8 from their 40 overs.

In reply Paul (28) and Barry (56) got Graveney off to a strong start with a quickfire partnership of 60, before Nick (11) and Barry added a further 42 for the second wicket. Three quick wickets suddenly reduced Graveney to 102-1 to 105-4, before Mark Rance and debutant Hitan Patel added 71 for the fifth wicket. Both departed in quick succession as Brockham brought their first team bowler into the attack, and it was then that man of the match KC stole the show, taking on board the skipper's advice not to come back until he had won the game, doing just that with a superb 43 not out including some huge sixes to steer Graveney home with 10 balls to spare.

Match Report see the Moment of Disgrace!

Graveney have now equalled the seven wins recorded last season following a 124 run defeat of Old Manhattans. Graveney set an impressive target 250-4 with half centuries from Paul Fanning 54 and Man of the Match Nick Goodburn 63. There were useful contributions also from Rob Davies 34 and Ken Anderson 20* and Jez Skidmore 31* shared in an unbroken partnership of 56.
Paul Fanning has broken his own record for runs scored in a season taking his total so far to 553.

In reply Old Manhattans were bowled out for 126 off 28 overs. Pick of the bowlers were Ken Anderson with 3-12, Dave Price 2-6 and Tim Bunn 2-24. Tim has edged two wickets ahead of KC in pursuit of this seasons Bowling Award.

..and a Report also from Rob Davies for the Blindley Heath game back in June.

Congratulations to Nick and Rob on reaching this major milestone. The photos can be seen on the home page and on the Honours Board page.

Batting first in this 40 over contest, openers Paul Fanning (58, and man of the match), and debutant John Howard (1) contributed in differing ways to an opening stand of 69, before both fell in successive overs. Skipper Nick Goodburn (18), second debutant Oli Jago (13) and Dave Moody (10) played supporting roles around Raghu (47), before a late cameo from KC (21 not out) and the avoidance of a third consecutive golden duck by the returning Jay Vibert saw Graveney reach 196.

In reply, tidy bowling from the opening and change bowlers kept the Old Dorkinians' reply in check. Although they were still in the game at the drinks break, the introduction of Oli Jago's spin produced a couple of excellent dismissals, and once the first three wickets had fallen, the remainder of the order fell at regular intervals, allowing the Captain the luxury (!) of giving the Chairman and vice skipper a bowl at the end, both of whom managed to pick up a wicket as Graveney wrapped up their 40 overs for a 34 run win.