The annual South Nutfield President’s match to mark the start of their cricket week took place against Jack Frost on Sunday the 29 August. 

Surprisingly play started promptly at 11:30am, but unfortunately the South Nutfield bowlers made quick work of the Frost top order on a damp seaming pitch.  Before lunch was even close, Frost were four wickets down and staring down the barrel of an embarrassing collapse.  Ian Milton had raised his concerns about being earmarked as a “bowler” and requested to bat up the order.  Coming in at four and joined by Tim Martin, the skipper, at number six they saw Frost to lunch without further calamities. Almost......Two balls before lunch, with the score nearing 100, the skipper decided to miss a straight full toss leaving Frost five down.  Rumours and mutterings abounded about whether the skipper’s priorities were lunch or the team, and there was even talk of involvement by a local Surrey bookmaker…....

Neither the skipper nor the rest of the team was disappointed when they saw the fine spread in front of them in the lunch marquee.  A four course meal complemented by the traditional Port kept everyone in high spirits.  Thanks must go to Geoff Last who donated the Port but was unable to join us for lunch.  Any Frosters who see Mr Last in the near future please buy him a pint.
Taking his cue from Trott and Broad only a few days before, Milton dug in and then began the counter attack.  A few Frosters had to be ushered from the lunch marquee and remaining Port and cheese, to cheer Milton to a wonderful hundred.  He went on to score 115 and was ably supported by Giles Coffey who chipped in with a lively 34. The rain clouds then came in and after a stop start half an hour Jack Frost declared on 207-7.

A tight session before tea saw the loss of one South Nutfield wicket for only 9 runs.  The President’s tea was enjoyed by all, especially Ian Milton who took a particular liking to the scones.  Well, I guess he’d earnt it.

After tea, South Nutfield went on the attack and at 20 overs seemed to have the target well within their reach.  Hard hitting from Peter Hames and skipper, Matt Lewis, seemed to be taking the game away from Frost.  The spinners toiled, and catches were spilled.  The introduction of Milton, saw the partnership broken and then the captain was run out.  The game was in the balance.  Jack Frost had one trick up their sleeve, 16 year old Ben Donovan was brought on at the Railway End and took three quick wickets to finish South Nutfield off.  Jack Frost win by 7 runs.  A great game and an exciting finish.  South Nutfield all out for 198 with Donovan taking 4-32.

Man of the Match was awarded to Ian Milton for his splendid hundred and Matt Lewis for South Nutfield who took 5 wickets and scored a fifty.  A special mention must go to Julian Walker who took one of the best reaction catches at point ever seen.

The inaugural fixture against St Radegunds took place on the 22 Aug on the hallowed turf of Jesus College pitch in Cambridge.  The St Radegund has the honour of being the smallest pub in Cambridge with the cleverest cricket team made up of those with connections to the University. All Frosters managed to arrive on time and fitted into the pub nicely to enjoy the selection of local ales from the fens.

We headed to the delightful setting of the college pitch, with Jesus College as the backdrop, where such luminaries as Ted Dexter made their name.  Radegund’s won the toss and decided it was only gentlemanly to let Frost bat.  New boy, Pete ‘Shaggy’ Daw  raced out the blocks with a hard hitting 47 including two towering sixes and announced his intentions as a promising potential Froster.  He was ably supported by the ever dependable John Hall. Shaggy was to be outdone, however, by Secretary Alistair Crowhurst, who, in front of his father in law, scored a personal best 80 not out.  Alastair and Julian Tall (27 Not Out) put on an exciting 6^th wicket partnership of 116  before Jack Frost declared on 192 – 5 

On a lovely, autumnal afternoon St Radegund started their reply as the shadows lengthened on this most picturesque of grounds.  Andy Gilbert, coming off his long run, snapped a couple of early wickets with two straight deliveries, one of which was a blinding catch taken by the Chairman at square leg.  It was cat like reactions from the Fox which mere mortals would struggle to imitate. Julian Walker, at the other end, bowled a disciplined spell of 7 overs and picked up 2 wickets breaking the back of the Radegund innings. With the openers work done, it was time for the spinners.  Paul Lack showed all his cunning, experience and guile to snaffle four wickets and was backed up by some great fielding – Shaggy, in particular, taking two great catches at mid on.  It was left for skipper, Tim Martin, to wrap up the last two wickets and lead Frost home victorious.  St Radegunds all out for 85. 

The inaugural (after 3 attempts !) fixture against Highgate took place on a cold blustery Thursday afternoon in North London at the quaint but well hidden Shepherds Cot venue of our hosts.

Having lost the toss (again !) Frost were invited to field first which was interesting as we only had 8 players present at the time ! With Highgate kindly lending us 2 players, we started well with guest player Mark Lane taking the first wicket with just 10 on the board. After a solid knock of 38 from the talented Highgate no.3 Frost got the break though that was to prove vital when Chase took a blinder at Gully again off Mark to remove their best player before he got into full flow. Wickets now flowed at a steady rate with Highgate reduced to 76-6 then 98-8 with "Stormin" Norman Gray using his F & G to bag 3-44 and Lane finishing with 3-29.  Highgate rallied somewhat to push their final score up to a tail wagging 159 All out but on a small pitch, this was hoping to be a none too challenging total to chase.

Tea was taken early which was one of the talking points of the day as the traditional sandwiches and cakes were replaced with an oriental (Thai style) chicken and veggie noodle hot buffet with bread and butter pudding to follow which all proved very popular given the weather conditions.

The Frost run chase began briskly with James Mawson (24) and Mike Chase opening up and followed by a smart 40 from Mark Lane which meant that at the fall of Julian Tall's wicket for 96-3, there didnt seem to be an issue with plenty of time and able batters to come. Next ball, Mark departs, enter Poor Andy Gilbert, who having arrived at the ground at 3.30pm after getting horribly lost, was on a hat-trick ball. The cricketing Gods couldn't be this cruel surely? Er, you can guess the answer to that !  So a mini collapse and Frost are a far less pretty 96-5.  I need not have worried however as a stand of 63 between Ian Milton (39) and Ali Crowhurst (19*) steered us to the finish line with 11 overs to spare.

Outwood won the toss and opted to field, a decision soon justified by a track which popped and shot. Wickets soon fell and it took a sterling effort by Richard Smith, Kevin Powell (guest) and Alex Milton to put Frost back in the game. Tom Bell and Kevin scored briskly in the closing overs to give Frost a defendable total.The Frost bowling attack was spearheaded by Ben Donovan the Surrey under 17 player. His pace and accuracy on a pitch that contrary to our expectation still misbehaved caused Outwood serious problems. Dom captained superbly and made a game of it ,only a chance dropped let Outwood off the hook. A good day for Frost particularly as 2 guests Ed Bartlett & Ben Donovan qualified.

David Mayo
Match Manager

A very strong Jack Frost Xi restricted a weaker than normal (but still very strong) Hampshire Hogs to 179 for 5 in 56 overs on a very benigne wicket. For once Frost had a true strike bowler in the shape of 16 year old Ben Donovan, who was ably supported by George Mills and Hemi Knight. Spin was provided by Salman mohammad and Khawar Saleem (Harve).  Salman Mohammad opened the batting with Andy Gilbert for the XI, Andy falling just before tea. It was then down to Harve and Sal to see us through to a memorable and in the end easy 8 wicket win, Sal giving up his wicket in honorable fashion after scoring a faultless, fluent and stylish 100.

Finally at the third attempt, Frost managed to beat the Hogs, making the tally 2-1 in the Hogs' favour.

Mike Chase
Match Manager

It was a ‘sunny’ day in more than the weather. Paul Lack’s pro guest  Suni Sharma who plays in the Indian corporate league for Air India produced a spell binding display of spin bowling after our opening bowlers failed to make inroads on an excellent batting track. Paul & Suni put the brakes on the Epsomians runaway start and wickets started to tumble. Suni had batsman shaking their heads in disbelief as he plied his craft. The Epsom skipper Rob captained the match very sportingly and it was looking like a Frost win until the promising platform set up by Chasey and Bud succumbed to a Frost collapse including a silver and a golden duck leaving us 18 runs short.

David Mayo
Match Manager

For many, the hottest day of the year so far, combined with the England v Germany football match, would have resulted in the postponement of a village cricket match - or at least a significant reduction in available players.

Not so for Jack Frost XI vs Whitchurch, however. This fixture continues to be one of our more well-supported, both in availability of players and in non-playing supporters on the day. This year the XI included the father-and-son combo of Cosmo and Harvey Jackson, both new to the fixture, and Andy Gilbert in his qualification match - plus the rare sight of Rob 'Vini' Cheeseman back from Devon and playing in a fixture in which he has previously scored a ton for the XI (before many of you were born, apparently).

In an effort to accommodate those who wished to watch what turned out to be England's capitulation to Germany, Whitchurch had endeavoured to set up a television in the clubhouse and the two skippers agreed what could arguably be described, with some artistic license, as a time game (no bowling restrictions etc.) bound by a maximum number of overs per team, to ensure we could break off to watch the football, regardless of how long the football went on - and don't forget that 90% of pundits and cabbies predicted extra-time and penalties, which just goes to show - and still complete a fair game of cricket.

With that agreed, I spectacularly lost the toss and Frost, having been asked to take the field, proceeded to make heavy work of the early overs, in no small part due to some spirited Whitchurch batting. However, a spirited fight-back brought the run-rate down from over 8 to around 5, with great spells from Cosmo, Mike Chase and Tim Martin, who bowled 12 overs unchanged (either side of the football) and took 3-for, which would have been at least one better had yours truly not parried a straightforward slip catch round the post.

Having had to adjourn to The George Hotel in Pangbourne to watch the football - geography, topography and an element of technical incompetence having put paid to the best endeavours of Whitchurch to show the game at the ground - tea was taken on our return and the Whitchurch innings was then completed, resulting in a chaseable total of 164-8. Frost then began a steady response, with runs being accumulated at better than the required scoring rate but with wickets falling at regular intervals, to give an added edge to what had already been an evenly-fought contest throughout. However, a steady knock from Chasey (38), and a middle order flurry from Rob (32), Harvey (29), Cosmo (16) and Tim (14*) saw the XI home by 2 wickets with several overs/minutes in hand.

Unfortunately, the gloss was taken off an otherwise very enjoyable and satisfactory day by the failure of the XI - or at least VII of them - to repeat last year's victory in the post-match 'boat-race'. To be fair it was only by a mouthful, and we have certainly done far worse than that in some of our previous attempts, but by such margins are legendary teams created and dynasties founded. Yes, it was disappointing that we couldn't, for once, 'do the double'. Nevertheless, as always Whitchurch were consummate hosts and both contests were enjoyed by all.

It only remains for me to thank all involved in the day, especially Chris Crowhurst for umpiring for the day, Alastair Crowhurst for his assistance in organising the 'boat-race', and Nigel 'Fox' Fowler for opening the batting and concluding the umpiring, both tasks which I know he was reluctant to undertake but both tasks which he performed with aplomb; and finally I must congratulate Andy Gilbert on qualifying as a member, even though when I welcomed him into the club with the traditional alcoholic appetiser I referred to him as Andy Gregory.........

John Hall

Jack Frost XI v Lustleigh CC - Devon Tour 2010
Saturday 12th June.

For our second match of the Devon Tour, Jack Frost XI visited the beautiful village of Lustleigh not far from Exeter. We were blessed with more fine weather, with barely a cloud in the sky. The ground, set at the end of a narrow lane, bordered by a stream down one side and tall bending poplar trees at one end provided a wonderful backdrop to what would be a most enjoyable day of cricket.

This was indeed a most picturesque village and delightful cricket ground, which also happened to be no more than 50 yards from an excellent hostelry which provided the XI with every opportunity to enjoy a very traditional Jack Frost XI pre match warm up of a pint or two of ale and a light lunch.After much tour banter discussing the vagaries of the previous night’s tour frolics, Jack Frost XI made its way to the ground. Our skipper, Rob Cheeseman, won the toss and elected to bat first.

Our opening pair started well with Clive Hook (28) scoring well in particular, accumulating steadily without giving any chances. Wickets fell at fairly regular intervals throughout the innings as Jack Frost XI looked to post a competitive score whilst still leaving ourselves enough time to bowl out the oppo. With a reasonably quick outfield and a short boundary to one side, several of our batsmen put useful scores together as the total moved along nicely with Cosmo Jackson scoring freely to reach 37 before being adjudged LBW. Ian Milton, (26), looked to be in good touch before being superbly caught in the outfield by one of a number of youngsters all of whom acquitted themselves extremely well in the field, saving many runs and during the course of our innings taking some excellent catches to restrict us to 207 for 5. Mike Chase (47 NO) and our skipper, Rob Cheeseman (26 NO) were at the crease at the end to ensure a sensible declaration.

During the interval, we enjoyed a wonderful tea supplied by the ladies of Lustleigh to whom our thanks must go.

When play resumed, the opposition opening batsmen came to the crease with plenty of intent. However, our opening bowlers, (Ian Milton & Philip Jones), aided by some excellent fielding, made early inroads, making use of the conditions with an excellent display of pace and swing bowling.

Quote - This bowler's like my dog: three short legs and balls that swing each way. Brian Johnston

Whilst Jones was a trifle unlucky, with the batsmen playing and missing with frustrating regularity, Milton, (with the exception of a dropped (dolly) catch by Rob Cheeseman), enjoyed great success, claiming early wickets to leave Lustleigh reeling on 35 for 5. Graham Fowler took an excellent catch at first slip, at full stretch low to his right! A fine example of good cricket all round to dismiss one of Lustleigh’s better batsmen. Fowler held on when it would have split less well positioned slippers. It must be noted that ‘murmurings’ from second slip, (Alastair Crowhurst), did not go unnoticed by 1^st slip and the wicket keeper, (007), as the ball came through off the batsmen’s edge. A lot of ‘hot air’ is something many Froster’s, whilst fielding in the slips with the likes of Dorothy Dandridge, will have experienced - but these so called ‘murmurings’ were ‘hot air’ of an altogether unsavory and antisocial nature, brought on by the dive to take the catch which always belonged to the outstretched wing of first slip. This moment of ‘deep seated’ British humour brought many smiles to the faces of the Frosters as they gathered for the all too familiar post wicket self congratulation.

Quote - On being asked what he looked forward to most upon returning from a long tour of India - A dry fart! Phil Edmonds

Milton finished the day with a very creditable 5 for 36 and whilst our bowlers toiled away admirably in the heat, we were unable to dislodge Lustleigh’s last two batsmen as they finished on 147 for 8, securing what earlier in the day had looked like an unlikely draw for the home team, the draw being a fate that would befall our England football team later that evening when playing against the USA in our World Cup opener - much to the disappointment of those whose interest extended to the football.

 After the match, both teams adjourned to the local pub for the usual post match awards, complimented by Ian Milton standing atop of a table in the pub garden doing his best rendition of ‘Living on a Prayer’ whilst holding a lighter aloft. Ian had only been able to make this part of the tour as he had chosen to go and watch a pop concert on the Friday night - much to the chagrin of the other tourists! This was suitable penance as proposed by our Tour Fine Master, John Croysdill. But as per his batting and bowling earlier in the day, Ian dispatched this challenge with great aplomb and to rapturous and respectful applause from his team mates and fellow tourists! (See photos on the ‘Photos’ section of the website).

Match Summary

Jack Frost XI 207-5 - Chase 47 n.o., Jackson C 37, Hook 28, Cheeseman 26 n.o., Milton I 26

Lustleigh 147-8 - Milton 5-36 

Jack Frost XI

On a warm and sunny Thursday afternoon with the trees gently swaying in the light breeze the ground at Gander Green lane looked a picture.   A strong looking Jack Frost XI turned up to discover to our horror that there were to be no bar facilities that day. Resourceful as ever Alastair C quickly saved the day by organising cans of beer.

Sutton won the toss and elected to bowl first on what turned out to be a great batting track. Due to early accurate bowling Frost lost some early wickets but were steadied by opener Chris Walker (35).  He was soon joined by Ames Saleem (130) and the score started to move swiftly on, with Ames showing us a full range of drives, cuts and pulls.  Once Chris was out Ames was joined by his brother Harve, and between them the score continued to race along. Once Ames had reached 130, he retired.  Then Bud Abeysekera (25) and Harve took the score to 254 which was achieved in 36 over’s, in a little less than 2 hours. A declaration was called and Jack Frost XI innings closed.

Everyone then sat down to a marvellous tea provided by the ladies of Sutton. To which I offer my heartiest thanks.

Sutton’s innings began well for Jack Frost XI with both opening bowlers making early inroads, and very soon Sutton were in trouble at 11 – 3 with most of their recognised batsmen back in the pavilion, with a rout on the cards.  A succession of bowling changes aided by some excellent batting by two of Suttons younger players soon brought them back into the game and as the last twenty over were called they need 80 odd runs with still 7 wickets in hand. The bowling changes started to pay off  and wickets started to fall regularly.  Unfortunately on a very quick outfield the Jack Frost XI, were unable to prevent Sutton reaching their total of 255 for 8.  That said we had bowled 49.2 over’s by then and there were still 8 over’s left.

The evening progressed in the usual Frost tradition with a few beers. Ames was named Man of the Match for the Jack Frost xi for his excellent 130.

After a couple of years, when the game has been rather one sided in our favour, there was a danger of loosing this fixture.  Hopefully, this has now been dispelled. and after what was an enjoyable fixture Sutton is looking forward to us returning next year maybe during their Cricket week as we before.

I would like to offer my thanks to everybody who assisted me in getting the team together and to all of those who made themselves available in what was my first game as a match manager .

Clive Hook

Match Manager

Friends, Froster’s and cricketer’s, stardate 21st day of the 5th month of the year 2010….I write this report following a night that will be written upon the anals of Jack Frost Cricket for centuries to come…A night when the Bucaneer’s were smite from the battlefield and the only catch from Catch 22 was how does Vince get away with that Rambo headband!! A night when Richard Gregory managed to get the 11:20 from Clapham Junction to Windsor despite having no hope at 10.50 as we pulled out of the Grace Gates.....and a day when Ali cried off in the morning with a stiffie that did not recede during the day and strangely only disappeared after an evening up on the Lord’s balcony with Dom. Apparently sources have revealed that Dom, despite not playing, was ‘aching’ this morning!!

These things are all the stuff of legends with songs to be written and sung to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory (or Land of Hope and Glory Hole in the case of Ali and Dom!!) 

But enough of the warm up (we should have had one by the way before we started!!) and on to the events of the evening itself! Ames despite a bad ankle donned the whites as Ali’s replacement and we took the field as follows;

Julian Tall, Richard Gregory , Jon Dunlea, Tom Bell, Salman Mohammed (WK), Ames, Chasey and Harve (C) 

5.30pm start on a scorching spring day at Lord’s…4 teams took part (Catch 22, The Business Partners, Lord’s Taverner’s Bucs and JF), a round robin format with everyone playing each other and using standard 8-a-side rules which broadly translate into whatever you do don’t get out, keep the horns in and use your head…Jack Frost drew Catch 22 in the first game and preceded to get out frequently, charge the bowler’s like Bulls on heat and generally behave like chickens….

Leading the charge of the chicken-headed bulls was the skipper who with Jon Dunlea on seeing Vince of Catch 22 pull the pin on another of his grenade like deliveries advanced merrily down the wicket and smashed the ball back to the bowler who promptly removed the bails with Jon 500 yards out…a good summing up of the partnership for that match.

The next pair of Chase and Julian Tall managed to learn nothing from the previous debacle and the total out count was 9 at the end of their ‘effort’. Chasey was adamant that his bat was at fault, I personally believe it had picked up a piece of crap on the end of it and that prevented it working properly!!!

Next was the turn of Sal and Tom to show they had learnt from the mistakes made by the 2 pairs before them, calmly hitting the side nets and picking up the 2s but lost 2 wkts in their final over to much head shaking from the JF cheerleader’s ‘The Pet Shop Boys’ in work shirts on the balcony (it was indeed ‘A Sin’) the JF batters repeated the mistakes to leave the last pair of Ames and Richard Gregory the task of chasing the runs to get us victory.

Note, I missed out the Catch 22 innings and honestly it was not because my Alzheimer’s is kicking in and I can’t remember a thing about it apart from we kept them to 80-odd which is a below par score…Anyway, Aims and Rich showed the way with a match-winning 3 overs that was full of little deflections and good running to show us the way. A hard fought victory first up but JF would have to do better to keep the trophy….we would have to fight like ‘Cornered Chickens’ 

The next game was one of the great examples of how to play 8-a-side. Batting first each JF partnership looked to push the ball square onto the netting and run. With the odd boundary and only a few wkts given away we amassed a daunting 120+ score that looked like a mountain to climb for the Biz Partners and they never got close. Harve and Jon 39, Chase and Jules a great 40, Sal and Tom 23 and Rich and Ames 25 were the scores on the doors and showed we were hitting our straps at the right time!

Great performance with special notes to Tom Bell for magnificent on the spot tweaks while also fielding in ‘gun alley’ on the drive…..and also Jon Dunlea with some superb bowling that homed in on off stump…Sal’s keeping also yielded stumpings and caught behinds and our fielding was exemplary..catches off the netting and runouts abounded and we destroyed the oppo to leave them on a total of 30-odd and a huge win by 90 run…..There were some furious exchanges between the ‘Neutral Umpire’ and our leather clad mustachioed Supporters AliDom who were adamant that they could see that the Biz Partners strike bowler’s buttocks were over the front foot line every delivery…The notorious Front Buttock and Foot Law as its referred to in Soho…   

As we finished, in the other net, history (as we were about to find out later) was being created with Catch 22 needing 10 off 6 to beat the strong Bucks side. The equation came down to 2 of 1, and very coolly the experienced batsman for Catch 22, hit the side net and ran through for a famous victory. That along with our massive winning margin meant that the final match against the Bucs took on an interesting look with victory assuring us of the Title and putting the Bucs third behind Catch 22….a loss would mean we would be tied on points and it would come down to run-rate….who could keep their heads in this crunch game..

Having won the toss Harve decided to bat first and this looked a great shout as he and Jon racked up the runs in a controlled ruthless display that was only marred by a single runout…Chasey and JT continued the good work with JT perfecting his step away smash into the top net to good effect and even reversing sweeping Eoin Morgan style. Chasey’s bat continued to work with the crap on the end of it and managed to drive and cut to help the team to a great halfway total. Tom and Sal came in and with flowing drives mixed with impish dabs the total looked good….Ames and Rich continued their excellent partnership with a composed start but unfortunately we lost some wickets towards the end of the innings and our total dropped to a slightly below par 90 odd.

So JF took to the field with glory in sight but with the vaunted Bucs batting line looming large and menacingly in the way. As expected the Bucs decided that controlled batting with quick running was the best way to get the total. JF held their nerve and an intense period of cricket ensued where both teams landed punches but no one dealt any big blows…The Bucs had left their best pair to last and what that in mind the JF team kept the pressure up…From a fielding perspective it was great to watch. Chasey around the corner was snaffling the ball up to stop it hitting the net for the extra run. Sal was sharp behind the stumps taking catches and leg side picks to save 2 runs. Rich was at gully with clean pickups to register important dot balls. Tom and JT on the drive put their bodies on the line to block the ball and at midwkt Ames was sharp and poised to throw down the stumps at the bowlers end. Jon and Harve made sure the boundaries were protected and any mishits snaffled. The pressure began to tell and slowly but surely JF tightened the noose…With Jon, Rich and Ames up his sleeve the skipper went for the slows of JT, himself and Sal and with the pace off the ball the game swung. Assisted by a great direct throw runout by Ames the over from Harve yielded 2 wkts and JT bowled an incredibly tight over bang on the spot to pile the pressure on. Sal bowled a beauty aswell picking up a key wkt and going into the last over the ball went to Rich to see us home and did he deliver…Bucs now needed at least 2 each ball and the JF fielders swooped, caught and ran to bring us a couple of wkts and celebrating a win by 20 runs!! Come on the Frost!! We showed that we had switched on when it counted and that we held our nerve at the crucial moments..awesome from the lads. Great Job! Joyous scenes as we slapped backs and high fived all the way to The Bar and the Trophy Presentation….If you don’t believe it go tot the Trophy Cabinet in the Lord’s Indoor School and look for the Trophy and you will see it has the Jack Frost XI name etched on it for 2009 and now 2010…Could not happen to a better collection of Cricketer’s and Club…..A true reflection of the Spirit of Cricket!

Thanks go to the guys who played and performed so well, to Dom for coming and supporting us and especially to Ali who facilitates this fixture each year and ensures we get invited back year after year. Well done the Frost…onwards and upwards!!

Cheers

Harve

Jack Frost XI returned for their fifth fixture against the Development XI of the Royal Logistics Corps. We were supported by utilising one of their players of West Indian origin who said he could "bowl and bat a bit".  He was therefore lined up for to bowl 12 overs of medium pace when we went out to field.  Despite some good bowling and fielding by the XI, the Royal Logistics Corp CC were set well by lunch and in the afternoon session mounted a sizable but achievable total. There was a valiant attempted of a caught and bowled by Jim Allen, who had to be relieved to join loyal supporter Glen Rowden and hold a succession of cold beers in his hand to bring out the bruise.  To make Jim feel better there was then a good display of a caught and bowled by a Jack Frost XI bowler.  In the end we fell short of achieving the total set when the Royal Logistics Corp declared before tea, but a valiant attempt was made by Jack Frost XI to reach it.   Though we lost on the day this merely evened out the overall record of 2 wins by each team and a draw in the history of the fixture.

We were hosted very well by the Royal Logistic Corps CC and enjoyed their generous hospitality. However it was sobering to hear as we made are farewells that their wicket keeper who we see each year was due to fly out to Afghanistan the next week for a 6 month tour of duty.

Thanks to all who played,

Nigel Fowler
Match Manager

The 20^th annual golf fixture between Jack Frost XI and The Weehales took place on a bright and breezy yet sunny day at The Berkshire GC with weather better than expected.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at 7.30am before the match started in earnest on the Blue course at 8.30am. The format was a team event with the better Stableford score from each pair on each hole going forward as the Team score.

Jack Frost XI recorded a victory by 2 ½ to 1 ½ with notable performances from Andy Klimcke and James Billington who won the best team score prize with Dr Pip Young winning the best individual score prize.

The match results were as follows:-

After the match we enjoyed refreshments in the bar whilst prizes were awarded, followed by an excellent 3 course lunch.

Six of us played an additional 9 holes in the afternoon on the Red course which was also most enjoyable - although no less competitive, which was an informal skins match which was won by Pip Young.  

Jack Frost XI were treated to some fine hospitality by The Weehales again this year and our thanks must go in particular to their captain, Peter Littlehales, (who was unable to play due to injury), and his fellow Members of The Berkshire for looking after us so well.

 We look forward to 2011 and hope to make further inroads into what has been an event won more often by The Weehales than Jack Frost XI.

 Alastair Crowhurst

Jack Frost XI

 N.B.
James ‘007’ Billington wins the ‘Village’ award for losing/locking his car keys in his car whilst at The Berkshire and having to stay the night at a local hotel before BMW could come to his rescue the next morning - well done 007!   For those of you who have heard the theory that if you hold a spare electronic car key fob to a mobile phone, (whilst pressing the ‘open’ button), and then put the receiving mobile phone next to the car at the other end, expecting it to open the car, it doesn’t work. It is a myth - as far as BMW’s are concerned anyway!