The initial problem was the lack of available bodies. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the XI was in fact an VIII, had never really been any more than an VIII and at times in the last two weeks only been a VI.

However, Thursley being Thursley, they know what Frost is all about and had agreed two days before that as we were three short and they were one over, they would lend us two and a ten-a-side game would ensue. Cricket would be the winner.

The next problem was that, come Sunday, they only had eleven, which meant they could only lend us one player so we would be nine, with the possibility of a tenth player later in the day.

The next problem was the toss, in that we lost it. And on a soft green wicket that had been under water 24 hours earlier – Thursley’s Saturday league game had had to be called off – and under gloomy skies, facing a team largely consisting of athletic-looking teenagers, we were put in. Still, as batting appeared to be our strength, we tried to see the positives in this, despite our ninth man’s advice on his erstwhile team-mates (“he’s quick”, “he’s dangerous”, “he bowls short all the time”).

To be fair, all of the first five Frost batsmen got a start. But four of those starts were quite small, and at 17-4 off 8.5 overs, with those four back in the hutch with 1 against each of their names, it wasn’t just the weather that looked gloomy. John Hall then came to crease and played a captain’s innings – or at least, he played an innings and was captain – and, supporting the increasingly belligerent Tim Martin, the score moved on at pace to 81. The clouds lifted, and a game of cricket emerged.

After the skipper departed, The Chairman, then Jim ‘Thursley is one of the many clubs I used to play for and I won’t be able to bowl much today because of my dodgy ankle’ Allen, helped Martin keep the scoreboard moving. Frost’s tenth man (Thursley’s Steve Fuller) duly arrived, came in, scored a quick 20, and then left again – a good job if you can get it! Finally, ten minutes before tea, and within sight of his maiden Frost century, Tim Martin was out for 89 and the innings closed on 171 all out.

After a hastily brought-forward tea – how much the international game could learn from the grass roots – Frost set about the task of taking the nine wickets needed for victory, although with only seven outfielders this was by no means easy. After an early breakthrough by our borrowed man, the Thursley second wicket partnership proved obdurate, despite excellent spells from Julian Walker and Jim Allen, whose experiment with leg-spin to save his ankle lasted two balls before he reverted to seam-up, albeit off a shortened run, which proceeded to lengthen the angrier he got.

When the second wicket fell at 75, ‘one brought five’, and Thursley were soon struggling at 92-6 with 17 overs remaining. However, they weren’t the only ones struggling, with David Maddocks limping around mid-wicket with an achilles injury, Clive Hook struggling behind the stumps with a back injury, and Tim Martin mentioning a painful knee for good measure. Some resilient lower middle order batting saw Thursley through to 130 with 9 overs remaining, before Jim Allen took a couple of quick wickets to secure his five-for and take Frost to within scent of a famous victory.

Cometh the hour, cometh the Mongoose. Thursley’s last man emerged with a Mongoose bat and proceeded to flay the ball to all corners – well, cow corner, anyway. Their not-out batsman grabbed himself a Mongoose too and laid down the gauntlet. Frost responded with Tim Martin tossing it up, several men on the leg-side boundary, and a few prayers. And the tactics paid off, as Thursley’s last man holed out to deep mid wicket and Frost pulled off an excellent 26 run victory.

The Jack Frost XI were victorious, but as we had all hoped, cricket was the winner!

 
John Hall
Match Manager

The Jack Frost XI team and umpire assembled for a swift pint of Fuller’s beer in the Bat & Ball in good time for the match.  A couple of members appeared to be feeling the strains of attending the Lord’s test match versus Ski Lanka, but little sympathy was dispensed by the skipper.  Tim Klimcke had invited his parents to watch the game and there were also three generations of the Jackson family at the game too.  Both Broad Halfpenny Brigands and Frost provided officials which always enhances the day for the players.  Special thanks go to Chris Crowhurst, both for his work in the white coat at Broad Halfpenny Brigands and his continuing support of Jack Frost XI.

Our skipper won the toss and invited Brigands to bat on sportingly green wicket, which had been covered for the preceding days due to the inclement weather and had also avoided the mower for the same reasons.  Harvey Jackson opened the bowling with Tim Klimcke taking the second over.  Predictably the ball moved around, with slightly variable bounce, and Brigands did not trouble the scorers until the 6^th over.  When it was pointed out that it was rather unusual for a Jackson to have 3 maidens together, his father made reply not suitable even for the front of the dinner menu.

Mark Lane, in his qualifying match, was brought on to bowl and swung the bowl impressively before a little moisture in the air put paid to that initial movement.  Brigands had moved the score on to 22 after the first hour, which rather delayed the introduction of Martin Aylett as he wanted the shine to be taken off the ball prior to his introduction.   However, as soon as Martin and Tim bowled, they soon realized that they would need to do all of the work as the Frost fielders were not really helping out the bowlers.

Martin then proceeded to hit the stumps 4 times for 37 runs and Tim took a couple too, one with a stumping off Giles’s knee.  Cosmo and Giles both put their bodies on the line as they were closest to the bat, and the batsmen struggled with the continued variable bounce.  Broad Halfpenny Brigands declared at 5.45pm after a late push to take their tally to 121 runs for 7, allowing both teams to enjoy the home made cakes and sandwiches for tea.

Bud and Julian Walker opened the batting for Frost in their own inimitable style and in contrast to Broad Halfpenny Brigands decided attack was the best form of defence from the first over.  The pitch responded to the new ball in a similar manner to the first innings soon bringing Robbo in at 3, who had an enjoyable knock for a short while striking a few lusty blows.  Another wicket brought in Cosmo at 4, and in direct contrast to Jack Frost, BHB held their catches bringing in Mark Lane at 5.  Our skipper did not publish the Frost batting order beyond 5 to try to prevent  the lower order from lubricating their innings at the Bat & Ball …………but Tim Klimcke did dispatch a quick ale before batting at number 6.  As the wickets continued to fall Harvey was soon spared from his German oral prep and came in at 7, he timed the ball very well and was enjoying a fine innings when another catch was pouched on the boundary.  Martin then came to the crease at 8 to assist Mark Lane secure the victory with 4 wickets in hand.  Tim would have batted at 9 if required with Giles and the skipper as the last line of defence. 

Frost retired to the Bat & Ball to discuss the finer points of the game with the Brigands players over a couple of ales and Mark Lane was welcomed to the club in the traditional manner.  The weather by this time had now broken and it was a wet journey home.

Nigel Fowler
Match Manager

Jack Frost arrived at Cobham Avorians on 8^th May with, on paper at least, a very decent eleven capable of great things. The bright day-glow orange stumps standing proud at either end of the wicket were described as very unfrost, and gave the game a feeling of professionalism rarely experienced by most, especially the skipper. Having lost the toss and being put in the field we began with high hopes and the ever consistent and swift Ben Donovan took on Avorians first team overseas professional. After the second ball however Mark Lane picked up a calf strain whilst chasing the ball with Frost like enthusiasm but unfrost like speed. It was an inauspicious start but we needn’t have worried.

After making a lightning start to his innings Ben Donovan won the battle and clean bowled the Avorians key player in the third over. The first three wickets fell in quick succession for less than 25 runs to the opening bowlers of Ben and the ever rampant Cosmo. But a steady Avorians middle order took the score on to three figures despite the best efforts of Ian Brookes, whom bowled a good line and length for little reward, and last year's 8 wicket hero Tim Martin. It was later suggested by some (the skippers brother to be precise) that the decision to bowl Tim Martin from the end that required him to spin the ball back up the slope was possibly not his finest cricketing decision ever made!!

The additional of John Hedges into the bowling attack however was the change needed to break the dead lock as two wickets fell in his first over, ably assisted by Chris Walker they kept the wickets falling with regularity and saw to it that Avorians were all out for 178. An excellent performance from all the bowlers and fielders ensuring that only one batsman, whom scored 70, was able to really get going.

Jack Frost's strong batting line up was tested when it became clear that Avorians overseas professional was a fast bowler as well as a batsman, but the opening pair of Tim Roberts and Mark Lane saw to it that he never got any reward, they despatched him to all corners of the ground and put on almost half the required runs for the first wicket. The run rate only increased when John Hedges came to the crease and the required total was reached with 9 wickets and 5 overs to spare. A fine win by anyone’s standards. Mark Lane deserves special congratulations for his 74 not out whilst carrying the injury picked up whilst fielding, and John Hedges never looked in any trouble for his quick fire 55 not out.

A great team performance and thanks to all who played.

Julian Walker
Match Manager

The outdoor season got under way under beautiful sunny conditions at Warnham CC where having lost the toss, our hosts invited Frost to bat first on a dry track instead of the usual early season ' pudding ' that usually greets early season matches. 

Frost were fielding a strong side and after an early and rare failure from Chris Walker, the Tim's, Roberts and Klimcke put on a solid 2nd wicket partnership of 92. Next in was David Mayo for a brief visit that was curtailed by the former chair who was standing and showing little sympathy for the painful blow received by sending the limping David on his way LBW !

The innings continued momentum with Tim Roberts finding able support with good knocks from both young Harvey and less young Andy Klimcke and Frost eventually declaring on a healthy 243-8.

After a lovely tea, Frost got stuck in to Warnham's top order with great effect with tight bowling from both Andy K and young Harvey Jackson, Harvey getting the rub of the green to take 2 of the first 3 wickets (and an excellent run out from Tim Klimcke) with Warnham reeling at 14 for 4 !!

Time for a change up, a bit of F&G from " The Frog " was definately the call and following a 3rd wicket for Harvey Jackson, our senior " Pro " Simon Klimcke to give the openers (and the Warnham batsmen) a deserved rest. Froggy was bowling well after a brief rally from their no.6 he was undone by a great off break through the gate. Warnham 58-5.

At this stage, you would think after the fate of Warnham's opener, a quick sungle to Tim Klimcke would not be the wisest move but obviously keen to get off the mark, that's exactly what the no.7 bat attempted. Warnham 58-6 !!

Warnham then dug in and rallied but after a wicketless spell from Senior Klimcke, Cosmo was brought into the attack and with even more accuracy than his son, he returned both the no. 5 bat to the pavillion and figures of 3 overs 3 maidens, 1 wicket, no runs ! Warnham 111-7

Warnham only had 10 men. We have plenty of overs to get the last 2 wickets, no problem.

Er, wrong !!  With balls landing safely and a rare spill at long on by Andy K, Frost were left frustrated largely due to a fine rearguard knock by the young Warnham no.9 who had definately been held back and finished with a resilant 38 no. Harvey had managed to snatch an 8th wicket for Frost but despite a couple of loud LBW appeals in the final over, Warnham gallantly held on for what was an unlikely but resiliant draw.

Dom Bryan
Match Manager

Jack Frost XI 319 beat Catch 22 317

The reasons behind a club surviving 50 years and a team winning a match can have similar causes and narrow margins of success from failure. The first match of the Jack Frost XI's Jubilee year, therefore, was  appropriately close before 39 off the final over saw Frost home amid some controversy.   The bewilderment among the final-pair batsmen as to whether they had won said it all, while Catch 22 contested with some vim that no runs had been made and so they should have won.  Nonetheless, the excellent spirit the game had been played in soon reasserted itself and the magnificent Catch 22 gracefully conceded the game to the umpire's decision.

Catch 22 had kindly offered to bat first and from the off Frost bowlers Mike, Andy, Tim, Jono and Adrian (on loan from Catch 22) put them under pressure with 50 off the first five, eight-ball overs. (Scoring two for every run made, and one for hitting the net, with four and six against the back wall made for a high scoring game.)  The second pair of Catch-22 upped the pace a touch to take the score to three figures against James (bowling his two overs), Ben, Mike and Adrian (Fox didn't bowl). Again, C atch 22 asserted more control in the third spell with a lack of wicket-taking hampering the Frosters and potentially to prove decisive, although there were great catches by Tim and close fielding by Andy, Ben and Jono especially.  With Catch 22 on 176 and the final pair walking in, the game was evenly poised.  Naturally, Catch 22 had saved its biggest hitters until last and a succession of sixes took the score to 317. With 300 considered par, Catch 22 had the upper hand going into the second innings.

Andy and Ben controlled the opening exchanges with a collected 96 from sharp running and shot selection.  Fox and Adrian were asked to consolidate the position and dutifully added nearly 30, despite being rattled with a hat-trick of wickets falling in the middle of their five overs.  Mike and Tim provided the necessary middle-order burst of more than 100, and even a run-out off the final ball did not leave too much to ask of the final pair. James and Jono started well before the skipper, James, became bogged down and gave away his wicket too often. Jono rescued as much as he could with some sixes (including a fortuitous one deflected off mid-wicket).  Still, the looks of Catch 22 going into the final over even after one dropped a catch said it all: "The job is done; we've won."

Not necessarily, with James pushing into the net and running for Jono to then power the ball around. A six from James and a run (to make eight) put Jack Frost on 314 after the penultimate ball. Still, the standard score of three - one into the net and a run single (counting as two runs) - would not suffice as the Frosters had lost more wickets (at least 13 by that stage).  So, James needed to hit a four or six and so Catch 22 packed the back wall and pushed it on to his legs. Dutifully clipped to mid-wicket James ran his single fearing it was all over before Jono hared back for his second and calling the skipper back to his end. Here, a degree of fortune favoured the Frosters. James, stuck in his crease after his first run, saw the fielder throw to his end and once Jono had made it back for his second the skipper then set off with the bowler throwing it ahead of him to the keeper - who kicked over his stumps before the ball had reached him. Disaster for him and victory for Jack Frost with a five off the final ball.

Not-quite-pandemonium then ensued and the final Catch 22 bowler needed much consolation as we all ate a lovely dinner. A gracious speech by Catch 22 skipper Vince put the game into its proper perspective and the Frosters bought whiskeys for him, Adrian as our ringer and Catch 22's man-of-the-match.

So, the similarities between club surviving and thriving and the game? Luck, respect to play the game in the right way (and be able to drink your body weight when called upon) and a fine bunch of cricketers.

James Mawson

Jack Frost finished off the season in fine style with a resounding victory over Blackheath CC. On a fine sunny day, acting on-field skipper Ian Milton won the toss and decided to bat. Opening the batting were Alex (Mini-Milts) Milton and his batting coach and guest, Sid Lahiri.  Sid took no time in showing his considerable talents with some fine hitting particularly down the ground and ably supported by his protege' Alex, they put on a stand of well over 100 until Sid retired upon reaching 3 figures off just 78 balls. This allowed Alex more of the strike and after a brief flury from Nigel Gurney, Jonny " The Fro " Hedges (40* off 30 balls) and young Alex (70*) closed out the innings with Frost declaring at 238-1 leaving Blackheath ample time for a run chase. 

Now it's always important to try and give everyone a game at Frost so part-time bowlers Andy Gilbert and Tim Roberts opened up the Frost attack.  The scene however was set in the first over from Andy when the bemused young Blackheath opener just couldn't leave a wide ball and instead lobbed it to Sid at gully ! At the other end (batsman) Tim bowled 3 maidens on the trot for 1 wicket to pile more pressure on the Heath batsman.12-2 became 17-3 when Andy bowled possibly the ball of the day with a jaffer through the gate that clipped the top of off stump.  Ok, time for a bowling change as this is going too well. Enter part-time bowler Ed Bartlett, 4 overs 2 for 6 ! and  part-time bowler Neil Baker, 3 overs 1-8 !! Frost are on fire, the Heath reduced to 27-6. Ok, time for drastic action as we really like this fixture and dont want to lose it, we need to find a way of giving Blackheath some runs. No Fox, damn. Well, that left one more option. Yep, yours truly making his Frost bowling debut and his second bowl since school !! Well, it did give a bit of respite and my 5 overs for 20 runs (9 off the last one) were comparable to Ian (the bowler) Milton's 1-18 off 4. So the Heath rallied to 55-7 then 87-8 before Sid Lahiri was denied a hat-trick by Ian Milton dropping a tough chance at 2nd slip which would have been easier had i not pushed him wider before the ball was bowled ! (Sorry Sid, sorry Ian !) Baker eventually wrapped up the game with his 2nd wicket with Blackheath all out for 105.

It would not be unfair to suggest that I had a sense of foreboding about this fixture. Recent matches against Thursley, one of our longer-standing opponents, had found the previously enjoyable atmosphere of the fixture was no longer so, one upshot of which had been the cancellation of last year’s game due to my only being able to raise three willing bodies, including my own. This year, having touted the fixture as the last ever against Thursley, interest had been stronger, but availability had ebbed and flowed and at best the XI was only going to be a IX on the day, including two guests, one of whose host had since cried off.

Add to this a couple of worried calls from our umpire and scorer on the morning of the match, both of whom were reporting monsoon conditions from their respective locations, followed by the realisation that I had forgotten to get the club kitbag from the Treasurer, precipitating a mad dash east when I wanted to go south (thanks to Dom for meeting me part-way to allow me to get to the game in time),  when I finally arrived at the Three Horseshoes pub with only 25 minutes to go to the start of the game to discover a happy band of only three fellow Frosters awaiting my arrival, ‘bleak’ was about the best description of my expectations for the remainder of the day.

Which is why cricket is such a marvellous game and why one should never prejudge things. Firstly, albeit in dribs and the odd drab, the expected IX all arrived at the ground. Then, a Thursleian offered to drag out his teenage son and his mate to play for us, their alternative entertainment for the afternoon on the Playstation seemingly not enticing enough for them. I accepted the offer (as did they) which proved to be an inspired move as, whilst the son was not a regular player, he did at least know what he was doing, whilst his pal played the ‘odd bit of league cricket for Chobham’.

With the expectation of a full XI, I ‘won’ a non-toss and informed the troops that we were batting on a green and damp track. Not necessarily a popular choice but with three people yet to arrive, I like to think a sensible one. And so commenced the game, the highlights of which were as follows:

Thursley trying to call back Clive Hook after a fairly indifferent LBW shout was upheld, only to  be told in no uncertain terms by the umpire that his decision stood

James ‘Mawse’ Mawson (49) thumping a pull to mid-wicket for his 50 only to find it snaffled by the hands of the short-mid-wicket fielder

Thursley dropping 5 or 6 catches

Jon Hedges’ guest Tim Roberts, possibly the most hung-over person to take the field for Frost this year, making a debut undefeated 30

Jon Hedges himself making an undefeated 98

No-one telling me (I was umpiring at the time) or Jon that he was on 90-several in the last over before our teatime declaration, which somehow cost me a jug for not allowing him to complete his ton

Frost dropping 5 or 6 catches

Jan Torode (no, not the bloke off Masterchef but a guest of Simon Klimcke) bowling an excellent opening spell of quick spin for sadly wicketless figures of 6 overs for 11 runs

Jim Allen taking 5-47 despite having been under the surgeon’s knife only a week or two ago to have ribs and vertebrae amended

Four runs disappearing through long-off because the long-off fielder Jim Allen had disappeared to attend to a stricken old lady in the adjacent meadow

Sean, the non-cricketer of our two late additions, taking 2 wickets

Jonny, the cricketer of the two, taking 3 wickets despite not having his cricket boots and making do with plimsolls

Jack Frost XI winning by 25 runs with 2 of the last 20-overs to spare (JFXI 207-2, Thursley 182)

It is pleasing to report that as well as the victory, the fixture was a thoroughly enjoyable affair in the best traditions of the XI, and that after the presentations, Thursley invited us to return next year to celebrate their 150^th Anniversary – and even to play them twice, with one of the fixtures being a ‘home game’ for us which they would host, and the other either a normal away game, or a festival game of some sort e.g. Twenty20 with a barbecue etc. As I said, one should never prejudge!! 

John Hall

Match Manager Extra-ordinaire........

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!

A carefully selected Jack Frost team arrived at Avorians after a good pre match warm up at the Plough in Cobham and were immediately put to work in the field by their skipper. The bowling attack was spearheaded by debutant Ben Donovan, who bowled an excellent seven overs for no wickets and not many more runs. He was not so ably supported by skipper Julian Walker from the other end, who managed to keep Avorians in the running.

At 50 for 0 from 14 overs Jack Frost decided that enough was enough and it was time for action, with that Tim Martin was introduced into the bowling attack to devastating effect! He took a wicket in has first over, thanks to Ben Donovan’s ability to hold a towering catch deep on the mid wicket boundary, and with that Tim never looked back. He was well supported by Jon Hedges at the other end, who deserved more from his spell, but as Avorians reached 168 all out in the over before tea, Tim Martin left the field with a Jack Frost record of 8 wickets for 47 runs! A truly astounding performance, Tim was modest enough to look as amazed as the rest of us.

The Jack Frost innings began with a good degree of confidence as the seemingly very reachable total was chased with relish, but as wickets fell with regularity, the Avorians total started to look distinctly competitive. Chris Walker looked good for 36 but it took the arrival of John Hedges at the crease to steady the ship. Jon scored an unbeaten 54 as his partners came and went with a disconcerting frequency. Nigel Gurney came to the crease in the middle order to smite some mighty blows to the boundary before finally picking out a fielder, but Jon Hedges continued to steer the team home with 2 overs to spare and even allowed Tim Martin to score the winning runs, presumably feeling that Tim still had more to contribute to the game! Jack Frost finished on 169 for 8 to record an excellent win.

Many thanks to all those that made themselves available and put up such an excellent performance.