Results: May 2000

07/05: Away v. CHARING CROSS (40-overs)

After the experiences of the tour it was good to get back to playing teams of a more or less equal strength. That said, Charing Cross is a team we have never beaten before. Cap'n Tim won the toss and took advantage of the new ball, electing to field first. Although there were some steady bowling performances West End never quite looked to be getting the home team all out, but managed to keep the score to a reachable target.

Despite losing wickets on a regular basis, West Ends' target stayed within reach thanks to steady performances. Matt Balkwill paced himself well, ensuring the target would stay within reach after Charing Cross put down early chances. Dave Lamb and Jay Stephens both took few risks and steered West End to victory with less than two overs to go.

Charing Cross 165-4

Dave 78*	H. Turner 2-21
James H 31*	J. Walliker 1.24
V. Chauhan 22	T. Lamb 1-62

West End 167-8

J. Stephens 39	V. Chauhan 3-39
M. Balkwill 32	Campton 3-44
D. Lamb 24	Rob? 1-22

Result: WEST END won by 2 wickets

Season 2000

14/05: Home v. ELTHORNE (40 overs)

Elthorne won the toss and sent WECC out in the field on a blazingly hot and stuffy day, thankfully tempered by a bit of breeze. Elthorne's openers made a steady start until Cronin was caught close off Jay Walliker. Next in was Marsden, previously a century-maker against us. After his first delivery bounced up into his face off the bat, he was bowled just two balls later by an absolute corker from Walliker. Some dogged resistance from Graham helped bring the total up to 117.

In reply, Matt Balkwill and Kev Cheeseman put on an opening stand of 69 until Kev was caught off Graham's nagging bowling. Johhno Greathead was unfortunately caught and bowled without starting but Matt, in partnership with Jay Stephens (16), strolled on until the scores were level. Jay Walliker commented "I bet he gets out!" and sure enough, Matt was given LBW, leaving Wally to walk out and get the winning run - except he didn't. He was caught first ball by the substitute fielder - our very own Craig Weston! That was the end of the over. Beefy Turner trudged all the way out and all the way back again without facing a ball, Jay Stephens scoring the required run with over seven overs to spare.

Elthorne 117-8

McLaughlin 40	J. Walliker 2-15
Graham 27*	C. Weston 2-19
Radig 11	H. Turner 2-26

West End 118-4

M. Balkwill 67	Andrew 2-11
K. Cheeseman 24	Graham 1-11
J. Stephens 16*	Hilash 1-23

Result: WEST END win by 6 wickets

Season 2000

21/05: Home v. CHERTSEY REC (40 overs)

It was touch and go for a time as heavy overnight rain and showers continuing into Sunday morning. With no more rain since mid-morning the game started on time, West End losing the toss and being put in to bat. Chertseys' bowlers put the pressure on right from the start with only 19 runs coming off the first 12 overs. Tim and Matt then broke free until Tim was bowled attempting another big hit with the score on 68 in the 20th over. Apart from Dave Lamb (19) and Adie Barrett (16*), the middle order lost wickets regularly - two run outs not helping - on the way to 151-8.

In reply Chertsey Rec lost two early wickets but stuck to the task, Frith (21) putting up some dogged resistance. Yewer started promisingly until pick of the bowlers Mike Hills took his stumps out with a superb quick delivery. This brought K. Eagles to the crease who was made to work for his 51 not out. With his son as his partner they required 6 off the last over. Craig Weston bowled well but was under pressure and with one ball left the scores were tied. As the last ball of the innings was merely tapped forward, both batsmen ran like fury to steal a win.

West End 151-8

M. Balkwill 42	Cook 2-20
T. Lamb 41	Borrell 2-24
D. Lamb 19	Wade 2-47

Chertsey Rec 152-4

K. Eagles 51*	Hills 2-18
N. Eagles 27*	Turner 1-28
Frith 21	Weston 1-39

Result: CHERTSEY REC win by 6 wickets

Season 2000

25/05: Away v. VALLEY END (16 x 8 ball overs)

Valley End is the largest club in our immediate area, their main teams usually putting on good performances in the Wey Valley League, amongst others. Andrews was bowled by Howard Turner with the score on 18, however with Paul Williams at the helm it was 83 before the second wicket fell, Gregory being run out for 25. All batsmen contributed to the total.

WECC is not used to the "Evening Slog" as someone delicately put it, however scoring 118 was no mean feat in the face of some tight bowling in the fading light. Needing nearly nine an over the loss of Tim Lamb for nought in the first over was a blow. Matt Balkwill pushed ahead for his 37 with Kev Cheeseman in support contributing a gutsy 22. After Matt was bowled Jay Stephens continued but the pace slackened as wickets started falling, the chase ending after he was caught on 35.

Valley End 138-3

P. Wiiliams 42	H. Turner 1-29
W. Gregory 25	Barrett 1-31
I. Messenger 25	-

West End 118-6

M. Balkwill 37	A. Frost 2-9
J. Stephens 35	J. Pocock 1-7
K. Cheeseman 22	T. Pocock 1-7

Result: VALLEY END win by 20 runs

Season 2000

28/05: Home v. WEYBOURNE (40-overs)

Our first meeting with Weybourne was a complete surprise in that we usually have to play our socks off to win. WECC started slowly, some tight bowling from Richard Lamport and Simon Knox keeping the score down in the early stages. Breaking free, WECC scored 200 with Tim Lamb scoring another useful innings of 77, with good backup from Kev Cheeseman and Jay Stephens.

Jay Walliker and Howard Turner took West End to victory with excellent spells of controlled bowling. No mean feat: on balance Weybourne can beat us with a long batting line-up. Unfortunately, all their main men failed to get going, only one man managed to reach double figures. We understand only too well, remembering painful times past when we collapsed on a regular basis!

West End 200-4

T. Lamb 77	R. Lamport 2-20
K. Cheeseman 39*	P. Bridger 1-30
J. Stephens 33	D. Paine 1-53

Weybourne 45 all out

G. Macklin 18	H. Turner 4-15
O. Lewis 9	J. Walliker 3-7
R. Lamport 8	A. Barrett 1-6

Result: WEST END win by 155 runs

Season 2000