HYTHE DEVON TOUR 2008

Sun 6th - Thurs 10th July

'GET THAT BUS BOOKED FROGGIE'

Hythe's 2008 Tour To Devon has been finalised

4 Nights have again been booked at Appleby's in Torquay @ £40pp per night b&b

All of last years fixtures have agreed to play us once again

FIXTURES

RESULTS FROM 2007 TOUR

Sundays Game @ IPPLEPEN.

The tour kicked off at the picturesque ground of Ipplepen a Devon D Division Club.

We arrived 2 hours early and a few of the guys were straight in the nets for a net session. The groundsman went home for his lunch leaving 11 strangers alone with the use of their clubhouse.

Chiv nominated captain for the day elected to bat first when seeing that the opposition was 50% colts and went for safety first - electing to put the first team players at the top of the batting order with the excuse that the Seconds had played the previos day.

The James brothers began to play their shots from the word go and put on 47 for the first wicket before Robbie was bowled for 10. Three runs later Kev was back in the pavillion as well for 28.

Dixon looked to increase the pace but three overs later Guymer too was plodding back to the pavillion for the first duck of the tour. 65 for 3 off 14 and Hythe needed to increase the pace. Froggett was next to go - out for 9 and Hythe were 86 for 4. Enter the guru he and Si Dixon putting on 101 for the 5th wicket in just 16 overs though the fielders helped Dixies cause dropping him 5 times in the process. Soon after Dixon reached his fifty Tongs was out for 46 and Hythe were 188 for 5 off 35 overs. Whilst Dixie scored in singles Narus scored in boundaries scoring a quick fire 32* in five overs. Dixon finished on 70* and Hythe a decent 227 for 5 off their 40 overs.

After a superb tea - can't describe how good it was - Hythe took to the field with Belly behind the stumps. Gary watch out he put in such a decent performance that he was voted captain the next day.

Chiv opened up with Grobler and Edwards and wish he hadn't - 2 smacks on the legs from the pace of Grobler - but for the metal of his support strap he would have been hospitalised. Instead he just had an egg on his leg. Groblers 6 overs cost just 9 runs.

Edwards meanwhile took the first 3 wickets as the home side struggled to 54 for 3. We then saw a partnership of 71 for the 4th wicket between Tuckett 42 and Cooper 47 before Guymer broke the deadlock at 125 for 4 off 34 overs. Rich Froggett and Robbie James both picked up 2 wickets each before the Ipplepen innings closed out on 164 for 8 giving Hythe a 63 run victory.

Innings of : HYTHE 227 For 5 (40 Overs)

Innings of : IPPLEPEN 164 For 8 (40 Overs)

( T.Cooper 47, L.Tuckett 42, A.Peters 19*)

HYTHE BOWLING

Mondays Game @ KINGSBRIDGE

On day 2 Hythe travelled 23 miles up the coast to play Devon C Division side Kingsbridge. Kevs sat nav took the minibus up and down one lane roads in the middle of nowhere. When we finally climbed the hill we found this pretty ground completely on a slant.

It was here we found Hythe's 1 travelling supporter who came all the way from Cheshire to support the green caps after visiting the clubs website.

The lads hit the bar straight away whilst Bellie was still trying to get someone to take over the captaincy.

Hythe again elected to bat first with Guymer and Edwards opening the batting. Hythe got off to a decent start with Guymer hitting a straight six before being out for 14 with the score on 29. The skipper (Bellie) then came to the middle but was soon out for 3. 45 for 2 soon became 54 for 5 as Hythe lost Edwards (21) Tongs (1) and Froggett (first ball) in quick succession. Tongs and Froggett both falling to the home sides australian who was promptly taken off.

Kingsbridge turned to spin which was wayward at first and both Grobler and Bowman promptly both hit two balls for sixes. After a partnership of 40 Grobler was caught and bowled for 25 - Hythe now 94 for 6 and struggling. Bowman went soon afterwards for 17 but the James brothers once again rescued the green caps with a partnership of 67 in 7 overs before Robbie was bowled in the final over for 44. Dixon went first ball and Chiverton second to leave Kev James stranded on 54 not out and Hythe finishing on 205 all out from 39.4 overs.

After another excellent tea which included having scones and clotted cream sent out to the middle before the innings started, the home side openers set about Hythe with vengence. Mike Edwards went for 20 off just 3 overs and despite Froggett bowling another decent spell 0-28 off 8 Kingsbridge hurried to 95 for 0 off just 17 overs. Bellie kept his cool and introduced Grobler to the attack, 2 overs later Hythe claimed their first wicket at 95 when Etoe held out to Froggett off Grobler for 38. Skipper Ellis joined Inch who promptly reached a very classy fifty.

With the score on 124 Hythe claimed their second wicket when the jubilant Robbie James bowled Inch for 77. With 17 overs to go Kingsbridge needed just 77 to win. Watson joined Ellis and took the score onto 151 before Watson 8 was caught by Robbie James off the bowling of Chiverton. 12 overs to go Kingsbridge needing 51 with 7 wickets in hand - easy -not with Bellie ringing the changes in the field. Bellie brought back Guymer and 2 wickets promptly followed - Mike Bowman taking a catch and Guymer clean bowling Westlake for 0. 166 for 5. The score moved onto 181 for 5 (needing just 20) when Chiverton got 2 wickets in 2 balls with two top catches from Robbie James and Mike Edwards. James catch removing the aussie Watson who earlier took a nasty blow on the arm from Grobler. Score 181 for 7 but the Kingsbridge skipper was still there 41 not out and running out of partners..

With the rain starting and with Dixie saying it was colder than Ellingham last year - Hythe were now in with a chance. Bellie rung the changes again in the field. Then the prize wicket Ellis LBW bowled Chiverton for 41. Kingsbridge's 9th wicket then took the score to 194 before Symcock was caught by Froggett off Chiverton for 0 in the 39th over. Last over 1 wicket needed or 12 runs needed who would Bellie choose to bowl it. Nardus had 3 left but it was so dark and he had already hit the australian on the arm with a nasty blow. Guymer had used all his overs up. Decision 'The Guru'. First ball Browning swept to the boundary for 4 but Tongs had the last laugh as 2 balls later Hammett was run out for 5 and Hythe had won by 4 runs.

Innings of : HYTHE 205 All Out (39.4 Overs)

Innings of : KINGSBRIDGE 201 All Out (39.4 Overs)

( S.Inch 77, J.Ellis 41, V.Etoe 38)

HYTHE BOWLING

Tuesdays Game @ BRIXHAM

The suns out again and Hythe travel upto Brixham for their biggest test. The Brixham club is having a great season, already winning one trophy , in two more cup finals and top of both their leagues. Following last seasons Hythe win Brixham were stronger this year and included their Sri Lankan overseas player who topped the Devon Leagues bowling averages. Once again our Cheshire fan has travelled by bus to support the Green Caps.

Who better then to captain the tourists but Bambi Guymer. Equipped with a bottle of toffee vodka Bambi took to the field to toss up and got 10 yards before deciding to he couldn't walk any further.

Hythe this time took to the field and kicked off with Grobler and Froggett bowling their 8 overs straight off. They both bowled superbly with Froggett going for just 15 off 8 and Grobler 28 off 8. The Brixham openers took the score to 79 before they lost their first wicket when Bell caught Ward on the boundary off Chiverton for 37. Another fifty partnership then occured before Hythe got their second wicket when Johnson was run out for 33 by Richie Froggett. At 168 Brixham lost their third wicket when Newman was bowled by Kev James. Robbie James kept the score down bowling his 8 overs for just 34 runs but 220 was looking a possible total especially when Bambi ( after a discussion on his mobile to Dixie who was on the other boundary) decided to bring Bell into the attack. But two excellent boundary catches from the James brothers halted the Brixham late charge and they finished on 204 for 6 with Bellie picking up 3-57 off 6.

After tea Hythe opened with Kev James and Mike Edwards but they were up against some fine bowling which ave us an intruiging contest. At 10 overs Hythe were 36 for 0 with Orchards opening 5 overs going for just 9 runs. In the 15th over Edwards was caught off Newman for 18 and Hythe were 60 for 1which soon became 67 for 2 when the same bowler picked up Kev james for a good 34. A partnership of 74 occured between Sean Tongs and Nardus Grobler which brought Hythe back into the game. It included Grobler hit the Sri Lankan for 2 towering sixes They lost their third wicket when Tongs was stumped for 25 trying to push the score along. Very next ball Froggie was walking back the way he came for another golden. As usual the frogster tried to pass the buck blaming Nardy for giving him the wrong info about the spinner. Ahmed finished his spell of 8 overs with 0-21- no wickets but he turned the ball a mile and alot of talking points for the lads to discuss about his action. Hythe were now 141 for 4 off 33 overs still needing 63 off 7 overs.

Tall order ? Grobler was going to give it a go as he hit 3 more sixes before holing out to a superb catch on the boundary by the Sri Lankan for 69 when the score was 177 for 5 in the 36th over. With that Hythe's chances faded 28 needed off 4 overs tall order. Rob James and the skipper Dave Guymer came and went and with 17 needed off the last over Hythe fell to their first Devon defeat by 7 runs. But a cracking game played in avery good spirit.

Innings of : BRIXHAM 204 For 6 (40 Overs)

( M.Newman 52, G.Northcott 47, R.Ward 37, C.Johnson 33)

HYTHE BOWLING

Innings of : HYTHE 197 For 7 (39.4 Overs)

Wednesdays Game @ COUNTESS WEAR

Yes the three musketeers had arrived and a welcome sight believe you me. Woody got the minibus rocking with all the Fawley songs down the bypass and though the bodies were weary the atmosphere was refreshed with Wrighty and Punchey to take the mickey out of.

When we got there we found a lovely cricket ground only marred by no bar or showers. Dixie dropped out so his duty was to find a store for some beers. Skipper for the day Punchey won the toss and elected to bat first. Wrighty had his pads on before the team shett was even announced feeling that he was here to revive the tour.

And he did four overs later he was back in the pavilion and a wasted opportunity to bat. Bellie on the other hand was determined to play the anchor role. Only trouble was so was Devon Lock ( Bowman ) and the next 16 overs could have drove you to a kip in the outfield. Fair play though the Countess Wear fielding and bowling was far beyond we expected and on 20 overs Hythe had managed just 53 for 1. Soon after Bellie decided he was the anchor man and run out his Second XI skipper for 11. In came Froggie on a hat trick of Goldens which was abruptly let known to the opposition. Froggie however was to have none of it and was in a determined mood to push the score along and Bellie.

On 83 Bellie was caught for 47 and soon after Bambi Guymer 13, The Guru 4 and Symbols ( Kev James ) 3 were all back sun bathing. 5 overs left and Hythe were 126 for 5 and Froggie pushing to get over the 150 mark. Grobler came in hit another tour 6 and then fell for 12 and Froggett finally went for a positive 38. Hythe finished on 157 for 9 off their 40 overs.

Teas for 14 they were told not 24 - there were masses to the delight ofthe Hythe boys.

After tea Hythe took to the field knowing that Nardy was on the 6.30 bus to the train station. Grobler opened the bowling and very first ball knocked down the off stump. But that was as good as it got for the big man as his line and length just vanished ( fingers crossed he was just thinking about getting home to Becks) It didn't help that the skipper (Punchey) decided to conk the ball instead of catching it. Groblers 4 overs went for 42 and at the 10 over mark Countess Wear were 57 for 2. Froggett again bowled a superb spell with his 8 going for just 1-15. The James brothers were brought into the attack and it was Kev who pulled Hythe back in the game with 3 wickets in his first 5 overs. One of them a great catch by Punchey who redeemed himself after his earier mistake.

At the 20 mark Countess were 89 for 6 and the game evenly poised. Kev James finished his spell 6-0-25-3 much to the disgust of the Countess captain as he trundled off the pitch to find out he had been bowled by a wicket keeper. Robbie's 6 overs cost just 1-12 which kept Hythe in the game. We then saw a 46 run partnership between Forbes- Brown 32 and Irish 24 and supported by Punchey's 3 overs for 22, which brought the home side back into the game but Wrighty then picked up 2 quick wickets to balance the game at 145 for 9. The last pair took the score to 152 needing just a six to win when ' The Big Issue' won the game for Hythe by 5 runs. Not bad for a guy who couldn't bowl because of injury.

Another close game played in a very good spirit. Thirty years ago to the day it was the great Sir Vivian Richards who was the winning captain on this ground as a full Somerset side played Countess Wear including Big Bird Garner, and Ian Botham - today its Punchey including a side with Wrighty in it. Not much comparison.

Innings of : HYTHE 157 For 9 (40 Overs)

Innings of : COUNTESS WEAR 152 All Out (33.2 Overs)

( I.Forbes-Brown 32, P.Irish 24, M.Griffin 22)

HYTHE BOWLING

Thursdays Game @ BOVEY TRACEY.

Final day and sore bodies but the lads are in good humour thanks to Woody who is nominated skipper for the day.

Expectations of what to expect at Bovey are high and the usual critics that we are going to get hammered come from the usual people - mention nonames but its a Big Issue.

Big score going down the bypass - we go past a service station to the chairman at the roadside with his pants down doing a moony and the car in front does an emergency stop.

When we get to the ground were not disappointed a lovely surface and a grand old pavilion. Clouds all around the ground are black but the weather stays fine. The Chairman wins the toss and decides to bat. Once again the James brothers are relied on to give us a good start. A steady start sees Hythe go to 46 in the 12th over before Kev James is out for 15. Five runs later and Robbie joins him for a beer out for 28 bowled by the aussie wicket keeper. Mike Edwards looks in good nick and hits a couple of glorious fours whilst Tongsy is pushing and prodding.

At 20 overs Hythe are 67 for 2 and finding the going tough against some decent senior colts from the Devon Premiership team. At 86 Hythe lose their 3rd wicket and 4th and 5th. Edwards caught for a good 28, Wrighty run out by the Guru for 0 and Dave Guymer LBW for 0.

Enter Rich Froggett ( the responsible one) He and Tongsy set about restoring a decent total when Tongs was bowled by De Jong for 12. Hythe 98 for 6 which then came 98 for 7 when Punchey Mills ( who says he is in good nick ) is out for 0. 7 overs still to go Bell joins Froggett and the pair put on 50 in the final 7 overs to give Hythe a chance at 148 for 7.

Another excellent tea and Woody led out to the Green Caps for the final time. An early strike was needed if Hythe were going to win this game. Hythe opened with the reliable Froggett and Dave Guymer in the absence of Nardy. In the second over Guymer struck as Rob James picked up the catch. The Bovey skipper was at the other end and looked a very useful first team player. With the score on 30 for 1 Punchey drops the skipper with a dollie. After a qucik smile the next minute he's blazing the ball all over the park. Guymer got taken off after 4 overs (1-28) and Wrighty joined the attack. After bowling a couple of beamers and wides he got the breakthrough caught & bowling the Bovey skipper P.Bradley for 34. Frogget then got Hammett with an excellent catch by Pumchey for 28 and Hythe had a very slim outside chance.

D.Green 20 and A.De Jong 28 then pushed the score over the 120 mark before Kev James struck having De Jong caught by Mills. Next over and Edwards run out Green with some fancy footwork 130 for 5. Next over Kev James bowled Hudson for 2 - 136 for 6 and woody was asking for one last effort. 140 and Robbie James caught and bowled Longstreet for 2. But Steer then came in and hit two fours to win the game Bovey Tracey 150 for 7 and a 3 wicket win. Who knows what might have happened if we had got the skipper early but then Bovey had their Australian State Under 19 player batting at number 11.

Innings of : HYTHE 148 For 8 (40 Overs)

Innings of : BOVEY TRACEY 150 For 7 (25 Overs)

( P.Bradley 34, L.Hammett 28, A.De Jong 24)

HYTHE BOWLING

TOUR AVERAGES - Batting

TOUR AVERAGES - Bowling

TOUR AVERAGES - Catches