Page 2 - RHCC Newsletter 2017

FESTIVAL 2016

RHCC 186/4 v The Anglicans 142/10
RHCC won by 44 runs
In a 25 over game and with a retirement score of 30, the
RHCC batted first. The opposition were a team under
scrutiny for selection for their future games against
St Peters CC & a Muslim XI at Canterbury & Headingly
In July, the RHCC hosted the latest edition of our biannual respectively. Jack Halstead & Paul Bonney quickly
charity cricket festival. We played 3 games over the course of reached 40 before Jack’s wicket fell. Paul playing
a week against a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award XI, the Anglican confidently and with assurance never looked at losing
XI and the Saints & Sinners Club. his wicket and retired after only 14 balls on 31. With
contributions from Scott Ensom (17), Phil Glenn (20),
The game on Friday 15th July against the Saints & Sinners was Trent Conwell (22), Craig Nel (30) and Ben O’Neil (34), a
the undoubted highlight of the festival as we were honoured strong total of 186 was realised.
to welcome our gracious Patron, Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth, and our honourable President, His Royal Highness, In reply the opposition maintained the pressure and
the Duke of Edinburgh, to the Club. During their visit they for much of their response were ahead of the run rate.
were introduced to members of the RHCC and the Saints & Following two early retirements, wickets fell regularly with
Sinners as well as both teams. We were also privileged to Scott & Trent both bagging four wickets with one each for
welcome The Royal Marines of Her Majesty’s Portsmouth Craig Burns & Nick O’Neil. Seven of the wickets were
Band who performed a Beating Retreat and Sunset Ceremony clean bowled demonstrating the strength of our bowling.
for Her Majesty, His Royal Highness and our gathered guests. This was an impressive performance by The Household
It was a wonderful spectacle to end a wonderful day. and proved what fine players we have.

Whilst the outcome of the cricket is not the focus of our
festivals, we are pleased to report the RHCC remained RHCC 179/7 v Saints & Sinners 67/9
unbeaten throughout the week! For more details please see RHCC won by 112 runs
the match reports below. With a 20 over format and a strong batting line up, the
negotiated coin toss ensured the RHCC batted first.
Captain Andy Crofts looked to post a strong total and
RHCC 85/3 v Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manage the game from this position. Despite losing Chris
Morgan to the bowling of Jack Halstead early on, and with
RSM XI 75/8 - RHCC won by 10 runs Shaun Baker and Scott Ensom graciously giving their
Due to poor weather conditions an amended format of wickets away after scoring 30+, Daniel Bense (31 n.o) &
10 overs per side was agreed by both sides, giving the Charles Hollingworth (35) took control. Trent Conwell and
opportunity for all guests to see a competitive game. Craig Nel had freedom to play a few shots giving Crofty the
Following Steve Nutt’s decision to bat first, Greg final score he was looking for. Charles’ innings included
Holmes & Jack Halstead laid a strong foundation with two fine straight drives towards the marquee for six.
Jack reaching the retirement figure of 30 and Greg
graciously retiring on 29, allowing Charles Hollingworth Though the RHCC were always in control of the second
and Daniel Bense to have a bat. Prior to the final ball of our innings, it is fair to say that the loss of Jack Halstead’s
innings the RHCC had compiled 79 runs. Ed Giddins, the wicket to the second ball of the S&S innings, coupled with
ex-England and Surrey bowler, was providing the PA the decline in the weather, meant that the chance of the
support and encouraged Charles to go for a 6. Charles duly game being a contest was soon taken away. Rain falling
obliged, smashing the ball straight back past the bowler persistently, meant the lack of sure footing for the batsmen
and into the marquee! caused them to have no realistic opportunity to try to attack
our bowling. Charles was the pick of the bowlers, ending
The opposition had strengthened their team from two with 5/16. Appreciation goes to all who participated in the
years earlier and included ex England International, Mark game, especially given the weather.
Ealham amongst their ranks. Only one batsmen achieved
the retirement score; their opener with 33 runs.
Choosing to employ seven bowlers, Steve was well
supported by each, with the valuable wicket of
Mark Ealham falling to Charles. The highlight of the
innings was a quite stunning catch from Chris Schleter
running at pace and covering a lot of ground at deep long
on.