Upper Sheering Recreation Ground	2005 Team Photo Back Row : Mark Simkins,Nigel Thomas,Lester Ramsey,Alex Wilcox,Bob Jones Front Row: Ben Oakes,Ray Greenall,Simon Lane,Andy Bretten,Simon Greenall,Steve Hicks

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The 100 Club winners were as follows; Week 5 £20 No 78 (Declan) £10 No 58 (unsold) Week 6 £20 No 54 (Max Bygrave) £10 No 23 (Katie Heslop) Week 7 £20 No 24 (Jeff Heslop) £10 No 96 (Jenny lane) Week 8 £20 No 72 (unsold) £10 No 91 (Katie Guy) Week 9 £20 No 69 (Cheryl Bedford) £10 No 41 (Ellie Wheeler) Week 10 £100 No 13 (Simon Lane) £60 No 10 (Simon Lane) £40 No 49 (Cy Thomas) £20 No 52 (Max Bygrave) £10 No 100 (Tom Waring) Thank you to all who bought a ticket - we made £395
Willingale v. Sheering Sunday 30th September 2007 Match drawn Sheering’s first ever visit to the peaceful surroundings of Willingale brought to an end the 2007 season; a season of very mixed fortunes that didn’t really get going until it was half over. Going into the game on a winning run that extended back to July, another success looked in prospect for most of the afternoon. It wasn’t to be, though, with the hosts fighting a stubborn rearguard action to salvage an unlikely draw from the jaws of defeat. With skipper, Simon Lane, pounding his way round the Great North Run in a little over two hours, Ben Oakes stepped up to the plate and did a fine job. In tricky circumstances, he managed to keep the game alive while ensuring that everybody was given the chance to be involved. Batting first, the Blades top three batsmen were in outstanding form. Nigel Thomas continued his return to form with 35 from an opening stand of 111; for him the end of the season has certainly come too soon. It was his opening partner, Simon Greenall, though, that really took the eye. His personal best 117 – the highest individual score for Sheering in more than 20 years – included one six (which narrowly missed a window on the other side of The Street) and nine fours. Nerves almost got the better of him in the nineties when he might have been caught and bowled but the chance was missed and Simon marched on to become The Blades’ 10th centurion in since the Club was re-established after The War. Never far from the limelight and never prepared to be outdone, Steve Hicks weighed in with a swashbuckling 50 in a second wicket partnership of 118 that should have seen the by now exhausted Greenall ‘carry his bat’ but not, as it turned out, having been run out attempting a quick single that the Hicks didn’t really fancy. Two runs later, Skipper Oakes declared with the score on 221-9. The hosts reply was soon in trouble in the face of a penetrative opening spell form Mark Simpkins and Paul Reed. They were quickly six wickets down with their score barely in double figures and a horrible defeat seemed inevitable. Their seventh wicket pairing of Brown and Torble (J), however, had other ideas and they stuck around for more than 20 overs to secure the draw. Reed’s 4-21 was matched by Simpkins’ impressive 3 wickets for only 3 runs off 10 overs. It was disappointing not to win but nobody really minded. Overall, it had been another successful season, which had started poorly but finished strongly. The free after-match hot dogs stood as testimony to the excellent hospitality offered by the hosts. Sheering; 221-9 dec. (Simon Greenall 117, Steve Hicks 50*, Nigel Thomas 35) Willingale; 77-7 (Paul Reed 4-21, Mark Simpkins 3-3)
A Report from ‘LONG LEG’ Sheering v. Netteswell & Burnt Mill Sunday 24th September 2007 - Sheering won by 5 wickets On visiting the Recreation Ground on Sunday, it wasn’t long before I picked up on the gossip concerning the absence of my reports from the Blades’ website. The reports this season have been “too serious”, “not enough banter”, “dull”etc. I wondered if that, maybe, in my absence the green caps (as they seem to like to call themselves these days) had taken on a more professional approach and waved goodbye to those priceless moments of shambolic creativity? Had they lost their appetite for the pursuit of their highly-prized Slasher Hammond Trophy? Nothing of the sort had happened; it was all there in its glorious splendour. Fielding first – a practice which I understand has replaced the time-honoured tradition of tossing a coin – the ‘green caps’ were soon reduced to 10 men when the apparently in-form Bobby Jones collapsed in a heap clutching his calf. Initially, it appeared to be no more than a dramatic excuse not to retrieve the ball from the hedge following a Ben Oakes half-volley. But ‘No’ it was more serious than that and the unfortunate Jones was forced to leave the field. Was the injury due to a torn muscle or was it, as some rumours seem to suggest, down to a family barbeque? I was inclined to believe the more obvious cause but doubts crept into my mind at the sight of the first-change bowler changed and heading for his car, only minutes later. Still, every cloud has a silver lining and the delay had at least given the prone Oakes more time to recover from his morning exertions on the football pitch. A punishing opening stand between Burton and Coldwell was taking its toll on Sheering’s all-rounder and he was soon excused from duty. The tireless Simpkins, toiling away up the slope, was trying to keep a lid on things but his mood was hardly lightened at the site of Greenall Senior circling aimlessly beneath a skier from Coldwell and narrowly avoiding a serious head injury with the position of his hands bearing no relation whatsoever to the flight of the ball. I had fully expected young Mark to have one of his famous ‘moments’ but he surprisingly shrugged the calamity aside claiming that “that makes us quits” apparently referring to a similar travesty of fielding of his own, the previous week. Given all that had gone before, the farce seemed to set off another of those a typical Sheering twists of fate. The absence of Jones brought the early introduction of Greenall into the attack in tandem with the now heavily perspiring Simpkins, and the wickets began to tumble. From a very promising position of fifty-odd for nought, the Millers found themselves all out for 153 just before tea. Greenall’s ‘five-for’ included an over of rare beauty; three full-tosses, two long hops a wide and a double-bouncer, were delivered in what can only be assumed was part of a (very) cunning plan. I hesitate to suggest that he should try the ploy more often but whatever the madness, it certainly seemed to work. I should at this point make mention of Sheering’s redoubtable skipper, Simon Lane. I’ve noticed that he has very keen senses and can smell blood the moment it begins to be spilt. Dubbed ‘Captain Selfish’ by his merry band of ‘men’, he realised instinctively when Simple’s work was done and brought himself on to bowl at precisely the right moment. Two cheap wickets were his reward. Nigel Thomas’s chanceless 62 should have been the highlight of the hosts’ reply, which saw them comfortably home with 5 wickets to spare, but, in a desparate attempt to steal Match Donkey votes away from the long-departed Jones, Ben Oakes once again stole the limelight when he settled a few old scores with Greenall Junior by ruthlessly triggering him in the midst of a match-winning innings, whilst unusually clad in a long white coat. Young Greenall, whilst trying to destroy the dressing room door with his bat, was heard suggesting that a white stick and dark glasses would have complemented his outfit perfectly. Overall it was good entertainment and the Millers were, as always, good value and the combative Peter Linden, good volume. Pav Guliani’s attempt at beating the Sheering all-time run scoring record of 724 runs in a season fell tantalisingly 38 runs short when he was – as he later claimed - talked out by Peter. With entertainment like this on offer, I will almost certainly be back for more. Netteswell & Burnt Mill: 153 ( Ray Greenall 5-23, Simon Lane 2-15, Tom Waring 1-20, Mark Simpkins 1-46) Sheering: 154-5 (Nigel Thomas 62, Simon Lane 28*, Pav Guliani 17, Simon Greenall 14, Joe Joyce 10)
White Roding v. Sheering - Sunday 16th September 2007 - Sheering won by 6 wickets The Blades continued their run of recent good form on Sunday with a hard-fought but well-deserved win at local rivals White Roding. Winning the toss for the first time in most people’s memory, skipper lane rendered his win irrelevant by asking the hosts to do exactly what they would have done had they won – bat first! The omens for the decision didn’t look good when Russell Monck and Rob Crouchman got their side away to a very promising start. Crouchman’s hard-hitting 53 was followed by 71 from Dave Bardell and a score in excess looked to be in prospect until young Tom Waring’s leg-spin claimed the latter’s and John Cutmore’s wickets in quick succession. Bobby Jones was the most successful of the bowlers with three wickets from the top order. The home side’s final total of 177-8 off their 35 overs was a good total in the circumstances and the ‘green caps’ knew they would need to bat well if they were to win. And bat well, they did. Nigel Thomas and Pavan Guliani made a solid start with 29 off 9 overs before Nigel was caught behind during an excellent spell of bowling from John Archer, which saw him concede only 11 runs from 6 overs. The fall of the first wicket, however, brought Ben Oakes to the crease and for the second week running, a century stand for the second wicket made victory assured. Pav departed for 80 with the score on 138 and Ben followed 19 runs later with 51. The loss of skipper Lane with only four runs needed, was no more than a hiccup and, as he did the week before, Steve Hicks hit the winning runs with more than five overs to spare. White Roding: 177-8 (Bobby Jones 3-48, Tom Waring 2-23, Mark Simpkins 1-30, Ray Greenall 1-32, Ben Oakes 1-37) Sheering: 178-4 (Pavan Guliani 80, Ben Oakes 51, Simon Lane 10)
Hundred Club Results	Week 1 £20 Nick Simpkins, £10 Bob Simpkins. Week 2 £20 Simon Lane, £10 Ray Greenall. Week 3 £20 (Number not yet sold), £10 (Number not yet sold). Week 4 £20 Simon Lane, £10 Richard Wheeler
Sunday 9th September 2007Sheering v. Woodcutters Sheering won by 8 wkts	A rugby injury on the morning of the game unfotunately caused Woodcuutters to turn up for their annual visit to Sheering with only nine men. Help was at hand, though, in the form Keith Hicks and Paul Guliani, who had come along to watch their sons and ended up offering to bring the ‘cutters’ up to strength. This clearly had a positive effect on the visiting side when, after losing the toss and being asked to bat, they overcame the early loss of Larry Dooley, and were soon racking up the runs. Max Berndes was particularly punishing of the bowling but it has to be said his hard-hitting 69 owed more than a little to some careless and sometimes reckless catching. It was another inspired spell of bowling from Bobby Jones that finally brought his downfall soon after an almost suicidal attempt at a ‘caught and bowled’ very nearly smashed his kneecap to smithereens. The ‘cutters’s hopes of making a big score were still high while Starkie (35) and Rockall (15) were at the wicket but the introduction of Max Bygrave to the attack soon accounted for both. In partnership with young Tom Waring, they quickly claimed the last five wickets and a slightly under par 153 was posted with 13 minutes remaining before tea. These few extra minutes undoubtedly improved the prospects of a home win, which was duly achieved with the loss of only two wickets and more than six overs to spare. The first wicket partnership of 29 runs in 8 overs was brought to an end with the dismissal of Nigel Thomas. This brought Ray Greenall to the crease in a rare outing up the order – because he hadn’t been given a bowl by his son, Simon, who was jointly skippering the side with Ben Oakes, in the absence of the holidaying Simon Lane. Together with the quite outsatnding Pavan Guliani, he added 122 for the second wicket, before falling on his sword with three runs needed for victory in order that the ‘patient’ Steve Hicks could run the very real risk of pulling off a spectacular failure. It wasn’t to be, though, as, throwing caution to the wind, Hicksy pulled across the line to smite a magnificent four to win the game. This left Pav unbeaten on 88, bringing his total runs for a weather ravaged season to a remarkable 588 at an average of more than 80. With three games still remaining, there is every chance that he with overtake Andy Bretten’s 596 runs in 1991 to become the second highest run- scorer in a season behind Blades legend, Des Brown, who scored 746, 734 and 599 in 1976, 1979 and 1975 respectively. In probably his one and only outing for the Cutters, the on loan Keith Hicks made many new friends with an impreesive and occasionally noisy display behind the stumps. Woodcutters: 153 (Max Bygrave 3-5, Tom Waring 2-24, Bobby Jones 2-40, Ben oakes 1-19, Carl Waring 1-27, Mark Simpkins 1-29) Sheering; 154-2: (Pav Guliani 88*, Ray Greenall 17)
Sunday 26th August 2007Hatfield Heath v. Sheering Sheering won by 8 wkts	A beautiful summer’s day saw the Blades gain their revenge for the draw in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The hosts won the toss – skipper Lane’s seventh loss in a row – and decided to bat. The decision looked to be a good one but they hadn’t reckoned on the superb opening spell of seam bowling from Mark Simpkins and Ben Oakes and they soon found themselves in difficulties. Wickets fell steadily for not many runs and it wasn’t until Peter Graves came to the wicket at five wickets down, that challenging total seemed possible. Steady progress was made from then on before the innings closed on 121 with 9 balls remaining of the allotted 40 overs. Bobby Jones continued his return to top form with another spell of fine left-arm seam bowling. Sheering’s reply was ruthless and the target was reached in under 20 overs. Both Pav Guliani and Matt Birch made 30s and Ben Oakes top-scored with an unbeaten 36. A good all-round performance in a game played in a good spirit by both teams. As usual, the Heath’s hospitality was ‘spot-on’. Hatfield Heath: 121 (Mark Simpkins 3-15, Ben Oakes 2-8, Bobby Jones 2-11, Simon Lane 1-13, Tom Waring 1-21, Ray Greenall 1-37) Sheering: 122-2 (Ben Oakes 36*, Pavan Guliani 32, Matt Birch 31)
12 Aug 2007Eastons (Away) Sheering won by 128 runs	On the face of it, a comfortable win for Sheering at the lovely setting of Eastons. The truth was, however, that if Eastons had held their catches after winning the toss and asking the Blades, the match would most likely have been a much closer contest. Despite the fielding lapses, though, the highlight of the day was Pavan Guliani’s unbeaten 104 that saw him become only the ninth centurion in the Club’s history. Sharing in partnerships of 47 with Nigel Thomas and 104 with Ben Oakes, Pav helped the visitors declare five minutes before tea on 228-4. The brief and selfless cameo from the enterprising Hicksy at the end of the innings and that saw Pav through to his hundred, was a masterpiece all of its own. The home side’s reply was soon into difficulties when their first four batsmen fell victim to catches off cut shots that were in part due to the bounce that Sheering’s bowlers found they could extract from the pitch. Wickets fell steadily through the innings with Bobby Jones and young Tom waring proving to be the pick of the bowlers. Simon Greenall’s fine performance behind the stumps added considerably to the pressure that the Blades competent outfielding put on the Eastons’ batters. Sheering: 228-4 (Pavan Guliani 104*, Ben Oakes 53, Nigel Thomas 18, Steve Hicks 13*, Simon Greenall 10) Eastons: 100 (Bobby Jones 3-18, Tom Waring 2-15, Mark Simpkins 2-32, Joe Joyce 1-5, Ben Oakes 1-13)
Sunday 5th August 2007Farnham v. Sheering Sheering won by 9 wickets	After the disappointment of the previous week’s defeat, the Blades needed to up their game for the visit to the near perfect cricket setting of Hazel End and a strong Farnham team. Losing the toss and being made to field on a wonderful (for a change) summer’s day, things could hardly have gone better. The bowling and fielding was outstanding and had it not been for a classic Richard Thorogood innings of 78 not out, the home side would have been dismissed very cheaply. Once again, Mark Simpkins and Ben Oakes made very good use of the new ball. On a flat track and fast outfield, 142 never looked as if it would be enough, and so it proved. Losing only the wicket of Nigel Thomas with the score on 47, the runs were knocked off a little over 27 overs. Pavan Guliani hit 13 fours in his unbeaten 71 and Ben Oakes, one six and six fours in his 45 not out. Farnham; 142 (Mark Simpkins 3-25, Simon Lane 2-11, Ray Greenall 2-15, Ben Oakes 2-23, Bobby Jones 1-28) Sheering: 144-1 (Pav Guliani 71*, Ben Oakes 45*, Nigel Thomas 18)
Sunday 29th July 2007Sheering v. Chelmsford Nomads Chelmsford Nomads won by 6 wickets	Just when it seemed like the Blades were back to winning ways, the curse of unavailabilty struck again and a weakened team succumbed to a last over defeat in a game of changing fortunes for both teams. Asked to bat first, the Blades made good progress and at 93-1 after 28 overs a challenging total looked to be in prospect. The dismissal of the in-form Ben Oakes for 28, though, changed everything. He was quickly followed by the jug-avoiding Pav Guliani for a solid 49 and another of those famous Sheering collapses began. All out for 119. In truth, this total never looked likely to be enough. However, Mark Simpkins, Ben Oakes and Bobby Jones had other ideas and all bowled brilliantly, taking four early wickets for only a handful of runs. The Nomads then dropped anchor and runs became a priceless commodity. Further wickets didn’t come and just when a draw seemed inevitable, the Blades made the fatal mistake of relaxing. Suddenly the runs started to flow, a catch was dropped and the Nomads grabbed the initiative. Despite their acceleration, though, the win was still looking out of reach when an injury to one of their batsmen caused him to retire hurt. This brought a fresh batsmen to the crease who hit out successfully to grab victory in the final over. A very disappointed Sheering left the field wondering how they had lost. Nonetheless for that, it was a very good game that could have gone any way. Sheering: 119 (Pav Guliani 49, Ben Oakes 28) Chelmsford Nomads: 120-4 (Ben Oakes 2-30, Mark Simpkins 1-11, Bobby Jones 1-14)
Sunday 22nd July 2007Sheering v. Willingale	This first ever meeting between Sheering and Willingale unfortunately ended up a little one-sided. It would be fair to say that the visitors enjoyed no luck at all and Sheering’s bowlers all bowled well. Losing the toss and being invited to bat, the visitors lost early wickets and soon found themselves in a virtually hopeless position at 17 for 5. The remaining batsmen all stuck at their task, though, and a final score of 80 was eventually reached off almost 35 overs. Any possibility of this being a big enough target were soon dashed, however, with a brutal opening stand of 52 between Paul Reed and Pav Guliani. The dismissal of Steve Hicks only 3 runs later proved to be only a blip and victory soon followed with the loss of no further wickets. Willingale 80: (Ben Oakes 2-3, Pav Guliani 2-4, Ray Greenall 2-9, Paul Reed 1-2, Mark Simpkins 1-6, Bobby Jones 1-12, Steve Hicks 1-17) Sheering: 81-2. (Pav Guliani 39*, Paul Reed 27)
Sunday 8th July 2007Potter Street v. Sheering	The Sheering recovery continued with this excellent win at Church Langley. Asked to score 174 to win, the Blades did it in style with only 5 wickets down and 22 balls to spare. The pick of the batsmen were Pav Guliani, Ben Oakes and Steve Hicks, the latter remaining unbeaten having shared fifth and sixth wicket stands of 36 and 23 with Nick Heslop and Mark Simpkins respectively. Earlier, the Sheering bowlers had all done their jobs with Ben Oakes outstanding with two wickets for 18 runs off his 8 overs. Potter Street: 173 (Simon Lane 3-40, Ben Oakes 2-18, Ray Greenall 2-30, Tom Waring 1-13) Sheering: 176-5: (Pavan Guliani 52, Ben Oakes 35, Steve Hicks 35*, Nick Heslop 20, Mark Simpkins 14*)
18 Jun 2007Molehill Green (Home) Sheering won by 9 wkts	Apologies for the lack of match reports so far this season. All our roving reporters have been kidnapped & held hostage & theres no chance of the ransom being paid. Suffice to say theres been not much worth writing about - basically for the first few games we struggled to get a side out & got slaughtered. However, the first home game of the season brought about the first win & perhaps a change in fortune. In the morning it didn't look promising though as the outfield was so long that a herd of roaming wildebeest could have hidden out there for days. Sterling work in the morning from Mark,Ray Simon & Bob Simpkins with a large scythe made it playable. The square was located, the wildebeest were shooed off, Sheering won the toss & not liking the look of the damp pitch put the opposition in. Scoring proved to be difficult apart from the odd full toss which disappeared out the ground. The visitors struggled to 114 all out on the stroke of tea. Carl 'Monty' Waring & Ray taking 3 wkts apiece. The Sheering reply was steady with openers Nigel & Pav putting on over 50, until Pav took a swipe at a straight one & missed. Ben Oakes made short work of the remaining runs with the ball disappearing to all corners of the ground, nearly taking out a few cars in the car park in the process. Man of the match must surely have been Bob Simpkins had he been eligible, not only for a supreme effort in the outfield but also for preparing the teas with wife Ann.
Sunday 10th June 2007Harlow v. Sheering	With the Blades still not firing on all cyclinders, this first ever fixture with Harlow was always promised to be a stern test. Winning the toss and electing to field, it was therefore important that the team bowled and fielded well. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite happen and the Harlow batsmen scored their runs a little too freely. For much of the innings it looked as if they would bat the game out of the visitors’ reach but the Blades stuck at their task and the eventual total of 218-5 was only just above above par. Ray Greenall was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 13 off his allotted 8 overs. Optimism was high,the target was within reach and Sheering sensed their first victory of the season. However, their hopes were quickly dashed when Harlow debutant off-spinner, Hameed, reduced the Blades to 89 for 5 with four wickets for only 18 runs. After this defeat was almost inevitable and Sheering’s innings closed on a slightly flattering 177. Ben Oakes hit an attractive 38 and had he gone on, he would probably have secured the win but it wasn’t to be and Sheering’s poor start to the season continued. Harlow: 218-5 (Ray Greenall 2-13, Tom Waring 1-26, Pavan Guliani 1-28, Mark Simpkins 1-33) Sheering: 177: (Ben Oakes 38, Nick Heslop 20, Ray Greenall 20, Mark Simpkins 17, Pavan Guliani 15, Steve Hicks 13, Tom Waring 12)
Sunday 3rd June 2007Clavering v. Sheering Match Drawn	Sheering’s gradual return to something like their form of last season continued gently in the Blades’ first ever visit to Clavering for a weekend fixture. Their ionly previous visit was in the Davies Cup many years ago. With a team that was beginning to resemble a normal strength side, the Blades found themselves once again losing the toss and being asked to field first. On a wicket that had been flooded by heavy rain a few days earlier, Clavering batted very well and racked up a reasonably healthy 180-7 declared off 39 overs. The visitors reply began steadily and then picked up when Ben Oakes arrived at the crease, first wicket down, with 29 runs on the board. In partnership with, first, Nigel Thomas and, then, Simon Lane, Ben took the score to 93 with more than 16 overs remaining before being very surprisingly stumped when seemingly in total control. After his dismissal the innings never quite maintained the initiative and it was left young Tom Waring and the rather more experienced Keith Hicks to bat out the final two overs to salvage a respectable draw. Clavering: 180-7 (Ray Greenall 2-57, Simon Lane 1-1, Nigel Thomas 1-17, Ben Oakes 1-24, ‘Max’ Bygrave 1-32, Tom Waring 1-35,) Sheering: 157-9 (Ben Oakes 39, Steve Hicks 23, Simon Lane 18, ‘Max’ Bygrave 18, Nigel Thomas 16, Ray Greenall 13)
20 May 2007Matching Green (Away) Match Drawn	Having already suffered two heavy defeats with a weakened team, Sheering went to the picturesque Green with only nine men and fearing the worst. And, as if that wasn’t enough, wicket-keeper Hicksy, was called into work an hour before the start of the game. So it was that, with only seven men and a game but injured Paul Joyce, the Blades took the field fearing the worst. Young Tom Waring bravely volunteered to keep wicket until Hicksy arrived and the returning Ben Oakes and Bobby Jones went to work with the ball. What followed came as a pleasant relief. Everybody bowled and fielded well and the hosts were bowled out shortly before tea for 168 in 40 overs with Oakes, Greenall and Carl waring sharing the wickets. The two run outs bore testimony to the sterling efforts in the field. With only nine men, a win still looked unlikely but hopes were raised when Nigel Thomas and Ray Greenall posted 71 for the first wicket. They were sooned dashed, though, when the normally reliable Oakes fell lbw to the cunning left-arm spin of Rob Leamon for only 2 and wickets started to tumble. The innings gradually stumbled past the hundred before Bobby Jones and Keith Hicks came together to hold out for the draw. The corner had hopefully and unexpectedly been turned. Matching Green; 168 (Carl Waring 3-24, Ray Greenall 3-33, Ben Oakes 2-35) Sheering: 102-7 (Ray Greenall 31, Nigel Thomas 23, Steve Hicks 13)

10 May 2007	Sheering CC New Roller We have obtained the new roller although haven't finished paying for it yet. Keep those subs advances coming in!

6th May 2007Harold Wood (Away) Sheering lost by 265 runs

Probably the weakest team that the Blades have ever fielded came up against a strong Harold Wood side that put itself firmly into the Club’s record books. Not only did they set the highest score ever conceded by a Sheering team – 340 for 3 off 40 overs – but they also achieved the greatest margin of victory – 265 runs! For a variety of reasons, the Blades had 4 regular players available and were extremely grateful to three of Carl Waring’s U13 Sawbridgeworth team for making it possible for the game to go ahead. Sheering’s severely depleted bowling attack was soon put to the sword when the home side elected to bat first and runs came very quickly. The opening partnership was worth 154 before Carl Waring’s left-arm spin a much needed wicket but it was only briefly enjoyed as a further 177 runs were added for the second wicket. What followed, though, was without doubt the golden moment of the afternoon when young Tom Waring held a catch on the deep mid-wicket boundary off the bowling of Nick Heslop. This was amazingly followed by a third wicket off the very next ball. A golden duck in an innings of 340 will undoubtedly live long in that unfortunate batsman’s memory. It’s a cruel game! The highlight, or to be more accurate the lowlight, of the Sheering reply came when Steve Hick’s unnecessarily ran out the visitor’s best hope of a respectable score, Nigel Thomas, after he had scored a very comfortable 20. Although Steve also managed 20 runs it was never going to be enough and the innings subsided to a disappointing 75 all out and a record defeat. Overall, although this was certainly a game to forget it was also worthy of praise to both teams. Sheering, because a team was fielded and the fixture was fulfilled and Harold Wood, because they achieved their massive victory with good grace and not a hint of arrogance. Harold Wood: 340-3 off 40 overs (Nick Heslop 2-18, Carl Waring 1-51) Sheering: 75 off 29 overs (Nigel Thomas 20, Steve Hicks 20)

29 Apr 2007Netteswell & Burnt Mill (Away) Sheering lost by 38 runs

The Blades began the 2007 in the same way as they ended the 2006 season – with an away defeat at the hands of Netteswell & Burnt Mill. The extremely dry weather gave the back pitch at Marigolds a parched look that would have been more familiar at the end of a very dry summer rather than the first game of the season. Not expectedly, therefore, runs were abundance and the home side, when invited to bat first, rattled up a very respectable 221 for 6 off their 40 overs. Gerald Linden top-scored with 64. The weaker than usual Sheering side were never really in the hunt. They finished their innings with a fairly respectable score of 183 for 5 by virtue of a workmanlike 63 from the returning Pavan Guliani, who put on 64 for the third wicket with skipper Simon Lane, who contributed an aggresive 42. After such a successful season in 2006, this was a very disappointing performance made worse by the extraordinary number of regulars who were for one reason or another unavailable to play. Netteswell & Burnt Mill: 221-96 (Simon Lane 2-33, Tom Waring 1-19, Ray Greenall 1-32, Chris Howard 1-43) Sheering: 183-5 (Pavan Guliani 63, Simon Lane 42, Paul joyce 28, Chris Howard 16*, Ray Greenall 12*)

1 Apr 2007

2006 Awards Dinner The 2006 awards dinner was held in the Cock on March 24th and was well attended with a welcome number of partners turning up. The dinner was organised by Steve Hicks so thanks go to him. Prizes were presented by Chairman Simon Lane. Player of the Season went to Ben Oakes The Slasher Hammond Trophy (most match donkeys of the season) also went to Ben Oakes Players Player of the Season went to Ray Greenall The Captains award went to Nigel Thomas Photographer was Dave 'Max' Bygrave and the grey hairy thing is the back of Nick Heslop's head.

23 Mar 2007	2007 Fixtures Added We have received a £2000 grant from Stansted Airport Community Fund toward the cost of a new roller. Our thanks go to them.

31 Dec 2006	2006 Statistics Added

Netteswell & Burnt Mill v. Sheering Sunday 24th September 2006

If they had known at the time that this was to be their last game of the season, it's likely that the Blades would have liked to have given a better account of themselves. Going into the game having suffered only one defeat all season, they would have wanted to finish their best year in recorded history with alittle bit of style. Instead, they put in by far their worst performance of the season and stumbled to an 85 run defeat. Choosing to field first on a drying Marigolds wicket, the visitors did not bowl with their normal accuracy and runs flowed at a healthy rate right from the first over. The loss of opening bowler, Mark Simpkins, to a head injury before he had completed his allotted eight overs, only made matters worse. However, the home side's final score of 170-9 was really only par for the conditions and the game was by no means lost. All that was required to pull off an unlikely victory was a couple of decent innings from Sheering's high scoring top order of Oakes, Lane, Hicks and Simon Greenall. It didn't happen, though. Only Greenall with a 27 run cameo, came anywhere close to batting up to standard and the Blades were finally dismissed for only 85. It would, in fact, have been far worse had it not been for a last wicket stand of 23 between the returning from hospital Simpkins and young Tom Waring. All in all, a very disappointing end to a nonetheless very successful season - the final game being cancelled because ASPs could not raise a team. There were, however, a couple of positive aspects to the game. These were the performances of the two youngest members of the team, 14 year old Simon Dewhurst, who bowled and fielded well, and 12 year old, Tom Waring, who took the Man-of-the-Match award with his 11 runs and 2-41 off 8 overs. Netteswell & Burnt Mill: 170-9 (Ray Greenall 3-16, Tom Waring 2-41, Ben Oakes 1-21, Ed Gould 1-36, Mark Simpkins 1-37) Sheering: 85 (Simon Greenall 27, Mark Simpkins 12*, Tom Waring 11, Ray Greenall 10)

White Roding v. Sheering Sunday 17th September 2006

It wasn't until the hard-hitting Dave Bardell was ninth man out for 56, that the Blades really looked like running out the winners in this closely fought contest. Winning the toss and (unusually) electing to bat first in this 35 overs-a-side game, skipper, Simon Lane, must have been hoping for good performances from his top order. He couldn't possibly have bargained for opener, Paul Reed, being bowled first ball, shouldering arms. Nor could he have expected to find the team at 73-4, after 15 overs, with himself, Ben Oakes and Simon Greenall, back in the pavillion having failed to convert good starts into substantial innings. However, the other opener, Nigel Thomas, was still at the wicket, playing his familiar anchor role, and together with Ray Greenall, the score was steadily advanced to 126 through a 5th wicket stand of 53 in a little under 15 overs. With only 5 overs left, there was still a lot of work to be done and, as has happened so many times before this season, Nigel transformed his batting style and went on the attack. Partnered by the energetic Aussie Winch-Furness, a further 40 runs were added ande a half respectable score of 156 was achieved. Although it did seem likely at the time, Nigel's 65 not out was to prove to be a match winning innings, which earnt him his fourth MoM award of the season. The hosts's reply was steady in the face of accurate opening spells from Mark Simpkins and Paul Read but four runs an over were still being scored. With the capture of only one wicket, Lane's gamble of bowling both of his openers out, looked to have failed. The intoduction of Ed Gould and Carl Waring, however, raised hopes of a Blades victory, with each taking two wickets apiece, but it brought to the crease Dave Bardell, and soon the ball was disappearing to all parts of the ground. With 12 overs to go, 5 wickets standing and less than 60 runs needed for victory, skipper, Simon Lane's masterplan was put to the test. Ben Oakes and Ray Greenall were given the responsibility of bowling the final overs and the gane was finely poised. Oakes was inspired! He took three quick wickets for very few runs before Greenall caught and bowled the dangerous Bardell off a skier. The last pair added a further 12 runs but they were going to be enough and a hard-fought Sheering win was achieved by a margin of 17 runs. Sheering: 156-6 (Nigel Thomas 65*, Ben Oakes 27, Ray Greenall 19, Simon Lane 10) White Roding: 139 (Ben Oakes 3-19, Ray Greenall 2-16, Carl Waring 2-27, Ed Gould 2-29, Mark Simpkins 1-30)

Sheering v. Woodcutters - Sunday 10th September 2006 Sheering won by 5 wickets

Sheering returned to winning ways on Sunday in an enthralling encounter with their longest standing opponents, Woodcutters. Fielding first, not having apparently won the toss (even though the visiting skipper had called incorrectly!), the Blades were soon put to the sword by father and son openers, John and Will Connelly, who scored freely and quickly against a bowling attack seriously hampered by the loss of Mark Simpkins with a shoulder injury in only his fourth over. The hosts received brief encouragement when Ben Oakes removed Connelly Senior for 28 but it wasn't until the introduction of Ed Gould that the brakes were put on the visitors' scoring rate. Will Connelly took his personal tally to 88 before being dismissed and with him went the big score that had earlier been threatened. What had looked like being a total in the order of 230+, ended at a still daunting 196-6 at tea. The Sheering reply was no more than steady in the face of some fairly hostile bowling from Browne and for a long time the win looked out of the question. Sheering openers, Nigel Thomas and Simon Greenall, had other ideas, though, and timed their assault to perfection. The departure of Greenall for 44 with 108 on the board, brought Oakes to the wicket and the onslaught continued. Thomas departed for 65 with the score on 156 with 9 overs remaining and the job appeared to be done. However, when Oakes was dismissed for an aggresive 52, only 12 runs later, doubts began to set in. Skipper, Simon Lane's exit with with 13 runs still needed, set the nerves jangling but, as has happened so often in the past, Steve Hicks, ably supported by Simon Hart, steered the ship home with some typically lusty blows. An excellent game on a beautiful day! Woodcutters; 196-6 dec. (Ray Greenall 3-52, Nigel Thomas 1-20, Ben Oakes 1-35, Ed Gould 1-36) Sheering; 200-4 (Nigel Thomas 65, Ben Oakes 52, Simon Greenall 44, Steve Hicks 15*)

Farnham v. Sheering - Sunday 3rd September 2006 Sheering lost by 30 runs

Having gone 4 months unbeaten, the Blades succumbed to their first defeat of the season more meekly than might have been expected. It may have been the rapid start that Farnham made, having lost the toss and been asked to bat. Runs and wickets came quickly and, at one stage it looked as if 10-man Sheering would be chasing more than 250 to win. Tom McCraith batted excellently for his 44 as did Richard Thorogood, later on, for 59. However, the visitors bowling was never totally mastered and a final total of 188 was much lower than it maybe should have been. Nigel Thomas was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 4 wickets bowling particularly well, in the circumstances, up the hill into a strong wind. None of the bowlers went for more than 5 an over and nine of the home batsmen were clean-bowled. The exception fell to a superb diving catch, at full stretch, by Mark Simpkins. With the score at 86-1in the 18th over, the Blades' reply seemed to be on the right course but but three quick wickets for the addition of only 3 runs, including top scorer Ben Oakes - whose 63 runs took him past 500 for the season - effectively signalled the end of any realistic chance of success. The final 30 run margin of defeat was convincing enough but it did leave a subdued Sheering side wondering what difference an 11th man might have made. Farnham: 188 (Nigel Thomas 4-39, Ray Greenall 1-27, 'Max' Bygrave 1-31, Ben Oakes 1-37, Mark Simpkins 1-41) Sheering: 158 (Ben Oakes 63, 'Max' Bygrave 25*, Nigel Thomas 19) Man of the Match; Nigel Thomas

Hatfield Heath v. Sheering - Sunday 27th August 2006 Sheering won by 86 runs	A visit to local rivals, Hatfield Heath, is always a tricky prospect for the Blades and Sunday proved to be no different. The final margin of victory looked convincing enough but, in truth, it took a very good, all-round performance to achieve it. The day began with the home side winning the toss and electing to field. The damp pitch was always likely to offer assistance to the bowlers and, therefore careful batting was going to be needed if a decent target was to be set. Paul Joyce departed with only four runs on the board and after eight of the allotted 40 overs, only 9 runs had been scored. However, steady progress was being made and the score gradually picked up. Opener, Nigel Thomas, played a perfect 'anchor' role to some enterprising batting from Ben Oakes, Simon Lane and Steve Hicks, and only when they had all departed did he finally open his shoulders to score a season's best 73 not out, to take the score to 180 -5 at the inning's close. In reply, the Heath made steady progress towards their target and had reached 83 for the loss of only two wickets off 24 overs when an unprecedented collapse saw their last eight wickets fall for 11 runs off only 33 balls. Ray Greenall, with 6-6, and Carl Waring, with 2-5, shared the wickets and victory by 86 runs was secured. Sheering: 180-5 off 40 overs (Nigel Thomas 73*, Simon Lane 39, Ben Oakes 15, Steve Hicks 14) Hatfield Heath; 94 off 30.4 overs (Ray Greenall 6-6, Carl waring 2-5, Ben Oakes 1-12, Mark Simpkins 1-17) Man of the Match; Nigel Thomas
Little Hadham v. Sheering - Sunday 20th August 2006 Sheering won by 96 runs	The Blades first ever visit to their hosts' Bury Green ground got off to a bad start when skipper, Simon Lane, lost the toss and was invited to bat first. On a wicket still damp after heavy overnight rain, it was evident that the Sheering batsmen would need to do well if they were to set a reasonable target. Matters didn't improve when, with the score on 32 withot loss, opner Paul Surridge was forced to retire hurt with a torn hamstring. However, no real harm was done as almost all of the batsmen made half-decent contributions. 'Sugzy' returned with the aid of a runner, at the fall of the 4th wicket, to top-score with 31 and the innings closed shortly before tea, for a total of 156, which looked to be about par for the conditions. As it turned out, 156 was more than enough, as Man-of-the-Match, Mark Simpkins bowled a fine opening spell in tandem with James Salmon, to leave the home side reeling on 15 for 5. Stubborn resistance from Little Hadham's lower order for a long time threatened to save the game but some fine catching eventually saw the Blades to victory by a margin of 96 runs with around 10 overs remaining . Sheering: 156 (Paul Surridge 31, Simon Lane 25, Ray Greenall 20, Nigel Thomas 17, Nick Heslop 15, Max Bygrave 12, Joe Joyce 10) Little Hadham; 60 (Mark Simpkins 3-6 off 10 overs, Max Bygrave 2-7, Ray Greenall 2-17, James Salmon 2-26)
Farnham v. Sheering - Sunday 6th August 2006 Long Leg's View from the Boundary	When I ventured over to the picturesque Farnham ground on Sunday, looking for entertainment, I had no idea of what lie in wait for me. Once I arrived, it was immediately apparent that, with the season more than halfway over, the race for Sheering's coveted Slasher Hammond Trophy was hotting up. The 'usual suspects' of Hicks, Greenall, Lane, Oakes and Simpkins were straight into all their vast repertoire of well-tried and tested tricks and it was clear that none had given up hope of the ultimate end-of-season prize. The consulation prize of Player of the Season is, however, still obviously pulling them in the other direction and, for most of the day, wholesale confusion seemed to be the real winner. On the day, the heroic fielding efforts of Steve Hicks - seemingly known as 'hicksy'to his enemies - seemed destined to scoop the majority of the votes on offer. In an unnecessary parody of an unfortunate victim of an Aunt Sally stall the bruised and battered Hicksy capped a valient performance by limping to the wicket disguised as the umpire. With the sole intention of doing serious damage to the hapless Ben Oakes's batting average, he grabbed the opportunity to trigger his mate lbw to a ball that Ben apparently "middled". His immediate substitution before any further damage could be done, signalled the end of his involvement in the game and, as it turned out, his share of any Match Donkey votes. On most days he would have done enough but on this occasion the ten vote maximum was scooped by returning vice-captain, Alex (Johnny come lately) Willcox. Given the opportunity to bowl Willco took full advantage by ironically lobbing up 'donkey drops' off a one-legged run-up. Statuesque fielding, loudly blamed on the fact that he couldn't stand Ray Greenall's bowling, sealed all the votes and, with eight games to go, nobody should rule out the possibility that, having given his main rivals a 10 game start, the Trophy will not be his. Fully realising what he is up against the hapless Ben Oakes threw away some very easy votes by accepting his demise at the hands of 'Quick-draw Hicksy' with typical good grace. It would have been easy to stand at the crease making a scene by pointing at his new bat but, No, Ben instead returned to the 'hutch' as if nothing untoward had happened. From such stuff are heroes made! For the record, the Sheering Skipper, Simon Lane, gave his most convincing Ricky Ponting impression to date, when he hit a magnificent unbeaten 81 that upstaged the earlier 81 that had been scored by the home side's Marcus McCattell. His record-breaking 133 run partnership with Simon Greenall to win the game by 7 wickets was the genuine entertainment of the day.
Sunday 6th August 2006 Farnham v. Sheering Sheering won by 6 wickets	A beautiful summer's day in the perfect setting of Farnham's Hazel End ground, saw a well-fought and highly competitive game eventually go the way of the visitors, thanks to a record-breaking 4th wicket partnership between skipper, Simon Lane, and wicket-keeper, Simon Greenall. Their unbeaten 133 runs together, eclipsed the previous record of 122 set 34 years ago by Des Brown and Brian French against the now-defunct Bishop's Stortford Ramblers, in 1972. Winning the toss and batting first, the home side set about their task with relish and runs were scored quickly despite some very good bowling from openers Oakes and Simpkins. The pick of the Farnham batsmen was undoubtedly, Marcus Cattell. Fresh back from Australia and doing a fine impression of a mad Scotsman, Marcus hit an unbeaten 81 that was full of good shots. The Sheering reply was necessarily cautious to begin with. Openers, Nigel Thomas and Paul Surridge, wisely decided to carefully see off a tight opening spell from Nick Sellers whose eight overs were bowled at a cost of only 14 runs. They remained positive, though, and without taking too many risks, put on 55 for the first wicket in a little over 13 overs. The fall of Nigel's wicket was soon followed by those of Sugzy and Ben Oakes in a rare, if maybe slightly unfortunate, failure. The game then appeared to be in the balance but a magnificent 81* from Simon Lane, supported by an unbeaten 34 from Simon Greenall saw the visitors to a worthy victory with almost 8 of their 40 overs remaining. Farnham; 193 (Ray Greenall 3-29, Alex Willcox 3-51, Mark Simpkins 2-37, Paul Read 1-40) Sheering: 196-3 (Simon Lane 81*, Simon greenall 34*, Nigel Thomas 32, Paul Surridge 23)
Sunday 30th July 2006 Sheering v. Chelmsford Nomads Match Drawn	Facing a Chelmsford-based wandering team for the second time in 8 days, the Blades succeeded in achieiving a draw that at no stage of the game looked likely. The Nomads won the toss and opted to bowl first on a very damp wicket, which was still 'rock hard' only an inch below the surface. Their opening bowler, Marriage, took full advantage of the conditions and bowled throughout the innings to take a mean 7-17 off 18.1 overs. However, despite his fine spell of bowling, the home side had reached 88 for the loss of only one wicket, with more than an hour remaining, thanks to an excellent partnership of 70 between Nigel Thomas and Ben Oakes. This was the point of the game, though, when Sheering fortunes changed. The dismissal of Oakes signalled the start of an abject batting performance that saw the home side dall out for only 105, more than 20 minutes before tea. If the batting was bad, the fielding was even worse and despite the loss of a wicket in the 12 minutes before the interval, a victory for the Nomads looked inevitable. A home victory seemed very unlikely and, with 42 overs available, a draw appeared out of the question. The bowlers obviously thought otherwise! Taking countless dropped catches and misfields in their stride, they plugged away and gradually eased the asking rate up to 3 an over at the start of the last twenty. This crept up to a little over 4 an over with 8 overs left but, with 6 wickets still in hand, defeat for the Blades lwas looming large. However, the tension was mounting and the last over arrived with 8 wickets down and 7 runs needed. Two further misfields kept the tension rising and with 2 runs needed for victory off the last ball, Sheering, for the first time, sensed they could escape with a draw. And so it proved. A run out saw the visitors stranded on 104-9 and the honours were shared. Sheering; 105 (Ben Oakes 43, Nigel Thomas 28) Nomads; 104-9 (Ben Oakes 4-20, James Salmon 3-35) Man of the Match; Ben Oakes
Sunday 23rd July 2006 Sheering v. North Springfield Wanderers Sheering won by 5 wickets	The first ever visit of NSW to Sheering saw a tight game ultimately result in a five wicket win for the home side. The eventual margin of victory, however, did not really tell the full story. Winning the toss and electing to bat, NSW made a solid start against some very challenging bowling from the Blades's opening attack of Simpkins and Oakes. Twenty two runs were on the board before the first wicket fell but more than 10 overs had been used up. At 44-1 good steady progress was being made by two quick wickets left the visitors in a bit of trouble and they never really recovered. Wickets fell steadily thereafter and the innings closed for only 105 on the last ball before the scheduled tea interval. One of the main reasons for the relatively low score was the fact that on three occasions wickets fell in pairs - at 44, 99 and 105. Next time Bobby Jones bowls, he will be on a hat-trick. The Sheering reply followed a similar pattern but some lusty blows from Ben Oakes and an overdue Captain's innings from Simon Lane saw a win secured with 11 overs remaining. NSW; 105 (Ray Greenall 3-14, James Salmon 3-19, Bobby Jones 2-12, Mark Simpkins 1-20, 'Max' Bygrave 1-22) Sheering; 106-5 (Ben Oakes 29, Nigel Thomas 20, Simon Lane 19*) Man of the Match; James Salmon
Sunday 16th July 2006 Sheering v. Hatfield Heath Sheering won by 7 wickets	Winning the toss and electing to bat, visitors, Hatfield Heath, did not reckon on a devastating opening spell from the back-to-form Mark Simpkins. In six probing overs, Mark took the first five wickets to fall at a cost of only 13 runs. Two further wickets from first change, James Salmon, left the Heath reeling at 15-7 and staring down the 'barrel of the gun'. Late order resistance saw a bit of a recovery but a 'mixed' spell of bowling from Aussie Winch-Furness, in which he claimed two wickets, saw the innings wrapped up for only 46 from 18 overs and 4 balls. Sheering weren't to have it all their own way, though. The Heath's opening attack of Plane and Chapman asked a lot of questions of the home batsmen and at 19-3 nerves were beginnig to jangle. However, a typically belligerent undefeated innings of 19 from Steve Hicks with steady, if a little hung-over, support from Nigel Thomas, saw the Blades reach their target with no further losses. Hatfield Heath; 46 (Mark Simpkins 5-13, James Salmon 3-13, Aussie Winch-Furness 2-17) Sheering; 48-3 (Steve Hicks 19*, Ben Oakes 12, Nigel Thomas 8*) Man of the Match; Mark Simpkins
Sunday 9th July 2006 Great Baddow II v. Sheering Sheering won by 7 wickets	A week without a scheduled fixture saw the CCC put Sheering and Great Baddow together for the first ever occasion. Played at the well-appointed Sandon Cricket Club, the game ended with the visitors running out fairly comfortable winners. There were, however, many occasions within the game that could have led to a different outcome. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Great Baddow got away to a reasonable start on a sideways sloping wicket with a stong cross-wind. The Sheering bowlers sometimes found it hard to keep the ball within the batsmen's reach and wides therefore came along fairly frequently. 56 runs were on the board before the fall of the second wicket but then runs became harder to find and the home side were eventually all out for only 116 in 37.2 of their allotted 40 overs. The Sheering reply got of to a faltering start in the face of a pacey spell from the home side's Darren Gough look-alike and they were soon 9-2 off 4 overs. However, Sheering's gladatorial skipper Simon Lane then joined the in-form Ben Oakes at the wicket and, together, they took the score to 70 before the former, having been dropped on 2, holed out to cover for an aggressive 21. Oakes then set about the bowling with relish and brought up the win with two consecutive sixes off the first two balls of the 19th over. A good win in the circumstances and some new friendships formed. Great Baddow II; 116 (Ray Greenall 6-15, Mark Simpkins 2-21, Ben Oakes 1-15 Ed Gould 1-37) Sheering: 117-3 (Ben Oakes 69*, Simon Lane 21)
Sunday 2nd July 2006 Roydon v. Sheering Match Drawn	Long Leg's View from the Boundary It wasn't the intense heat that caused Roydon captain, Jeff Pond, to faint upon losing the toss before Sunday's game; it was Sheering skipper, Simon Lane's decision to field first. His Sheering teammates stood open-mouthed in amazement as the home skipper, having picked himself up off the ground, joyously signalled the good news to his team. Rumours of disquiet in the away dressing room were soon circulating with 'inside' information suggesting that the prodigal Lane had lost a pre-match vote of confidence by 10 to nil. The riot soon subsided, though, and before you could say "What a prat!" the demorilised and sun cream-drenched visitors were to be seen sweating their way out onto the field behind their over-animated and unrealistically optimistic leader. In their previous two encounters, the home team had also batted first and on both occasions they had set targets of around 220. History was to repeat itself as 43 overs and two drinks breaks later, Roydon declared on 218-7. Amazingly all the bowlers gave a good account of themselves and the ground fielding was excellent. The eventual target might even have been significantly less had it not been for a Greenall over disappearing to all parts of the ground and neighbouring fields for 22 runs. The 11 run damage that was inflicted on his next over was mild by comparison. The Sheering reply was bold and full of promise. Openers, Nigel Thomas and Paul Surridge put on 63 runs for the first wicket before Ben Oakes joined Thomas and took the score to 132 before Oakes fell to a catch on the boundary for a classy 60 that included two 6s and seven 4s. 87 runs from the remaining 17 overs, with 8 wickets in hand, looked comfortable but, unfotunately, it didn't prove to be the case. The hosts fought back and, although the runs were still coming, wickets were also falling and and, in the end, the honours were shared with Sheering's last batsmen, Mark Simpkins, needing to survive the last four balls of the day to secure a draw. A cracking game in a beautiful setting, that was full of good cricket, and that ebbed and flowed throughout. Roydon 218-7 dec. (Greenall 4-44, Oakes 2-23, Simpkins 1-29) Sheering 203-9 (Oakes 60, Thomas 38, Surridge 30, Hicks 24) Joint Men-of-the Match - Ben Oakes & Ray Greenall Simon Lane -10 richly-deserved Match Donkey votes
Sunday 18th June 2006 Aspenden Standon & Puckeridge v. Sheering Sheering won by 4 wickets	Against all the odds, a very depleted Sheering side pulled off a very unlikely win in an extremely enjoyable and well contested match that was in the balance right up to the end. The continuing problem of unavailability for a variety of increasingly incredible reasons, meant that the Blades could only field 10 men but with the hosts also a man short the teams were at least numerically even. Asps won the toss and decided to bat first. They made reasonable progress against good opening spells from Ben Oakes and James Salmon but wickets also fell at regular intervals. It was, however, the introduction of Aussie Winch-Furness that eventually proved decisive. His effective use of a swinging ball in the muggy conditions, saw Aussie take 4 for 41 from 9 overs, and the innings closed in the last over before tea at 147 all out. Father and son debutants, Carl and Tom Waring both bowled well with the latter, at only 11 years old, looking a very good prospect fro the future. The Blades reply did not get off to the best of starts when Nigel Thomas was out without scoring but his dismissal brought the in-form Ben Oakes to the wicket and he soon set about the bowling in some style. Hit the ball hard to all parts of the ground, Ben raced to 62 (9x4s, 2 x 6s) before being the third man out with the score at 95. Despite his bold innings the game was still very much in the balance especially considering the fact the Paul Joyce had aliready retired hurt with a cut to his mouth after top-edging an attempted sweep shot into his face. The victory was sealed, though, by James Salmon with good support from the afore-mentioned Aussie, and Keith Hicks. In the end, James carried his bat for an enterprising 32. Both Clubs had worked hard to raise sides to make sure the game was played and they rewarded with an excellent day that was enjoyed by everybody who took part. Asps: - 147 (Aussie Winch-Furnes 4-41, Ben Oakes 3-15, James Salmon 1-49, Carl Waring 1-7) Sheering; 148-5 (Ben Oakes 62, James Salmon 32*) Man of the Match; Ben Oakes
Sunday 4th June 2006 Potter Street & Church Langley v. Sheering Match Drawn	This was one of those games where the scorecard fails to do it justice. On the face of it, a low scoring bore-draw, but in reality , a tense competitive match that ebbed and flowed all day. It was always likely that a wicket that had been used the previous day would be a little two-paced and variable in bounce – and so it proved. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Blades got off to a bad start when they lost two wickets wickets with the score on only 8. A third wicket stand of 46 between the reliable, Nigel Thomas and the returning from injury, Simon Lane, then threatened to rescue the innings but when Lane’s swashbuckling knock of 26 was ended by a good catch at mid on, a collapse was back on the cards when Steve Hicks was bowled with the on 58. Thomas departed for 20, with the score on 70, and ‘Max’ Bygrave followed one run later. 71-6 looked desparate. However, a mixture of obdurate and enterprising batting from the ‘tail’, including an unbeaten stand of 21 between Aussie Winch-Furness (10*) and James Salmon (14*), set a competitive target of 121 for the hosts. Needing to bowl and field well to give themselves a chance, Sheering were well served by fine opening spells from Mark Simpkins and James Salmon who, between them, only conceded 24 runs of their 15 overs. The home side were clearly determined not to lose, though, and their score stood at only 23-0 off 18 overs, at the start of the last 20. When they then tried to step up the pace, the wickets started to fall, with all three results possible until the penultimate ball. Max Bygraves (4-35) and Ben Oakes (3-34) almost won the game for the visitors but in the end the hosts held out for a draw at 97-8. It had been a thoroughly tense and enjoyable match from start to finish. Sheering; 120-9 (Simon Lane 26, Nigel Thomas 20) Potter Street: 97-8 (Max Bygrave 4-35, Ben Oakes 3-34) Man of the Match; James Salmon
Sunday 14th May 2006 Takeley v. Sheering Sheering won by 38 runs	At 89-8 and with more than three hours of the game remaining, the decision to bat first was looking to be a mistake. However, complete batting collapses are not now as frequent as they used to be. A watchful and carefully constructed half-century from debutant, Stuart Letts, with good support from the tail, took Sheering to 147-9 declared at tea. Stuart's 51, which included 7 fours, followed dashing innings from the in-form Ben Oakes, that was threatening to take the game away from Takeley before he was surprisingly dismissed for only 26. Takeley, in their reply, always looked capable of overhauling their target, but the loss of crucial wickets at vital times, undermined their chase and they were eventually dismissed for 109 with almost 10 overs remaining. The wickets were shared fairly evenly amongst the bowlers, with Ben Oakes probably the pick of the bunch with 3 for 16 off his 10 overs. James Salmon must have been pleased with his two wickets against his former Club. Sheering; 147-9 (Stuart Letts 51, Ben Oakes 26, Nigel Thomas 12) Takeley: 109 (Ben Oakes 3-16, Ray Greenall 3-16, Aussie Winch-Furness 2-11, James Salmon 2-36)
Sunday 7th May 2006 Harold Wood B v. Sheering Match Drawn	A seriously under strength Sheering team hung on for an inglorious draw in this early season visit to Harold Wood. Stag weekends and dubious football outings robbed the Blades of many of its usual suspects and if it was only the appearance of a small band of Ben Oakes's friends that enabled the fixture to be fulfilled. Success with the toss meant that the possible ignominy of early finish could be avoided by the hosts being invited to bat first on a slow damp wicket that surprisingly offered little help to the bowlers. The opening pair set about their task very aggressively and the scoreboard was soon rattling along at almost two runs a minute. Six dropped catches did no harm to the batsmen's progress and it was not until the score had reached 159 that the first wicket fell. A very large total seemed to be in prospect but tight bowling and fielding eventually paid off and the tea interval arrived with the Wood's score at 189 - 5 declared. Skipper, Ray Greenall, was the pick of the bowlers with 4-43 from 13 overs. The Blades' reply got off on the wrong foot with the quick loss of both opening bats but it was soon back on track when Ben Oakes and Paul Surridge joined forces to put together a 50 partnership in even time, for the third wicket. Any hopes of an unlikely win were scuppered, though, when Sugsy was unfortunately dismissed by what appeared to be a successfully defended ball that inexplicably spun back onto his stumps. Almost inevitably, the loss of this wicket started a rot that quickly saw the innings decline to a paltry 67 - 9 with more than an hour - and what turned out to be 21 overs - of the match remaining. Defeat looked to be a certainty but 'cometh the hour, cometh the man' and Mark Simpkins played an uncharacteristically patient innings in tandem with his skipper, to earn a draw with an unbeaten last wicket stand of 25. Harold Wood B 189-5 (Ray Greenall 4-43, James Salmon 1-74) Sheering 92-9 (Ben Oakes 35, Paul Surridge 17, Mark Simpkins 11*)
Sunday 30th April 2006 Sheering v. Netteswell & Burnt Mill) Sheering won by 70 runs	The first game of a new season is always met with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Loss of the toss and the invitation to bat first, only served to intensify those feelings and so, it was with some was with some relief that openers Nigel Thomas and Simon Hart made a solid start. Playing cautiously at first, both appeared to be getting established when Nigel unexpectedly chipped to mid-wicket and made way for a confident-looking Ben Oakes who immediately announced his arrival with a six onto the Cricket Hut roof. A second wicket partnership of 56 was followed by one of 68 for the third wicket between Ben and his Uncle Jim. A first day century looked increasingly likely until Ben fell unexpectedly to a catch behind for an 84 full of style and quality. The innings fell away a little after this in the face of some tidy bowling and the tea interval arrived with the Blades declaring at 162 - 7. The visitors' reply was very positive in spite of some very tight bowling and 59 was reached in good time before the first wicket fell. Debutant James Salmon bowled a very tidy opening spell that, although wicketless, served to hamper the batsmen's progress and build the pressure that ultimately resulted in a gradual collapse to a disappointing 92 all out. Once again, the 'man with the golden arm', Nigel Thomas, took full advantage of an infrequent opportunity to bowl and took 4 -22 from 7 penetrative overs. The final of victory was impressive but, in truth, a little flattering. N&BM gave a good account of themselves and played their part in a competitive and enjoyable game that was played in fine spirit by both teams. Sheering 162-7 (Ben Oakes 84, Jim Oakes 19, Simon Hart 13, Nigel Thomas 12) Netteswell & Burnt Mill 92 (Nigel Thomas 4-22, Ray Greenall 3-3, Ben Oakes 2-22, Aussie Winch-Furness 1-27)
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