Middleton Stoney Cricket Club Pavilion

Sunday Cricket in Oxfordshire

Sunday cricket is a friendly affair at Middleton Stoney near Bicester in Oxfordshire. The season starts towards the end of April and typically runs until the end of September although fixtures have been known to slip into October.

Hidden away in the grounds of Middleton Park, the club aims to be an oasis of pleasure, fun and memorable sport away from the cacophony of demanding jobs, depressing news headlines and wall to wall reality TV.

Typically, you will witness a slightly worn middle aged man who thinks he is still twenty but runs like he’s nearer seventy. Memories of athletic achievement save him from being embarrassed when overtaken by the youthful member of the team chasing one to the boundary, even when he has had a generous start on him. Secretly, he’s happy as he can save his breath for the serious business of batting later and anyway, it’s been years since he could outsprint his son.

Sunday cricketers

Middleton Stoney players come from a wide cricketing background. Sides are made up of those who are no longer (or never have been) attracted to league cricket; a handful who would like to play every Sunday; those who are happy to play two or three times a season; fathers and sons; and a spattering of current league players who enjoy a more relaxed approach away from the league (when persuaded to play against stronger opponents). One side a few summers ago included an eight-year-old and an eighty-year-old, both called George. That’s probably some kind of record but normally teams have an average age of around forty; a teenager or two to patrol the boundaries and some ‘senior pros’ manning the slips.

Players will often drive or walk to the ground wondering whether they will bowl, open the batting or be on BBQ duty. All are possible and likely repeatable the following week following success but if anyone gets too good an average, they may well find themselves down the order to give someone else a chance. Nothing is guaranteed other than the fact that everyone will be given the chance to influence the result at some stage. The newcomer who is reportedly a fast bowler will be welcome even if he turns out to be as useful as a set of zinger bails minus their batteries.

Behind the scenes, the committee discuss such matters as potential opponents; the quality of umpiring within our ranks; winter social events and who can be persuaded to help on the bar this year. The groundsman nurses the mowers back to life every year; keeps the moss at bay and the square ready for battle. The tea rota is prepared pre-season (everyone is expected to take a turn) and the fixture card prepared and mailed out. Finally, the selection committee will meet in late March to chase availability, discuss the first few games and decide whether or not X, Y and Z are best suited to batting at the top of the order or bowling a few more overs this year.

The strengths and weaknesses of Sunday cricket

Sunday cricket at Middleton is played differently to the leagues. It’s strictly declaration cricket for a start with twenty overs from the pre-set time. That said, a boring draw involving numbers six and seven blocking everything is very tedious. Batsmen that risk a loss in an attempt to become legends are far more welcome and Sunday cricket is set up to encourage this. If one team block, the other brings on a pie chucker and number nine potentially leaves with his highest ever score and a smile on his face. No-one remembers a draw.

Yes, Sunday cricket can involve last minute cancellations, mismatches and poor umpiring but equally it has a far higher potential for involving everyone, unexpected brilliance, young Vs. old and the discovery of a future star. Prithvi Shaw of India played against Middleton when he was just 13. Some say it was the making of him. In addition, there’s a lot less admin than league teams must deal with and fewer people get upset if a close finish is engineered. On Sunday, there is time to recount tales of remembered glories although this can be counterbalanced by the league obsessive who thinks we’re interested in how many points some team in the Cherwell or OCA (Oxfordshire Cricket Association) league scored the day before.

Captaincy and the balance of winning Vs. everyone getting a game is truly one of the fine arts and essential in bringing on the next generation. Would the young spinner even get the opportunity to bowl at the oppositions star batsman if it wasn’t for Sunday cricket? The youngster gets the biggest cheer of the day when he gets him out and falls in love with the game quickly and hungrily. Would this happen batting at eight and bowling two overs at the tail on a Saturday when making up the numbers for the 2nd XI?

Sunday cricket is like going to war with rusty medieval weapons and untested prototypes that can prove to be utterly effective or disintegrate in a moment. Players don’t need points, they want memories of a hard-fought game with everyone involved; a stunning catch; an individual’s determination which destroys the myth of the non-competitive nature of Sunday cricket; and of players enjoying the moment ahead of the result.

Falling Sunday cricket participation & the rise of the leagues

League cricket allows a team to find its level and compete against sides of similar strength, but this is often at a cost as the focus becomes win at all costs point scoring. This in turn can lead to verbal abuse and the necessity to allow your star players to perform week after week with bat and ball plus the necessity to be young and fit. Fringe players can be limited to fielding and living in the shadows. Youngsters put off by a scolding after a poor performance and players who can’t dedicate an entire Saturday to the game drive people away from cricket, especially when in their teenage years. Maybe this is over-exaggerated but the much reported falling participation numbers perhaps suggest otherwise.

Local derby matches can also disappear, and the miles rack up as journey times increase the more successful the team is. Sunday cricket tries to remember the much-vaunted Spirit of Cricket and whilst it doesn’t always succeed, it creates the environment in which it can be rediscovered and thrive.

The ECB talks about increasing player numbers and helps clubs with grants for facilities and encouragement to build up youth sides but maybe an injection of funds into an attractive version of the game would attract the fringe players. Less 100 ball competitions and more friendly cricket please.

Sunday cricket fixtures

Middleton Stoney’s fixtures can be found here: https://middletonstoneycc.co.uk/fixtures/2023-2/. The club has been playing cricket on this ground since 1801, there is even the scorecard to prove it.

There is no official Sunday cricket in Oxfordshire but there are a handful of clubs who can raise a Sunday side.

Middleton play most of them already, but you will see from the fixture list that we also play touring sides from elsewhere in the UK plus the occasional Australian touring side (especially in Ashes years). We would welcome more touring sides but please get in touch with us early (via [email protected]) so that we can find a date in the calendar.

Why play Sunday cricket at Middleton Stoney?

Middleton will always try to match your strength and we love close games. The ground is private, quiet and picturesque and you can stop for lunch in the village pub before arriving. Young cricketers are made to feel welcome and the talented and not so much are encouraged whatever age they are. Teas are home-made and something Middleton are very proud of. The players each take a turn throughout the season to produce a cricket tea and the players see it as a highlight of the day! If you’re not full up however, there is a BBQ following every game with fresh sausages and burgers from the local butcher.

So, whether or not you are a seasoned campaigner, a casual player, like to take wickets, build big scores, prepare the wicket, are just starting out or returning to the game, Middleton offer a rich experience and a first-class introduction to senior cricket for youngsters. You will also be welcomed with open arms if you like to umpire or score.

Enjoy the journey, it’s not all about the destination. The slow train to Middleton is better than the fast train to Winatallcosts.

If you’re looking for Sunday cricket in Oxfordshire, get in touch now.

MSCC Dinner and awards 2022

2022 Awards Dinner

Thank you to Tim House for arranging a splendid evening including top class food from chef Mark Apsey and his team from my’lkd.

After dinner we presented a series of well-deserved awards to the stars of 2022. In no particular order, the winners were:

President’s cup: Andrew Hickman,
Captain’s cup: Rona Hickman
Best batter: Harry Way
Best bowling: Tim Riley
Fielding performance: Matt Carpenter
Inspired performance in one game: M Simpson v Invalids
Best catch: Sam Norley
Best family team performance in one game: the Williams Family,
MVP 20/20 games: George Williams
Most loyal supporter: David Moorman

MSCC Gold Day 2022

MSCC Golf Day 2022 – Results

Thank you to Howard for arranging an excellent golf day at Kirtlington Golf Club yesterday. The weather was kind and we all had a splendid time as you can see from the photo above.

The winners were:

Winner – Dr. Nick Thompson

2nd – Dan Simpson

3rd – Tim House

Most points front 9 – Tim Riley 

Most points back 9 – Mark Ford-Langstaff

Nearest the pin – Howard Lancaster

Longest drive – Dr. Nick Thompson

Veterans trophy – George Lamb

Michael Martin photo of the year 2021 Seril Shah. THOUGHTS FROM OUTSIDE THE ROPE

The Michael Martin Photography Award 2022

As we approach the end of our 2022 season, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the ‘Michael Martin Award’ which is awarded annually at the end of season dinner.

Michael was a great supported of our club and an avid photographer, you can see some of his photographs hanging inside the pavilion. In memory of Michael we have this annual photograph competition ( previous winners on display below the honours boards),

If you would like to enter this year’s competition please forward your entries ( max 3) to me at [email protected] by the 20/09/2022.

Jeannie Martin is looking forward to judging these ready for the presentation at our annual dinner on Saturday 24/09/2022.

Peter vdK

Club Chairman

Middleton Stoney Flag at half-mast

RIP Ann Moorman

Sadly MSCC Vice-President Ann Moorman passed away on Monday.

Ann and her husband David have been our friends and stalwart supporters of MSCC for well over twenty years and have very regularly come to cheer us on and enjoy the day in Middleton Park.

Ann was Mother and Grandmother to two of our finest players Nick and Joe. Although she would still come and support the club even if neither of them were playing in the fixture.

All our kind thoughts and sympathy are sent to David, Nick and their families at this sad time.

Ann’s funeral is to be held at 2pm Tuesday 9th November at St Denys church, Stanford in the Vale.

Mike Simpson

Michael Martin photo of the year 2021 Seril Shah. THOUGHTS FROM OUTSIDE THE ROPE

MSCC award winners 2021

Congratulations to the winners of our various 2021 awards. They are:

President’s cup – Tim Riley

Captains award– Paul Wordsworth

Fielder of the year – Squiff Wordsworth

Catch of the season – Seril Shah

Most wickets – Mike Simpson

Most runs – Tim Riley

Most improved – Ben Breaker

Champagne moment – Simmo, Howard & Jamie recover from 47 for 8 to chase 137 and win by one wicket v Islip.

Crocheyed egg cup award for being the runner up in everything – George Williams

Michael Martin Photography Award – Seril Shah

If you were unable to attend the presentation then please contact Pete to arrange collection.

Well done everyone, a fabulous season and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

Middleton Stoney Flag at half-mast

Rest in Peace – Ian Davenport (MSCC President 1973-2021)

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that last night our long-standing President Ian Davenport passed away peacefully, with his wife Julia by his side.

Ian was the longest serving President Middleton Stoney Cricket Club has had, with a tenure of 48 years. His is a record that I do not believe will ever be exceeded, and for this and much more he will indeed be a very hard act to follow.

Ian’s generosity was immeasurable, both as our Landlord and President. Sharing their beautiful grounds and clubhouse with us, he and Julia supported countless matches over the years, enjoying seeing young players progress through the club, and becoming friends to so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julia, Nick and Claire, and their wider families, at this sad time.

As a club we will hold a minute’s silence before the games this Friday evening and Sunday afternoon as a gesture of our respect. You will see from the photograph the club flag is now flying at half mast, and shall remain so until the day of the funeral.

Peter van de Kerkhof – Chairman

Cricket & Covid Update March 2021

With the vaccination programme going so well, we are finally seeing a road out of lockdown. The committee thought it would be useful to summarise where we are and what we can expect over the next few weeks and months in relation to the cricket season.

The road map released by government is a useful and positive step, further guidance on the return of recreational cricket is expected shortly (from the ECB) but at the moment we can at least begin to make some plans for the season.

Our fixtures are due to commence as per the fixture card which means we will be able to hold our President’s Game on April 18th following the guidelines. Prior to that we will also be able to have net practice in groups of 6 from Weds 31st March. Teas, use of changing rooms etc. won’t be back to normal until step 4 not before 21st June.

Before 29th March 2021: Stay at home, no nets or meeting at the ground.

Government Road Map – STEP 1

Government road map step 1

Step 1: 

29th March 2021 to 11th April 2021

Up to 6 people (2 Households) can meet outside. Organised grass roots sport can return, and we can run nets on a Wednesday evening for socially distanced groups of six. We have published a form online, as we did last year where players can sign up for a slot. You can sign up now via this link:

NETS ROTA

Last season’s adapted play COVID restrictions will apply e.g. no changing rooms, no showers, bring your own ball etc. Information will be updated once confirmed by the ECB.

Government Road Map – STEP 2

Step 2:

Not before 12th April 2021 to 16th May 2021 inclusive

During this period the rule of 6 (2 households) still applies yet outdoor hospitality i.e. beer gardens are allowed. We will try to run a bar service and meet the rule of 6 restrictions and will comply with government guidelines at all times. A lot of this will depend on how members respond to the committees call to “be a willing volunteer” as we can’t expect the bar secretary and the usual helpers to carry the entire burden. Restrictions such as only one person in the pavillion, no self serving honesty bar, plastic cups etc. will be required. UPDATE (22nd March) – Drinks are very unlikely to be served until after June 21st (Step 4 starts) as we are advised outdoor drinks can only be ordered by and served to seated people.

We will be bringing our own teas and eating outside at this stage. Changing rooms will still be unavailable. The ECB will advise on rules relating to playing but assume they will be broadly similar to last year e.g. sanitiser every 6 overs etc.

Government Road Map – STEP 3

Government covid roadmap step 3

Step 3:

Not Before 17th May to 20th June 2021 inclusive

The Rule of 6 is abolished and 30 people can meet outdoors. This should make running a bar outside easier and although two households will now be able to meet indoors, we would anticipate sticking with an outdoor bar only for ease. Appropriate social distancing will also be required.

We will continue to bring our own teas and eat outside at this stage. Changing rooms will still be unavailable. The ECB will advise on rules relating to playing but assume they will be broadly similar to last year e.g. sanitiser every 6 overs etc. UPDATE (22nd March) – Drinks are very unlikely to be served until after June 21st (Step 4 starts) as we are advised outdoor drinks can only be ordered by and served to seated people.

Government Road Map – STEP 4

Government covid roadmap step 4

Step 4:

Not before 21st June 2021

All legal limits on social contact will be removed and we return to normal (subject to review). The first home game after this date is against Blue Lion on June 27th at which point we will be able to use the bar as normal. Playing conditions should also be back to normal. We will make sure a tea rota is in place so that members can take their turn providing the teas to the end of the season.

Finally…

We hope that’s been useful to everyone, especially those who have been asking questions related to Covid and cricket. Everything here is of course subject to the government or the ECB changing their advice but let’s hope it really is a path back to normal.

Please remember, we will all need to continue to play our part for a short while longer and continue to adhere to social distancing restrictions and guidance. I’m sure you will all do your part.

Mark Ford-Langstaff – Team Secretary

Middleton Stoney Flag at half-mast

Philip Minty RIP

Philip died on 10th October 2020 aged 73 at Buford Care Home.   He was a long standing member of Middleton Stoney Cricket Club and certainly one of its most colourful and flamboyant personalities. 

He served on the Committee for some years and was Bar Secretary from 1989-1994 not only demonstrating by example the importance of promoting this source of the Club’s revenue.   With his natural charm ensuring that there was never a hint of wives and girlfriends seeking to bring the post match festivities to a premature end, so fond were they of the community singing!.   Thus it was that with the barbecue established a little earlier on a regular basis, MSCC became widely known as excellent hosts against whom to enjoy our tradition of friendly cricket. 

Philip’s cricket was in character with his general approach to life.   It should be enjoyed above all else and if we happened to win then perhaps that would register in his mind, but for only the briefest time after close of play.   He was rather better at bowling than batting.  As a batsman, he faced the bowler right handed, but not usually for long.   As a bowler his demeanour was such as to suggest surprise at being called upon to perform.   He didn’t bother to begin by measuring out his run-up, but he had, clearly, noticed a truism about village/club cricket, that slow well flighted deliveries (whether spun or not) gave most batsmen “down the order” so to speak, a problem.   This he earnestly tried to exploit and, it must be acknowledged, with a degree of success.    When told that this method of bowling was known as ‘parabolic’ his eyes lit up at the thought that he had actually achieved something that merited a name.   When he was made aware that it had been initially tried by one Harry Moss (brother of the founder of Moss Bros) in 1923, his joy was unbounded.   Philip, of course, was always well turned out; no doubt due to the inventor of the “parabolic” delivery. 

He was always in his element at our Club dinners held in those days at the beginning of the season.   These events used to be graced by the presence of the ladies and usually featured a well known sporting name as the principle speaker.   However at least one of them blotted his copy-book by relating a dubious anecdote more suited shall we say to a rugby dinner.   Partly as a result of this it was thought that in 1992 we should also have a smaller ‘Players Dinner’ to take place in the pavilion after  the final match of the season when the cricketers could feel free to let their hair down.   This idea got off to a flying start and of course with Philip as Bar Secretary no stone was left unturned in making the. evening memorable, or perhaps more accurately, unmemorable! 

As an example of how alert Philip was to the opportunities that could be derived from cricket we had two very convivial fixtures arranged with a side from Johannesburg on 20/21 June 1981.   As it happened the name of the visitors was The Inanda Club and  during the second day Margaret-Ann and Philip became the proud parents of a baby girl.    They called her “Philippa” and low and behold her middle name was to be Inanda. How apt that the English translation of the Zulu name Inanda is ‘beautiful gift’. 

Philip will be remembered by his wide circle of friends as a generous host and for his readiness to help anyone if he possibly could.   It was a tragedy eleven years ago that he suffered a massive stroke which left him with such debilitating consequences, but he was well cared for and remained cheerful with much support from his family and friends. 

George Lamb

MSCC Golf

MSCC Golf Tournament 2020

A very healthy number of members gathered at Kirtlington GC on Thursday 1st October; 14 to be precise, for the annual battle to win the ancient “SMIPLOSS” tankard.

The weather was simply gorgeous and with good views in all directions, the course was looking at its best.

A Covid spaced sandwich lunch was followed by two competitions. 

The Veterans trophy was fiercely contested on the Par 3 Blenheim course between George Lamb and David Moorman. They had substantial but equal handicaps (golf that is!) and the scorecard read like a boxing match card. Never more than a hole ahead with the lead fluctuating, they arrived at the 9th and final hole with George one up.  David produced a par 3 shot finish to George’s 4, and so the match was all square. They declined to play an additional deciding hole, preferring to share the trophy for the year. 

Four teams of 3 contested the main course and all professed to have enjoyed the day. We all gathered for liquid refreshment and the prize giving following the golf.

Nearest the pin            Tim House

Longest Drive              Sathya Vadivale

Best Front 9 score       Andrew Hickman  18 points

Best Back 9 score        Howard Lancaster 17 points             

Overall Winner            Nick Thompson  37  points

No one was allowed to win more than one prize and the majority of the scoring was around 30 stableford points indicating a good standard of golf.

The winner was chased home by Sathya on 36 points (he would also have won the best back 9 score, but only 1 prize each !). 

Especially for those not playing golf regularly, the individual memory of at least 2 (or more!) brilliant shots will hopefully linger so that everyone returns next year. 

Your author is very grateful for the bottle of Port, presented by Howard Lancaster, as an impending move will mean another organiser next year.

Nick