Category: Announcements

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

MSCC pre-season dinner

2020 annual dinner and awards

The winners of our annual awards are:

Batsman of the year: Tim Riley

Bowler of the year: Tim Riley

Fielder of the year: Jamie Lumb

Catch of the year: George Williams

President’s Cup: Mark Ford-Langstaff and Tim House

Captain’s Cup: Richard Lumb

Congratulations to you all!

Return to play post covid

Cricket to restart – advice and documents

Whilst we welcome the return of cricket to our lives post covid (hopefully), we have a duty as a club to make available the information required to make this a safe return. 

We would ask that all members, players and our opponents make themselves aware of the guidelines which are linked to below.

Track & Trace 

The government requires us to collect the contact details of EVERYONE (not just players) who comes to the ground when a match is taking place. Forms will be available on the day but it would be of help if you could complete the form prior to attending. A box will be provided for your completed form. We will not use the details collected for any purpose other than track & trace, should it help the government and NHS prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please download and complete the form here:

Track & Trace Form (link removed)

Of primary importance is that visitors to the ground must screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before coming and should not leave their homes if they are displaying symptoms. You can assess yourself against the government guidelines here. 

Social distancing must be maintained whilst at the ground and to that end we suggest you bring your own seat as there will not be enough space for all on our benches. 

Please read the following documents:

ECB Return to Cricket Plan

ECB Plan for Socially Distanced Cricket

MSCC Covid-19 Risk Assessment 

Other things to remember as per ECB guidelines:

  • Arrive changed
  • Bring your own tea/drinks
  • The ball will be sanitised every 6 overs
  • Minimum contact with the ball – return direct to the bowler
  • No saliva to be used on the ball
  • No clothing to be handed to the umpire
  • The pavillion will be closed except for authorised access e.g. to use first aid
  • The toilet will be available but must be cleaned after use using the products supplied

Thank you for your support.

Mark Ford-Langstaff

Middleton Stoney Flag at half-mast

Caro McFarlan RIP

Dear Members, 

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of the sudden death of our dear friend and Vice President Caro McFarlan who died on Thursday 30th January, after a short illness. She started coming to the ground as a child when her father Bill was Chairman in the early 60’s and over the years became a valued member and friend of Middleton Stoney Cricket Club.  With her warm and sociable personality and her willingness to help wholeheartedly, Caro will be sorely missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Michael and to Caro’s mother and sisters; our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time. 

When we have any information about funeral arrangements, I will ensure it is posted on our website. 

Kind regards, 

Peter van de Kerkhof

Chairman

MSCC pre-season dinner

MSCC Awards Dinner 2019

And the winners are..

Young Player of the Year: George Williams

Catch of the Season 2019: Rob Barton, off the bowling of Elliot Barton v Simmons CC, 25 August

Fielder of the Year 2019: Tim House

Bowler of the Year 2019: Simon Pettit. 30 wickets

Batsman of the Year 2019: Tim Riley. 704 runs

All-Rounder of the Year 2019: Tim Riley. 704 runs, 10 wickets, 7 catches, 4 stumpings

Michael Martin Award 2019: Tim Cranston

Captain’s Cup 2019: Chris Greer

Champagne Moment of the Year 2019: Middleton Stoney CC v Melbourne Cricket Club XXIX, 9 August. Tim House’s game-changing catch, off the bowling of Tim Cranston, to dismiss MCC captain Sam Harper

President’s Cup 2019: Tim Cranston

Middleton Stoney Flag at half-mast

John Deeley RIP

Dear Fellow Club Members,  

John Deeley, our immediate past Chairman, died this morning.  

Thank you to Caro McFarlan for passing on the news. Caro will also let us know funeral arrangements as soon as they are determined. 

As Caro put it: ‘Some of you may already know but Joyce has asked me to let you know the sad, but not unexpected, news that John died this morning … A well fought innings to the end, methinks’.  

I add a couple of photos of John below, at the President’s Day this year and playing on President’s Day in 2014. 

The President, the current Chairman, John’s predecessor as Chairman and other longstanding members of the Club will have the opportunity in due course to reflect on John’s outstanding service and spirit, and I will be emailing members on other matters tomorrow, but we just wanted to make sure that those not in the immediate vicinity would hear this news from us today. 

May John rest in peace.  

With best wishes to his family and friends,

Simon Lee

John Deeley Cricketer at Middleton Stoney Cricket Club
John Deeley and Ian Davenport