FIXTURES 2016

Westbourne were promoted into Division 1 of the indoor league after winning Division 2 in 2013/4. Division 1 contains all the league team A sides. It was a large step up for Westbourne. All the players, however, enjoyed themselves although it did take until the end of the season to get a victory to avoid the whitewash. Westbourne were, therefore relegated but not disgraced.

After a loss in the first round of the Cup competition Westbourne gained some memorable victories to take them to the Plate final. Their opponents were Selsted who, on the day, were too strong. Westbourne, although runners up, finished the season in a final.

Westbourne have had a poor start to the season. New players, new captains and new backroom processes have all combined to cause a lack of success. Hopefully Westbourne’s fortune has turned the corner with the first victory against Harvey Staff.

10th May 2014 Westbourne vs Otterden Rained off

12th May 2014 Westbourne vs Hythe Squash Only 6 players turned up

17th May 2014 Westbourne vs Northdown

Westbourne 59 All out Northdown Margate 62 for 1

Northdown won by 9 wickets (Westbourne only have 9 players)

20th May 2014 Westbourne vs Dover Commoners

Dover Commoners 111 for 2 (off 16 overs late start and bad light)

Westbourne 111 all out (Brendan 41 Lewis 21)

Match tied scores level.

25th May 2014 Westbourne vs Selsted

Westbourne 138 all out. The Westbourne innings suffered from a poor pitch causing early wickets to fall. The uncertain bounce was the major cause of Westbourne at one stage being 60 for 8. A Captains innings of 31 from Nick and an innings of maturity beyond his 10 years from Toby Harrison took the Westbourne score to respectability. Unfortunately their hard work was not enough and Selsted won with 10 overs of the last 20 to go.

28th May 2014 Westbourne vs Alkham match rained off

31st May 2014 Westbourne vs Great Chart Match cancelled as Westbourne only had 6 players

3rd June 2014 Westbourne vs Harvey Staff

Westbourne has an inauspicious start to the game as last minute withdrawals reduced the side to 7 players. Expecting some late arrivals committed Jon to batting. The game was not, on this occasion handicapped by the pitch but by the outfield looking like a hayfield. Runs were, therefore, difficult to score. Brendan top scored with 27, Richard Maine 19 and Steve, opening the batting, 16 all contributed to Westbourne’s score of 120 for 6 in their 20 overs.

Harvey Staff came out and scored some boundaries but were most successful running quick singles. Westbourne now had 9 players with some last minute reinforcements but there were gaps in the field. Wickets fell preventing any long partnerships. 2 run outs, 2 wickets for Jon, 1 for Richard and 5 for AA saw Westbourne home with an over to spare. Victory at last in an enjoyable and sporting game.

Westbourne vs Mersham le Hatch

The sun came out to herald the start of the 2014 season at the Hatch. It is a very picturesque ground situated on the outskirts of Ashford.

New Captain Nick Carter lead the team out on to field. Most were familiar faces but the side included Toby Harrison playing his first game as a junior member. Jon Mortimore bowled with pace and was rewarded with the first wicket of the season. Lewis, found the transition to outdoors more difficult, especially as he was carrying an injury. Adam, making a welcome return, took over from Lewis and took his first wicket. Nick, leading from the front, took the first catch off Jon’s bowling. Jon nearly had a hat trick buth the Hatch batsmen dug in and as the sun dried the pitch, and the fielders, bat started to dominate ball. There were some unlucky dropped catches. Especially unlucky was Toby who made a remarkable start and was unlucky not to have his first wicket. AA teamed up with Lewis to break a dominating partnership with a run out. By this time the Hatch batsmen had put on a good score. The game ended with an excellent spell from Mick Caruana who took 4 late wickets including Hatches’ top scorer. This included 2 excellent catches on the boundary. They were too late to stop Hatch putting up 161 at tea.

Brendan and David opened the batting and looked very secure until David was bowled. Good bowling then whittled down the Westbourne batsmen. No one supported Brendan who kept the scoreboard ticking over until he was joined by Jon Mortimore. The game swung back towards Westbourne until Jon was bowled for 32. This included 2 sixes and 4 boundary fours. The tail failed to support Brendan who went on to top score with 65. This included 11 fours and a 6.

Westbourne were bowled out 31 short of a winning score. A rusty start but there were many positives from the game.

Thanks to Hatch for a great game and an excellent tea.

Sunday 4th May sees the start of the 2014 with Westbourne’s first game of the season at Mersham le Hatch. A new season brings new challenges, personnel and new players.

The main changes agreed at the AGM were:

• New Captains, Nick Carter for weekends, Jon Bispham Mid week and Lewis Caruana and Jon Mortimore sharing Vice Captaincy
• New Team Secretary: Arthur will keep you informed of teams and availability on Facebook and the website
• New members: We have Gavin Unwin, Dan Seal and Danny Tomlinson
• New Junior members: We will be regularly playing members’ young sons. A great investment in the future of Westbourne and District Cricket.

Availability

Please return your availability as soon as you can. This is the availability up to the 29th April 2014.

>>> View latest availability May June 2014 <<<

The new look Westbourne indoor side swept all the other Division 2 sides aside to take the Division 2 title. Accurate bowling and attacking batting were key to the team’s success. Keeping a consistent side throughout the season was a bonus. The regular team consisted of Lewis and Mick Caruana, Dave Clipstone, John Mortimore and Paul and Neil Castle.

Victory leads to promotion into Division 1 next season where they will face stiffer opposition from Folkestone, Hawkinge, Tilmanstone, Elham, Sibton Park and Wye. The Division 1 winners go on to the District finals.

Well done Westbourne. 

With an unbeaten record and one game to go Westbourne have taken the Division 2 title in the indoor league. They won their 8th game this sunday against Hythe Green by 3 wickets. Elham’s victory over Brook securing Westbourne’s title. Westbourne play again next sunday at 3.15 against Lydd.

Next season will prove more challenging in Division 1 where a league topping performance could see Westbourne going on to District and maybe national finals.