Half-term report: So far and so good for Hemyock CC in 2009 To say that the 2008 season was a testing one for Hemyock Cricket Club would be an understatement.
The club finished the season in last place.
The targets for 2009 and new skipper John Hurley were modest - to finish the season having won more games than lost and to be in the top half of the table
come September.
The club's preparation for 2009 were not aided by the Devon Cricket League constantly changing the fixtures as some clubs withdrew or disbanded. The fixtures threw out some exciting local derbies for Hemyock.
The season started at Kenn. The home team scored 178 for 9. In reply Hemyock a solid 37 from Hurley was supported by Steve Jennings' 58 not out as Hemyock passed the Kenn total with only 7 wickets lost for an impressive win.
There were more availability issues for the first home game against Newton St Cyres. But Hurley led smashing 116 in the team total of 206 for 6 supported by Andy Perrott who hit 39. But the home short of bowling options the visitors made easy work ofwinning in 45 overs.
For the Chelston game only 8 players were available. Hurley hit 64 and Jennings 24 to reach 120. But Hemyock gave the home team a scare despite the open spaces in the field. Pete Kittow bowled wonderfully taking four wickets and Chelston won by just 3 wickets.
Game 4 was home against Yarcombe & Stockland and Hemyock made hard work in setting a competitive total. At 103 for 6 things looked destined for an early finish but with Hurleys 56 the total was 154. The away team were brushed away with ease with just 98 all out.
The fifth game was Topsham St James, a club who had played in a much higher Division. Topsham managed only 157 with Hart taking 6 for 29. For Hemyock Hurley's 38 and Perrott's 25 started things off well. With one wicket to fall and Josh Essex and Pete Kittow well set Essex was bowled to hand the home team a six run win as Hemyock finished on 151 all out. Oh for an 11th man!
Having lost game 6 against Cullompton to the rain, it was a local derby in a home game versus Upottery for game 7. The away team batted first and finished up 142 all out. Hart's 3 for 19 from 10 overs the pick of the Hemyock bowling. In response the home team threw their wicket away. In a tense finish Kittow and Essex saw Hemyock home after Hurley scored 35.
Game 8 proved to be an absolute cracker Shaldon. A car breaking down on Telegraph Hill lead to three players being marooned as the game started. Hemyock fielding initially with seven players only as Nick Allen set off to rescue his team-mates. Shaldon made Hemyock pay scoring 100 runs in only 8 overs but the next 100 runs scored took 31 overs. The home team declared on 245 for 8 with one over left. Hemyock made a fantastic attempt to win with Andy Perrott scoring a quite brilliant 79. With three balls left and 8 needed to win Adam Welch hit a four but missed the final two deliveries so an away draw was earned as Hemyock finished on 243 for 6.
To complete the first half of the season Culmstock rolled into Hemyock. Only eight made the two mile trip so winning the toss they elected to bat and started like their lives depended on it. From 45 for 1 they eventually ended on 70 all out thanks to the bowling of Darren Jeffries who took 5 for 40. Hemyock openers Nick Allen and Nigel Cridge took no chances in the response and Hemyock won by 10 wickets.
So after 9 games, Hemyock CC had played 8 of the scheduled 9 league games winning 4 and losing 3 with 1 game drawn. The club sitting in 6th place of a 12 team league so Hurley's modest targets are being achieved with 9 games to play.
Hurley himself has been the star performer with bat with useful contributions from Nick Allen, Steve Jennings and Andy Perrott while Derek Hart takes the early season bowling accolades. Some exciting games to go before 2009 is finished including a home game against Filleigh, who are runaway leaders at the halfway point. Local derbies against Cullompton (home) and Upottery, Yarcombe & Culmstock (all away) will also create some interest and rivalry. There is still plenty to play for!
Hemyock - A Village on the Blackdown Hills
http://hemyock.org/article.php/20090805135514703