Once, twice, three times it's Bashley!
The players of Lymington and Bashley may well be sick of the sight of each other by the end of next week. Not only do they meet this Saturday at the Sports Ground in the SPL, they then clash in the Presidents Cup final the following Friday at Langley Manor. Just two days later on Sunday July 12th the two clubs meet again at the BCG in the last eight of the SEC Twenty20 competition. Ironically, it's the fifth time in a row that Lymo have been drawn away in the competition, and they will be hoping for a repeat performance of last season when Craig O'Shannesy's rapid half century set Lymington on their way to a second round victory over their local rivals.

Young guns see Lymo home
Lymington pulled off one of their finest SPL victories in many a year as they defeated South Wilts by 3 wickets at Lower Bemerton. Desperate to get their season back on track following three straight defeats, Lymington dismissed the in-form hosts for just 125 with Simon Cook grabbing six wickets in a devastating pre-lunch spell in which he bowled nine maidens and conceded just eight runs. But Wiltshire minor counties bowler James Hibberd ripped out the Lymo top order to leave Christain Pain's men in all sorts of bother at 83 for 7. However, youngsters Cameron Grierson and Tommy Barton refused to buckle under the pressure, both contributing 25 not out in a match-winning stand of 43 as Lymington reached their target in the 51st over of their innings. match report

Flying.... Simon Cook

Elsewhere, both the Second and Third XI's promotion hopes suffered a setback. The Seconds lost their first match in five as they went down by 62 runs in a high scoring encounter with Shrewton at the Sports Ground. match report. The Third XI's long unbeaten run finally came to an end as they were narrowly defeated by Parley.

More drama as Lymington progress to Twenty20 quarter finals
Lymington are certainly testing the nerves of players and supporters alike! Less than 24 hours after the nailbiting win at South Wilts, Lymo sneaked a 5 run win at Hursley Park in the second round of the SEC Twenty20 Cup. Again, Lymington were rescued by the tail after a top order collapse saw the team slump to 73 for 8. This time it was Adie Hunt (24) and Ed Freeman who added 42 to help Lymo reach 121. Christian Pain (3-23) and Glyn Treagus (2-22) then bowled fine spells to ensure Lymington's place in the quarter finals on Sunday 12th July. match report

Help needed

Help is urgently wanted from senior players at colts training sessions on Monday and Tuesday evenings - 6.15 to 8.00pm. The more help there is, the better coaching the boys and girls will get. It is also the ideal opportunity for the colts to get to know the players from the senior teams. Remember, the colts are the future of our club.

Lee Moors

Firsts thwarted by old boy Goldstraw
Lymington put in a battling and much improved performance against Totton & Eling at the Sports Ground, but it wasn't enough to stave off a third straight SEPCL defeat. A fine half century from Morgan Rushbrook and a gutsy 44 from Christian Pain helped Lymo to a modest 189 all out, but the visitors were reduced to 175 for 8 in reply before former Lymington player Dan Goldstraw rescued Totton with a six and two fours to wrap up a tense two wicket win. match report

The Second XI sneaked home to a hard earned two wicket win in a keenly fought local derby at New Milton. Neil Trestrail's half century was the mainstay of Lymington's 196 for 6. Pixie Eliiott and Martin Gregory then bowled superb spells at the death to restrict Milton to 188 for 9 with Gregors taking four wickets.

There's no stopping Lee Moors' Third XI who cruised to a seventh win of the season at Ringwood. New Pennington resident Peter Tapper was the hero, scoring 79 in a Lymington total of 227, and then taking 4 wickets as Ringwood were dismissed for 135. match report

Two youngsters were the stars of Sunday's narrow win over Whalers CC. Chasing the visitors' 205, 16 year old Josh Thacker and Under 13 colt Felix Ambrose both scored forties as Lymo reached their target in the final over of the match. match report

Sponsorship deal extended
Mackenzie Mackenzie & Associates have generously agreed to extend their sponsorship deal with Lymington Cricket Club. The money will be used to suppport the club's coaching programme both within the club and in local schools, and will also help to pay for the planned new sightscreens and replacement pipes for the covers. Mackenzies will also continue to sponsor the club's player of the month awards.

Mackenzie Mackenzie & Associates are an ultra-modern dental practice based in Cannon Street, Lymington. They provide a range of general and specialist dental treatments for adults and children. They can be contacted on 01590 672986 or via info@exceldent.co.uk

Practice owners Donald and Yvonne Mackenzie are pictured handing over a cheque to Lymington Chairman Pater Tapper while Julie Moors and Simon Cook look on.

Champions too good for Lymington
Lymington fell to a crushing 179 run defeat at Havant in the second of their all-day matches. The reigning SEPL champions rattled up a massive 300 for 6 before bowling out Lymo for just 121 with only Glyn Treagus (52) and Simon Cook (31) putting up any resistance of note. match report

Elsewhere, the Seconds and Thirds both continued their good run of form. The Second XI, under stand-in captain Neil Trestrail, beat Hamble ASSC by 69 runs at the Sports Ground. Chris Warde (48) and Tom Thorp (47) led the way in a Lymington total of 211 for 9 before the visitors were dismissed for 142, match report. Down at Woodside the Third XI shot out Hordle for just 53 before securing a six wicket win. match report

Sunday saw the 16th playing of the Brian Rickman Memorial Match at the Sports Ground. Tom Thorp and Jim Stevenson both scored half centuries in a Lymington total of 216 for 6. The Elite replied with 208 for 9 with a gallant 10th wicket stand between Tony Thorp (43no) and Luigi Di Maria almost bringing about an unexpected victory.

Pilot Tim Robertson (Lymington) gets airborne as used car dealer Tony Thorp (The Elite) struggles to make it home

On Monday in the Presidents Trophy, Lymo knocked up 162 in 18 overs with Morgan Rushbrook a very fine 100 not out to win by 18 runs, match report

Pauline Elsworth

Lymington Cricket Club members will be saddened to learn that the former mayor of Lymington Pauline Elsworth has died. Pauline was a staunch supporter of our Club and attended several of our Club functions and when the Council were trying to press gang us to move to Woodside Pauline was very supportive of our needs and our wish to remain at The Sports Ground. The funeral is midday at the St Mark's Church Pennington on Monday 15th June. Lymington Cricket Club will be making a donation to the Oakhaven Hospice.

Last over defeat for the First XI; comfortable wins for the Seconds and Thirds

Visitors Bournemouth dented Lymington's fine start to the season with a three wicket last-over victory in the first of the summer's all day matches. Glyn Treagus (70) and James Lucie (56) were the main contributors in Lymo's 238 all out, but Martin Miller (49) and Park (70) helped Bournemouth reach their target with Lymington just one ball away from claiming a creditable draw. Match report.

James Lucie

Under 15 bowlers Nicky 'Pixie' Elliott and Josh Bowring played major roles as the Seconds and Thirds both recorded victories. The Second XI were comfortable winners at Ropley who were bowled out for 124 in reply to Lymington's 172 for 8. Pixie and Marty Hunt both took three wickets while Dave Griffiths top-scored with 56. match report

Lee Moors' Third XI made it five wins from five courtesy of a nine wicket win at Christchurch. Josh Bowring gave the Lymington selectors a firm nudge with four wickets as the hosts were shot out for 94. Jai Hawker (60) then wasted no time knocking off the runs as Lymo maintained their place at the top of the table. match report

The Mackenzie Mackenzie & Associates May Player of the Month award

Several contenders including Nicky Elliott, Josh Thacker, Peter Tapper, Glyn Treagus & Chris Warde but it came down to either Simon Cook or Morgan Rushbrook for consistently good performances in the 1st X1. By a gnats whisker Morgan Rushbrook was the winner & he received a box set of 4 wine glasses from Club Chairman Peter Tapper.

Development Fund Draw

The winners picked out by Simon Cook were

Jackie Jackson-£20
Ed Freeman-£50
Helen Coles-£100

Please note that 75 people have paid & failure to pay by the next draw will result in exclusion. There are 35 people on the debtors list.

Bar Be Ques

Pleased to report that we have had several briars after both Colts & senior
games & our thanks to Joe & Madge & the Chandlers for their support. However
disaster struck on Sunday as the barbeque went up in flames & we will have to
replace this bit of kit. If any body has any spare fold away tables we would
appreciate them at our Clubhouse.

Match Reports

1st team match report

2nd team match report

3rd team match report

Sunday team match report

Jamie Harvey on the pull at St Cross

The Seconds recorded their second win of the summer at a sweltering Sports Ground. Nicky Elliott continued his fine early season form with four wickets as visitors Hythe & Dibden totalled 207 for 9. Mark Jackson and Simon King both struck 60 as Lymington cantered to a seven wicket victory.

The Third XI made it four wins from four at Woodside thanks to a fine spell of bowling from evergreen latino Luigi Di Maria. He took 5 for 6 as Mudeford were dismissed for just 40. Lymo cruised home for the loss of just one wicket.

Cool Cookie guides Lymo home

A timely 38 not out from Simon Cook swept Lymington to victory over Hampshire Academy at the Sports Ground. Chasing the youngsters' modest 134 all out, Lymo had a good start through Glyn Treagus (36), but then collapsed to 82 for 6. But Cook (who, at 36, was at least double the age of all but one of the opposition team!) lifted the pressure with a series of sixes and fours as Lymo eased home with four wickets in hand. The win takes Lymington up into second place behind Havant after four matches. Match report

The Thirds meanwhile maintained their unbeaten record with a 126 run win over Hyde II. The youngsters continued to shine for Lee Moors' side with Josh Thacker making a fine half century as Lymo rattled up 263 before bowling out the home side for 137. Match report

Unfortunately, hopes of an elusive cleensweep of victories were dashed at Basingstoke where the Seconds were defeated by four wickets.

Firsts falter, but Seconds and Thirds both win

Lymington suffered their first SPL defeat of the season, going down by 44 runs at Alton. Lymo never came close to challenging Alton's 241-7 and were bowled out for 197 (Rushbrook 49). match report

Meanwhile the Second XI recorded a hard-earned 21 run win over local rivals Pylewell Park at the Sports Ground. Chris Warde emerged as the unlikely bowling hero, taking 5-29 as Pylewell were dismissed for 184 in response to Lymington's 205-5 (Dave Griffiths 72). match report

All the weekend's drama, however, came with the Thirds at Woodside where young Nicky Elliott's fine individual performance helped Lymo to a nailbiting three wicket victory. Having taken three wickets in a Verwood total of 175-5, the Under 15 captain (pictured) then scored a crucial unbeaten 29 as Lymo sneaked home with just one ball to spare. Match report

Presidents Trophy

Lymo into round 2 after a win over Mudeford, match report

The First team treats the Sports Ground to an emphatic win over Andover

Lymington's good start to the season continued with a convincing 9 wicket win over Andover at the Sports Ground. Morgan Rushbrook led the way with 3 wickets and an unbeaten 56 as Lymo chased down Andover's 155 all out. There were also telling contributions from Simon Cook (3-20), Ollie Kelly (42no) and Glyn Treagus (32). match report

The Seconds were rather less successful, falling to a disappointing 47 run defeat at Ellingham despite Martin Gregory's five wicket haul. match report

Meanwhile, Tom Thorp returned from his Australian adventures to inspire the Third XI to a 5 wicket win at Beaulieu. Thorp top-scored with 79 and immediately dedicated his innings to his new Australian sweetheart Sheila, while Simon King also chipped in with a half century as Lymington overhauled the home side's 212 for 9.

Judy Coltman
Lymington Cricket Club members will be saddened to learn that Judy Coltman passed away on Tuesday 5th May. Judy was a delightful character and was often seen with her husband Steve having a picnic or lunch before home matches.

There is a Thanksgiving service at The Lady Immaculate Church, Seamoor Road, Bournemouth, BH4 9AE at 11am on Friday 15th May followed by the burial at Christchurch Cemetery. BH23 1AZ.

Lymo off to a winning start

Lymington recovered from a disastrous start to their innings to record a nailbiting victory over local rivals Bashley in the opening Southern Electric Premier League fixture of 2009. Glyn Treagus, Ollie Kelly and debutant James Lucie were all back in the BCG pavilion with just 2 runs on the board. However, a fourth wicket stand of 119 between Morgan Rushbrook (60) and Bryn Darbyshire (54) revived Lymington's fortunes before new skipper Christian Pain (32) took the final total up to 198 for 9.

With new Australian import Simon Cook (3 for 26) bowling a lively opening spell, Lymington grabbed early wickets, although Bash rallied through Richard Morris (56). Eddie Freeman's three vital wickets regained the initiative for Lymo before captain Pain wrapped up victory in the penultimate over with Bashley 14 runs short of their target.

Scorecard

Full match report to follow

Ken Savill

Former Lymington player Ken Savill has sadly passed away at the age of 86. Further details

LCC Annual Dinner

Report on the nights events and award winners

Former Aussie Test bowler on his way to Lymo!

Lymington are delighted to have secured the services of former Australian Test bowler Simon Cook as their overseas player for the forthcoming season.

Simon, or 'Cookie' as he is more commonly known, represented his country in two Tests against New Zealand in 1997, coming into the side as a replacement for Glenn McGrath. The first of those two appearances saw Cookie take seven wickets at the Waca, including a career best 5-39 in the second innings. Among his victims were Nathan Astle, Craig McMillian and Chris Cairns. It was a rapid rise to the international arena for a player who had previously made just a handful of First Class appearances for Victoria and New South Wales.

When injury brought about a premature end to his professional playing career in 2001 after just 34 First Class and Test appearances, Cookie entered the world of coaching and for the past two years has been employed as the bowling coach for the New South Wales state side, working with the likes of Brett Lee, Stuart Clarke, Nathan Bracken and Doug Bollinger. He has also been Sydney Cricket Club's Chairman of Selectors and has been keeping in trim with regular appearances for the Old Australia side.

The 37 year old right arm bowler and left handed batsman was recommended to Lymo by close friend Tim Smith, a former Lymington overseas player and currently Director of Cricket at Sydney CC. Tim has no doubts that the 37 year old fast bowler will be as big a success at Lymington as his previous recommendations Karl Whatham, Pete Smith and Craig O'Shannessy all were. Tim claims that Cookie is a yard or two quicker than Craig, and can also bat a bit too.

Cookie himself is relishing the opportunity to play club cricket in England, especially with Lymington about to embark on their first season in the Gold League. He's hoping he can pass on some of the experience he's gained during his career... and enjoy a pint or two after the game of course!

Speaking of his Test debut, Cookie recalls: "It's every kids dream to play for their country and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to do that. Naturally I was a bit nervous before the match, but once the game starts, you just get on with it and enjoy the opportunity that has been given to you. My best memories were being presented with my baggy green cap before the start of play, and taking 2-34 and 5-39. Oversleeping on day two of the Test and missing the team bus was probably the worst moment, as captain Mark Taylor told me in no uncertain terms!"

We wish Cookie the best of luck for the 2009 season with Lymington.

Ex-Lymingtonian in All Star XI

Another Aussie with Lymington connections has recently been included in the prestigious Australian Cricketers Association's One Day Team of the Year. Aaron Heal, who played for Lymo in 2002, was selected by his fellow professionals after a string of fine bowling performances for his Western Warriors team in the Ford Ranger Trophy competition. New Hampshire recruit Marcus North was also included in the side, while former South Wilts batsman Chris Rogers was nominated as 12th Man. Aaron is returning to England this summer to play for Rishton in the Lancashire League, following in the footsteps of West Indian legends Michael Holding and Viv Richards who both played for the Lancashire club.

LCC Annual Dinner - final call

Our annual get together and dinner is on the 27th March at the Walhampton Arms. It should be a good night.

Tickets are £20. Sean Morris(ex Lymington now PCA Chief Executive) will be presenting the prizes.

We need to know who is going by Sunday the 22nd so we can confirm numbers on Monday.

Senior Winter Nets have started!

They are at Hordle Walhampton school as in previous years.

Every Tuesday starting at 8:00 till 10:00 up until May.

All members are welcome and we have qualified Coaches available for additional tuition. Cost is £2.50 per session.

David Irvine 1923-2008
Lymington Cricket Club is saddened to learn of the death of long serving Vice-President David Irvine. David first played in 1951 before moving to Bury St Edmunds, but subsequently rejoined in 1958 and was appointed vice skipper and effectively became the 1st X1 captain for much of that season and in all David played for twelve consecutive years and continued to support the Club well into retirement age. One of his compatriots Lewis Gregory recalls that David was "a very good skipper, meticulous in playing the game in the right spirit, sometimes upsetting players when directing them on the field by using their surnames only, applied to all", Lew also recalls that David was the last skipper to have rolled the square with the enormous old heavy roller not by motor but having the remains of wooden shafts to actually push the roller along with eight other members.

David held various positions during his stay with the Club, and became 1st X1 Captain for 1959/1960 and 1961. His batting was his strength and scored 229 runs in 1958 and 292 runs in 1959. In those days Lymington only played friendlies and very little cricket was played on Sundays. David was voted in as 2nd X1 Captain in 1966 & 1967 and during this time David had the rare distinction of scoring a century for the 2nd X1. In between his stints as captain David won the Frank Robinson Trophy in 1964. David was also a General Committee member from 1959 to 1970 and was elected as Treasurer for 1966/67 & 1968.

David is second in on the back row before Jack Barrett (click on photo for larger image)

After his playing days were over David continued to support the Club and was elected Honorary Auditor from 1970 until 1983. At the AGM in 1983 David was elected a Vice President, which he was immensely proud of and always took an interest in the fortunes of our Club. David was also a great supporter of Sussex and was a member for many years and also of Hampshire.

Indoor League News

Lymington had mixed fortunes last Sunday by losing their cup match with Fawley but beating Paultons in a re-arranged league match. Last year's cup winners batted first against Fawley but only Christian Pain 25 & Neil Trestrail 28 really troubled the scorers and a final total of 107 was always at risk. Fawley galloped off at the start however a game they should have won at a canter turned into a thriller. Needing only 5 off the last over panic took over and wickets fell and there was a chance that Lymington would snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Wayne Smith prolonged the agony by completely missing the final two deliveries but Fawley won virtue of losing less wickets.

Lymington had the chance to regroup and remain undefeated in their quest for the league title. Lymington always appear to bat first and this was no exception. All the batsmen scored runs with Mr Pain & Mr Naylor reaching retirement plus Neil merrily slogging 20 off one over. With the addition of 32 extras Lymington rattled up 147. Paultons made a game effort to keep up with the run rate and three of their players retired but surprisingly and completely out of character Lymington only conceded 8 extras. With only three games left Lymington are in a good position to win the title for the first time in several years.