2nd February 2010: New Club Captain. At the AGM last night, Martin Bungay was elected Club Captain for the 2010 season. Chairman Roger Gilkes said: "Congatulations to Martin and many thanks to Andy Buck for his captaincy over the past three years".

15th November 2009: Splendid Annual Dinner at Blue Boar, Longworth: Over 40 people attended the ACC Annual Dinner and Awards and the results of those awards that were voted on by the members are: -

• The Jim Griffiths Trophy: Junior and Most Improved Junior Player of the Year Jack Bennett
• The Rose Trophy: The Senior Most Improved Player of the Year Greg Alder
• The Professor Sir Nicholas Wright Clubman of the Year Martin Bungay

Club Captain, Andy Buck,congratulated all players on a most successful year when 47 different people played for the club. Fines Officer, David Roach, delivered an amusing analysis of players and performances in 2009, David Manning related "Tales of an Overseas Tour" and Chairman Roger Gilkes, presented the trophies and mugs. The President, Syteve Handscombe wound up the evening by congratulating the club on retaining the ethos of friendship and enjoyment through cricket at the Appleton Club.

29th October 2009: Graham Rose and the groundsman's life!: The Wisden Cricketer magazine for the month of November 2009 has an article about the life of the Haedingly groundsman leading up to the Ashes Test match this summer and the comparison at the other end of the scale was a piece about Appleton CC! See link here for the article.

6th October 2009: Winners of the Awards: and the winners are ...

• Batting: Ed Gilkes with an average of 37.67 runs over 19 innings
• Bowling: Andy Buck with an average of 10.19 and 26 wickets
• Catching: Ed Gilkes with 12 catches

Many congratulations to Ed and Andy

The "Dropped Catches Award" goes to David Manning

Notable runners up were: -

• Batting: Andy Buck with an average of 33.50 over 16 innings
• Bowling: Martin Bungay with an average of 12.12 and 26 wickets (went for more runs than Andy)
• Catching: Elliott Bennett with 8.5 catches (.5 represents one as a wicket keeper), and Martin Bungay, David Manning, Rob Uren and Tim Cruttenden all with 8 catches.

The votes for Clubman, Most Improved Senior and Junior Awards have been submitted and it can be reported that for the first time 100% of subscribers have voted! These results will be announced and presented at the Annual Cricket Club Dinner to be held at the Blue Boar in Longworth on Saturday 14th November 2009.

25th September 2009: Graham Rose bows out! In an email to club members the ACC Secretary stated: "After 42 years involvement with the Appleton Cricket Club in various capacities, I have advised Roger Gilkes, the current chairman, of my resignation as secretary of the club with effect from the January 2010 AGM. Roger is taking steps to establish arrangements for the secretary’s functions to be handled after the AGM. This also marks the “hanging up of my boots." I have thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic and lifetime friendships of many members of the club and certainly wish the best of good fortune to all those involved in leading the club in the years to come. May they continue to promote all the principles we have encouraged over the years. The only position I will continue to hold is that of vice president – some years back it was decided to make me a “life vice president”: thus I have this role until death!"

23rd July 2009: "Far from the MCC" team send email appreciation to Ed: "Just a quick email to say thank you to Appleton CC for hosting the Twenty20 the other night (22nd July) against our Far From The MCC. Our skipper was very impressed by the spirit of your guys, and everyone enjoyed the game immensely. It all came down to one run! I’ll be in contact after this season is out, and hopefully we can arrange a Sunday(s) game against you guys in 2010, in addition to a midweek Twenty20 or two?" Well done to Skipper Andy Buck and Team.

18th July 2009: Appleton CC Lord it at Queens...

On Saturday 18th July ACC entered the Isis 6-a-side competition at Queen's College, Oxford. After a shakey start losing to Elsat in the prelim game, Appleton found their feet to win all 3 of their group games, qualifying top of their pool going into the semi-final. They also found an unlikely opener in one David Manning, who was well supported by ACC's summer skipper Martin Bungay. Wielding the Hero Honda blade disregarded by Bungay, the ever present and most agreeable Manning delivered notable keynote innings after innings to set up comfortable victories over Keen Cricketers, Charlton-on-Otmoor and perhaps the biggest scalp of all, hosts Isis (sweet revenge following their triumph at the ACC 6-a-side back in May). Not afraid to set unreachable targets or chase down modest scores, ACC remained undeterred at Bungay's failure to win a toss all afternoon. But it was the bowling efforts of the youthful Owen Holloway and Jack Crowe and economic figures of Justin Elford which left Veterans Farrell, Bungay and Manning looking on in awe over their young guns. Jack's bowling even produced a rye smile from father Lionel, but that quickly vanished when he soon learned his son's efforts would see him there 'till 8.30pm...

So destiny sought a semi-final spot for ACC. Cometh the hour, cometh the bowler. After setting a teasing 42 run target, Appleton restricted Enstone to the same score thanks to heroics from Crowe at the death to force the tie into a bowl off. 2 teams, 1 prize: a place in the final. After learning of his imminent requirements with the ball, Farrell rushed to the middle with bowling coach Tom Crowe to chance his arm over a few 'dibblely dobblers'. After 5 bowls per team, the teams were still in deadlock, Bungay's strike of the stumps being matched by Enstone. So the stage was set: it was The Gloveman's turn. Opting for 'left arm round', Farrell baited the crowd with a shakey hand before delivering a 90mph in-swinging yorker that sent the middle stump cartwheeling towards the pavilion. After the euphoric celebrations resided Enstone chocked under the pressure Farrell's 'bowl of his life' had created, missing the stumps leaving Appleton's path to the final clear. Even an 18 run defeat to a strong Wayfarers team in the final couldn't damper Appleton's spirits, as the team photo with silverware shows!

12th July: ACC Baggy Green Cap spotted on top of Ben Nevis!

Did it float up there from the Cardiff Stadium? David Roach has the answer!! The Clue ... 3 Peaks Challenge!

13th July 2009: Exiles beat Appleton. After frenzied exchanges of pre-match emails between Exiles Coach/ Manager John Davies and Club Captain Andy Buck, with accusations of team poaching and various definitions of who was eligible to play for which team and with the threat of rain in the morning, the match was played in fine weather and fine spirits. None of the Strauss changing of gloves and use of the physio at critical times – just the club chairman umpiring quite strictly and declaring a dead ball after Exiles’ Skipper Marks was heard shouting as the bowler came into bowl! A win for the Exiles but all agreed … a fine match and worthy of the memory of Dickie Luff and his trophy.

The Appleton Hat at the First Ashes Test Match!

                                                        KP's signature on the Appleton Hat

Andy Farrell's Report of the Overseas Tour to Devon in June 2009

I just wanted to thank everyone who went on our tour to Devon last weekend for a fun and memorable time! Sunny weather, cream teas, BBQ and jugs of tootie fruitie all added to the enjoyment, including:

Highlights

1. Winning both games despite Martin captaining the side
2. The new 'gimp' hat for mis-fields/drops etc.
3. The open-plan shower arrangement at Honiton
4. Bathing facilities at Dunsford
5. Roger's golden duck following his 3-hour drive!
6. Elliott's 'box drive' during Saturday's game!

Lowlights

1. No Sam
2. Martin losing the toss on the Saturday, whereupon they duly batted, sent two blockers out and watched the Lions 2nd Test whilst we fielded
3. The amount of receipts I woke up with in my wallet the morning after the night before...
4. Ben stealing my doner meat & chips
5. The road to nowhere...

I will update the Appleton Facebook page with more pics ASAP!

The Isle of Wight has been mentioned as the destination of choice for next year - watch this space!

Andrew Farrell

Matthew and Gillian to marry this week end. 28th May 2009: past player, VP and Treasurer of ACC, Matthew Smith, will marry Gillian this week end in St Peter's Church in the grounds of Matthew's old school, Rendcomb College. We wish Matthew and Gillian a long and happy marriage.

Isis Cricket Club wins Appleton 6-a-Side Cup 4th May 2009: Isis Cricket Club won the Appleton 6-a-Side competition by beating the "Carrots" team - a team formed by graduates of Exeter University and named in memory of a colleague, Mike Polden (nickname "Carrot"), who sadly died at the age of 21 of a heart attack whilst running. Congratulations to Isis. 

Chris and Sophie engaged to be married! Appleton 21st April 2009: Christopher Mitty and Sophie Portlock are delighted to announce their engagement. Chris, eldest son of Roger and Janice Mitty, spent his early life in Appleton and was schooled at Abingdon School. Sophie was born in Cleethorpes and attended Primary School in Eynsham. She then studied at the Italia Conti Performing Arts School in London. Chris assures an anxious cricketing world their marriage, when it does take place, will be in the winter months! The Appleton Cricket Club gives them both hearty congratulations.

Easter Sunday Pitch Pre Cancelled! 12th April 2009:The poor old secretary became confused and put 12th April as Pitch Prep day on the fixture card! He apologises for any confusion and will name another date ... in any case, the weather is not good!

Nets and Matting in place for 2009 season! April 4th: Bucky and Roachy put up the nets and matting this week and the stumps are back hidden under the roller covers! The pitch had a haircut with Ben on the sit-on mower and Ed and Graham started the marking of the square. It’s all taking shape for another season!

Rumours abound about team members and fitness April 4th: There are reports reaching management of the club that some members are already claiming injuries ... Ed? And Vice Captain Martin Bungay is allegedly having an operation on his ankle which means a six-week recovery period?

Gilkes Running Team warm up for the Flora - as ballerinas in Bath! Team Gilkes ran in a training run at the Bath half Marathon! A time of 2 hours 10 mins was recoded with the team leaping ballerina style over the finish line - still remaining tied together! All part of the loosening up for the Flora Marathon on 26th April 2009. See link http://www.appletonwitheaton.org.uk/familygilkesrunnungteam/bath

Appleton Barmy Army Arrive in Barbados! The intrepid trio of Dave Manning, Sam Hancock and Martin Bungay have, reportedly, arrived in Barbados: “I expect we will have many a tale to tell upon our return” reports Dave. “I'm not certain that all of our experiences here will be a concern to the people of Appleton but I'll endeavour to provide you with some form of travelogue. “Our Appleton caps are in tow and have been worn with pride.” Oh dear! What visions can we expect to see on TV?!

Andy Farrell arranges second match of Devon overseas tour! “It's against Dunsford CC Sunday afternoon. They describe themselves as: "a small and reasonably friendly village cricket club situated in the Teign Valley in Devon who play midweek and weekend friendlies"!! Sounds just like Appleton! Well done Andy: great news.

John Spivey agrees to become a VP Appleton 9th February 2009: Splendid news! Earlier today, appropriately in the Plough pub, John Spivey agreed to become a Vice President of Appleton Cricket Club. John Spivey was Oxford’s leading orthopaedic surgeon and headed up the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital when it first became a Trust. He retired in about the year 2000 and moved, with his wife Liz, to Cumbria—although they still have a house in Oxford which they visit fairly regularly. John was introduced to the Appleton Cricket Club in 1974 by Dickie Luff who “ insisted I should meet one Graham Rose: a memorable meeting in the Thatched Tavern which, in those days, was spit and sawdust.” John was a fast opening bowler and good all round cricketer. He "hung up his boots" in 1987. (Information from "Appleton Cricket" of June 2003)

Joel Turner agrees to be VP for 2009 Appleton 8th February 2009: We are delighted to advise Joel Turner has agreed to be a Vice President of the Appleton Cricket Club for 2009 season. Joel, who learnt his cricketing skills at Magdalen College School, played much of his early cricket with ACC (1982 to 2004) starting aged about 12 where his late father, Mike, was a club member from 1977. Joel was a highly competitive cricketer - an aggressive fast bowler and effective early-order batsman - and scored many amazing sixes at the Appleton and away grounds. Avoiding league cricket for several years Joel has, occasionally, transgressed! He is now plying his cricketing skills with Crowmarsh Gifford near his (and Jane’s) home in South Stoke. Mike, who sadly died last year, would be happy with Joel's continued connection with ACC.

Bill Frindall dies of legionnaires disease Very sad news yesterday about Bill Frindall's death from legionnaires disease. ACC VP David Adams has reminded me Bill spoke at one of our club dinners in the 1970s and was highly entertaining (I think at the Dog House Hotel).

I love the piece on the website: - Bill, How old were you when you first grew your beard? Did it look good at first (fairly bushy), or was it a bit one you had to wait for ages to look 'full'? And more to the point, what did your mother think of it? Chris Ney, Twickenham, London I was 26. I stopped shaving at the end of my first season with TMS (having had a handlebar moustache for much of my RAF career). It was quite presentable after a fortnight. My mother didn't notice but John Arlott greeted me with 'Hell's teeth, Frindalius. I haven't seen you since the Reformation!

Jimmy Marks agrees to become a Life Vice President Appleton 2nd February: Jimmy Marks, having served the Appleton Cricket Club so remarkably and who was Club Captain for a magnificent 15 years, has agreed to become a Life Vice President. Chairman Roger Gilkes commented: "We felt Jimmy, or James as he has asked the younger members to call him(!), should be elevated from an annual VPship to become, along with others who have dome so much for the club in the past, a Life VP. I am delighted he has accepted."

ANDY FARRELL ARRANGES FIRST-LEG OF OVERSEAS TOUR! Appleton 31st January 2009: Andy Farrell has made arrangements to play a match on 27th June against Honiton Cricket Club. The threat is a night in Exeter - a haunt well-known to Andy and, of course, family Gilkes! Await further details ... will we be "together" for a Sunday fixture?!!

Net Practice

All members should note there will be indoor net practices held at Larkmead School on 22 & 29 March and 05 April between 1230hrs and 1400hrs. Contact Club Captain for any further information

ACC Old Codgers Meet: Plough, 22 January

After the debacle of the lack of invitations to VPs to the annual awards dinner, the secretary got his act together and arranged a fish and chips evening at the Plough pub on Thursday 22^nd January. A full team attended - Steve Handscombe, David Adams, Mark Blake, Derek Buller, Colin Davis, Stuart Dobbs, Roger Gilkes, David Gunson, John Revell, Geoff Smith, and Graham Rose = a full team of 11! And apologies from Adrian Haggett, Jimmy Marks, Roger Mitty and Joel Turner.

Not exactly alcohol-free and many old yarns exchanged. Nick Wright’s “If” poem was recited by our President – the verses relating to those present: namely Adams, Gunson, Davis, Dobbs, Handscombe, Revell and Rose!

Songs of Praise - in Praise of Cricket

On 13th June 1999 Appleton Cricket Club was involved at the Warborough Cricket Club in the BBC's Songs of Praise in Praise of Cricket. A clip of this match can be seen on http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DQryjv0NVoo. Admittedly this clip is mainly focused on the Band but there are glimpses of Appleton batsmen!