Norwells Field Of Dreams.

One could have been forgiven for imagining Shoeless Joe Jackson emerging from the adjacent oil seed rape field as Norwell unveiled their brand new ground last Sunday for the visit of the RG`s.

And what a delight it was.Both the wicket & the pavilion are a credit to all involved at Norwell CC on what was a glorious if somewhat chilly spring afternoon.As visitors, Rockley were invited to bat & yet again Parkin (53 not out) led from the front with some excellent support from Oliver Rossington (55 not out).On his seasons debut Wozza flattered to deceive, however the RG`s still amassed a formidable total of 221 for 8 in their allotted 40 overs.

Norwell struggled from the outset with only Baugh (21) & Brown (45 not out) troubling the Rockley attack.Rockley youngsters Hugo Orme (4 for 25) & Josh Huddlestone (1 for 28) both performed admirably with the ball as the home side were bowled out for 88. However, at the end of the day this game was not about winners & loosers.With such excellent new facilities being used for the first time cricket was the real winner on this special occasion. Congratulations to everyone at Norwell CC & well done to the RG`s on another excellent start to a new season.

Parkin dishes out the medicine

A superb 48 not out from one handed Stewart Parkin got the Rockley Gentlemen off to a winning start by the narrowest of margins against the Laxton Medics.On a wicket due to be twinned with the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Antigua, this 25 over bash was always going to be close especially when the Medics set a competitive total of 98 for 8.Their innings was built around a sound 33 not out by Saqib however excellent bowling contributions from Laxtons own Dave Stone(3 for 12),Hugo Orme(2 for 12) and Russ Turner(2 for 25) looked to have put the RG`s in the driving seat.

However as the day wore on runs continued to prove very hard to come by on an interesting Laxton track.Only Parkin seemed confident enough too master the conditions as he blasted his way to a majestic 48 not out.Huddlestone made an invaluable contribution through some excellent umpiring however it was only appropriate that Parkin should finish the game off with a huge six over long on.Next week the RG`s travel to Norwell.This one wicket victory, like most of the team, was not pretty however a wins a win in any language & will hopeflly provide the foundation for another long & successful season.

Blood ,Sweat and Beers.

Blood,sweat and beers were in abundance at the riverside last Sunday as the much anticipated arrival of the Lincolnshire Poachers tested the RGs 100% record this season to the limit.

Only a sensational 101 not out from Oliver Rossington seperated the two sides as over 370 runs were scored in just 66 overs.Having won the toss Rockleys decision to bowl seemed vindicated as the Poachers limped to 108 for 7.However with the arrival of Napier(57 ret hurt) Coupland(16) and Campbell(20 no) the Poachers tail began to wag as they set an impressive 187 for off 40 overs.Only a pulled fetlock for the unfortunate Napier kept the score below 200 as Rockley produced their most lethargic fielding performance of the season so far at just the wrong moment.

Despite loosing Orme and Mayfield cheaply Rockley set about their reply in devastating fashion.Williams top edged Arlington into his own face and had to retire hurt as the RGs pavillion began to look more like a scene from Holby City rather than a village cricket ground.Physio Vicky Rossington could hardly contain her glee at the ever increasing casualty list.However at this point brother Oliver began to butcher the Poachers attack and with able assistance from Hughes(22) and Wozza (36no) he manged to turn 25 for 2 into189 for 3 hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes along the way.

Any win for the RGs against the Poachers is a good win and a win by 7 wickets shows the strength in depth the squad has this year.Next week sees the visit of the Howdy Boys who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this season.This is another tough fixture for Rockley,however,with key players coming back into form at just the right time who would bet against the boys from the Riverside being in 7th heaven this time next week?