Stoolball news in July 2008

The Sussex County Stoolball Association have just learned of two quite amazing performances in a recent league match in Mid Division between Ditchling and Adastra who play in Keymer. Usually, it is outstanding performances by batsmen which catch the eye, but this time it was two incredible bowling performances which have hit the headlines and one which has not been heard of before in stoolball circles.

Quite simply, an Adastra bowler achieved a hat trick during the Ditchling innings when she took three wickets with consecutive balls. However, this amazing feat was bettered when Ditchling took the field because one of their bowlers took four wickets in four balls. Can anyone beat that?

The beautifully manicured recreation ground at Belmont Avenue, Clayton was the venue for the Sussex County Stoolball Association’s annual Matterface Cup for Divisional under 17 year old junior players and the Veterans Tournament for the over 50s on Sunday 13 July 2008.

Central Division chairman, Elaine Berry, surveys the scene at Clayton

Read more on Matterface Cup and Veterans Cup 2008…

Uckfield Stoolball Club is organising a Day of Stoolball at Nutley on Sunday 27 July 2008 starting at 11.45am. It’s a mixed tournament with a difference. Everyone who wants to play will have their names put into a hat and teams will be drawn at random. Experienced players will be mixed with newcomers in every team. This event is now in its second year, following a very successful tournament in 2007.

Teams will have 8 players, with a maximum of 4 men, but you’re invited to bring as many players as you can. Registration is £1.50 per person, and there will be refreshments and a barbeque available all day.

If you’d like to come along and join in contact Michele on 07704 496628 or Helen on 07759 610475.

Barbara Parsons, well known in Sussex ladies’ stoolball, has made the local paper after a cricket ball hit for six at the Sussex county ground in Hove caught her right in the eye.

Barbara says she would have caught the ball if she hadn’t lost it in the floodlights. Ironically, she was watching cricket because her family had told her to try something safer that stoolball.

The full story appeared in the Mid Sussex Times.

On a warm but blustery day, Central Division recorded their second success in three years to win the Sussex County Stoolball Divisional Championship at Nutley on Sunday 29 June 2008 as they posted an impressive 363 in their 40 overs.

After a slow start against tight bowling from Verna Lingard (3-39) and Karen Pyke (2-97) and some good close fielding, Central Division blossomed in the second twenty overs as Karen Taylor (124) and Sharon Scott (109) recorded confident centuries. Quick scoring, led by Julie Gravett (61), particularly in the last 10 overs took Central Division to an impressive final score of 363.

The asking rate of just over 9 an over eventually proved too much for Mid Division as they battled their way to 297 against some attacking bowling from Julie Gravett and Adele McPhie who both took 4 wickets.

For Mid Division, Heidi Gravett (65) and Carla Lynch (42) led a spirited reply with good support from Ali Chambers (31), Susie Clapp (25) and Karen Pyke (21). This was Mid Division’s first appearance in the county final for 15 years and their performance promises much for the future.

Brett Butler took some excellent photos from the championship.

Read more on Sussex County Stoolball Association Divisional Championship 2008…

The Management Committee of the National Stoolball Association met at 53 Kings Road, Horsham on Friday 10 June 2008 at 7.45pm. Topics discussed include the history of baseball, the bat donation scheme, recognition of the NSA as a governing body and opportunities for stoolball clubs to raise funds.

Read more on Minutes of Management Committee meeting on 10 June 2008…