OFF FIELD Success
Whilst the Rovers continue to experience a superb resurgence on the pitch, off it there has been arguably more success in the shape of cricket journalist Will Macpherson (2004-2009).
Having been a journalist for the Guardian, Times, and ESPNcricinfo, Will was named the 2016 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Young Cricket Writer of the Year.
He is now the full time cricket and rugby correspondent for the Evening Standard.
You can also follow him on twitter via the below link:
Recent Rovers News
Guernsey make strong start in vantaa
Our man Nighters stars with the bat as Guernsey win their first T20 World Cup Qualifier. Tom top scored with 40 off 24 balls including four 4s and a couple of maximums, and picks up the Player of the Match award in the process as Guernsey beat Bulgaria by 52 runs.
Next up Luxembourg today - Mission accomplished, another win, this time by 17 runs, 28 more for Tom. Huge game Wednesday against table toppers Austria. An angonising loss to Austria by two wickets with just two balls to spare, a great scrap given the winners were 100-3 in the 9th! Next up Slovenia tomorrow, the 28th, good luck. Bosh - dispatched by 9 wickets, come on Guernsey. I think that means Guernsey are in the play-offs - have it.
alice capsey
makes international debut
Congratulations to Alice who made her 'long awaited' international debut last
Saturday the 23rd July. While we originally thought she was a keeper, her exploits in
last season's Hundred showcased her ability with the bat, but it was with the ball that she made an impression for England, taking a wicket with her second delivery - we're sure there's much more to come.
Alice followed this up with a cracking 25 from 17, including four consecutive boundaries, in the 3rd T20, helping England to another win and white ball clean sweep against South Africa.
good luck 'nighters'
Good luck to Tom Nightingale in his upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers for Guernsey over the next seven days - bring it
home Tom.
mason crane
blast champion
Congratulations to Mason and Hampshire who became this year's T20 Blast champions on an unbelievable night in Birmingham last Saturday. Batting first against Lancashire they were in a bit of a pickle, but a 19 run 9th wicket partnership with Chris Wood saw them post 152.
Long story short, 1-19 from 'our' man, what looked like a
clear caught behind which remained not out after reviewing, followed by an LBW reversed under review and Lancashire were cruising. However if there's one team in the competition that can defend, it's the Hawks. If you haven't seen the last few overs I beg you to go and find them, you'll thank me later...and you'll also understand why the Rovers WhatsApp group went into meltdown.
rovers week 2022
So another hugely successful tour has been put to bed:
P4 W1 D1 L2
The week started with our much anticipated Cricketer Cup quarter-final against the Bradfield Waifs on the Sunday before concluding on the Friday with our one victory of the week against the Ivy Club. I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time, including the many younger debutantes - I think we can count ourselves fortunate to have played last week, beautiful as the weather was, compared to this week's heatwave. Click on the link on the left for match reports and other 'snippets' for the week.
rovers v waifs
cricketer cup quarter-final
So Sunday July 10th saw the Rovers play their first Cricketer Cup quarter-final since 1994 having 'seen off' the Old Tonbridgians and Old Cliftonians in previous rounds.
A tremendous number of supporters from both sides were present on a glorious day at Lancing, and having won the toss Hector inserted the Waifs as the President's Bar opened for business.
Nick Ballamy opened up with Matt Lee, the
latter making a couple of early breakthroughs and after nine overs the Waifs
were reeling at 28-3. Unfortunately the pitch dried out, the covers had been on overnight, and Darby (142) and Bransgrove (73) put on 171 for the 4th wicket, forming the backbone of their par total of 286-7 in their 50 overs. Matt was the pick of the bowlers with 3-54, Ballas finished with 2-47, Hector 2-60, James Allen was his usual miserly self (0-36 off 10) whilst Henry Gane and Lewis Franklin toiled hard for no reward.
Rovers talisman Ryan Maskell opened up with AJ Wood, the latter departing for 7 before Jack Dawling (he's the one missing from the team photo!) helped put on 63 for the 2nd wicket before being run out. Everyone chipped in but once Ryan was out for 59 scoreboard pressure took over, and despite 24 from Hec, 17 for Ballas, 22 from Wakers and 13* from JAllen we succumbed to a disappointing 97 run defeat.
Unfortunately Clifton match winner Mason Crane was unavailable due to his day job (playing for Hampshire), but similarly the Waifs were without Harry Came who scored a ton in the previous round (he played for Derby the previous night in the Blast).
But what a run...not to be this year but we made a few friends on the way and have something to build on for next season, the Cup knows we're back and we won't fear anyone, apart from maybe Millfield!
#UTR
ROVERS SCORE 470 AND WIN THEIR SECOND CRICKETER TROPHY IN THE MOST PHENOMENAL FASHION - RYAN MASKELL SCORES 309!
August 03, 2019
Superlatives cannot do justice to what occurred on Sunday 4 August 2019 - but I will try...
Having won the toss, we elected to bat...this would prove to be a good decision.
Ryan Maskell and Aden-jay Wood strode to the crease as they have done for every trophy game for the past 2 years and proceeded to very patiently see off the two opening bowlers (both of whom were very handy).
After 10 overs with the score at 47-1, no-one was expecting what next followed...
Ryan and Matt Clarke proceeded to put on an incredible 404 - yes FOUR HUNDRED and FOUR - for the second wicket and when Ryan was finally out (in the 48th over) he had scored a staggering 309 including 33 4s and 21 6s!!! When Matt then followed suit at the start of the 49th over he had scored a run a ball faultless 110.
We ended our innings in somewhat bizarre circumstances with the final over including a hattrick for G.Warwick of Old Monmothians and a reverse lap for 4 by skipper Holman off his first ball and the last ball of the innings. So at the close of play we had scored a somewhat unfathomable 470-6!
In reply, the Old Monmothians had to come out guns blazing (and, in fairness, gave it a good go) however they were all out for 273.
Many thanks to all the parents and supporters who witnessed this incredible performance.
The Trophy win caps another absolutely outstanding season for the Rovers and will (fingers firmly crossed!) put us in contention for being re-admitted to the Cricketer Cup next year!
To add even further icing to the cake our efforts got us a mention on Test Match Special! Here is the link to the clip:
We will be having an end of season party to celebrate this year so stay tuned on that front but for now a massive thank you to everyone for your endless energy and enthusiasm - it is the heartbeat of our now flourishing club!
Up the Rovers!!!!!!!!!
ROVERS WEEK 2019
July 13, 2019
Rovers Week 2019 was going to need to be something extraordinary to top Rovers 2018...and extraordinary it was...
The club played a record 7 games in 8 days including:
- a memorable trip down to Bath in the Cricketer Trophy Quarter Final on Sunday 7 July;
- 5 back-to-back fixtures from Monday 8 July through to Friday 12 July; and
- a cracking win against Old Hamptonians in the Cricketer Trophy semi-final as well as England winning the world cup on Sunday 14 July!
To read El Presidente's thoroughly entertaining report of the whole week click on the button below!
ROVERS BEAT OLD HAMPTONIANS BY 153 RUNS TO BOOK PLACE IN CRICKETER TROPHY FINAL FOR THE SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR
July 13, 2019
Having lost the toss, we were a little surprisingly asked to bat. We went on to amass a very strong 295-7 off our 50 overs with all of the top order - messrs AJ, Maskell, M.Clarke, Crosby and Nightingale - scoring runs. Special mention to M.Clarke for a very patient 75 and Nightingale for an incredibly destructive 50.
Set 296 to win, and with England just beginning their run chase in the CWC Final, it is fair to say the OHs had a tall order and, after N.Ballamy picked up a 3 wicket maiden to leave them at 35-5, the game felt all but done. That said, the OH tail did wag well and so when Nighters finally dismissed their number 11 they finished on 142 all out.
This win sees us make the Cricketer Trophy Final for the second successive year which is absolute testament to the current strength of our squad and there is no reason whatsoever why we shouldn’t go the whole way and win it.
We will face Old Monmothians in the final and, having spoken to quite a few of you already, I know there are lots planning to come for the day which is cracking news.
It should also be the perfect way to end the Rovers season so please if you can do bring a picnic and come support the boys!
The gazebo will be there in force and the bar will be open with landlord El Presidente holding court!
The match will be at Gerrards Cross Cricket Club and play will start at 11:30.
Up the Rovers!!!
ROVERS CHASE DOWN 189 IN 19 OVERS AGAINST OLD MONKTONIANS IN CRICKETER TROPHY QUARTER FINAL
July 06, 2019
Very happy to report that the Lancing Rovers continued their 2019 Cricketer Trophy campaign in fine style yesterday with a 6 wicket victory in Bath against the Old Monktonians.
Set 189 to win by Old Monktonians, R.Maskell and T.Nightingale set about business in emphatic style and the Rovers knocked off the required runs in just 19.3 overs!
R.Maskell finished with an unbeaten 110 off only 59 balls and T.Nightingale 63 off 40 balls!
The Rovers now face Old Hamptonians in the semi-final at Lancing this coming Sunday so if you are available to come and support please do!
Up the Rovers!!
ROVERS WEEK 2019 MATCHDAY SQUADS
July 02, 2019
With Rovers Week 2019 almost upon us below are the final teams for each of the five days!
Yet again we have managed fill 5 back-to-back fixtures throughout the week with fully fledged Rovers which is absolutely great to report and full testament to the current health of the club!
On behalf of the committee, a massive massive thank you to you all - without your enthusiasm and commitment both Rovers Week and the current status of the club just would not be what it currently is!
The newly jazzed up gazebo is ready, the eski will be filled with iced g&ts and beers, and, most importantly, el Presidente's hotly awaited 2019 Rovers Week t-shirt design will finally be unveiled!!
Very much looking forward to seeing you all at some point next week!!
Up the Rovers!!!!
Rovers beat Old Westminster by 54 runs in the Cricketer Trophy First Round - onwards to Old Monktonians and a tour to Bath!!
June 15, 2019
The Rovers got their Cricketer Trophy campaign off to a sterling start with a 54 run win against Old Westminster!
Following a delayed start due to the heavens, we lost the toss and were put into bat.
With 11 fully fledged batsmen on the team sheet and a bowling attack consisting of 5/6 spinners we somewhat welcomed this news.
Indeed what next followed is probably only best described as carnage as Ryan Maskell and AJ Wood proceeded to hit the first 5 overs for 50 runs.
Maskell went on to score his 50 and AJ 20 odd. A slight wobble in middle overs left us looking a little light on the runs however some strong hitting from lower down the order from Disco, Hector, N.Ballamy and a few thwacked sixes from James Allen saw us finish on what seemed a slightly above par 180 on a wet outfield off our 30 overs.
That said, it was going to take a decent performance in the field to ensure we got over the line. Cue Brandon Hanley and James Allen proceeding to bowl the first 6 over power play (only 2 outside the ring) for the loss of only 10 runs. This also included a rather ridiculously good caught and bowled for Jallen, snaffling a straight drive which looked set to kill the umpire.
OWs were from there somewhat up against it with the run rate and, following a strong squeeze in the middle overs courtesy of the bowling of H.Gane and Hector Loughton, they never got up to the required rate. Two brief but highly enjoyable stints late on from Maskell and Ballamy as well as the reintroduction of the unplayable B.Hanley and J.Allen saw us over the finish line bowling the OWs out for 126.
A fantastic effort by all involved and an away trip to Old Monktonians (and a Saturday night in Bath) now awaits on Sunday 7 July!!
Inaugural Free Foresters fixture goes down to the wire - Rovers lose in final over!
June 01, 2019
On a somewhat glorious somewhat overcast day, the Rovers narrowly lost for the first time this season at the hands of the Free Foresters.
Having scored a slightly under par 210 off our 45, we kept it competitive thanks to some tight bowling and fielding and indeed took the game to the last over. Requiring 4 runs to win, the Free Foresters got home with 3 balls to spare to win by 5 wickets.
Result aside, a cracking new Sunday fixture has hopefully been cemented for the club against a good bunch of chaps.
Memorable moments from the day included:
- The first ever Rovers Instagram Live broadcast of the toss (1 from 1 for the season)
- AJ Wood being somewhat bizarrely run out without facing a ball off the first ball of the game (if anyone knows what the technical term for this is please let us know (not sure a “diamond duck” applies to the non striker?!))
- R.Maskell 46, G.Holman 44, R.Frean 34, N.Ballamy 24
- J.Cobbold 7.3-1-35-2, R.Maskell 7-0-21-1, N.Ballamy 9-1-31-1
Massive thanks to all that made the effort to play - I know there were a few dusty heads after the champions league final...onwards and upwards to Clifford Chance next Sunday!
Up the Rovers!!!
Rovers go back-to-back at Founders Day!
May 24, 2019
On a glorious afternoon the Rovers kickstarted their 2019 season with a 44 run win against the School!
Batting first, we posted 209-4 off our 35 overs with runs coming from G.Holman 79*, A.Hares 34, F.Aylett 26 and R.Frean 24*.
In reply our opening bowlers - messrs R.Clarke and J.Kilhams - did proverbial bits with the new ball (Clarke ending with 3 wickets and JK 2 wickets) before R.Frean, J.Smethurst and H.Gane shared the remaining wickets between themselves.
By all accounts a cracking way to start the 2019 campaign with a few beers in the sun after the game - onwards and upwards to Free Foresters next Sunday!
Up the Rovers!!!
Rovers lose to Old Millfieldians in Cricketer Trophy Final
August 04, 2018
The Rovers ended their 2018 season with a loss by 7 wickets in the final of the Cricketer Trophy Final to a very strong Old Millfieldians.
Having knocked up 220 off our 50, this was very professionally chased down by OMs with the loss of only 7 wickets. Despite the loss, there can be no doubt that the Rovers have experienced one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, with highlights including:
- a glorious pre-season dinner at Lords;
- new fixtures against Clifford Chance, the Ivy Club and Oundle Rovers;
- a sun drenched 5 day Rovers week; and
- a cup run to the final (including a memorable weekend away in Monmouth!).
It really has been an incredible season - here is to 2019 being even better!
Onwards and upwards!
Up the Rovers!!!
Rovers beat Old Georgians by 38 runs to make the 2018 Cricketer Trophy final!
July 14, 2018
The Rovers sterling season continued on Sunday with the club beating last year's finalists Old Georgians to make it into the Cricketer Trophy final.
Having won the toss (6 out 7 for the season), AJ Wood and J.Dawling strode to the crease. The pair put on a solid 40 before Dawling was caught. Disco Steve then took up the mantle and both he and AJ took it to the Old Georgians. Both knocked up half centuries and took us to a great position before some solid hitting from Wakers and H.Loughton lower down the order saw us get up to 248.
In response, N.Ballamy and H.Loughton bowled tight up top limiting their openers in the opening 10 overs. The Georgians then got going and despite some good bowling from Gane and Jallen, the Georgians were edging closer and closer courtesy mostly of their number 4 - ex-Derbyshire pro O'Gorman - who was looking very tidy.
With 10 overs left it was very much in the balance with the Old Georgians requiring a run a ball with 5 wickets in hand. This all changed when O'Gorman ran past a Freano leggie and was stumped (cueing jubilant scenes).
The Georgian lower order were then not able to keep up with the required rate and the reintroduction of Loughton and Ballamy saw them bowled out for 212 (38 runs short).
The victory capped an absolutely unbelievable week for the Rovers: played 7, won 6 (2 walkovers), lost 1.
The final game of the season will be the final of the Cricketer Trophy against Old Milfieldians on Sunday 5 August at Gerrards Cross cricket ground.
Up the Rovers!
ROVERS WEEK 2018
July 19, 2018
In what can only be described as one of the greatest Rovers Week in living memory, Rovers Week 2018 bore witness to 5 days of sun, cricket, a few refreshments, world cup highs and lows and much, much more.
As ever, for a detailed account of the whole week written by El Presidente - Tim MacKenzie - click on the link below.
The First of Many: Rovers vs Ivy Club
July 12, 2018
The final game of Rovers Week 2018 saw the inaugural fixture between the Rovers and the Ivy Club. Skippered by one of the Rovers very own, Ralph Brunjes, the Ivy Club were absolute delight to host and all were in agreement that this was (and will continue to be!) the perfect way to close out Rovers Week.
For those interested, the Ivy Club have written a fantastic report of the day which can be accessed via the link below!
you've been craned!
***rovers win in Bristol***
The Rovers pulled off another win in the West Country on Sunday, beating the Old Cliftonians by four wickets. Their reward being a home quarter-final on July 10th against the Bradfield Waifs who saw off the Eton Ramblers.
Following the traditional evening out in Bristol before the match the Rovers arrived at the stunning setting of Clifton College with showers in the air. Ballas lost the toss and eleven slightly hungover Rovers took to the field.
Ballas and Matty Lee took the new ball, and with the help of some slightly sub-standard fielding the OCs cruised along at five an over for the first eight before Ballas made a double breakthrough in the ninth to leave them 38-2. When Matt had their star man Ollie Meadows caught behind for 21 we began to get on top. JAllen bowled a magnificent spell taking 2-24 off his ten, and ably supported by Plod, 2-16 off 5.2 we pulled back the run rate and had them in all sorts. With the exception of their skipper with 33, their last six batsmen only contributed 19 runs between them. The introduction of Mason, third change in the 25th over accelerated their demise and a wicket with his first ball set the tone, finishing with 3-16 off seven. Clifton all out for 130 in 37.2 overs - game on.
As in the previous round, we decided to make it exciting for the spectators! Ryan, AJ, Ballas and Disco scoring just 19 between them, Rovers 48-4 after 16. OJ then ran a miss-field, surely the first thing you're taught not to do at prep school, and all of a sudden we're in real trouble. While all this was going on Mason was quietly going about his business at the other end, he never looked like giving his wicket away, and with our erstwhile skipper George at the other end, they put on 62 for the sixth wicket, George departing with just three required. The partnership wasn't without its highlights though as George consistently drove 'uppishly', was dropped once, and nearly run out about six times by Mason, neither of them realising just how unfit George is.
Mason finished with a magnificent 79* as the Rovers knocked off the required runs in 42.4 overs, securing the MOM award. and ensuring the Rovers equalled their best ever performance in the Cricketer Cup, is this the year we finally reach a semi-final - make sure you're down at Lancing on July 10th to find out. #UTR
cricketer cup 2nd round update
With a rather plush looking apartment, for now anyway, secured for Saturday night's revelries in Bristol, the squad for our second round match against the Old Cliftonians is coming together nicely.
Unfortunately new club skipper Hector is still unavailable for selection, and we'll be without the services of Wakers, Isaac and Lewis, but in steps George H, OJ and Freano so the balance of the side remains.
If the guys can pull themselves away from this particular establishment any time before sunrise we could be in with a shout! And if we can pull off another victory we'll find ourselves back at HQ on July 10th, the day before the Rovers Tour against either the Eton Ramblers or Bradfield Waifs.
12 JUNE 2022: ROVERS BEAT OLD TONBRIDGIANS BY 4 WICKETS
Lancing Rovers hosted Old Tonbridgians, the most successful team in the Cricketer Cups history. With the challenge ahead, Lancing managed to secure the services of Mason Crane, an England Test spinner, to make his debut for the Rovers 7 years after leaving the college.
Tonbridgians won the toss and chose to bat. Lancing took to the field and set the tone with skipper for the day Nick Ballamy picking up the opening wicket in the 3rd over. Lancing’s bowling attack continued to impress throughout, keeping momentum and consistently breaking any partnerships starting to form. The pick of the bowlers went to Henry Gane taking 4 for 25 off his 10 overs. Lancing reduced Tonbridgians to 127 all out off 39 overs, without having to call upon the services of Mason
Lancing then took to the crease for a 15 minute session before lunch, losing a wicket in the first over, which gave Tonbridgians hope. After lunch Lancing looked comfortable with their situation as they were slowly making strides closer to the target, but the drinks’ break caused some distraction as they lost 3 wickets in 2 overs. A fine partnership from AJ Wood (50) and Rob Wakeford (47) then swung the momentum back into Lancing’s hands as they chased the total down in 43 overs, beating Old Tonbridgians by 4 wickets.
The Nicholson Player MOM award went to Henry Gane for a magnificent bowling display. Lancing Rovers now travel to Bristol on the 26th June to play Old Cliftonians in the next round.
ROBIN "FREANDOG" FREAN HAS BEEN DROPPED TO 12TH MAN ESKY DUTIES... #tease
7 JUNE 2022: CRICKETER CUP FIRST ROUND SQUAD ANNOUNCED
The following have been selected to take on the Old Tonbridgians on Sunday…in no particular order:
N. Ballamy (c)
R. Maskell (wk)
AJ Wood
S. Crosby
R. Wakeford
J. Allen
H. Gane
I. Abatan
M. Lee
R. Frean
L. Franklin
12th man: tbc
MASON CRANE - 50th T20 CAP
Congratulations to Mason who won his 50th T20 cap last night playing for Hampshire against Somerset at the Ageas Bowl. Unfortunately it wasn't in a winning cause as the Hawks went down by 4 wickets, but with a cheeky red inker batting at 10 and a wicket with his third ball, not a bad evening's 'work'.
CRICKETER CUP 2022 DRAW ANNOUNCED
June 12th 2022 sees our much anticipated 1st round fixture against the Old Tonbridgians at Lancing. No other side has won the Cricketer Cup more often, their last win coming just three years ago so it won't be easy.
That said, the only team to have beaten the Rovers in knock-out cricket since 2016 are last year's Cup winners the Old Millfieldians and I'm sure Tonbridge won't relish a 1st round shoot out, hopefully without too many of their stars.
The match is scheduled for 50 0vers and due to start at 11.30am.
It would be great to have some support, and of course, everyone is more than welcome to come and watch a famous victory.
Up the Rovers!
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