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Cricket

Cricket News - Bideford Much Needed Win - 17 July 2006

SKIPPER James Ford hit a match-winning century as Bideford inched away from danger at the bottom of the B Division with a four-wicket win over Exeter St James.

Saints' skipper Stuart Shaw must have felt 250 was competitive against a Bideford side one off the bottom of the league table.

But Ford dashed Saints' hopes as Bideford won with more than two overs to spare.

Adrian Pullin top scored on 60 for St James, Jay Harris made 56 and Steve Poortman had 43 in a solid batting effort. Young spinner Matt Bettis (4-52) was the pick of the home side's bowlers.

Bideford had an extra over in which to get the runs but, once Ford got going, it never looked like being needed.

A stand of 103 for the second wicket between Ford and Alex Hodges (32) pointed Bideford in the right direction, but Shaw (4-63) and Harris (2-43) kept nipping out Ford's partners before they could put together any stands.

What no one managed until it was too late was to shift Ford, who was finally dismissed for 131 with just two needed to win. Ian Hayter (16no) got those

Bideford and Area

Bideford, Littleham & Westward Ho Cricket Club
Golf Links Road
Westward Ho
EX39 8LH
Tel: 01237 477859

North Devon Cricket Club, Instow Tel: 01271 860633

Cricket Information Article No. 1
April 2006 – Bat Care
Oiling Care

Far too many bats coming back for repair have been over-oiled. There is a danger that you can damage the wood fibres by over oiling. It is better not to oil than over-oil.

Polyarmour bats or bats with face tape do not need oiling other than perhaps a very light coat to the toe to avoid water getting in and causing the wood to swell.

To Oil Your Bat Properly
1.Using a soft rag, apply a light coat of oil to the front, edges, toe and back of the bat blade. DO NOT OIL THE SPLICE AREA.

2.Keep bat in a horizontal position.

3.After 2 weeks, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper and apply another light coat of linseed oil to the face, edges and toe (not the back).

4.Repeat after 2 more weeks ensuring the bat is kept horizontal between oilings.

5.Only use raw linseed oil.

Knocking In

Knocking in your new bat compresses the willow blade to help prevent impact damage to the surface, toe and edges, and should be done thoroughly for no less than 6 hours.

1.Using an old ball or a bat mallet like a hammer and deflect gently off the edges the way a ball might in a game.

2.Increase the force and work the edges until they shoe a rounded compact appearance.

3.Use the bat to hit short catches (i.e.very light work on the face) or bounce a cricket ball up and down on the face.

4.Use the bat in the nets against old softer balls.

5.Use the bat in the nets against newer balls.

Causes of Damage

Dry Bat
It is important to store your bat wisely to prevent the willow drying out and becoming brittle.

Ideally you should store your bat in a garage or shed where the wood can absorb some moisture from the atmosphere.

DO NOT leave your bat close to central heating radiator or fire.

DO NOT leave your bat in your car boot or rear window where the temperature can alter significantly.

Toe Swells Due to Damp
To avoid swelling of the toe area by dampness:

1.Apply a light coat of oil to the area by dampness.

2.Use of a sealant to prevent water penetrating.

3.Apply a toe guard before bat is used.

However if the toe of the bat is swollen there are two alternatives:

1.Place the toe of the bat in a woodworking vice, being careful to cushion both sides of the blade to prevent damage.

2.Allow damp area to dry normally then use an old ball to knock out the swollen area.

Edge and Toe Damage
The majority of bats will be damaged if the batsman edges a quick ball or digs out a fast Yorker. The bat must be put in for repair as no willow will withstand such impact. Knocking in properly, however will reduce the risk.

Surface Cracking
Surface cracks do not harm the bat's performance but knocking in delays the appearance of these cracks. If the willow starts to lift away after a time, use any PVA water based glue and clamp back together. Sand the glued area with medium grade sandpaper. Apply a Pro face tape.