Nocton Cricket Club

Latest report

The Cricket Club is having mixed fortunes this season. After a good win last month, they lost away to Scothern on 3 June. Scothern scored 109 when they batted, but Nocton only managed 40 when they batted second. Consequently, Scothern got 20 points for winning, but Nocton still got 5 pts for getting Scothern out for not very many. So now it's time to look forward to the first home game of the season, and to see the new pavilion in action, on Sunday 10 June, with play starting at 1.30pm.

Source: Report by David Glew - thanks

New cricket pavilion

[photo: Geoff Hall - 30 May 2018]

Fixtures for 2018 season

Sunday 22 Apr 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Hartsholme CC [LOST]
Sunday 06 May 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Sleaford CC [WON]
Sunday 20 May 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Woodhall Spa CC [LOST - no team]

Sunday 03 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Scothern CC [LOST]

Sunday 10 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Heighington CC
Sunday 17 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Billingborough CC
Sunday 01 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Old Lincolnians CC
Sunday 08 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Hartsholme CC
Sunday 15 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Billingborough CC
Sunday 22 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Caythorpe CC
Sunday 29 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Old Lincolnians CC
Sunday 05 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Sleaford CC
Sunday 12 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Caythorpe CC
Sunday 19 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Woodhall Spa CC
Sunday 26 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Heighington CC
Sunday 02 Sep 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Scothern CC

Nocton Cricket Club - no team

Away - Woodhall Spa - 20 May

Nocton Cricket Club did not have a match on Sunday 13 May, but they were due to play Woodhall Spa away on 20 May. Unfortunately, they could not raise a team, and so that was effectively a defeat.

On the same day, the village of Scothern could not raise a team, either. Thus, so far this season, Nocton has had one win and two losses.

If anyone would like to play cricket, please contact the secretary, Rob Garfoot - Tel: 07714 641373.

The team's next match will be away to Scothern on 3 June, so let's hope that between them, they can find enough players for a match!

Source: Report by David Glew - thank you

Cricket Club - news

Update

As many dog-walkers will have noticed, the reconstruction of the Club's pavilion is proceeding well.  At the time of writing, the walls and roof are being clad, and the septic tank for the new drains has been installed. Because of the wet weather there had been pools of water in the furrows between the ridges, but now the outfield and the playing square have dried out a little, and they have been cut for the first time in preparation for the first home game at 1.30pm on Sunday 10th June.

Nocton Cricket Club - new pavilion under construction

[photo dated 2nd May 2018]

Pre-season practice sessions have taken place outside at Blankney, and so the Club is grateful for the help which that Club has provided.

The team's first game of the season took place on Sunday 22 April, at Hartsholme, and produced the first points, although in a defeat. Nocton scored 96 with David Franklin providing the top score of 20.  Hartsholme scored 97-4, with Terry Enerver taking 3-14. So that gave Nocton 2 bowling pts, but Hartsholme 20 pts for winning.

Source: Many thanks to David Glew for this latest report

Nocton Cricket Club - construction progressing

New pavilion

I refer to my last blog dated 16 Mar 2018.

Despite the difficult weather conditions this Spring, it is commendable that progress has been maintained in constructing the new cricket pavilion.

The concrete base has been laid, along with pipes for all services. A new septic tank has been sunk into the ground. The wooden frame has been erected and roofing trusses put in place. Internal stud walls have been constructed and the building has been boarded out.

It has also been necessary to lay a new access track to enable materials to be delivered to site without churning up the saturated land. This has enabled the project to continue, despite the inclement weather conditions.

Plate 1 - new access track laid

Plate 2 - frame under construction

Plate 3 - roofing trusses in place

Plate 4 - boarding out

Plate 5 - woodwork to eaves being finalised

Plate 6 - breathable membrane applied

Plate 7 - almost weather tight

Nocton Cricket Club - 2018

Fixtures

I refer to my blog dated 14 Nov 2017 regarding the planning application for the new cricket pavilion, kindly being provided by Beeswax Dyson Farming Ltd.

Work is well underway as can be seen from the photographs. Further work to level out the grounds will be carried out at the season end.

Awaiting demolition [10 Nov 2017]

Demolition underway [12 Feb 2018]

New foundations awaiting concrete [20 Feb 2018]

New concrete base and walls being erected [13 Mar 2018]

Fixtures for 2018 season

The first four fixtures are 'Away' to allow time for the new pavilion to be completed.

1. Sunday 22 Apr 2018 [13.30hrs]  - Away v Hartsholme CC
2. Sunday 06 May 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Sleaford CC
3. Sunday 20 May 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Woodhall Spa CC
4. Sunday 03 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Scothern CC
5. Sunday 10 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Heighington CC
6. Sunday 17 Jun 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Billingborough CC
7. Sunday 01 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Old Lincolnians CC
8. Sunday 08 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Hartsholme CC
9. Sunday 15 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Billingborough CC
10. Sunday 22 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Caythorpe CC
11. Sunday 29 Jul 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Old Lincolnians CC
12. Sunday 05 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Sleaford CC
13. Sunday 12 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Caythorpe CC
14. Sunday 19 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Woodhall Spa CC
15. Sunday 26 Aug 2018 [13.30hrs] - Away v Heighington CC
16. Sunday 02 Sep 2018 [13.30hrs] - Home v Scothern CC

Source: http://nocton.play-cricket.com/website/web_pages/167036

Beeswax Dyson Farming - landscaping

Nocton Estate

I refer to my last blog dated 17 Dec 2017.

Great efforts have been made to retain and integrate the existing vegetation, but much work is underway to improve the landscape of Nocton Estate following the construction of the new farm complex and relief road.

Landscaping the 'relief' road - Cyclone Way

New trees being planted out - Cyclone Way

A programme of thinning and maintenance is being carried out to numerous trees and there is extensive planting of new saplings and mixed hedging whips, not just to help screen and soundproof the new farm complex, but also to provide a haven for wildlife and improve biodiversity. Saplings and hedging are being planted alongside the new farm 'relief' road (Cyclone Way) and wildflower-rich buffer strips have been added too.

Public footpath - maintenance and new planting

New copse, hedging and landscaping the bund

All this work will help improve the ecological enhancement and amenity value of the estate. It will also enhance the public rights of way in the area.

New gates - Wasp's Nest access to Private Road

New gates - Nocton Wood House access to Private Road

Any fencing that has reached the end of its serviceable life is being replaced as well.

Farm complex with triple row of screening and new fencing

Nocton Cricket Club

I refer to my blog dated 14 Nov 2017.

Following approval of the planning application to replace the old cricket pavilion, I am pleased to report that work is now underway to demolish the wooden structure. In time we will see a new pavilion emerge, hopefully to be enjoyed during the forthcoming cricket season.

Nocton Cricket Pavilion - work underway

Feathered visitors in the adjacent field - Greylag geese

Report of the 2017 Season

Nocton Cricket Club review dated 28 Oct 2017.

The Year of the Brown Earth Dog

What will 2018 bring?

For Europe

"For the Western world, 2017 has been a year of (largely) self-inflicted chaos. Europe’s 60-year project of self-realisation faces unprecedented challenges to its ideological and territorial rationale.

While the year of the Brown Earth Dog sets the scene for more rational political exchange, this by no means implies an end to political turmoil in the EU. The dog years’ propensity for justice and innovation suggest that slow-burning social issues might come to a head."

https://theconversation.com/2018-what-to-expect-for-europe-in-the-year-of-the-brown-earth-dog-89328

For the UK

"Someone claimed to have asked their iPhone: “Siri, what’s a good metaphor for Brexit?” Siri replied with the news story of someone trying to kill a spider with a blowtorch, and burning his house down. It nicely captures Britain’s approach to the EU.

Few would deny there are problems with the EU; some of which may be as annoying as having an unwanted spider in one’s house. But there are different ways of approaching these issues, some of which may prove more drastic and costly than others."

https://theconversation.com/three-things-that-will-shape-the-economy-in-2018-89469

For Nocton

The three main projects for our local community involve building:

1. The new Cricket Club pavilion should be completed for the start of the season, as planning permission has now been granted.
2. The resubmission of the planning application for the rebuilding of our Village Hall should emerge, perhaps being granted approval this time around, enabling work to commence on demolishing the old building and constructing the new.
3. Leda Properties might finally submit their plans for developing the old RAF Hospital site and stabilising the Grade II Listed Nocton Hall, given that they have been discussing requirements with North Kesteven District Council since 2015.

Wishing you all a healthy and financially stable New Year.

Planning application - cricket pavilion

Nocton Cricket Club

Nocton Cricket Pavilion [November 2017]

17/1432/FUL
Replacement of the existing pavilions and chemical toilets with a new pavilion | Cricket Ground Pavilion, Cricket Club, The Bridleway, Nocton, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 2BH

Case Officer: Tony Sargent
Applicant: Ben Wills

Rec'd: 03 Oct 2017
Validated: 25 Oct 2017
Expiry: 28 Nov 2017
Deadline: 20 Dec 2017

Purpose
The building will be used as a cricket pavilion. The accommodation consists of:

• Two changing rooms [these are increased in size from the existing to provide sufficient space for team changing]
• An umpires room
• A disabled/woman’s toilet and a men’s toilet
• An area for a scoring bench
• A tea room [which will include a food and drink preparation area and sitting area]
• A veranda for protected viewing

There is the possibility it could be used by others, Beeswax Dyson Ltd, the local community, the scouts etc.

Nocton Cricket Club - review

2017 Cricket Season - Nocton finish third in Division 2

This was an unusually long season with all teams in Division 2 playing 18 matches and playing right through to the end of September – when the weather doesn’t always lend itself to cricket!

Promoted from Division 3 last season, Nocton won 10 of their games and finished third with 256 points behind Billingborough (285) and champions Scothern (290). We beat both these teams handsomely on the way to third place.

Once again the team owed a huge amount to three players in particular. Captain Dylan Garfoot was the lead scorer in all divisions making 908 runs during the season with 2 centuries, 6 half centuries, a top score of 147 and an average of 65. Vice-captain Mikey Atkinson came 4th in all divisions with 610 runs including 7 half centuries, a top score of 96 and an average of 61. Leg spin bowler Sam Bunn was the number 2 wicket taker in all divisions with 34 wickets at an average of 14.5. He never quite managed a 5 wicket haul but in several games he broke the back of the opposition with 4 wickets. Dylan and Mikey also chipped in with the wickets, Dylan taking 19 and Mikey 17. Dylan’s best was 7 wickets for 3 runs to destroy North Scarle; Mikey’s best was 6 for 32 in a crushing 9 wicket win over eventual champions Scothern.

Dylan Garfoot, only batsman in the league to make 900 runs

… and take 19 wickets

Sam Bunn, leading wicket taker in 2017

It was a strange season in many ways with no regular pattern of who beat whom. Every team we lost to … we beat in the return game, often by a big margin. We lost games that we really should have won like the penultimate match against Blankney. Set 159 to win, our first three batsmen made 122 of them but when they were out the rest of the team only managed 23 more runs and we fell short by 13. We lost our first game of the season to Old Lincolnians by just 20 runs but made sure of victory in the return match with Mikey and Dylan hitting 164 runs between them in a high scoring match. In a low scoring game against Owmby, when our “star” batters failed to shine, Nocton were all out for just 95 but it was “star” bowler Sam Bunn, with a season’s best 4-22, who helped put the visitors out for 82 to seal a 13 run win.

Mikey Atkinson in action with bat …

… and with ball

Despite the outstanding performances of just a few players, the highlight of the season was teamwork, togetherness and enjoying playing the game together shown by the non-stop banter and encouragement between the young players on the pitch. Our fielding improved with players prepared to dive full length on our often soggy field just to save a run – and far more catches were taken to dismiss opposition batsmen than usual.

The lads got on well off the pitch too. The night before the Aisthorpe match some of the players had a very enjoyable night out in Birmingham! Nevertheless they were at the ground first thing on Sunday, preparing the square and making sure everything was ready. Dylan may have been feeling a bit weary but he still hit his top score of the season, 147. To save energy running up and down the track he decided to hit boundaries which involve no running at all! He hit 18 fours and 9 sixes so he only had to run 21 times during his innings. He followed it up by taking 4 wickets for 8 runs in 12 deliveries to help Nocton to a huge 146 run victory.

We still played half our games with only 9 or 10 players so if anyone fancies trying out their cricketing skills next season there may well be the chance to do so.

Report and photographs courtesy of Jonathan Sides

Nocton Cricket Club - report

2017 Cricket Season - Nocton in Division 2

Nocton v Blankney, September 10th  2017

Last Sunday the village cricket club played against Blankney on a squally and very wet afternoon. Nocton could only get 9 players to start the game but Miles Lynch came along as quickly as he could – and took a wicket with his first ball!

A study in concentration – Miles Lynch

prepares for another attacking shot

Same concentration but Miles

gave the ball more of a clatter

Another attacking stroke for 4

Blankney were put in to bat by Nocton and they started very slowly making only 40 runs off the first 20 overs but then Lee Dawson and skipper David Thomas started to turn the temperature up and both made half centuries. Blankney finished on 158 from their 40 overs – a challenging total on an afternoon when the weather really only encouraged you to stay indoors and eat chocolate.

Heavy drizzle lashed the pitch at 45 degrees (this was not the temperature – it was the angle of the rain in a fierce wind) to remind us why we rarely play cricket in September. Dylan Garfoot and Mikey opened the batting and got the team off to a great start making 50 in quick time. When Dylan was out clean bowled for 26 – and very annoyed with himself, even though it was a good ball – it brought Miles to the crease and the free scoring continued.

Mikey Atkinson in fine form again with the bat

A pull to the boundary on the way to his 68

An away win looked on the cards as the score passed 100 without further loss but we were short of middle order batters on Sunday and wickets began to fall after Miles was dismissed for 28. Mikey went on to make his 7th half century of the season, finishing with 68 but, in the end, Nocton fell 13 runs short at 145 all out – of which first 3 batters had made 122.

A typical Mikey attacking shot on the offside

We claimed 8 bonus points with batting and bowling and, despite the defeat, we moved up to second in division 2 with 247 points. This puts us 20 behind Scothern and 2 above Billingborough – exciting stuff. There are 2 games left this season. Scothern play Billingborough next week – that will be interesting – while we are away to Bracebridge on the 17th and away to Billingborough on the 24th.

Report and photos courtesy of Jonathan Sides - many thanks

Nocton Cricket Club - on the up

Nocton CC are on the up!

"We are a little village team called Nocton. Years and years playing in the bottom league. Until 2 years ago we took a turn, few new signings and we got promoted to Division 3. And again a few new signings and a new captain, we gained promotion again. Nocton CC are currently sat 2nd place in Division 2 hoping promotion again.

Some teams dread coming to our little ground because of the typical reputation it has. But some big news to come... our ground is having a big revamp, outfield, square, new clubhouse. Hopefully that will bring ne players to the club and push further and further up the leagues Nocton will get on the map in a good few years.

3 games left this season. Weather looking miserable for Sunday against Blankney away. But we travel to BBH and Billingbrough. We are on the up. UTN."

Source: Facebook page of Nocton Cricket Club - 6th Sept 2017

Nocton Cricket Club - progressing well

2017 Cricket Season - Nocton in Division 2

Nocton v North Scarle, August 20th 2017

"Last Sunday the village cricket club played their last home game of the season against North Scarle. There are still four games to be played and Nocton are still in the running for a high final place in Division 2 of the Lincoln League. More of this in a later Blog – so long as Geoff doesn’t mind!

Nocton won the toss and decided to field first – a decision that didn’t seem too wise as North Scarle’s innings approached 60 without loss thanks to solid batting by Charlie Dixon (42) and Chris Geeson (22). At the point our captain Dylan Garfoot decided to have a bowl himself. So far this season Dylan’s form with the ball hasn’t been a patch on normal but on Sunday afternoon he bowled a devastating spell of 4 overs, taking 7 wickets for just 3 runs. Twice he was on a hat trick but he wasn’t able to take the third wicket to complete this feat. Batting at number 8 for North Scarle was Richard Foster who was the only other batsman to offer any resistance. He had made 17, including a six and two fours, when he thumped a ball from Dylan really hard. Everyone expected another boundary but Mikey Atkinson dived full length as the ball dipped and took an astonishing catch. The North Scarle innings folded shortly after at 94 all out.

Mikey has also been in great form with the bat this season. He made 96 last week and followed up this time with an stylish but aggressive 59, including 10 boundaries, which guided Nocton to within a whisker of a comfortable 7 wicket win. When he was bowled out Nocton needed just 9 runs to win and Dylan took just 3 scoring strokes to get them; two bludgeoned boundaries followed by a cheeky little flick over the wicketkeeper’s head for the winning run. This leaves Nocton third in Division two, only 6 points behind second placed Billingborough but with a game in hand."

Many thanks to Jonathan Sides for the report and photographs

Plate 1 - Dylan in action taking one

of his 7 wickets

Plate 2 - Paul Carrott, steady as ever,

pushes the ball into the covers

Plate 3 - Mikey Atkinson drives a boundary

through the covers

Plate 4 - Oops, a close call for Paul!

Plate 5 - Mikey looking determined

Plate 6 - Another 4 behind square leg

Plate 7 - Go and find that!

Plate 8 - A confident reverse sweep

Plate 9 - Dylan chips the winning run

Nocton Cricket Club - in action

2017 Cricket Season - Nocton in Division 2

Nocton v Aisthorpe, July 9th 2017

On a glorious Sunday afternoon Nocton hosted bottom-of-the-table Aisthorpe. No team aiming to do well can relax and expect a walkover win over any other. Nocton could only manage to get 9 players for the match due to holidays and work commitments and there were gaps in the field when we asked Aisthorpe to bat first. After a shaky start losing two early wickets, Ryan Hatton and Richard Newell batted steadily and between them hit 81 runs, Newell making 60. No other Aisthorpe batsman made double figures. Sam Bunn was the pick of the Nocton bowlers taking 4-30 with his leg breaks. Aisthorpe finished on 137 all out, not usually a match-winning total but a challenge to Nocton who were 2 players short.

Nocton got off to a lively start with Sam Allison and Dylan Garfoot taking the score along smoothly. Dylan was seeing the ball “like a beach ball” and was confident of passing the Aisthorpe total … until he was given out caught off his elbow. Many of you will know that you can be caught out off the bat, the handle, your glove – but not your elbow! Alas we had no third umpire, no review, no slo-mo replay so Dylan had to face the frustration and disappointment that so many cricketers have to face at all levels. What followed would have been called a minor batting collapse but, when you only have 9 players, it’s a major collapse. The rock-solid Paul Carrott held the side together and gave some hope but he was eventually last man out, bowled by Sean Melton. He and James Epton took 7 of the 8 wickets to fall for just 21 runs as Nocton were beaten by 54 runs. We are still 3rd in Division 2 with 2 games in hand over second place Billingborough. Aisthorpe are still bottom of the table but proud to have won their first game of the season. Individual players are doing well with Dylan second highest scorer in all divisions, Sam Bunn is the 4th highest wicket taker and Mikey Atkinson is fifth in the batting averages.

Report and photographs courtesy of Jonathan Sides - many thanks

Sam Bunn in action

David Franklin bowls Aisthorpe captain David Hayes

Rob Garfoot takes a return catch off his own bowling

Isaac Appleyard leaps into his delivery stride

Congratulations to Paul Carrott after bowling Richard Newell for 60

Paul Carrott hitting out late in the Nocton innings

A glorious summer sight

Paul is bowled by Sean Melton and the Nocton innings was over