Neil Rees has revived his web site covering goings on in Ley Hill.
It has a new home at http://www.leyhill.org.uk

Click here for the recently updated Mid Bucks Cricket League web site
Links to other cricket and local interest sites

Ex-Ley Hill star Robbie Jones is currently enjoying a successful start to his winter playing cricket in Australia. Robbie, remembered at the Hill for a magnificent 205 not out, a textbook batting style and an impeccable drinking record, has already made a big impact for his Melbourne-based side. Robbie Jones's Letter from Australia

The cricket club has been saddened to hear of the death of Richard Bachelor, who played regularly for Ley Hill between 1970 and 1977. Eleanor Phillips recalls some happy memories of Dick. Click here for her words 

In an exclusive interview for this web site, Chris Jones confirms that he has no interest in captaining the Seconds in 2004, and every interest in improving the standard of television and beer in the clubhouse. Chris salutes the Herculean effort of all his players in 2003, and believes that we have every chance of continued success next season. The Reluctant Captain

Ley Hill fell to defeat against Uxbridge Casuals in the final game of the season, spluttering to a meagre 159 for 8, a total that always looked within the visitors' grasp. The only bright light was Jon Lown, clearly eager to boost his average in his ongoing and increasingly personal battle with Andy Rennard. Scorecard

Led by a flourish from veteran all-rounder Terry Rothwell, the Saturday side ended the season on a high note, comfortably defeating local side Chartridge. Az and Kash Shakoor also featured prominently, and Andy Rennard capped his excellent 2003 season with a nuggety 70. Scorecard

Fifties for Andy Rennard and player-of-the-season contender Keith Strickland led Ley Hill to 248 runs, but this was still four runs short of puritanical Jordans' 252, with Hill paying the price for some profligate bowling. The September sun is prolonging the 2003 runfest. Scorecard

20th September: Ley Hill defeated by single family Ley Hill fell to a hefty home defeat against a team consisting of relatives of Will and Tom Holman. The stars of the show were Will and cousin Steve Lovell (both pictured) with the bat, and with the ball cousin Rachel Warnes, who took the scalp of Sam Collins. Click here for the scorecard. The other Saturday side fell to a close defeat at Bourne End, despite a fifty for Keith Brewer and four wickets for Dave Peterson. Find the scorecard here.

Nick Lee reports on Ley Hill Firsts' final league game in Division One, a closely-fought loss at Downley. Martin Leadbitter starred with a brutal 72, but his runs weren't enough to stave off the third-placed hosts.
Click here for Nick's words of wisdom. 

The Under 13s have had an exceptional season, with contributions from throughout the side. Click here for a summary of the side's results. Sam Helm, Stephen Walter, Sam Harrison, Craig Peterson and Ben Ford have performed particularly well, as shown in the end-of-season averages. 

The latest club newsletter, courtesy of Eleanor Phillips, contains details of forthcoming events, and all the recent news from the club. 

Kash Shakoor came of age with a swashbuckling 135 against Bentley Heath, a fantastic achievement for the teenager, before finally and bizarrely being removed by Scott Peterson. Remarkably, Ley Hill went on to lose by nine wickets. Scorecard

Jon 'the Average' Lown smashed an unbeaten 104, but Ley Hill's posting of 233 was still some way short of Winslow's 275 for 5. Even Paul Humphreys' economical spell of bowling - 44 from three overs - could not save us from settling for a draw. Scorecard

The league season is over, but one Firsts stalwart is already showing Premier division credentials. Mark Curtis turned in a superlative all-round performance, with 4 for 28 and 70 runs, that pushed the Hill to victory over Phoenix Old Boys. Scorecard

The Ley Hill six-a-side tournament on 25th August was a successful day for the club and an exhibition of cricket that ranged from the fantastic to the calamitous. Ian Webb reports on a contest that was jointly won by the 'Strides' and 'Promising Colts' sides. Click here for the report.

The newly-published Mid Bucks League Tables confirm that the Seconds, who put together a brilliant seven-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, have won second place in Division Three. The Lee lost against Haddenham, meaning our heroic stiffs creep home by four points. The Hill are back where we belong.
Follow the links for the report and scorecard of the decisive win over Downley.

Arsalan Shakoor has had a brilliant season with Ley Hill, and on Saturday he helped the Seconds seal promotion, excelling with both bat and ball. Now he has opened his heart to this web site, revealing that he has yellow and green blood pumping through his veins. Azz wears his allegiances with pride, roaring "long live the Hill". Mr Angry

Rob Rooney, writing from the Windy City, has words of encouragement for the "real cricketers" of Ley Hill, and admits he misses the beers, atmosphere, and women, of Ley Hill Common. Your Letters

Ian Webb reports on the mighty Thirds' close-run draw with Old Merchant Taylors on 23rd August. Our boys posted 236 but were just short of an even larger total. Report (added 31st August) and scorecard

Chris Jones led his Seconds side to victory over Downley with a brutal century, but their fate depends on the result of The Lee. Ley Hill will be promoted if The Lee achieved less than a winning draw at Haddenham. The Firsts, who secured promotion last week, lost in a tight contest away to Downley.
Firsts scorecard and Downley Tea Watch 

Paul Green handed the captaincy over to Ian Webb for this derby game, but the young mastermind was unable to steer his inexperienced side anywhere near victory. Despite facing two more overs than Ballinger, Ley Hill still finished 91 runs short of their hosts' mammoth total. Click here for the scorecard and report.

Ley Hill's Firsts could only manage a losing draw versus Monks Risborough, but this was enough to achieve second place in Division One, and with it a return to the Mid Bucks Premier. The Seconds thrashed Bradenham, pulling in a crucial 25 points that keeps their promotion bid alive. Scorecards for the Firsts, Seconds and Thirds are now online.
Reports for the Firsts and Seconds added 27th August.
Tea Watch for Bradenham added 27th August.

Your votes have been counted, and in a close-run contest, Tom Holman has won the most pathetic excuse contest of 2003. Excuses by Nick Lee and Andy Rennard were also deemed to be extremely dismal. Click here for the results of the contest.

Sports scientists wouldn't necessarily credit cricketing excellence to a poor diet and the consumption of extra beers, but this is exactly what our recent survey found to be our players' main drivers. As Ley Hill sit on the verge of a double promotion, our prescription is clear: less conventional exercise, more 'horizontal' exercise. Survey results

A win by the Thirds is something to celebrate, and to mark the passing of one month since his team's defeat of Kenton Fifths, Ian Webb reports on the famous victory. He also provides an account of a more familiar outcome versus West Wycombe. Click here for the Thirds' results page.

The August edition of the club newsletter is now online, courtesy of Eleanor Phillips. It contains reports on the achievements of our colts, news of Hertford King's new arrivals, plus notification of upcoming events.

Self-appointed culinary experts Denis McCarthy and Will Holman cast their ample appetites over the very different tea offerings of Bovingdon and Bucks CC. Tea Watch

Paul Green's Sunday side took Ley Hill's batting total for the weekend to 736, but this wasn't enough to deny Chalfont St Giles victory on Sunday. Az Shakoor hit a classy century, while Jon Lown - fighting to regain his place in the Saturday Firsts - smashed 88. Runs-a-plenty on the match scorecard and report (added 19th August).

Steve Jones scored his maiden century to lead the Seconds to an incredible victory over promotion rivals Cadmore End. This was a much-needed boost to the Seconds' promotion bid. The Firsts recorded a 15-point winning draw, scant reward for total dominance over Bradenham. Reports (added 18th August) and scorecards for the Firsts and Seconds are now online.

Saturday Firsts' vice-captain Ian Birkett has led from the front in his fortnight in charge, extending the team's winning streak to six games in a row. Now he reveals to lhcc.org the secrets of his success, outlining a controversial tea policy and issuing a chilling message to the captain proper: "I am happy to hand back the reins to Lown." Click here for the full exclusive interview.

Denis McCarthy took three wickets and crashed 33 from 15 balls as Paul Green's Sunday legion narrowly beat our old friends at the Rising Sun. Read a report of the action and view the scorecard. Also added (11th August) is a report and scorecard from the previous Sunday's "action" at Bledlow Ridge, where the side endured what sounds like Ley Hill's dullest game of 2003.

Martin Leadbitter and Craig Ottaway were this week's heroes as Ley Hill's First Eleven thumped their local rivals by 155 runs in the sunshine. Click here for a report, including news of an all-too-frequent ambulance visit to Ley Hill Common, and marvel at the scorecard here. Paul Humphreys' 72 helped the Seconds to a winning draw against the same opposition; click for a report and scorecard. 

Vice captain Ian Birkett led from the front as Ley Hill closed the gap on Bucks CC. Click here for a report on the stunning victory, and here for a scorecard. Much more of this and AWOL captain Jon Lown's job will be on the line. The Seconds were meanwhile denied victory after Prestwood shut up shop, despite tons from veterans East and Puddephatt. Read a report and scorecard. 

Under-14s Jake Wells and Stuart Clarke put on a fantastic display of batting to set a new 8th wicket partnership record of 110 runs. (See the updated Club Records.) Despite a team total of 282-7, Ley Hill were still nine runs short of victory and the game was drawn. The day will also be remembered for Yeading's typically fine display of drunken japes. Click here for a report (added 29th July) and scorecard.

The fickle finger of fate was pointed firmly in favour of Ley Hill's Firsts, as the heavens opened just after they skittled out the Chesham Bois lower order. The Seconds were unfortunate at Frieth, ending up with a winning draw when they were set for a convincing win. Reports (added 29th July) and scorecards are now online for the Firsts and Seconds, as well as a scorecard for the Thirds. 

On an incredible day for Ley Hill Cricket Club, the Firsts and Seconds both picked up valuable 25-point victories. Jon Lown's charges thrashed Flackwell Heath, whilst Chris Jones's men edged out Booker in a dramatic last-wicket finish. Unbelievably, the Thirds, captained by Ian Webb and bolstered by some excellent colts, scored a superb four-wicket win over Kenton Fifths.
Scorecards for the Firsts (and report added 22nd July), Seconds and Thirds are now online.

The club is still short of volunteers for mowing the outfield on a Saturday morning. Your editor can vouch for the job actually being quite enjoyable, and very easy to pick up. You may also gain compensation money for an instance of vibration white finger. Email Nick Lee to volunteer. This web site also needs contributions to ensure that Seconds and Thirds reports are written by somebody who was actually at the game. Send your reports to post@lhcc.org.

Hertford King, still on cloud nine after his record century, has more good news to report. Previously, Andy Rennard launches a fierce defence of his cricketing career, whilst Az Shakoor extends thanks for the warm welcome he has experienced at the club. Your Letters

Self-confessed lhcc.org addict Andy Rennard has been linked to a mysterious old-school batting technique known as the 'Guernsey Grip'. As Denis McCarthy writes, the Channel Islands link may explain Andy's dawdling running style and the gaping black hole in the club's finances*.
(*Invented for the purpose of this introduction.)

The Ley Hill Under 13s' averages are now online, and they make for impressive reading. Our boys have been playing against bigger clubs than Ley Hill, and winning regularly. Click here for the figures.
Craig Peterson also reports on a well contested defeat by Ballinger and on a narrow defeat for the Under 12s versus a strong Chalfont St Peter side.

Ley Hill's Seconds crashed out of the Evening Knockout on Tuesday night, losing by a margin of over one hundred runs. Bucks CC's brilliant season roars on. Click here for Az Shakoor's report and a scorecard (added 17th July).
Also added 16th July: opposition report on The Lee 2nds vs Ley Hill 2nds.

Hertford King, a new signing this year and already a firm favourite at the club, put on a phenomenal display to hit a century in just 59 balls versus Chelsea Nomads - a new record for the club. Hertford's knock led Ley Hill to a superb Sunday win in the sun. Find a report and scorecard here.

Jon Lown's Firsts, backed by big scores from Andy Rennard and Keith Brewer in the middle-order, recovered from a poor start to defeat basement club Potten End. Click here for a report and scorecard. The Seconds lost out against Haddenham in a tempestuous affair - click here for a scorecard.

Ian Watts recently wrote to us with his memories of playing for the Ley Hill Cricket Club of the 1970s. He reveals the mistakes of the scorers of the time, and highlights the mysterious trigger finger of Stan Channer.

In an incredible match that is already being dubbed 'the greatest colts victory of all-time', Ley Hill's Under 13s totally destroyed Chesham's lads. They also defeated Cublington on Sunday in a thrilling run chase that went right to the final over (report soon). The Under 10s meanwhile put up an admirable showing against three extremely strong sides at the Westbrook Hay festival. Click here for the Colts section.

The man so posh he has two surnames - Hertford King - was the saviour of Ley Hill as he carted Wheathampstead all over the show on his way to 47. There are unconfirmed reports that home blocks and sharp jabs were the order of the day. Click here for a scorecard.

What a difference a year makes - the Firsts convincingly defeat Downley, whilst the Seconds take The Lee to pieces in a tempestuous affair away from home. In a volte-face from 2002, both sides are serious challengers for promotion. The Thirds meanwhile slump to defeat against Tim Kaye's school side - let's hope the sports teachers didn't pick up any cricketing tips from their opponents.
Tea Watch updated for The Lee!

Follow the News link to read the brand new official club newsletter. (Large file - may be slow to load.)

Veteran Ley Hill Firsts captain Jon Lown opens his heart to lhcc.org in a revealing - and somewhat immodest - mid-season interview. Flapper praises the spirit in his side, but goes on to demand greater commitment from some of his wayward stars. The Bronzed Adonis indicates that he may be about to return to the booze - but stops just short of promising a raucous players' night out. What a Bobby Dazzler! 

Ley Hill players have suffered from a number of alarmingly poor-quality teas in the 2003 season. Reacting to the sandwich and cake needs of Our Boys, this web site launches LHCC Tea Watch - click this link or the button at the bottom of the left-hand panel.

Canny slow left-armer Dave Peterson led the Seconds to a convincing win over Frieth in the Evening Knockout Cup. Our Boys move into the semi-finals in this, the most glamorous of all cricket tournaments. Click here for a scorecard and report (added 3rd July).

A series of undercover doping tests have revealed that no blood is present in Kevin Phillips's alcohol-stream. As Duncan Mallard reports, a Bovingdon-led plot to slur Ley Hill could hit our stars - and may reveal the industrial secrets of Jon Lown's tan. Doping scandal hits the Hill

The Sunday side was unable to capitalise on a position of 120-2 chasing 191, collapsing to just 150-8. They had earlier held Cublington at 50-5, but failed to turn the screw. There's a scorecard and report (added 2nd July) here.
Also added, 3rd July: report for Sunday 15th June (win over Little Kingshill).

Chris Jones's super Seconds thrashed Downley away from home, with their veteran bowlers the stars - click here for a scorecard and report (added 2nd July). The Firsts clung on to their score of 217 to gain a valuable winning draw over the promotion-chasing Downley first-string. Click here for a scorecard and report (added 2nd July).

Have you ever wondered why an 11 stone waif is called 'Pieman'? Are you slightly uneasy about calling an Asian team-mate 'Spooner'? Worry not, here is your guide to the nicknames of Ley Hill CC. More names added 27th June. Packet In!

Ley Hill Firsts successfully defended a meagre score of 82 to continue their run in the Evening Knockout. Once again, the bowlers were the stars. Click here for a scorecard and report (added 26th June).

Kevin Phillips and Keith Strickland grabbed the plaudits for sound showings, and colts Stuart Clarke and Jake Wells excelled in a confident win over Fulmer. Click here for a scorecard and report (added 29th June).

Excellent efforts from Mark Curtis and Nick Lee were not enough as the Firsts fell to an eight-point losing draw at Monks Risborough - click here for a report and scorecard. The Seconds seemed set for a win over league-leaders The Lee with Paul Humphreys hitting a streaky fifty, but they ended up 36 runs short. Find a scorecard and report (added 25th June) here.
Also added (30th June): Seconds' Bucks CC scorecard for 14th June.

In an exclusive interview for lhcc.org, Paul Humphreys reflects on his disappointing start to the season. Humpo appears to be the Alan Shearer of Ley Hill - the consummate professional putting on a brave face in spite of his terrible form. Life on the Bottom Rung