1st XI bad run continues

Springvale's first team were unlucky to lose this week from the last ball! 

25 pointer !

Springvale's first team swept aside Hammerwich and took a well deserved 25 points in their latest Staffs Clubs Div 2 match. After being put into bat on a good track Springvale registered 193 all out with Steve Blews (49) and Michael Hunt (36) top scoring. 

Hammerwich then were bowled out for 136 with 6.4 overs remaining. Dave Bennett doing the damage with 4-35 from his 12.2 overs, supported by Warren Foster (2-22) and Mark Bennett (2-29)

Winning Weekend

Springvale's two teams earned victories this weekend with the 1st XI  scraping the win away at Merridale, having knocked off the home teams first innings total of 91 (Steve Blews 5-39) for the loss of 7 wickets. The 2nd XI`s victory was a little easier with the visitors being bowled out in the second innings for 110 chasing Springvale`s 178-7 (Glen Archer 53 not out) 

Just a walk in the park

This weekend the Springvale 1st XI swept to an emphatic victory and a welcome 25 points at home against Wolverhampton Bilbrook. After losing the toss Springvale posted a formidable 244-6 with 50`s from Gary Stevens and Michael Hunt.

Wolverhampton were convincingly bowled out for 84 with Andy Francis the pick of the bowling turning in 4-10

Cup Thriller !

The first round of the newly formed Himley Cup was a welcome distraction from the demands of the Staffs Club Championship this week. With Springvale`s 1st XI being drawn at home against Wightwick & Finchfield from their own league it was set to be a tense affair.

Springvale, batting first on a good track, immediately took the game to the visitors with Tom Chew and Lee McHale`s opening parternership of 65 from the first 6 overs. Chew was bowled for 37 and was replaced by Micheal Hunt. McHale notched 50 as he and Hunt took the score over 100.

Hunt (11) was bowled with 5 overs to go bringing in captain Mark Kraushaar, some heavy hitting from Kraushaar added 33 more runs to the total before McHale was dislodged, bowled for 58. Stuart Hemmings (7) came to the crease with less than 3 overs to go, He and Kraushaar then shared a 37 run partnership leaving the final score 171-3 from 15 overs with Kraushaar not out on 52  

Wightwick & Finchfiels`s reply was just as exiting and runrates were inseparable. The visitors with most of their wickets intact were taking this game right down to the wire. An ominous parternership between Banks and Joel took the visitors to within touching distance of the win, but with the intervention of Micheal Hunt and Lee McHale who combined twice in the form of a run out and a stumping to remove both of Wightwick & Finchfield`s dangermen. The game went right down to the last ball with W&F falling just short and finishing on 170-6

So Close Again!

Last weekends 1st XI fixture went right down to the wire, with Springvale falling just short after a very exiting run chase. Skipper Mark Kraushaar won the toss and elected to field against Whitington 1st XI who were bowled out in the 50th over for 232.

Springvale`s reply had all the makings of a well earned victory with Graham Smart and Mark Kraushaar (71) almost steering their team past the visitors target, but both fell at the death and Springvale finished just short on 227-6 from the 50 overs.

Fine Form

The 2nd XI fixture versus Whitington`s second string ended in a comfortable victory. The hosts posted 147-7 with R.Powell picking up 3-39 and D.Perry`s 42 in the reply set up the win for the loss of only 4 wickets

Unbeaten weekend

Springvale C.C. started the season with home and away fixtures verses Hammerwitch C.C. 

The 1st XI snatched a losing draw from the mouth of victory, falling 5 runs short of the visitors total of 178-8. New boys Mark Bennett and Stuart Hemmings both did well with the ball picking up 2 wickets. 

In Division 2a Springvale C.C. 2nd XI eased past their hosts after Glen Archer had bagged a 5 wicket haul with another new signing, Dave Perry helping himself to 4 of Hammerwiche C.C`s batsmen. The hosts were bowled out for 89 and the victory was secured for the loss of 5 wickets.

New Signings

Springvale C.C. are pleased to welcome our six close season signings!

Stuart Hemmings, Simon Grundy and Mark Bennett (no relation) from Codsall C.C.

 Pat Lewis, Allen Spears, and Dave Perry from Tettenhall C.C.

1st XI back to winning ways

For the second week running an under strength 1st  XI were fielded, this time, away at Wolverhampton Bilbrook. Some great individual performances were given as the team swept the opposition away reaching their target of 156-8 with the loss of only 2 wickets to pick up an exceptional victory.

Undefeated weekend

Armitage CC were the oppostion for both teams on Saturday and while the 1stXI struggled to a losing draw away, the 2nd XI continued there winning streak with victory at home.

Welcome Back

A big welcome back to the returning Ex Springvale skipper Nigel Cox who helped the 1st XI to their first win of the season last Saturday against Wightwick & Finchfield

New Faces

Springvale CC would like to welcome the return of an old face to the club, He was a member of the Star League double winning first team of 1991 and was last seen playing for Wombourne, until now ! 

Welcome back Alex Lauder

Also an official welcome for our newest signing from Wednesbury CC.

 Matt Newell will be joining us for the 2003 season. 

Victory Again

 Springvale 1st XI remain unbeaten in Division 2 of the Staffs Clubs League after an outstanding away victory over Hamerwich. Fielding first Vale worked hard and except for a 15 over spell mid innings when Hammerwich ganed the upper hand, bowled well. Containing the home side to just 180-6 from their 50 overs, Glen Archer was the pick of the bowling with 3-61.

Springvale's top order once again proved to much for the opposition. Skipper Mark Kraushaar falling with three runs to win for a very entertaining 62 and Dave Bennett finishing the day unbeaten on 92. Even with a rain delay which reduced the innings by six overs Springvale reached their target with 2.4 overs to spare finishing on 181-3 from 41.2

V-Sports League 

At the V-Sports League A.G.M. It was voted on and passed that there be no overseas or professional players allowed to play on the Single Team League in 2003, however in a later meeting that rule was overturned and overseas or professional players were reinstated to the league in a blaze of controversy.

V-Sports League 

At this weeks V-Sports league A.G.M. Individual awards for player and young player of the year were presented, and Springvale C.C. are very pleased to announce that following in the  footsteps of Dave Bennent who won Overall Player Of The Year in 2001, Tom Chew picked up Overall Young Player Of The Year for his outstanding season in the Sunday League of 2002

CONGRATULATIONS TOM !

Youngest Skipper

Mark Kraushaar is now the youngest ever first XI captain of Springvale C.C. He was elected by the players at the A.G.M. and becomes the third member of the Kraushaar family to hold the post, behind Richard and Anthony.

2002 Award Winners

for full list of winners click ( AWARDS 2002) 

Stuart Davies was the big winner at the awards night picking up three trophies, he secured the 2nd XI bowling award with 29 wickets at an average of 21.21 and, Best overall bowling performance for his 7 for 72 versus Rugeley. He then added the prestigious Clubman of the year award for his outstanding work for the club.

Mark Kraushaar and Gavin Baker both picked up two awards each. Mark for Best overall batting performance and the 1st XI batting award, Gavin for 1st XI bowling and Most improved player.

The 2nd XI batting honors went to Brian Chew but the biggest round of applause was for his son Tom as he received the Young player of the year award.

Firsts Win Thriller

Rushall C.C. were the high flying 1st XI opposition this week, standing just bellow the favorites for promotion from division 2, Millford Hall and Cannock & Rugeley. Springvale`s stand in skipper Graham Smart won the toss and elected to field. 

The visitors stated very strongly with A. Clayton and D.King`s 51 run opening parternership which was broken in the 14th over when A. Clayton (31) was bowled by Warren Foster. 10 more runs were added to the total before King (20) was removed, caught by Brendon Buchanan once again off the bowling of Foster in the 20th over.

With two new batsmen at the crease Springvale looked to off spinner Gavin Baker and just 5 overs into his spell had a hand in the bazaar runout of I.Clayton (5), G.Reeves smashed a half volley straight at Baker, only for him to misjudge the catch completely witch let the ball rebound off his thigh and onto the stumps running out the unfortunate I. Clayton, Leaving the score 66-3 form 23 overs.

Foster was removed from the attack and replaced by Richard Gray and then Andy Francis as Rushall took the initiative again. Reeves made amends for his part in the run out as he and Nawaz, batting at number 5 put on 93 for the next wicket. 

Francis finally got the breakthrough bowling Reeves for an entertaining 49 and with Brendon Buchanan, being brought into the attack at the expense of Gavin Baker, removed Ash Nawaz with his first ball Springvale began to claw there way back into this game.

Buchanan (5-0-19-4)continued to bowl an excellent line and length picking up three more wickets at the death which included a great stumping from Lee McHale, with Francis picking up another, to leave Rushall`s  innings closed at 211-9 from 5

Springvale`s reply stared slowly with Dave Bennett and Archie Richards having to deal with some tight bowling from Rushall`s, Dunn and I. Clayton. Dunn getting Bennett caught in the slips for only 7. Michael Hunt joined Richards and the pair put on 41 before Richards went, Bowled by Nawaz for 14 with the score on 51-2

New batsman Graham Smart, and Michael Hunt stayed together but only put on 22 before Hunt looking comfortable on 48 was caught at short leg, and replaced by keeper Lee McHale.

Smart and McHale`s partnership of 54 took the score up to 129 before McHale was bowled for 24 by Reeves. This bought Mark Kraushaar to the wicket batting lower than usual due to a knee injury. Mark then set out on what can only be described as an Andrew Flintoff style hitting spree. He took the attack to Rushall who could find no answer to his power and clean hitting Kraushaar and Graham Smart (38 not out) went on to win the game with three overs to spare. Mark finished with 57 not out which included nine 4`s and two 6`s from 36 balls

Rushall 211-9 from 50

Springvale 215-4 in 47

First XI cruise to opening day win

With new skipper Carl Withers at the helm Springvale's 1st XI eased their way past Merridale on the opening day of the season. The new captain won the toss and elected to field. With Dave Bennett and Jay Patel on song Merridale were bowled out for 154 which was surpassed with 6 overs and 6 wickets to spare with Dave Bennett top scoring with an unbeaten 84 

Hero!

The 2nd XI's home game with Lichfield on the opening day was an exiting day for Mark ........ for two reasons, not only was he making his debt for his new club but he turned himself into Springvale's latest hero!

 It was Mark who, thanks to his quick witted actions, apprehended a thief as he made off with valuables from both dressing rooms. Once the man was caught others came to Mark's aid, Brian Chew restraining the thief until the police arrived.

Everyone had their belongings returned and the man was arrested and taken to the police station.

WELL DONE MARK 

and welcome to Springvale!

Tough at the top

Newly promoted Springvale's 2nd XI slipped to a heavy defeat at the hands of relegated Lichfield. Having been bowled out for 75 Springvale could only collect 2 wickets before Lichfield reached their target in just 16 overs.

SKIPPER RESIGNS !

Springvale's first XI captain Graham Smart has resigned his position, due to commitments outside of cricket, but will continue as captain of the Sunday XI. His replacement as First XI captain is Nigel Cox with Richard Gray continuing as vice captain for the rest of the season.

RELEGATION DOGFIGHT

 The First XI have been dragged back into a relegation dogfight after only managing a losing draw at home with fellow strugglers Hammerwich. After winning the toss new skipper Nigel Cox took a very weekend team to field and soon the visitors were well on top racing to 143-1 but Springvale came back and with wickets from Warren Foster and Dave Bennett wrestled the initiative away from Hammerwich, but the visitors Finnish the innings on top with some fine hitting in the final five overs to finish on 236-7.

Springvale started brightly with new opening batsman Lee McHale supporting Dave Bennett well. When Dave was dislodged Springvale were 41-1 when Stuart Kendrick came to the crease. He when on to hit a quick fire 66 and a partnership of over 80 with Lee, still in the supporting role. Stuart was out just as Springvale looked to be on course to victory, and replaced by Nigel Cox. Lee then started to score more freely but at the other end wickets were tumbling and four wickets fell for the space of nine runs. Lee reached his fifty but the orders were already in place to settle for a draw so he and Gavin Baker played the overs out.

STILL 2ND DESPITE LOSS

The 2nd XI Remain second in the table by only three points after losing away at Hammerwich

SUNDAY XI SLIP UP

They remain top of the V-Sports League premier west division, despite losing there second game this season to Express & Star, Thanks to the fact that there closest rivels Victoria & Blakeley also lost to bottom side Smethwick. 

Victoria & Blakeley  151-10 (Mohammed 4-32) 

Smethwick 152-6   (Mohammed 49 not out)

Thanks Mr Mohammed ! 

LAST OVER WIN

The 1st XI took a welcome 25 points from in nail biting last over win against Church Eaton. After losing the toss on a very hot afternoon, a weakened Springvale, missing captain and vice captain Graham Smart and Richard Gray as well as leading wicket taker Warren Foster, were put in to bat but amassed a formidable 269-7 Dec  from 49.5 overs. Dave Bennett fell just short of a century with 92, Michael Hunt still in great form hit 56 and stand in skipper Nigel Cox 46.

The visitors started strongly and after 18 overs  were 114-0 and at that point very much on target for the win. Gavin Baker finally made the break though but Church Eaton continued to score freely until Mark Kraushaar after being hit for a very big six bowled the visitors skipper the very next ball. From 144-1 Church Eaton collapse to 148-5 and at that point were happy to play the overs out for the draw. Springvale pressured the batsmen remaining and steadily took wickets leaving Brendon Buchanan to bowl the last over needing one wicket to take the points. Finding the inside edge of the last mans bat the ball shot out off his pad to Dave Bennett at short leg giving the victory to the home team

SUNDAY BEST

 Springvale stormed to the top of the V-Sports Sunday league with victory over Victoria & Blakely. After bowling out V&B for 144. Dave Bennett was once again in fine form hitting 83 not out as Springvale reached their target for the loss of only 3 wickets which now gives them a one point lead over V&B in the league table.

(click results & tables) 

DOUBLE DELIGHT

The 1st XI won there first game in 7 weeks on Saturday knocking off Covens 189. While the 2nd XI earned a winning draw at Penn to take them into the promotion frame.

FIRST TEAM MAKEOVER

Saturdays game at  Swindon will see changes to the 1st team starting line up. Graham Smart has decided due to lack of points and a lowly league position to go for strength in depth and with an inform 2nd XI, players are starting to get their chances. Steve Lee and Brendon Buchanan have both in recent weeks proved there worth to the 1st XI and have cemented their places due to good performances. Nigel Cox has added much needed strength to the batting order, stepping in after injury ,as captain away at Hammerwich. Lee McHale returns behind the stumps after injury in the same game. With Mark Kraushaar back in the side after holiday and the welcome return of Stuart Kendrick, options with both bat and ball are plentiful. 

SECONDS STRENGTHENED 

A very strong 2nd XI will entertain Swindon 2nds on Saturday with no more than eight of the team having already played in the firsts this season. Only captain Brian Dugmore, Carl Withers and Glen Archer have yet to turn out for the 1st XI.

ADAM GRICE RETURNS

  Tuesday nights midweek KO cup match will see the welcome return of Adam Grice. Adam has been missing through injury for a long time and it is great to see him returning to action.

Good luck Adam!

BLAST FROM THE PAST

I recently received an email from former Springvale player and member of the double winning first team of 1991. Alex Lauder wished us all the best for the season complemented me on the professional look of the site and said that he would be coming to watch us play at some time this season. 

Thanks for the mail Alex and see you soon.

BOTH BEATEN

Both 1st and 2nd XI`s slipped on the opening day of the league program. The 1st XI being bowled out by Coven for a pitiful 83 with only Richard Gray (24) and Lee McHale (15) showing any resistance, had their score reached in 36 overs by coven for the loss of only 5 wickets. The 2nd XI had a much closer affair also being bowled out in the low 80`s (81),but Penn 3rds had trouble reaching the target but did so with 1 wicket remaining.

WELCOME BACK

Three of our former players are to return to action this season, giving a welcome boost to the squad, they are Anthony Kraushaar ( brother of Mick and uncle to Mark), Carl Withers (known to his friends as " The Rot" and prolific opening batsman) and Brian Chew ( top five hard hitting batsman and off spin bowler). All three are former Springvale 1st XI captain and are looking forward to a new season and a new challenge under current captain Graham Smart.

MATCH OFF

 Our season opener verses Wolverhampton has been canceled due to pitch conditions 

Richard Gray captains the 1st XI in the absence of Graham Smart and new 2nd XI vice captain Stuart Davies is moved into the team as they travel to Coven for the first game of the season. Brian Chew and Carl Withers return to the fold and play for the 2nd XI and young Tom Chew (son of Brian) makes his debut today at home against Penn 3rds.

COVEN ON ASTRO ???

Coven C C have announced that they have lost their Stafford based ground and will be playing all of their home fixtures on an ARTIFICIAL WICKET closer to home. Our first XI travel to Coven on the first day of the season (hopefully the current weather conditions will continue).    

SPRINGVALE A.G.M. NEWS

  Our annual general meeting was well attended and there were few changes in the appointment of officials. The only difference from last year was the 2nd XI vice captaincy being given to Stuart Davies. The chairman also expressed his expectancy for promotion, due to the strength of our division being diminished.

STAFFS CLUBS LEAGUE A.G.M. NEWS

At this weeks league meeting, A return to a batting and bowling bonus system was agreed by the member clubs, This system in full is as follows.

Win (batting first) = 25pts

Win (batting second) = 20pts

Winning Draw = 8pts

Losing Draw = 2pts

Loss = 0pts

Batting Bonus = 1pt for each landmark total of 150, 175 and 200 runs 

Bowling Bonus = 1pt for each landmark wicket at 6, 8 and 10

GONE BUT NOT COMPLETELY

   Although both Madeley & Lilleshall have gone to greener pastures by leaving the Staffs Clubs We can officially announce that we will be facing them again in Sunday friendly fixtures. Madeley on the 29th of April & Lilleshall on 20th of May.

TETTENHALL DISASTER

 Tettenhall C.C. has been hit by the shocking news that vandals have broken in and burned down their club house. How this will affect their position in the Staffs Clubs remains to be seen. The league meeting should help answer some questions. Springvale C.C. would like to offer their deepest regret and hopes this does not mean the end for Tettenhall C.C.

HIGHCROFT STEP IN

Codsall C.C. will not be participating in this seasons Sunday league. V-Sports will NOT replace them in the fixture list so we have arranged two friendly fixtures on those dates both v Highcroft 2nd XI.

SUNDAY DOUBLE`S

Wolverhampton  has agreed to a double header home and away this year as Sunday fixtures, They will field a mixed team and the matches will be Away on the 15th April & Home on the 27th May. Trysull & Seisdon have followed suit by agreeing the dates of 22nd April (away) and 16th Sept (home)

GLEBELANDS NAME CHANGE ?

 Rumor has it that Glebelands C.C. will change their name to Church Eaton C.C. for the new season.

BRONZE C.C. STAYING PUT

Bronze C.C. have announced that due to a rule change, allowing teams in their league to have a pro, that they are NOT joining the Staffs Clubs. This means that Old Wulfs will NOT be relegated into Div 2 of The Staffs Clubs and Codsall will retain their Div 2 birth.

STAFFS CLUBS PRE AGM MEETING

At the pre AGM of the Staffs Clubs, news was released of plans to regionalize Div 2 of the Birmingham league into East & West. East will contain Wark's and Worc's based clubs and West to include teams based in Shropshire and Saffordshire but controversially, details of promotion and relegation, which seem to point to the fact that 5 teams will be relegated from the West and if ALL of these places are filled by clubs from Staffordshire area  they WILL be relegated into The Staffordshire Club Championship, therefore 5 will be relegated from SSC Div 1 into SSC Div 2 and more worryingly this will continue down and 5 Div 2 teams will be relegated into Div 3. 

SSC Division one has been informed that in the new structure only there champions be promoted into the new Birmingham League Division 2 West.

After losing there West Indian pro Division 1's Brewood announced that they will not be fielding an overseas player this coming season. They then promptly called for a vote to ban overseas and pro players from The SSC, this was met with no support from the attending representatives and was not even seconded. General feeling was that if clubs wish to get promotion into the Birmingham league and retain this position a pro is a must. Proof of which was Wolverhampton 1st XI who did not field a pro last season and very narrowly avoided relegation along with the fact that Fordhouses also had no pro and were relegated from Div 1 of The Birmingham League.

CONGRATULATIONS

 Congratulations to Andy & Claire Francis and on the birth of the 8lb baby girl and very special welcome to little Megan Francis

LEAGUE NEWS

Both Lilleshall and Madeley announced there departure from the Staffs Clubs Championship recently, leaving the league with a headache. Also both Wheaton Aston and Wednesbury  have been lost due to promotion from Div1 into the Birmingham League. This leaves the division 2 roster looking very week and most probably Codsall will NOT be relegated with Rushall ( champions of Div 3 ) & Merridale  being promoted.

Hammerwich CC ( Walsall ) & Bronze CC ( Great Barr ) have been added to the Staffs Clubs league structure it is unofficially believed that Bronze, coming from The Warwrickshire League, will be inserted into division one with Hammerwich formally of The Burton & District League joining division two.