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TOUR REPORT
Opponent
ARRETON
Friday 3rd May, 6pm start.
Heasley Lane, Arreton.
T20 match, dry but chilly evening.
MEYLER'S 7 BALLS OF CHAOS
Superstars arrived at the beautiful Arreton CC for their first ever overseas match. There was an unusual sight for spectators as Superstars took to the field not only for a warm-up but one which included cricket, rugby and even a bit of NFL. The advertised 17:30 start time came and went (Ed - my fault) and it was just after 18:00 when the match finally got underway with Superstars winning the toss and electing to field. A tight opening spell from Singh and Plahe kept the hosts' scoring rate at no more than 4 an over. Both were rewarded with wickets; Plahe definitely had Conway to thank for his dismissal as he steadied himsel f to take an excellent steepling catch at cover (fortunately able to ascertain which sports ball was coming down at him after the multi-format warm-up). Gigg then called the changes with Morgan and Kemellard coming into the attack, the latter searching for his 100th wicket for the club. Alas there was no wicket for Kemellard but Morgan did pick up a scalp bowling the number 4 through bat and pad. There was a stage of rebuilding as the Arreton opener played beautifully for his 33, running hard between the wickets due to the large playing area and long outfield. He was eventually run out by Conway with a direct hit from short cover trying to steal a single at the end of the over. Thomson then saw off Arreton's free scoring number 5, stumped by Warren. Gigg continued to rotate the bowlers with Anand and Hall called into the attack; both bowlers also picked up a wicket a piece with Hall's leg spin gripping well on the artificial surface. Conway finished off the innings with a tidy over and thanks to a solid all round display Superstars restricted Arreton to 119-7.
In reply Conway and Spencer-Bickle got Superstars off to a flyer with a mixture of sensible stroke play and lusty blows. Spencer-Bickle survived a half chance when the Arreton fielder flung himself to his left at point and with his right hand above his head almost held on to what would have been an incredible catch (think Collingwood v Australia). When Spencer-Bickle was eventually dismissed for a well-made 24 Superstars were 74-1 off 10 overs and cruising to victory. Hall joined Conway at the crease and the pair continued to punish the Arreton bowling which started to show signs of early season rustiness providing plenty of extras helping to push the score along.
Then the fun began. Meyler, fresh from his spell of bbq tasting, was summoned to umpire with a dark cloud now nearly encapsulating the ground. After only 7 balls of his umpiring spell - with Superstars needing 10 to win and Conway on 47no - Meyler decided the light was insufficient and took the players off. There was no doubt that the light was very poor but there were rumours as to whether the Baltic temperatures impacted on the umpires' decision. After several calculations and discussions (most of which took place in the Whetherspoons) it was decided by our chief statistician that Superstars won by 14 runs under the DWSBL* method** and as such achieved their 300th ever victory.
*DWSBL = Duckworth Spencer-Bickle Lewis
**This was later adjusted to 23 runs under DLS

Author: George Warren

Team: Spencer-Bickle, Conway, Hall, Warren (wkt), Anand, Morgan, Thomson, Plahe, Gigg (c), Singh, Kamellard.
Opponent
MYNTHURST
Saturday 4th May, 1pm start.
Colemans Lane, Porchfield.
T15 match, sunny but but very cold wind.
UNEXPECTED GUESTS (AND MYNTS)
Following from their Duckworth-Lewis victory the previous night - celebrated with a visit to Ryde's hottest night spot (Wetherspoons) – the Superstars journeyed to Porchfield CC, on the chilly, wind-swept, west side of the island. Upon arrival, it transpired that a third team, Mynthurst - hearing of the rare presence of the Superstars in these southerly reaches of the country - had decided to also make the voyage to Porchfield from the mainland, in the quest for a match against the much-heralded team. A three-way 15 over aside round robin tournament ensued, with Mynthurst getting their wishes straightaway, and sending the Superstars into bat first. A fine, and steady, and ultimately unbeaten, opening partnership from skipper Gaught and chairman Conway (retired on 26 and 36 respectively) laid the foundations for the inevitable collapse, as no further Superstar reached double figures, including ducks for Meyler and Hemingway (run out to a "golden" throw from square), the (legal) tourists amassing a very respectable 96 from their 90 balls.
In response, Superstars immediately set about strangling the mainland upstarts, via the tried and tested miserly KCZ opening spell (conceding just four runs, including a wicket and even a maiden, from his three overs). Economical bowling from Frankland, Plahe and Hewlett further squeezed the imposters. With the innings approaching its key stages, Mynthurst now began to show signs of threat: acknowledging this, erstwhile Superstar Steve Meyler's fanclub (Hall, Warren & Thomson) - who had determinedly travelled via steam train and taxi from the depths of South Wales (aka Newport) - began the (loud) calls for the introduction of the specialist death-bowler. The response from the batting side was immediate: fearing the imminent entry of the Welsh wizard, Mynthurst's established batsman realised it was the time to "go big" against the incumbent Hemingway, only succeeding in missing a straight one. After assisting Smith to a wicket in the penultimate over, and with Mynthurst needing 23 from the final over, skipper Gaught bowed to public demand and unleashed his spin-king to ensure there were no slip-ups: casting aside one of his ten layers, Meyler entered the fray, first spinning one past the bat for 'keeper Dollin to complete the job, and a few balls later, a second, straight through the batsman's vain defences. Superstars win by 19 runs.

Author: James Hemingway

Team: Gaught (c), Conway, Smith, Spencer-Bickle, Dollin, Meyler, Hewlett, Hemingway, Plahe, Chodzko-Zajko, Frankland.
Opponent
PORCHFIELD
Saturday 4th May, 5.30pm start.
Colemans Lane, Porchfield.
T15 match, sunny but but very cold wind.
SUPERSTARS T15 SPECIALISTS
After the excitement of a birthday presentation to eminent run-getter/outer Barry Gigg, and a tea fit, for, well, Superstars, it was unclear how Superstars would fare in the final, deciding, game. This was to be against the hosts, who, while Superstars were shivering in unfamiliar maritime climes, had made short work of Mynthurst. Aiming to continue Superstars' thus-far 100% record on the island, Smith immediately set about channelling the spirit of Lord Gigg, by running out his partners (Dollin and Spencer) in quick succession, and almost identical fashion. Having dismantled the Superstars' top order, Smith then continued to do likewise to the Porchfield bowling, heaving six boundaries (including three maximums, one controversially initially given as a four, despite hitting the boundary only half way up a tree) in the space of a dozen deliveries, to reach a magnificent 32-ball 50. Plahe then bludgeoned more boundaries in another quick-fire knock, before Conway continued his fine form, budging closer to an unbeaten tour century, as he closed out the innings on 14 (and an impressive 97 runs for the tour overall). Superstars setting a very competitive 113 from their 15.
With such an intimidating target, it was essential the hosts got off to a flying start. That was not to be, as Konrad capped another excellent opening three overs with two clean-bowls. Economical bowling from Frankland and Hewlett, two wickets from Plahe, and one apiece from Hemingway and a run-out, firmly put the brakes on Porchfield's reply, leaving them with a very unlikely 57 required from the final three overs. Another tight over from Meyler ensured the hosts needed an even more improbable 43 from the final two overs. However, the two James's, in true Superstars (and civil servant) fashion, elected to ensure a fair and exciting finish for the traveling fans, with Hemingway conceding 17 runs (including a maximum from the Porchfield skipper into a nearby tree) from the penultimate over. With 26 runs required at the outset, the final over progressed to the climax the amassed crowd were hoping for: a six required to win the match (and tournament) for the hosts. Hewlett's competitive streak, and nerve, however, held sway, and Porchfield could only muster a two: Superstars win the match by three runs, and the tournament, with skipper Gaught lifting the alcoholic trophy, generously donated by the tremendous hosts.

Author: James Hemingway

Team: Gaught (c), Conway, Smith, Spencer-Bickle, Dollin, Meyler, Hewlett, Hemingway, Plahe, Chodzko-Zajko, Frankland.
Opponent
BRADING
Sunday 4th May, 1pm start.
Rowborough Lane, Brading.
Timed match, sunny but a bit chilly.
SUPERSTARS CREATE HISTORY
Full of confidence from back to back victories, Superstars had spent the previous evening doubling the weekends takings in several of Ryde’s finest establishments. Despite some kebab shop run ins there were no pedalo related rescues required form the Solent, and the team ambled down to Brading avoiding any controversy from the local red tops. The ground featured a gentle, speactator friendly slope to the pavilion terrace, and backed by the islands trains providing a clacking soundtrack from the nearby embankment.
A timed game was called for and Brading were put in to bat, Skipper Gigg no doubt planning for generous early season movement. Continuing their uncharacteristic tour form, Superstars made short work of Brading’s top order, with some booming drives and tight lines form Singh (3-3) making for a Trent Bridge 2015-esque spectacle as the top three were all clean bowled. Morgan’s (14-2) medium pace proved perfect foil for Singh at the other end, the pair keeping the pressure on throughout the early overs, taking two wickets in a tidy opening spell.
The pressure was clearly telling as a tight spell from Frankland (11-1) resulted in Brading’s number 7 being clean bowled – the 6th of the innings. As skipper Gigg brought the spinners on, the middle order sought to move the scoreboard along, but the risk did not bring reward on this occasion, with Thomson (9-2) having the faultless Singh to thank for two sharp catches in the deep as Brading’s middle order sought to assert themselves on proceedings.
Those expecting an expedited ending to the innings and an early tea were disappointed as Brading’s tail set out to show everybody how to bat on their wicket. Patient and timing their shots well the 9th wicket partnership were wagging more than an exceedingly happy dog. Frustration rising, the indomitable Gigg called on Anand (4-2) and Smith (7-1) to finish off the Brading innings, the latter taking the total up to 7 clean bowled for the innings – a possible superstars record?
Into bat chasing a relatively modest total, the stage was set for a Superstars collapse. However, openers Anand (31 no) and Smith (13) struck a steady foundation with some quick running and attractive batting. With Smith falling, Anand continued to play with his usual panache and those around him made solid contributions, with Warren (16) the last to fall to some good Brading bowling before Gigg rounded off proceedings with a solid 12 no. Superstars win by a healthy 8 wickets.

Author: Chris Thomson

Team: Smith, Anand, Warren (wkt), Gigg (capt), Hall, Hemingway, McBarron, Morgan, Thomson, Singh, Frankland.
Opponent
BRADING
Sunday 5th May, 5pm start.
Rowborough Lane, Brading.
T15 beer match, sunny but but very cold wind.
BEER MATCH MAKES 5/5
Not willing to let us return to the mainland with false impressions about cricketing ability on the IOW, Brading took advantage of the early finish to challenge Superstars to a limited overs showdown. Superstars slyly used this to their advantage, having found their niche in 15 over cricket./font>
Superstars were sent in and shuffled their batting deck with Hemingway and Hall opening proceedings. Adopting the format with gusto, strike rates were healthy, with just an early wobble as Hall fell to an early catch. McBarron and Hemingway steadied the superstars ship, flaying the bowling round the wicket and only denied a 50 partnership as they retired on 26 not out. Morgan & Thomson replaced the retirees, but did not struggle the scoring on this occasion, with Thomson plying a brief cameo before being stumped after sharp work from the Brading keeper. Singh (28*) and Frankland (9*) continued to push the scoring rate on and took superstars to 113 for the innings
Brading responded with immediate positivity, however both openers were removed relatively cheaply by Smith (10 – 1) and Anand (12 – 1). But Brading’s middle order would prove to be he sternest test for superstars. Some big hitting meant 20-odd from the last two overs looked realistic. However Brading's number 3 was finally bowled by Thomson trying an audacious ramp shot, and a tight last over under pressure from Singh, meant Superstars completed their 5th victory on the trot and secured a place in Isle of Wight legend.

Author: Chris Thomson

Team: Hall, Hemingway, McBarron, Morgan, Thomson, Singh, Frankland, Smith, Anand, Warren (wkt), Gigg (capt).
Opponent
SHANKLIN
Monday 6th May, 1pm start.
Westhill Road, Shanklin.
35 over match, sunniest day of tour.
SUPERSTARS NOT PERFECT
So Superstars arrived at Shanklin's beautiful ground knowing history had already been made but immortality was one win away. However Shanklin looked on paper the strongest side and a brief glimpse of their side suggested this too, youth and fitness were evident in greater numbers than the previous days combined. However Superstars had good momentum, form and a strong XI.
Barry lost the loss and we were in the field for a 35 over game. One opposition batsman looked particularly strong but he had to retire on 91 as he's a firefighter who had to deal with a road accident- he returned to field. At the other end Alok, Konrad, Gary and Vijay chipped away with wickets to keep us in the game - Mike Dollin and Barry taking catches. Fortunately Steve's dropped catch didn't cost us too many as the batter was out soon after (he wasn't alone). Chrissie and the two James' bowled in the second half of the innings as Shanklin churned out the runs, targeting the short boundary. Shanklin ended on 228-6 in their 35 overs, a strong score but Superstars had kept themselves in it.
Gaught and Dollin opened up, bringing back memories of the great SRA years, and saw off the young fast bowler and good spinner. Gaught was run out for 26 and Barry was dismissed soon after which bought in Vijay who look to take on the bowling. With both of these batsmen going well although the target was stiff Shanklin must have feared a 3rd round of the FA Cup style shock. Unfortunately both were dismissed in quick succession (Dollin 51, Anand 40) and were part of a mini collapse with Hemingway and Plahe out seeking the ever increasing rate required. However Meyler and Hewlett showed great character and no little skill, with one Meyler cover drive so beautiful it's booked in for a photo shoot with Vogue, to get us to a very creditable 197-6.
A good performance against strong opposition. While it was a shame to register a loss on tour this could be considered our best performance (although may be we require a little catching practice).

Author: Paul Gaught

Team: Gaught, Dollin, Gigg, Anand, Meyler, Hemingway, Plahe, Hewlett, Frankland, Singh, Chodzko-Zajko.
One of the great tours on and off the pitch. 5 wins is surely a record that will remain for many years, if not forever. Well done to all and many thanks to our opponents for being great hosts and to the weather for allowing 4 days of cricket.
Photos.
1a / 5
Arreton
2a / 5
Porchfield
2b / 5
Porchfield
2c / 5
Porchfield
3a / 5
Brading
3b / 5
Brading
3c / 5
Brading
3d / 5
Brading
3e / 5
Brading
3f / 5
Brading
4a / 5
Shanklin
4b / 5
Shanklin
4c / 5
Shanklin
4d / 5
Shanklin
5a / 5
Steve supports local businesses
5b / 5
Steve supports local businesses
5c / 5
Steve supports local businesses
5d / 5
Steve supports local businesses

Notes.
Notable catch: Matt Conway (at Arreton) taking a skier.
Notable drop: Steve Meyler (at Shanklin) fortunately didn't drop the fella who scored 91 retired at cover.
Comedy Moments: Matt's wanton destruction of the pavillion on Saturday. Steve's hit wicket on Saturday. Steve's bad light decision at Arreton.
Injury of the season: Numerous to mention including Jason's groin strain that ruled him out of tour and Mike K's hamstring that ruled him out of the Brading match (and a chance of his 100th wicket).
Tour highlights: The tea at Porchfield. Steve's double wicket over versus Mynthurst. Finding a Black Sheep pub that served half and half sambucas. George's watercan and kebab incidents.
Worst excuse for missing a match: John Bishop's (non) excuse was the worst in a run of misfortune for potential tourists.
Stats: The win against Arreton was Superstars' 300th ever. Steve Meyler equalled Tony Whitrod's 72 wickets for the club in 16th place in the career rankings.
Scorecards.
Click on the scorecard to see it at full size
Arreton
Mynthurst
Porchfield
1st Innings 2nd Innings 1st Innings 2nd Innings 1st Innings 2nd Innings
Brading
Shanklin
1st Innings 2nd Innings Beer 1st Innings Beer 2nd Innings 1st Innings 2nd Innings
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