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May 1 vs Amsterdam IV at SportPark 't Loopveld

The first tour match of 2010 took place at the impressive ground at Loopveld, complete with its radio-controlled scoreboard on the opposite side of the pitch to the pavilion. A slightly late start due to navigational problems on the part of some of the visiting side led to a reduced match of 35 overs being offered. IBM win the toss and elect to field first and it is quickly evident that a match against a higher Amsterdam team would be more appropriate. Graham Stride picks up the first wicket with the score on 10 and wickets continue to fall every 10-20 runs. With only P Bakker at No. 4 and R Wolfe at No. 6 reaching double figures, the score slumps to 91-7 in the overs. Although playing consistently, the bounce of the artificial pitch seems to be a little difficult to pick up. Wickets are spread around pretty evenly with Pete Rowson’s 2-19 being the best analysis, while Paul Hawkins’ 4 overs for a meagre 3 runs is also worthy of note. If IBM expected a walk-over, it was certainly not to be as 30-0 becomes 30-2, then 56-4. A further collapse sees more wickets tumble in short order - 3 wickets falling on 90, before an uncomplicated shot by Paul Hawkins sees the tourists home. Pete Rowson completes his man of the match effort, retiring on 24 as IBM come in winners by just 2 wickets. Fabulous post-match hospitality by the home side completed a very enjoyable afternoon’s cricket.

May 2 vs Cricket Club Baarn at SportPark ter Eem

The novel concept of playing cricket on an artificial outfield as well as an artificial wicket sadly came to nothing as torrential rain wiped out any hope of play. Once again, the hospitality in the Hockey Club pavilion was first rate as we watched the rain falling.

May 3 vs IBM/PPG Industries XI at the VRA, Amstelveen

Once again, the weather prevented any play - in fact we didn’t even get to the ground on this occasion. A great shame, as the chance to play on a proper ODI pitch doesn’t arise every day.

June 8 vs Brookfield School Staff at New Place

Another game succumbs to the weather - that’s 75% of other matches so far this season.

June 16 vs Raymarine at Eastern Road

It’s a twenty over match with mandatory retirement at 25, so winning the toss and electing to bat is a signal to get runs on the board. The opening pair of Graham Stride and John Lowe don’t disappoint, with Graham retiring with the score on forty-something (it’s not the best scorebook!), John being out for 19 the score having moved on to 51. The score moves on to 75 before Nick Ross is out, Bhanukumar Gangaraju adding 14 while at the crease with Harry Wood on his way to 22 not out. Pete Croxson comes to the crease and with consummate delicacy reaches his retirement in style with 6, 6, 4, 4, 1 and 4 and not many dot balls in between. In the end a healthy 134-4 at the end of the 20 overs. The Raymarine innings is lacking a certain amount of detail in the scorebook (and lacking even more in accuracy!), but a healthy start is snuffed out with a couple of run outs and a middle order collapse, IBM eventually running out victors by “about” 18 runs, the wickets being spread amongst the bowlers.

June 24 vs Hampshire Bowman at Boundary Oak School

An unfortunate combination of events means that the vast majority of the evening regulars are unavailable for one reason or another, so it is with great regret that IBM have to pull out of this fixture. Our sincere apologies to our hosts.

August 8 vs Stansted Park at New Place

A second consecutive midweek match bites the dust for the same reason. Again, our apologies to Stansted Park as injuries and other non-availabilities made it impossible for IBM to field a team.