News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Ed Roberts: the best of the last 24 years...

Ed Roberts: the best of the last 24 years...

CBHCC Web Manager2 Mar 2015 - 11:51
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs

Steady Eddie (pictured at Wood Lane in 2010), reminisces over a lively cricketing career.

Earlier this year Matt Griffiths put together his best all time XI during his time at CBH. There were some great names on that list, and it got me reminiscing, so I have put together my ‘top seven’ performances and games I’ve been involved in during my CBH career, which started in 1991.

In no particular order:

1. Trevor Fabian’s opening spell in his first match for Chester against Oxton, July 2009.

Trevor’s opening burst was one of the most devastating and quickest spells of bowling I have ever witnessed in club cricket. Trevor removed quality players Andy Gibson, Neil Cross, Chris Davies and our very own Lee Dixon in quick succession, with a mixture of raw pace and aggression. He finished the day with figures of 5-56. The win that day kick-started our season and ensured a respectable mid table finish.

2. Warren Goodwin's 4 hundreds in a row, 2010.

24th July 2010, Warren Goodwin and I travelled to Bramhall together for a tough away fixture. On the journey Warren talked about getting more out of his game. ‘If only I could improve my batting 30-40%’. I encouraged him to visualise scoring runs and to listen to some of his favourite music to help him relax. After putting on his S Club 7 and Enya CD’s in the car, I knew Warren had turned a corner and boy he did. After striking a majestic 117, he went on to score centuries against Oxton, Toft and Urmston. Fine batting.

3. ECB T20 West Midlands Area Finals Day, Wood Lane August 2010.

We were pitted against North Wales winners Mochdre in our first match and put in a commanding display beating them by 7 wickets. On to the final against hosts Wood Lane, we scored 208 off our 20 overs, which in most games would be more than enough, however, Wood Lane set about our score like a steam train. A combination of excellent fielding and tight bowling at crucial stages restricted Wood Lane to 202. A smashing game of cricket, a splendid day and brilliant support made it a memorable occasion.

4. St Helens v CBH, 1997

A remarkable game of cricket - We batted first and raced to 190 off 36 overs thanks mainly to a commanding century from Geoff Foley. After working our way through St Helens top and middle order, we had them on the ropes at 91-9, with their Number 11 striding to the crease to join their Number 9. What followed was quite incredible as the partnership grew and grew. We tried everything but could not get the breakthrough. Their number 9 finished on 90 odd not out and won a game of cricket no one expected them to win at 91-9.

5. 1994 Season

I was privileged enough to be part of the team that won the Liverpool Competition in 1994. The team was full of quality with the likes of Ray Griffith, Dusty Miller, Russ Wiseman, Barry Metcalf, John Birchall, Andy Robinson, Steve Wundke and expertly led by Chris Fleet. I recall the penultimate game of the season away to rivals Bootle which was a crucial win in determining the title. A brilliant all round performance from Steve Wundke led us to victory and one of four trophies for that year.

6. 1996 Cheshire U21’s Champions

The final against Grappenhall was the climax of a thrilling cup run which saw several outstanding performances. A large crowd travelled to witness skipper Dave Atkins lift the silverware for the first time since 1979. Steve Ogilby was man of the match for a vintage 80. Important contributions from Kristian Rogers, Andy Roberts, Ben McWilliam and Clipper ensured the celebrations continued long in to the night.

7. Bramhall Cheshire Cup Win circa 2001

In the early 2000’s, Bramhall were a dominant force with a team full of top notch players. The Cheshire Cup pitted a developing CBH side away to Bramhall. It was always going to be a tough test and not many fancied us to get anything out of the game. After a spirited bowling display, Captain Jeremy Jordan led from the front and opened the batting with myself. Nerves were jangling. I’m unsure who suggested it, but just before we went out to bat, a bottle of becks appeared and was swiftly demolished by Jeremy mostly and myself. The Becks clearly had an effect as Jeremy played with freedom and confidence as we put on 100 for the first wicket, which put us well on the way to winning the game.

I’ve also been asked for my answers to the following questions:

Most relaxed on pitch player: Hard to choose between Steve Ogilby and Heath Pritchard.
Biggest mischief maker: Bobby Evans and Hayden Butterworth
Best handshake: Jonty Hedgecoe
Favourite car journey comrade: Andy Bennion
Best supporters: Gina, Glenda and Kelly
Most biased supporter: Bruce Jones
First pint served by: Dennis Southall
Learnt the most from: Jamie Brown
Biggest mystery: O Law’s muffin going missing during the tea break at Alderley Edge in 2009. Chief suspects were George Robinson, Jack Williams, Hayden Butterworth and Bobby Evans.

Further reading