More News from our Football Friends                                                                                                          8th Dec

Hulse Not Happy at News of New Spye Park Signing                                                                                   5th Dec

Connoisseurs of the cricketing world have had plenty to ponder in recent weeks what with untimely deaths and thrilling test match finishes but the real news has been an almost un-noticed super signing at Spye Park.  This story was broken and brought to you by your friends here at Website Towers and would not have been possible without the support and help of at least one senior member of the Club.  Click here for a fuller report...

This Weeks Football Report                                                                                                                       30th Nov

Please see attached another fine report from the football boys.

BREAKING NEWS – WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE

Richie Pins New Seasons Hopes on Marquee Signing                                                                               28th Nov

In preparation for the new 2012 season Spye Park's legendary meticulous captain Richie “Strauss” Bowater has already begun to bolster his ageing side with another old player!

New vice captain Russell 'the chest' West had wanted to get Christmas and of course Strictly Come Dancing out of the way before looking at new players but the skip recently told him in no uncertain terms that, “you snooze, you lose – fat boy.  I’m in charge around here and whatever I say goes – don’t for one minute think you can come in here and start throwing your considerable weight around – it’s my way or no way”. (The Website is reminded of the 2010 season where Richie was first seen to stamp his authority on proceedings – you might remember that Spye won the league that year...)

So earlier this week Bowater dispatched the Clubs Chief Exe, Steve Lyons, Head of Marketing, Richard Cox and senior pro David “Seal the Deal” Beal to Sri Lanka with his now often used catchphrase 'just get me my man – or don’t bother coming back, losers!'

Well, after lengthy negotiations that went on in to the early hours we are delighted to report that a contract has been agreed – the details of which are still very secret but this picture has been leaked to the press. The local press in Sri Lanka carried this quote 'it will be an honour to play with one of the all-time greats even if he is a little bit past his best' to which our man Beal simply replied, 'thanks Murali it will be great to have you onboard - do you like curry by the way, coz I know a great little...!' 

Close Season Football Report                                                                                                                    24th Nov

We are delighted to be able to bring the first report of the close season football matches - click here to read all about it.

MOVEMBER – Update                                                                                                                                  21st Nov

3 weeks in and how have our intrepid slug balancers been getting along, well seeing as you asked we caught up with Mark (sic) Hutchins over the weekend to see how it was all going – fortunately we found him in a good mood just after Swindon had secured there 10th game without defeat.  “Well, to be honest I’m a bit bored of it now.   I’m pleased that the itching has stopped and I hardly notice it (the mo) now, however I’ve found that the ladies seem to quite like it.  In fact I’ve had more luck with the ladies over the last 3 weeks than I’ve had over the last 3 years, so I’m thinking of keeping it.  My Mum doesn’t like it though.......”  Thanks Mark.  We did try to get hold of Mornement but he was unavailable for comment due to his other media commitments.  If you are interested in seeing how our hero’s are getting along though you can view their Movember pages by clicking here http://mobro.co/Hutch or http://mobro.co/TomMornement.

IMPORTANCE OF TEST CRICKET - Please Support                                                                                     21st Nov

You may be aware that there is a petition being organised to help promote the long term health of Test Cricket in the face of an endless schedule of ODIs. Its immediate aim is to increase the number of Tests versus South Africa next Summer from 3 to 4 by deleting/rearranging ODIs to create the headroom. The site is at :-
 
http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/testingtimes
 
where you can add your name to the petition. We have done so and we urge you to do the same.

AGM - THE MINUTES                                                                                                                                   14th Nov

Following a very well attended AGM please see attached "the minutes".

Committee Meeting Minutes                                                                                                                        8th Nov

Attached are the minutes from the last committee meeting - you should have a read through in preparation for the AGM at 8pm on Thursday evening in the Social Centre, Bromham

AGM - It's on Thursday 10th Nov at Social Centre, Bromham - 8pm                                                             5th Nov

This week is AGM week, it's your chance to havbe your say in how your Club is run.  If you have an idea, a view or an opoinion that you want to discuss this is your chance to air it.  The committee do there best to try and get things right so that you can enjoy playing cricket at Spye Park but if there is something that could be done better or differently then this is an opportunity to have your say. Our out going Secretary Nick Church has written the attached letter outlining the agenda and posts for discussion.  Please read this and if you want your voice to be heard then come along on Thursday at 8.00pm.

MOVEMBER – Who’s on Board?                                                                                                                   1st Nov

That’s right brothers it’s Movember – the month formally known as November.  During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically testicular & prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

This year Spye Park CC is proud to announce that 2 of its finest champions will be growing (awful) moustache’s and would greatly appreciate any kind offers of donations from fellow members of Spye Park CC.  You can donate money and check on the tasche-growing progress of our hero’s on the following webpage’s http://mobro.co/Hutch and http://mobro.co/TomMornement.

New Covers – PURCHASED, but…                                                                                                               26th Oct

Message from The Chairman;

“We have successfully purchased the covers from Marlborough CC but have a problem getting them back to Spye Park.  This is where you can come in!!  The covers are 13 ft wide.  Has anyone any idea of a way of getting them back to Spye Park?  Flatbed may work - does anyone know where we could get one from at little or preferably no cost?  Only other idea so far has been to cut them in half and weld them back together at Spye….  Any technophobes amongst you - is that feasable?  Any ideas etc please let me know". Thanks and regards  John Beal Snr, Chairman – 07913 778519.

Dream News - A Definition "We Should be Worried"                                                                                  26th Oct

We have received today a definition or sorts, from an esteemed Professor of Dreams, – for a full transcript of the dream please click here. It's trully incredible, who would have thought....

Should we be worried?                                                                                                                               21st Oct

This is a genuine email that has been received here at Website Towers this week. For legal reasons we obviously can’t say who it’s from but we are more than happy for you to guess...

“I had a dream about David Beal last night. We had all been doing some catching practice, then I saw him at the French language class that I was attending a bit little later. After that he (conspiratorially) told me that he was excited because everyone would be asleep soon and when that happened he was looking forward to drinking 60 (sixty) pints of cider. [Even in my dream, I did a double take.]”  I felt the need to keep you informed. 

Well thank you whoever you are but is it right to be dreaming of Dave Beal?  What does it say about your state of mind if Dave BEal pops up in your dreams?  Anyone else got anything they want to tell us, in total confidence of course...

Winners, Dinners and Sinners                                                                                                                     17th Oct

At the Glittering Annual Spye Park Awards ceremony last Saturday night was the usual array of stars, past and present with their partners in toe.  The Awards Ceremony was held at The Bear Hotel in the centre of Devizes and was attended by nearly 40 people, some of whom had travelled from many parts of Wiltshire and some who had flown in from Cyprus especially for the evening!

As is now customary at this Extravaganza there was something for everyone from the drinks, funny stories, good food, entertaining and informative speeches and of course the awards. The highlight of the evening though was the stunning raffle which was hosted by Spye’s very own “Mr Entertainment”, Nick Church who was ably supported by our very own “Isla St Claire”, Tom Mornement!!!  With 25 prizes, all kindly donated by the good people of the Cricket Club this gala event was a huge success and raised £220 which has gone straight into the New Roller Fund and represents 5.5% of the £4,000 we are targeting to raise over the coming months – watch this space for how you can get involved in future fund raising events.

All in all The Spye Park CC 2011 Dinner was a great success and enjoyed by everyone, huge thanks to Helen Dolman for her time and effort putting it all together.  For a full list of winners, click here.

Raffle Prize Donations Please                                                                                                                    13th Oct

The powers that be at Spye Park CC have been in touch and asked us to put out a note on The Website asking you to bring a raffle prize for Saturday night.  It’s just for a bit of fun but if you could try and bring something other than a bottle that would be greatly appreciated – please put a little thought into it and see if you can come up with something a bit different.  Already pledged is something from our friends at North Wilts Golf Club, there’s a voucher from one of Poulshot’s leading Farm Shops and there have been a couple of secret donations as well – we have no idea what’s in them!!!!!

Club Secretary Vacancy                                                                                                                              13th Oct

After years of doing a superb job Nick Church has decided to stand down as Club Secretary.  Now, is your chance to get involved in and have your say in the running of your Cricket Club.  Much work and time goes into the running of the Club so that you can play cricket and we need as many people to get involved as possible.  We are starting a big fund raising effort led by Nick and Tom Mornement in order to purchase a new roller and will need enormous support from Club members to make this work.  Your first opportunity for this is to attend the AGM at Bromham Social Club on 10 November 2011 starting at 8pm.  This is your chance to come and have your say and to volunteer and get involved.  For anyone willing to put themselves forward or if you would like to nominate someone (please check they are willing to stand) for the post of Secretary please contact either myself or Nick.   I'd personally like to thank Nick for all the work he has done, especially for me in the last year.

John Beal, Chairman

Open Letter to the Club from The Secretary                                                                                               10th Oct

As is usual at this time of year our Club Secretary and Leading Wicket Taker has produced his end of year review - please enjoy, should you have any questions or would like to discuss this in any more detail you can do so with Mr Church himself at the Dinner on Saturday.

Dinner Speeches Sweep Stake Fun                                                                                                             7th Oct

For a little bit of fun we thought it might be interesting to run a little side bet on the length of this season’s Dinner Speeches.  All you have to do is email us your suggestion – it will cost you £1 (which will be collected on the night) and all proceeds will go to the Clubs Funds. Just to clarify we are talking about the Captains Speeches not the Chairman’s review but specifically the Captains Waffle.  In the past the speeches have been somewhat verbose, for everyone’s sake let’s hope that this year they are a little bit shorter (and funnier!).  Your suggestions please, to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you

150 Club, October Winners Announced                                                                                                        6th Oct

That’s right girls at the last Committee Meeting, Tuesday 4^th Oct there was a draw for the 150 Club and we, Your Website are delighted to announce the following people are designated as "Winners for October";  Jill Church, Pete Paget, Nick Church and Adrian Mercer.  Congratulations you lucky buggers.

REMINDER – Dinner – Saturday Week                                                                                                          4th Oct

Here is a gentle reminder to those who haven’t already booked their place at the Annual Spye Park CC End of Season Dinner – DO IT NOW! See below for details, conditions apply…

End of Season Dinner – 15^th October 2011                                                                                                28th Sept

Website fan’s this is it, your chance for one last get together (before the AGM) to reminisce, over a beer or two about all those fantastic individual and team achievements from last season!!!  There’ll be funny stories, amusing anecdotes, a raffle, awards and prizes galore, not to mention good food and beer oh and of course there’ll be Digger’s well rehearsed and prepared speech – which is always the highlight of the evening.  We think you’ll have to agree that there’s something here for everybody, it could be the best night of the year, it might not be but it could be!!!

So don’t delay, take 5 minutes and do it now.  Have a look at the MENU, decide what you want, tell Helen (07940 559 605) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and make your payment of only £31.00 either by cheque or BACS (details at the bottom of the menu).

The Indisputable Truth                                                                                                                             22nd Sept

We all know that the internet is a truly amazing tool and that over the last 10 years it has changed the way we do many things. Some say that not everything on the internet is true, well they might be right however, there are some thing’s that are most definitely true as has been proved by one eagle-eyed web follower who has just sent in this link.

We hope you enjoyed this, you might like to take a moment to remember that in this game there are no silver medals for 2^nd place, no matter how many times you come second!!!

Who Cares About Richie’s Dinner Plans – Here’s the Menu for the End of Season Dinner                      22nd Sept

That’s right brother’s here’s the all important MENU for our end of Season Dinner on Saturday 15^th October – please have a look and make your choices – then either text Helen on 07940 559 605 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  with your order – this is very important as The Bear need numbers asap.  The cost has been finalised and comes in at a very handsome £31.00.

Richie’s Dinner Plans......                                                                                                                          19th Sept

Whilst we don’t usually agree to post people’s private social arrangements we have agreed to make this a special case – well you would wouldn’t you especially if it’s Richie who’s asking.  As part of his duties as Club Captain Richie is attending the following end of season dinners and would like to know if anyone would be interested in joining him……….. 

1 - End of Season League Meeting - 2011 Season

If you would like to join Rich at Hatherley & Reddings CC, North Park, Shurdington Road, Shurdington, Cheltenham on Wednesday 28th September 2011 at 7.30pm for the above event then let Rich know asap. It is likely that you have other plans but if there is an issue that you would like to be brought up at the meeting, then let Rich know and he’ll do it for you!

2 - WEPL Dinner 2011 - BAWA Club, Filton, Bristol - Friday 7th October 7pm

If you would like to join Rich and Kev at the above event where the speaker will be Graham Fowler and the foodstuffs will be beef/vegetarian and fruit/cheese then let Rich know soonest. The cost is £25. No trophies to collect this season, surely it's only a matter of time…….

End of Season Ground Tidy                                                                                                                      19th Sept

To All Members of Spye Park CC. Now that the season is over and we have enjoyed the use of the square, the ground and the Pavilion for another year, it is time to put it all to bed.  There are a few little jobs that need to be done in order to put everything straight.  We have produced a list so that everyone knows what needs to be done and on the day Andy will in charge.  BUT we need your help to get these tasks done.  Please remember that the majority of us don’t do anything to help with the preparation and maintenance of the ground during the season and so this is our chance to help those that do all the hard yards during the season put it to bed.  Please do what you can to help by giving up a couple of hours on Saturday 24^th Sept from 9.30am.  Your Club Needs You…

SPYE PARK CC AGM – THE DETAILS                                                                                                        14th Sept

Important Note – Every year in November your committee gets together for The Spye Park AGM – they discuss important topics and vote on actions and officers of the club for the forthcoming year.  As it’s Your Club it is important that you have a say in who runs it and what they do, so please save this date and do be there if you can: Thursday 10^th November 2011 8.00pm at the Social Centre in Bromham.

“I don’t accessorise and I don’t have a man bag!”                                                                                      14th Sept

That’s right website fans one of our number said this but we want to know who you think it was? To make it easier we have narrowed down the options.  Was it;

A)    The One They Call - Church

B)    Everyday I’m Shuffling - Dave Beal

C)    The Saviour Himself - Kevin Clarke

D)    Creaky Joints – Jon Bathe

E)    M.V.P. – James Taylor

F)    The Melksham Lush - Steve Rendell, or was it

G)    Swindon Town FC No 1 Fan - Mr Matt Hutchins

Answers via email by the end of the week please

Final Tour 2012 Reminder                                                                                                                           8th Sept

Second and final invitation for people to put their names forward for next season's proposed Tour. Please see attached flyer that was originally posted on the website in early August. I already have a few names but need to have more to ensure that we have sufficient numbers to allow further planning to go ahead.

Kind regards

Mr Tour himself - Adrian Mercer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

And The Award Goes To…….?                                                                                                                   5th Sept

After the build up last week the Leading Wicket Taker Drama unfolded rather tamely!

The One They Call “Church” (proudly supported by Jimmy Anderson) stole a march on everyone by claiming the first three wickets to fall which put him on 28.  "Incredible" was next to be given a chance but he just couldn’t find a way through and so it was left to JT to try and knock Church off his perch.  Richie made it difficult for JT by giving him the wrong end but once he changed ends the ball started to sing and JT ripped through the next 3 wickets putting him on 27 with all still to play for.  Church was brought back and promptly completed his five fer before JT got his fourth. 

Which all means that The One They Call "Church" finished the season as the Leading Bowler with 30 League wickets, JT was 2^nd with 28 and for the first time in living memory "Incredible" finished 3^rd (OMG, it's not a mistake, it's right readers, he came third, the stats don't lie!!!) with 24 (being "Incredible" though he did make up for it by smashing a very handsome 71 later in the day). Please note that this is the exact order that Jimmy Anderson had predicted last week!!! 

So congratulation’s to Nick and well played everyone else.  Up The Spye 2011!

PS – Don’t forget the End of Season Dinner, Saturday 15^th October 2011, at The Bear, Devizes. Details to follow...

Final Weekend Overview                                                                                                                           5th Sept

Dear Readers, the final weekend of our first season in WEPL has been and gone with both teams losing to Lechlade (there is still cricket to be played though – firstly there is “The Tour” which takes place at the end of the week and then there’s a final Sunday game).

Richie’s Merry Men hosted the League’s Bridesmaids in what turned out to be a very exciting and decent game of cricket which went right down to the wire, where our three bowling heroes produced almost match winning all round performances – they lost by 9 runs (but seeing as they beat Leachlade by 10 runs in the first game of the season there overall aggregate is a 1 run victory – well done!).

The Saviour Himself led the way (with bat rather than ball) over at Leachlade where the 2’s batting first, put together a strong 199 built around Kev’s 50 and Nipper’s 80 but just couldn’t contain the Lechlade batsmen who picked the runs off with some ease!

It has been our pleasure reporting for you again this season, we are pleased and proud to be associated with Spye Park CC and look forward to doing it all again next year.  Up The Spye!

Leading Wicket Taker Drama – UPDATE                                                                                                   2nd Sept

As with all our little competitions we have been overwhelmed by the volume of interest and support but after working it all out last night we have an outcome.  Of the 27 responses 11 have gone for Hulse giving him 41% of the vote, Nick Church polled 9 giving him 33% and JT got 3 (1 each from himself, his Dad and his Mum) giving him 11%.  The other 15% were basically spoiled – with suggestions like Liam Butcher and Ron Swann.  However we think that the really smart money is on a three way tie with our three hero’s all finishing on 26 wickets.

We can also reveal exclusively that Jimmy Anderson has voted for Church and then Taylor with Hulse finishing third (according to his email he has apparently had quite enough of spinners taking the lime light from the quick’s!).

WARNING - Liam Butcher Back at Rugby Training                                                                                     31st Aug

Dear Readers – this image carries a parental warning.  Please do not open this link if you are easily shocked or if you have a heart condition.  As we all know Liam is a keen sportsman, he plays Rugby for Devizes during the winter months and Cricket for Spye Park during the summer which enables him to maintain his lean physique.  Unfortunately this image isn’t about his physique, no it’s much worse than that!

We have long known that he considers himself to be a bit of a stud but if this is what Being Back at Rugby Training means, then you can keep it…

Confirmation of End of Season Dinner Date                                                                                               31st Aug

As we head towards the end of the season we thought it might be prudent to remind you about the End of Season Dinner!   So that there is no excuse, the date for your diaries is - Saturday 15^th October 2011.  Once again it will be at The Bear in Devizes – please keep an eye out for further updates and details as they become available.

So Who Will be the Leading Wicket Taker 2011?                                                                                      30th Aug

For the first time in living memory the competition to be Leading League Wicket Taker is actually very close and to add a little bit of spice to things we have decided to run a little sweep stake on the result. The “contenders” are Nick Church with 25, James Taylor and Mark Hulse both have 24 and with an outside chance of sneaking the title is The Saviour Himself, Kevin Clarke who has 20 (17 + 3).

So just for a bit of fun we would like you to email in with your prediction of who you think is going to be crowned Leading League Wicket Taking 2011. We have to accept of course that it might be a draw, so with that in mind let us know what you think – you can email in your prediction by simply clicking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Some Say….                                                                                                                                              30th Aug

Some say that he sleeps upside down hanging from the rafters like a bat!  Others that he knows where Colonel Gaddafi is hiding and that he is just waiting for the CIA to knock at his door.  All we know is that he got married last Friday and going into the last week of league cricket this season, he is 1 wicket ahead of both James Taylor and Mark Hulse as the leading wicket taker this season – so it’s all to play for.  Ladies and Gentlemen we present you, Nick Church.

Churchie’s Big Day                                                                                                                                     26th Aug

Today is the day that Spye Park CC’s leading bowler (well currently anyway) finally ties the knot with his long term and very patient girlfriend, Claire.  Congratulations and good luck to the happy couple – we wish them well for a long and prosperous live together. Up the Spye!

APOLOGY                                                                                                                                                   26th Aug

It appears that we, your Website has made a mistake! As loyal readers will know one of our overriding principles is to never knowingly tell the truth, however this is a matter of International importance and so we feel it is the right thing to put it straight. 

Earlier in the week we reported that West was going to be helping the Libyan rebels with some re-construction programmes once they had taken control of the Country and Government.  It might seem obvious now but just to be clear the West in question is not Russell West, Spye Parks aspiring Jean Paul Gaultier perfume model but is in actual fact “The West” in general.  We are truly sorry for any confusion we many have caused the West family…

5 Minutes Please                                                                                                                                        25th Aug

The ECB’s Twelfthman is a fundraising initiative headed by Mike Gatting.  They are currently running a competition imaginatively called The Big Club Comp. There are lots of decent prizes on offer but it needs us to enter – individually, the more of us who enter the greater the chance we have of winning something. 

Prizes Include:

• 2 club teams to play each other at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
• A visit from ex-England captain Michael Vaughan to your club
• Mobile net cage
• Flat sheet cover
• £1000 club equipment voucher
• 20 tickets to an England vs India NatWest ODI
• Signed merchandise and other goodies!

It only takes 5 minutes (we know that because we’ve already done it) but the CLOSING DATE IS MONDAY 29^th AUG.  So if you do have a spare 5 minutes before the close of play on Monday please do click on this link to register and enter The Big Club Comp.  Thanks

The 6 Question interview - This week we talk to Jimmy Anderson                                                            25th Aug

That's right you lovely people, this week we spent some quality time in the company of the England legend himself – Jimmy Anderson

Spye Park CC “Bathe” In the Glory of It                                                                                                     25th Aug

Spye Park CC is very proud to announce that our very own “Golden Balls” the one they call John Bathe (50 something) has had the best news of his summer so far – he has been called up to play for Wiltshire over 50’s this week against Devizes.  You can imagine what the running between the wickets and the fielding will be like if they’re all as mobile and sharp as our Johnny?  Still with all that experience to help him, he should at least be able to complete the crossword!

At the time of writing, Old Man Bathe was otherwise occupied in an ice bath so we asked his long time friend Dave Beal exactly how Bathe would be preparing for this big game.  “Well, if I know Bathe and I do, I would suggest that he would be taking it all in his stride, like it’s a rite of passage or something, for sure he’ll probably have a drink before, during and after the game but then he’s been doing that for nearly half a century!  I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that we’d all like to wish him well on his big day.”

More Lost Property                                                                                                                                     24th Aug

This time we’ve got it though.  We’ve had a medium sized Salzenger sleeveless sweater handed in to us, it’s one of those new style fleecey one’s, not cable knit!  So if you’ve miss placed one in the past couple of weeks please do get in touch and we’ll get it back to you.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: “WEST” to help with Re-Structuring in Libya                                                           24th Aug

In a shock announcement on Tuesday morning the World's media are reporting that WEST is going to be offering some support to the rebels in Libya once they have over thrown Colonel Gadaffi in the coming days.  We are not sure at this stage exactly what help West will be offering but we can be sure that he won’t be asked to utilise his big guns as the rebels have repeated refused all offers of West’s guns so far .  After his heroics at the weekend it seems only natural that West should move on to bigger challenges and we’ll be keen to hear what they are.  West recently started a new job in the city where he is reputedly earning £10’s of pounds (but is on target after 1 week to earn like lots, if all goes well!) as a recruitment consultant.

Here at Website Towers we can’t quite see that his recruitment experience will be much use in the significant re-structuring programmes that will no doubt begin once hostilities cease!  Obviously West was unavailable for comment, but we did manage to speak to Liam Butcher, “ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha - just imagine!” Said Liam.

Missing Shirt – Can You Help?                                                                                                                   23rd Aug

One of our players has misplaced his shirt.  Not any old shirt mind, oh know he’s managed to lose the much cherished 2011 Poulshot Lodge Farm Shop sponsored Spye Park shirt – size medium.  Apparently there’s no name in it which would have helped but he tells us that it never came home with him after the game away at Nationwide last weekend.  So if anyone has picked up a lost Spye Park shirt (M) please can they let us know here at The Website and we’ll do the rest. Much obliged to you, The Website

UPDATE - Thank you to James Taylor (10 Website Points) for being the one who saved the day - what a hero!

Spye Park Shows’s Off It’s "Big Guns" in Aerial Bombardment during Great (Bed)wyn                            23rd Aug

After weeks of frustration and underperformance The Website is delighted to report that the Spye Park 1^st XI has finally turned up and tuned in!  That’s right, this weekend Richie’s men finally got out of first gear and went straight into 4^th (there’s always room for improvement – right Richie?).  In a game that was reduced to 40 over’s, Spye began steadily (read - quite slowly, actually) before unravelling their Big Shiny Guns!!!  With the wicket perfectly in line with the Pavilion, Tim “Rhino” Hues, Nick “The Bells” Church and Russell “My Little Pony” West all tried in vain to repeat Mornement’s now famous “Clearing of the New Pavilion Shot!”  Despite clearing the boundary no less than 10 times with some serious monster hitting, none of the Big Guns could quite manage to clear the Pavilion and all the while Mornement looked on with mild amusement.  With an imposing total on the board Spye then bowled and fielded very well to finish Bedwyn off in under 30 over’s with useful contributions from all the bowlers.  For a full and detailed account of this match please check back later for a report.

Last Weekend In Stats                                                                                                                               23rd Aug

OK, it might not be the most comprehensive way of reporting on a successful weekend but as we get towards the end of the season when stats seem to be more important than at the beginning, your friends at Website Towers have produced a statistical analysis of the game on Saturday. Enjoy, it’s free.

The Truth about Nick Church (and some lies too)                                                                                      11th Aug

As the big day approaches we felt that it was only fair that you got to know The Real Nick Church so we've put together some details that will help fill in the gaps.  Now you can't say that we don't do anything for you, enjoy.

2012 Tour - AD strikes again: click here for more details                                                                            5th Aug

Mid-Week Team Strikes Famous Victory                                                                                                     5th Aug

The Website is proud to report news of a famous victory for Spye Park on Wednesday night at the aptly named field of dreams. Table toppers and previously undefeated Goatacre were sent packing by an awesome Spye performance.  Notable performers were Kevin Clarke with bowling figures of 5-12 off 4 overs! and James Taylor 39 not-out, ably supported by Simon 'big-arm' Ellis.
 
The Wednesdays results updates:
20/7 Spye Park Lost by 50 runs to Westinghouse
27/7 Spye Park Won by 57 runs against Peterborough Arms
3/8 Spye Park Won by 6 wickets against Goatacre.

Website Updates                                                                                                                                        31st July

After a week of sluggish work, The Website has caught up with match reports, results etc & you will be 'wowed' by the new links to 1st XI and 2nd XI team stats. Last week was generally a week of wins with the Sunday team stoically defending a low score at Avebury thanks to diamond contributions from James Taylor and Will Brodie. The mid-week team won again (I think!) and the 2nd XI won a nail biter at home to Winsley. Unfortunately, the 1st XI got trounced by the better team at Winsley although bounced back strongly with a thumping win at home to Devizes - special mention to Russell West, Jack Bramwell and Deano for leading the team to a score of 215. Mark Hulse led the bowling attack, picking up a couple of good wickets and a further two with dross-half-trackers that were superbly caught by the athletic Nick Church. As ever, David Beal looked good; unfortunately ladies, he is not available.

The 6 Question interview - This week we talk to Steve Rendell                                                                 21st July

That's right you lucky people, this week we spent a few minutes in the company of the Melksham Lush himself, the one and only Steve Rendell. You can find out for yourselves all about our Steve by reading what he’s got to say for himself here.

Weekend Update                                                                                                                                       18th July

Despite the awful weather and everyone’s pessimism about the likelihood of cricket being played (there are rumours that some people had even booked tickets to an afternoon showing of the new Harry Potter film) Spye Park’s 1^st XI did play against Calne, Up at the Park.  For a more detailed appraisal of that game please read the report.  Elsewhere in the County, Your Website feels duty bound to report that in Division 1 of The Wiltshire League, Burbage & ER also played, and they won! Unfortunately their closest rivals didn’t play meaning that Burbage have opened up an 18pt lead – it’s just an update, that’s all we’re reporting, nothing else ment by it!

Play Hard – Play Fair QUIZ                                                                                                                        15th July

Just for a bit of fun here’s a quick Quiz about playing hard but keeping it fair. Have a go and see how you do.

RAISING MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE                                                                                                   13th July  

Pete Force-Jones off of our friends at Avebury CC has been in touch asking us to post the attached letter. His mother sadly passed away recently but he was so impressed with the care and support that he and his family received from Dorothy House Hospice during the last few months of his mothers illness that he has decided to try and raise some money for them.  Good effort, we wish you the very best of luck Pete. Please support him if you can.

NEWS FLASH - CLUB DAY 2011 - CANCELLED!!!                                                                                        13th July

Unfortunately due to the large number of people who are away and otherwise engaged this Sunday we have had to take the decision to cancel this year’s CLUB DAY. Not ideal but that is that.

The 6 Question interview - This week we talk to Matt Hutchins                                                                 12th July

That's right, this week we were lucky enough to catch up with Spye Park legend in this own lunchtime Matt Hutchins and chat about all sorts of things in The 6 Question Interview.

CLUB DAY – SUNDAY 17^th JULY – Be There                                                                                               10th July

That’s right brothers Club Day is fast approaching and Our Richie is looking for numbers – plans are fairly fluid at the moment but we need your support – here’s the flyer.

THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET                                                                                                                              7th July

At July’s Committee Meeting which was held this week there was a significant discussion about standards of behaviour at The Club and how in some instances the standard expected for everyone to have an enjoyable game of cricket has dropped below an acceptable level.  So, as a reminder to everyone and that means players, visitors and spectators alike, The Club has decided that it would be prudent to set some guide lines on what this means and has prepared a short statement to share with you all.  Please read The Statement and remind yourself of the MCC Spirit of Cricket (also found in your fixture card) and try to bear them in mind when you are playing and representing both The Club and The Estate.  The Committee would welcome any feedback you may have on this.

Coaching For The Junior’s                                                                                                                          7th July

Spye Park CC is very pleased to report that the Junior Section of the Club which meets every Thursday at 6.30pm is doing very well this year and regularly has c30 kids in attendance.  This is excellent not only for The Club but also for cricket in general.  However, there are only a handful of qualified coaches in the Club who give up their time to train and develop these kids.  On some occasions due to other fixtures and commitments not all the coaches can be available on a Thursday evening and so we are asking for one or two volunteers to make themselves available to help support and encourage the coaches – it doesn’t have to be every week but over the coming holiday season it would be very helpful. For further information please contact Andy Ellis, Kevin Clarke or Helen Dolman.  Equally if you are interested in becoming a qualified coach then the above would be happy to help and advise you in how to go about it.  Please do get in touch.

The 6 Question Interview – Answers in ONLY 140 Characters                                                                      6th July

In this age of digital technology and tweeting etc we have developed a new and exciting feature for The Website.  The 6 Question Interview is short, sharp and to the point.  We’ll be asking the questions but the answers have to be less than 140 characters.  A new Interview with one of our leading players will be added each week.  This week to get things off and running smartly we’ve had a word with Spye Park’s 2^nd XI Skipper – The Saviour Himself, Kevin Clarke.

England Captain, Andrew Strauss – writes to Spye Park CC                                                                       5th July

Following the incredible support we’ve had from Jimmy Anderson this season, Andrew Strauss has got in on the act as well – must be something to do with the respect he built for our Richie during last year’s successful Ashes campaign.  Strauss writes…

Liam “The Hayemaker” Butcher in boxing action                                                                                       5th July

Not to be outdone by Dave Beal and Graham Swann, our very own “lover boy” Liam Butcher has been discovered on youtube as well – OK it’s a couple of years old but check this out to see what David Haye should have done at the weekend!

Sunday Report                                                                                                                                             5th July

After what was clearly a dissappointing weekend for The Saturdays we are pleased to report that The Sundays certainly seem to have made up for it with an enteraining game against Farley.

Final Push for 150 Club Membership - ENDS THIS WEEK                                                                         27th June

As we race towards the end June we are fast approaching the cut-off point for membership to the 150 Club – there are still some spaces available so please don’t delay, print the updated form off now, fill it in and return it to us by the end of the week, please!  Every bit helps and you could win much more than you invest!

President’s Match – Here’s The Report                                                                                                     27th June

Swanny Spice's It Up on YouTube Challenge - Come on Dave                                                                23rd June

Graham Swann (who's cousin was playing for Nationwide House last weekend and got young Mornrment out) England's spin king has come right back at Dave Beal with his own You Tube Spice/Curry/Kingfisher video - check it out by clicking here.

Church Returns From Stag Do Amid Rumours of a Super Injunction                                                       22nd June

Following in the footsteps of other high profile celebrities it is rumoured that a super injunction has been taken out following accusations and counter accusations of events that may or may not have actually taken place at the stag do last weekend. In attendance with Church were Mark Hulse, Tim Hues and Charlie Doel – “just let it drop alright, and leave us alone,” said a very tired and battered looking Tim Hues (32.2) when we caught up with him at Devizes Police Station. “There’s nothing in the rumours, I am just here to show the Police my details following a nothing incident at Hooters – If Churchie thought it was OK to rob from the rich and give to the poor because he was dressed as Robin Hood well thats up to him, so go away and pester someone else - it’s nothing!” Alright Tim, calm down – got something to hide have you? 

Potentially there is more to this story but then again there might not be – we’ll have to wait and see…

Shiny Website Points Table – Update                                                                                                      22nd June

Following the outcome of the recent Test Match Challenge, The Website Committee met last night and have awarded a variety of points to the winners of the competitions.  See below for updated table;

M. Hulse                                               70pts

R. Fletcher, T Mornement                       40pts

R. Bowater, C. Doel, M. Hutchins           25pts

N. Thorn, J.Anderson, K.Clarke              15pts

A. Mercer, C. Bowater, S. Ellis               10pts

J. Anstee de Mas, J. Church                  5pts

Test Match Challenge – The Result                                                                                                           21st June

It all came a bit too late in the day for Matt Hutchins – poor old Hutch, all day Sangakkara did his countrymen proud and saved the day for Sri Lanka. But as the day wore on and Sangakkara ground out his 100, Hutch was gradually hauled in by the likes of Hulse, Mornement and Fletcher only for Sangakkara to get out making way for Hutch’s potential hero P.Jayawardene to make his entrance.  If Jayawardene had made 29 then Hutch would have won, if the rain hadn’t come then Hutch would probably have won, if Bathe hadn’t been given out LBW against Malmesbury then the 2’s probably would have won – we could go on, you get the picture.

Rose Bowl Test Match Challenge                                 Overall Challenge Leader Board

Tom Mornement – 261                                                   Mark Hulse - 418

Charlie Doel – 240                                                         Tom Mornement – 414

Mark Hulse – 211                                                           Russell Fletcher – 399

Jimmy Anderson – 166                                                  Matt Hutchins - 386

Kevin Clarke – 161                                                         Charlie Doel - 383

So congratulations to our overall winner Mark Incredible Hulse (more rump steak on the way) who correctly predicted that Dilshan would be the man in the first game and that Pietersen and Sangakkara would come up with the goods in the 2^nd game.  Congratulations also to the housewives favourite for sticking his neck out and plumping for Chris Tremlett on his return to Hampshire (perhaps he had a little something to prove). The Website will be meeting tomorrow to discuss the number of Website Points that will be offered to these winners.

President’s Game – It’s This Sunday                                                                                                        20th June

This weekend is the President’s Game – rumour has it that AB de Villiers and Sanath Jayasuriya will be playing for Robbie’s men this year so it should be a close one.  There are though, a couple of spaces available in the Spye XI so if you fancy having a pop at Sanath or bowling at AB then all you have to do is get in touch with Richie -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call him on 07931 900 882.  Your Club Needs You!

Rose Bowl Test Match Challenge Update – Day 4                                                                                    20th June

After another day of stop start cricket at the Rose Bowl it's getting tight at the top of the challenge tables (see below).  It looks like the housewives favourite might have this one in the bag with his selections of Tremlett and Sangakkara however it’s all to play for with those that choose English bowlers looking to have the advantage going into Day 5. 

From Sri Lanka’s point of view it looks as if Sangakkara is the main man on the final day – not only does he have to rescue his country for real he also has the added burden of being responsible for the being the man who can help everyone overhaul Matt Hutchins at the top of the Overall Leader Board – all of the chasing pack have Sangakkara in their team but Hutch went for P.Jayawardene and Cook and neither of them are short of runs – could be interesting… 

Rose Bowl Test Challenge                                            Overall Leader Board

Tom Mornement – 186                                                   Matt Hutchins - 380

Charlie Doel – 165                                                         Mark Hulse - 343

Sarah Church – 137                                                       Tom Mornement – 339

Mark Hulse – 136                                                           Russell Fletcher - 324

Kevin Clarke – 135                                                         Charlie Doel - 308

Final, 2^nd Test Challenge Leader Board and the Combined Leader Board will be posted tomorrow morning – remember big prizes on offer so check back to see who the lucky buggers are…

Has Richie Really Stolen the Chairman’s Tash?                                                                                       16th June

Seriously Though                                                                                                                                     15th June

We need your support with a couple of things;

1. The 150 Club – membership for the 150 Club closes at the end of the June so please make sure you’ve got your membership form filled in and returned to us here at Website Towers by the end of the month – you can either email it or hand it in to your team captain who will find a way of getting it us.  The 150 Club is a good way of raising money and keeping the cash flow moving so your support is much appreciated, thank you.
2. The Test Match Challenge – The final match in the Sri Lanka Test Match Challenge starts tomorrow (Thursday) at 11.00am so please make sure you have got your entry in by 10.45am otherwise you won’t be able to win any of the great prizes on offer.

Jimmy’s Emailed Again                                                                                                                            15th June

Spye Park’s favourite England player, friend of The Website and all-round nice guy Jimmy Anderson has just sent us a new email with his thoughts and selections for the Test Match Challenge – plus other things…

Spice of Bengal – UPDATE                                                                                                                       15th June

Following the publishing of Dave and SJ’s night out we are very pleased to report that the video has gone though the 200 hits mark – well done everyone and thanks for your support – keep spreading the word though. 

However, it’s not all good news as we have received an email from a concerned team mate who writes, “Have just seen the fantastic video featuring Our Dave, I have slight concern though that our hero has been caught on a dinner date with another girl (young!), if you flick through to 1 min 50 you will see Dave with his Mohican, taking a mouthful of his favourite curry, then check out his date while chewing on the tasty chicken.  To my mind she looks rather young (and not much like SJ) but no doubt she will be very impressed by his brandy drinking expertise after the meal.  Probably best not to tell SJ about this though…”  Thanks Tim (32.2), good advice and well spotted.

We Need Your Support in our "Campaign To Get the Tash Re-Instated"                                                  14th June

Following his successful campaign to be voted in as our New Chairman at the end of last year, Chairman Beal promptly decorated his upper lip with a fine and distinguished Tash which we all thought was a fitting decoration for a new chairman to have - if you need a reminder you can see it by clicking on the photo gallery.  Unfortunately though in recent weeks this appendage has disappeared much to the collective disappointment of his adoring fans.  So, here at Website Towers we are starting a Campaign to “Re-Instate The Tash” – to support us, all you have to do is send in an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with the words “Re-Instate The Tash” in the subject bar and we will do the rest.  Come on Spye, let’s get behind the important issues that are being discussed today and make things happen.

WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE - Dave's Gone All Vinnie Jones On Us                                                                   13th June

This is website genius and is exactly what the World Wide Web is all about – Dave and the lovely SJ (“we love it”) Beal have gone all actor, darling and appeared in this Rom Com about the legendary Spice of Bengal in Calne.  It’s a lovely little film all about Dave and SJ on a night out – for those of you that haven’t already seen this, it’s a must and for those of you that have please go back and have another look.  You can view it by simply clicking on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6i_aVda57E. Currently standing, 159 views – let’s get it up to 200+.  We love you Dave, you’re just ruddy brilliant…Next time can you take Nipper along as well, just for the pure comedy genius of it!

The England v Sri Lanka Test Match Challenge, Returns                                                                         13th June

Following the success of the last Test Match Challenge which Fishermans Friends Russell Fletcher won by just 1 point and was brought to you by your friends here at Website Towers, we are gearing ourselves up for the third and final Test Match in the series against Sri Lanka. We should point out that this is a cumulative score so your points from the first challenge will be added to the second challenge giving us an overall winner in the end.

Starting on Thursday 16^th June we will be running the book exactly as we did before so please make sure you get your entries (one for England and one for Sri Lanka) in to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 10.00am on Thursday morning otherwise they just won’t count - but remember they have to be different from your choices in the first challenge!  We will endeavour to publish an updated leader board everyday of the Test.  For more information please click here.

Beal, "I'm the Real Deal and I'm still hungry for more"                                                                            10th June

Dave Beal’s superb concentration and insatiable appetite for batting have made him Spye Parks’s most consistent batsman since Desmond Haynes writes Christopher Martin-Jenkins in the Daily Telegraph.  The opening partnership was been a major problem for Spye in years gone by, but with his successes, as seen during recent campaign’s, Beal has proved he is the Real Beal and solved the problem with a simple philosophy, as he explains to Martin-Jenkins;

“Opening the batting you’ve got to expect anything so you can’t be surprised by anything. You just go with it. I don’t think about my innings or going out to bat until I’m actually doing it. What’s the point? They’re gonna bowl at me and I’m gonna hit it – comprende, comrade?

You can go around getting yourself all worked up in the dressing room if you want – it don’t do no good. Imagining things are there that are not and all that. You have to back yourself and trust your instinct – that’s what I do. Everyday I'm shuffling, that's right blood - I'm getting down with my bad self!”

Wise words indeed Mr Beal.  For anyone interested Dave will be turning out for the 1’s this season and can be seen Up The Spye on a regular basis.  Be sure to check back for updates.

Meet the Park – Updated                                                                                                                          10th June

Following our publication last month introducing you to The Park – we have made some minor alterations and included a couple of new roles – please check it out.

Website Points Table – Updated                                                                                                               10th June

After the culmination of this week’s Test Match Challenge we have updated the Website Points Table – so just for your information here it is.  Looks like Our Richie is the man to beat then;

1          Richard Bowater                        25pts

2          Russell Fletcher                         20pts

3          Neil Thorn                                 15pts

4 =       A. Mercer, C. Bowater, J. Anderson, K. Clarke, S. Ellis and M. Hutchins               10pts

10=       M. Hulse, J. Anstee de Mas, J. Church               5pts

Test Match Challenge FINAL RESULT                                                                                                        8th June

Thanks to A.Cook’s hundred and the all important 12* from P.Jayawardene, Fisherman’s Friend Russell Fletcher has won the Our Test Match Challenge by just 1 point – and this despite the Trott followers thinking they’d won it with his wicket of Paranavitana.  Russell walks away with 20 Website Points and a Rump Steak kindly provided by our Official Club Sponsor Poulshot Lodge Farm Shop.

As you can see from the table below it was all very tight in the end.  You’ve got to feel for yesterdays leader Matt Hutchins who’s choices of Swann and Dilshan scored no points at all in the last days play seeing him slip down the leader board.

1^st - Russell Fletcher – 274 (20 Website Points & A Rump Steak)

2^nd = Neil Thorne – 273 (15 Website Points)

2^nd = Rich Bowater – 273 (15 Website Points)

4^th - Matt Hutchins – 262 (10 Website Points)

5^th = Jill Church – 245 (5 Website Points)

Mornement scores big, but not everyone was impressed!                                                                          7th June

House-wives favourite and ex-2XI Captain, handsome Tom Mornement (40) finally got his season up and running after what has been a somewhat forgettable May for him.  Playing for Kev Clark’s 2XI Up The Spye last Saturday against Devizes, a determined Mornement came in first down at the end of the 2^nd over with his team 2-1.  He then batted for 43 over’s and remained unbeaten on a career best 154*.  “Proper, ruddy, elegant craftsmanship – that what that was! Just what we needed and great to see him scoring runs again - he looked just like that Ponting out there today” said a very emotional Kevin Clarke after the game, which Spye won by 82 runs.  “I’ve only ever seen one innings better than that”, said Jon Bathe into his 3^rd pint at The George later that evening, “and that was Viv Richards, when he scored 189* in a one-dayer a few years ago now it was mind.”

Test Match Challenge Update – Day 4                                                                                                        7th June

It's getting tight at the top of the table as we come to the end of the first part of the England v Sri Lanka Test Match Challenge double header......Neil Thorne and Rich Bowater lead the challenge thanks to the combined efforts of Mr Trott and The Dilshan but with their part seemingly done for this match can Hutchie stay ahead with some more Swann magic???

1 - Matt Hutchins - 262

2 = Neil Thorne - 253

2 = Rich Bowater - 253

4 - Mark Hulse - 207

5 - Russell Fletcher - 197

Final Leader Board to be posted on Wednesday morning - we can't wait...

Test Match Challenge Update – Day 3                                                                                                        6th June

After a very damp squib on Sunday, we have new leaders thanks to the herculean efforts of Captain Dilshan.....

4 people have selected Dilshan: 2 of them backed it up with Trott; while the other two went for Swann and Strauss. Which all means that at the end of Day 3 “Incredible Hulse” is leading the way thanks in no small part to Strauss picking up a catch.  At the other end of table we'd like to make a special mention to Trevor Chilman who currently has just 4 points!

There is always a threat. Be That Threat!                                                                                                  3rd June

Revealed: the secret project that has been responsible for Kevin Clarke turning the Spye Park 2XI into the undoubted force they are today – read on to discover what that secret is...

Jimmy Get’s in Touch and Makes his Selections for The Test Match Challenge                                        3rd June

Here at Website Towers we are always delighted to hear from our friends in the real world – this morning is no different and we are chuffed to bits to have had an email of off our friend and favourite player of the moment, the one and only Jimmy Anderson.

Sadly Jimmy is having to sit out the current Test Match due to an injury he picked up bowling so well in the last Test Match (didn’t stop him taking one for the team and being the night watchman though did it!) – but the good news is that he has more time on his hands to follow our Website.  For your amusement we have published his email so you can all enjoy it.

FREE ENTRY - The England v Sri Lanka Test Match Challenge                                                                  1st June

We're always keen at The Website to introduce new ways to entertain the masses and you already know we love a (responsible) flutter.....so here's our latest instalment: The England v Sri Lanka Test Match Challenge. Click here for details, but hurry now the closing date is Friday.

President’s Game – Sunday 26^th June                                                                                                        1st June

Please click here for details.