1989.
The return fixture was eagerly awaited and took place at Chirk on July 26th. Mike Crowe won the toss and South Staffs elected to bat first. Dee Valley took early wickets having South Staffs 52 for 4 after 16 overs. Their middle order consolidated due, mainly to a knock of 53 from Pete Graham and 34 from Mark Hatton (who was to feature heavily in later fixtures). At close of innings the score was 178 for 9 and tea was taken. Charlie took 3 for 30 and Mike 2 for 35. Nigel Dee and Tony Cooper put on 30 for the first wicket followed by the famous Dee Valley collapse. Terry McAllister, who despatched a loose delivery over the pavilion for six claimed a moral victory. The ship steadied slightly at 92 for 6 and just when Dee Valley were about to launch a blistering reply, a fierce thunderstorm ended proceedings. The ensuing power cut meant that the players were forced to drink bottled beer due to the beer pumps failing.

1990.
Fordhouses C.C. a lovely ground near Wolverhampton was the venue for the third encounter on July 19th. Scores of 52 (Mark Hatton) and 49 (Tim Wedge) helped South Staffs to a creditable 177 for 8 on an extremely hot day. Tony Cooper was the pick of the Dee Valley bowlers with 3 for 37 from eight overs with Wyn Jones also bowling well with 2 for 19. Proceedings were somewhat overshadowed by a serious knee injury to Gary Hazelhurst who was taken to hospital. This unfortunately turned out to be his last competitive game!
The only real resistance was Terry with 38 and Tony Cooper with 25. Brian Hall, who was captain of Dennis’s at the time got a duck on his Dee Valley debut. The innings closed on 140 and the third defeat. Due to the hot conditions Mike got sun-stroke and spewed all the way home which failed to impress Mrs Plant who thought he had drunk too much.

1991
Chirk was, once again the venue for the 1991 fixture played on July 12th. South Staffs struggled for numbers but turned up with eight players. In the true spirit of this fixture Mike volunteered several Dee Valley players to field for the opposition. In the surprise of the day Mike actually won the toss and put South Staffs in to bat. Charlie, again did most of the damage in taking 3 for 24 supported by Tony with 2 for 10. The visitors stuck to the task but were eventually dismissed for 100 in 27.2 overs Mark Hatton 33 not out.
Billy Dutton broke all Dee Valley records for the amount of tea consumed by one player but struggled with the final pie! The target was reached in the 34th over for the loss of only three wickets, the mainstay being a partnership of 55 for the second wicket between Tony Cooper (30) and Mike Plant (37 no). Andy Mack took 2 for 19 in a good spell of seam bowling. As always this was an extremely enjoyable fixture. This victory was very welcome, as the previous week’s midweek fixture had seen the Post Office dismiss Dee Valley for 54 (extras top scored with 11!).

1992
Normal service was resumed at Fordhouses on July 17th 1992 when Mike Crowe won the toss despite Planty trying the old “best of three” routine! Forty overs and six bowlers later South Staffs had accumulated 282 runs for the loss of three wickets. Mark Hatton top scored with 141 not out which included hitting Mike for three consecutive sixes and two fours. Tea was somewhat subdued in the Dee Valley camp. The reply was halted on 115 all out with only Dave Brand (26) and Mike Plant (22) offering token resistance. The comment in the “Result” column in the score-book simply says “Snotting!” Never mind, there’s always next season.

1993
August 8th 1993 was a very special day in the history of Dee Valley cricket team in that this was the first time Packsaddle was used. It’s fair to say that the wicket was slightly under prepared. Once again Mike Crowe won the toss but this time very shrewdly inserted Dee Valley. He then went on to take 4 for 12 out of a Dee Valley total of 51 all out. Mike Plant was top scorer with nine, Bill Dean finished on 7 not out from 41 deliveries and Billy Dutton worked on the old “six and out” method of batting. South Staffs took 16.4 overs to knock off the runs (Mike Crowe 24no). Mike Plant took 2 for 2 off five overs and Dave Brand 1 for 17. It was decided that as there was plenty of time left we would have a ten over a side thrash. There are no records of that game but it is fairly certain that Dee Valley hit considerably more runs in the ten over game than the supposed forty over match! Despite the result everyone enjoyed the day and decided that Packsaddle could only get better – which it did!

1994.
This time the fixture reverted to the ground at Alrewas and was played on August 26th. The home side batted first and totalled 105 all out with Terry (now playing for South Staffs)scoring 19 and extras 21. Steve Hesketh was the best of the Dee Valley Bowlers with 4 for 23 off 5.4 overs. The highlight of the day at Alrewas was, as always the magnificent tea prepared by the resident two old dears.
Wickets fell steadily during Dee Valley’s reply and at 63 for 8 the cause looked totally lost. The batsmen at numbers eight and nine were Martin Plant (at the time playing for North Wales under 13s) and Andrew Holladay (who’s dad had made him come!). They batted far better than any previous players and took the score to a respectable 91 (Martin 22 no) before Andrew was caught at gulley. Mike Crowe again did the damage with 3 for 17. Norman Holladay, admittedly under pressure from Bryn to get home left his shoes in the pavilion but they failed to find their own way home!

1995

This fixture at Packsaddle was called off due to heavy rain.

1996.
As the previous fixture had been called off it was decided by Mike Plant and Gary Hazelhurst to stage the 1996 fixture at Packsaddle on Friday 19th July. Despite some early scares with the weather, the afternoon brightened up and the game commenced at 2.30 with South Staffs electing to bat. South Staffs lost three early wickets as Mike Plant and Steve Hesketh bowled accurately in the opening spell. Again, Mark Hatton was the backbone of the visitor’s innings with a well made 36 not out supported by “Mitch” Mitchell with 19. South Staffs made 128 all out with Mike taking 3 for 16, Brian 2 for 8 and Martin Plant, who was wagging his last day at school took 1 for 10.
After a brilliant tea prepared by Mrs Hulmes, which included trifle, battenburg and quiche Dee Valley began the reply. Despite losing Dave Brand in the fourth over, Dee Valley progressed to 50 and then lost Richie Hulmes (36) and Charlie (13) which started the familiar collapse. After losing wickets steadily, Mike and James Plant put on 32 for the ninth wicket with the score poised on 105 leaving Dee Valley needing 23 to win. Pete played the familiar anchor role and batted doggedly whilst James found the boundary on several occasions. With the score on 126 Pete started for a quick run but tragically slipped over when sent back by James and was run out leaving Dee Valley an agonising 2 runs short.

Dee Valley

Back Row:- P Roberts, D Brand, I Davies, S Hesketh, B Hall, B Bellis

Front Row:- Martin Plant, J Plant, Mike Plant, C Gibson, R Hulmes

South Staffs

1997.

The venue was once again Alrewas on July 4th. Dee Valley found themselves in the slightly embarrassing position of only managing to field eight players, including three Plants. Very sportingly South Staffs made up the fielding numbers for Dee Valley who won the toss and elected to field. Mike Plant took two early wickets finishing with 3 for 18. Both Charlie Gibson and Steve Hesketh bowled well and kept the run rate down. South Staffs staged a recovery with a stand of 65 (Mike Crowe 43). At this point Mike turned to the dibbly dobbly man himself, Richie who promptly bowled Tim Wedge middle stump after bowling two wides. Humo went on to record figures of 1.5 overs, 3 wickets for two runs! James Plant mopped up the tail leaving South Staffs 137 all out at tea. Martin bowled a good line and Pete was his reliable self eith the gloves. The reason Mark (Evs) Evans did not feature in the above commentary was that he injured himself warming up and played no part in the game.
After tea Dee Valley attempted to win the game with 7 fit players. An early dart looked on the cards. Richie made his intentions clear by putting the first ball of Mitch’s second over back over his head for 4. He went on, assisted by the steadying influence of the captain, to score his maiden 50 with eight fours. The opening stand was worth a record 117 runs with Mike finishing on 72. Charlie and Martin knocked off the remaining runs and Dee Valley won by 8 wickets. A surprising victory. Evs made a full recovery after being pampered by the two tea ladies.

1998
Once again Packsaddle was prepared for battle. Mike Crowe won the toss and elected to field. Richie and James opened the batting and Rich departed for 4 with the score on 22 with James looking comfortable. Andrew Evans departed soon after with a high score looking doubtful. Mike came in at four and literally steadied the boat and with James batting with increased confidence the score moved on to 95 when Mike was out for 26. Sam Ainge and James then had a real go at the bowling adding 58 runs in 7 overs. Steve joined James and the run rate was maintained. James reached his hundred in the 31st over with the score at 189 for 6. Steve was joined by Pete, who was under orders to see the overs out and give Steve the strike. This he did very well as Steve hit his maiden 50 on the last ball of the innings. Dee Valley closed on 255 for 8- not bad! Mike Crowe was, yet again the pick of the South Staffs bowling with 4 for 27.
The South Staffs batting never really got going and wickets fell at regular intervals. Dave Brand took 3 for 8, Mike 3 for 11, Steve 2 for 28 and Brian Hall 2 for 10. The innings closed after 16 overs on 61 all out. This was arguably the best team effort ever recorded by Dee Valley, who celebrated in the “Hole in the Wall”!

1999

August 13th saw Dee Valley make the Journey back to Alrewas. Mike’s faulty brake lights nearly resulted in him and Richie sharing a car! For the first time in living memory our stalwart keeper, Jack “irongloves” Purdie shut the shop and came along.
As usual Mike Crowe won the toss and batted. Dee valley claimed a couple of early wickets but South staffs recovered well thanks to Mike Crowe (55 st. Purdie, bld Hall!) and Mark Hatton (63). The highlight of the day was Richie taking the wicket of Mark Hatton with a twin bouncer. Mark was laughing so much that he holed out to Stevie at long on! Rich went on to take 3 for 48. Steve got 3 for 36. The innings closed in the 38th over for 210 all out.
Richie and Mike made a steady reply putting on 68 for the first wicket when Rich was out for 37. Hatton then took the wickets of Charlie and Carl Battersby in quick succession. Mike was then bowled by Ben Bax for 44. With the run rate falling behind Jack and Brian decided to up the tempo. Despite putting on 81 (Jack 47no & Brian 42 no) Dee Valley finished at 7.15pm, an agonising 10 runs short in a very exciting finish. Once again this fixture was greatly enjoyed by all who participated.

2000

July 14th was the next fixture at the Packsaddle Oval. South Staffs batted first and lost the opening bat to Martin Plant with the score on 21. This, unfortunately brought Hatton to the crease. He went on to score an excellent 103 not out including nine 4s and five 6s. The Dee Valley bowling took a bit of a pasting with only Mike (2 for 17) and Martin (1 for 32) making any inroads. Charlie will claim his 1 for 29 was not too bad but it was only off three overs! Dee Valley, however stuck to the task and South Staffs finished on 204 for 5.
After yet another magnificent Mrs. Hulmes tea Dee Valley staged the reply. Once again Mike and Rich (Wallace and Grommit) opened the innings. After a steady start Dee Valley managed 40 runs off the first 10 overs. The rate increased until Mike lost his wicket with the score at 105 (Mike 47). Rich continued and was out for 52 and Dee Valley well up with the required rate. This did not continue with only Andrew Evans providing any resistance with 14. Battersby played a quick game of six and out and the innings closed 35 runs short.

2001
This proved to be the last of the Dee Valley/ South Staffs fixtures. Because Dee Valley only had six players and made the numbers up by Brian kindly press ganging half the Chirk second X1 into playing, this was not a representative game and is not included. Oh, and we lost.

That completes a summary of all the very memorable and enjoyable encounters over many years. Due to various re-organisations, particularly within the South Staffs organisation, this fixture is no longer played but many friendships were formed along with (mostly) happy memories.


2006
The South Staffs fixture was resurrected in 2006 when Mike Crowe phoned to say their side had re-formed and the game was arranged for June 23rd at the Packsaddle Oval. In time honoured fashion Mike lost the toss and South Staffs elected to bat on a hard dry wicket. Dee Valley had struggled to field a full side due to old age and a plethora of injuries. A very strong batting line-up had soon put on 100 runs in the first eleven overs! James Plant was the pick of the bowling attack with 3 for 42, Mike Plant, very expensive at 2 for 71 with Steve Hesketh and Andrew Swarbrick one wicket each. At the close of the innings South Staffs had scored 283 for 7! Neil Whistance top score with 71, J Goodwin 56. Pete Roberts kept wicket despite being injured and suffered one break and multiple bruises!

After a very fine tea, prepared by Mrs. Evans & Mrs.Plant, Dee Valley started the reply. The start was rather shaky as Mike Plant was out, caught on the boundary in the second over. James Plant & Ian Hall steadied the boat before James was caught with the score on 58. Ian kept going whilst wickets fell steadily with no real resistance until Pete came in at number 10! He and Ian put on a creditable 46 for the ninth wicket. Mark Evans then went in for a second innings as Charlie was not fit to bat due to evil spirit in leg. This enabled Ian Hall to not only record his maiden fifty but also hit his first six! Dee valley’s innings closed on 166 all out, which in the circumstances was not a bad effort.
Despite the score it was a very enjoyable afternoon and we look forward to next year’s fixture.

Dee Valley 'Squad'


Ian Hall (Man of the Match)