Club News

2021 AGM of Halverstown Cricket Club

The 2021 Annual General Meeting of Halverstown Cricket Club will take place in Fallons of Kilcullen on Thursday 25th November at 8pm.

Update: The AGM has now been moved online due to ongoing Public Health Measures. The Zoom link will be sent to all members early next week.

Halverstown 2: 2021 Season in Statistics

By Des Drumm – 18/11/21

2021 was a very special season with newly established Halverstown 2 (“H2”) entering the T20 Adamstown Cup and reaching the final, losing to Terenure 4 with 7 balls to go on a beautiful “Day of Finals” in Terenure. I was very proud to lead H2 out in the final—indeed, it was a great honour to captain the side throughout a marvellous series of games.

I intended to combine the stats of H2 and The Oaks, but Ger O’Shea suggested they be reported separately. It makes sense—not just because T20 is a different game but because Cricket Leinster (“CL”) has a complete set of stats on everything you want to know (and some things you don’t). Below are the highlights based on the CL site and our own notes.

1. Top Batsmen

No surprise in who topped our figures: Paolo was a big factor in our success, closely followed by Abhi, both of whom also feature highly in the bowling stats. Honourable mention for Kevin Hodson (119th) who was 10th for us with 9.5.

Some standout stats:

• Highest 6th wicket stand: 52* by Darren Ryall and Kevin Hodson vs Athlone 3 at Harristown (Darren 56*, Kevin 5*)
• Highest 8th wicket stand: 98* by Paolo Rosa (79*) and me (7* off 31 balls!)
• Boundaries scored: Paolo (14 – 6th), Ashley Jackson (11 – 11th), Darren Ryall (9 – 15th), Abhi (8 – 21st), Manik (6 – 24th) out of 302 players!
• Strike Rate: Darren (2nd), Paolo (7th)… and somehow, I was 19th!

2. Top Wicket Takers (Out of 206 Bowlers)

Bowling is a subtle art with many metrics. Paolo and I both landed in the Top 10 Wicket Takers. Stuart Hayes (1.1 overs, 1 wicket for 2 runs) ranks #2 in CL’s averages and #3 in economy! Ger (1 over, 1 run) even beats that—but one over doesn’t qualify for my list.

3 & 4. Average Runs per Wicket and Economy Rates

In T20, economy is everything—and we did brilliantly. A total of 9 bowlers were on or under a run a ball in economy, and 11 if you count Stuart and Ger. A superb effort across the board.

5. All-Rounders

According to the CL All-Rounders category (127 listed players):

• Paolo – #2
• Abhi – #5
• Ahsan – #37
• Des (me) – #42
• Manik – #47
• Kevin – #61
• Stuart Hayes – #63

We clearly have a lot of all-rounders!

Fun Stat Highlights

• Most wins by a captain: Me (6)
• Most wins by players: Cecil and myself (tied)
• “Longest serving by duration”: Stuart Conroy – 0.11 years (don’t ask!)

Fielding Performances

(Amended for accuracy, as not fully reported by CL):

• Cecil: 1 stumping, 2 catches
• Paolo, Abhi, Ahsan, Des: 3 catches each
• Stuart Hayes: 2 catches (including a key one in the final as sub!)
• 1 catch each: Ger, Andy Barber, Mark Ronaldson, Matt, Manik

The T20 Cup 2021 was a great, great adventure; thanks to everyone who played a part in it!

Halverstown Reach First Cup Final in 20 Years

It’s been 20 years since Halverstown Cricket Club last appeared in a Cricket Leinster Cup Final. The year was 2001, the competition was the Intermediate Cup, and the opponents were Bagenalstown. Back then, the team was captained by the late Alan Ruddock.

It’s a moment of great pride to now see both his sons, Matt and Danny Ruddock, don the Halverstown shirt for the 2021 Final. Alan would be exceptionally proud of this team and how they’ve played throughout the tournament.

This time around, Halverstown are led by the ever-resilient Des Drumm, a man truly deserving of the tag “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove.” Under Des’ leadership, the team has won 6 of their 7 matches, the only loss coming to North Kildare 5 in a group match where an experimental lineup was fielded. By then, qualification had already been secured.

There’s just one change from the side that beat Adamstown 7 in the Semi-Final: Stuart Conroy misses out due to work commitments, and is ably replaced by Danny Ruddock.

Key Stats

• Abhishek Pandey – 141 runs from 5 games, including a superb 67 in the semi-final.
• Paolo Rosa – 116 runs from 6 games; also the team’s top wicket taker with 9 wickets and a superb economy rate of 3.75.
• Des Drumm – 8 wickets with a solid economy rate of 5.05.

The Opposition

Halverstown will face Terenure 4 in the final. Terenure is a respected senior club in Cricket Leinster, with a strong history of producing both senior and youth internationals.

• Top Batter: James Hanrahan – 130 runs from 3 games
• Top Bowler: Anand Haritwal – 9 wickets from 5 games (Economy: 4.78)

Road to the Final

1. Beat North Kildare 5 by 9 wickets
2. Beat Adamstown 8 by 132 runs
3. Beat Adamstown 8 by 14 runs
4. Beat Athlone 3 by 79 runs
5. Beat Athlone 3 by 40 runs
6. Lost to North Kildare 5 by 52 runs
7. Semi Final: Beat Adamstown 7 by 30 runs

Team for Sunday’s Final

• Abhishek Pandey
• Mark Ronaldson
• Manik Islam
• Paolo Rosa
• Matt Ruddock
• Sahab Uddin
• Ahsan Syed
• Kevin Hodson
• Danny Ruddock
• Cecil Johnston (WK)
• Des Drumm (Captain)

It’s important to recognise how much of a squad effort this campaign has been. Over the 7 matches, 21 players have contributed to the team’s journey—an amazing achievement for a village club that not so long ago struggled to field a single XI.

Thanks must go to those working tirelessly behind the scenes: Tim Ronaldson, Hubert Beaumont, and Barry Ashmore, among others. Their dedication keeps this historic club thriving.

Regardless of the result on Sunday, Halverstown Cricket Club can be immensely proud. Updates from the final will be available via the Cricket Leinster Match Centre.

T20 Cups – Half Time Reports

Both Halverstown teams have been in action over the last three weeks in their respective T20 Cup competitions. With the brand new coloured kits and several exciting new signings during the close season, there was plenty of anticipation in the air as the season kicked off.

Halverstown 1

Captained by Hubert Beaumont, Halverstown 1 got off to a flying start with a strong win against Lucan 3, picking up all 4 points thanks to a 54-run victory.

However, tougher tests followed. Against a strong Naas 1 outfit, Halverstown didn’t post a high enough total and Naas chased the target with an over to spare. The third game was another tough challenge against North Kildare 3, and for the second game running, a below-par total cost the team as North Kildare claimed victory.

With only the top team in each group progressing to the knockout stages, Halverstown 1 now face an uphill task. They will likely need to win all of their remaining three games to stay in contention.

Halverstown 2

For Halverstown 2, led by Des Drumm, it’s been a triumphant return to competitive cricket. The team has taken the field with confidence and returned with three consecutive wins.

• Game 1: A 9-wicket win over a youthful North Kildare 5 side set the tone.
• Game 2: An emphatic 132-run victory over Adamstown 8, highlighted by a magnificent 83 not out from David Braithwaite.
• Game 3: In the return leg, a stronger Adamstown 8 team visited Brannockstown. Despite some wayward bowling, Halverstown 2 defended a total of 121 to win by 14 runs.

Currently sitting 4 points clear at the top of their group, Halverstown 2 are in pole position to reach the semi-finals. With back-to-back games coming up against Athlone 3, one more win could be enough to seal qualification.

Support from the Sidelines

One of the most heartening sights this season has been the return of crowds at our matches. We’ve seen wonderful support at our home games so far, and the players truly appreciate it. Here’s hoping we see even more friendly faces before the season is out!

Halverstown Gala Night Officially Launched

We are delighted to officially announce the launch of our upcoming Gala Dinner, to be held at the Osprey Hotel, Naas on Saturday, October 23rd.

Tickets will go on sale in June and are priced at €65 per person or €520 for a table of 8. Your ticket includes a 4-course meal with tea & coffee, club presentations, a raffle, and live entertainment featuring both a band and a DJ.

Every guest on the night will also receive a beautifully designed commemoration booklet as a keepsake.

A Nod to the Past

Back in 1925, the club held its very first Dinner Dance, an event remembered fondly even today. However, that historic evening was slightly derailed by the non-appearance of the band. Luckily, the great William Walker came to the rescue, serenading the crowd himself and providing music for a room full of dancing cricketers.

We can assure you there will be no such issues in 2021 — this promises to be a truly fantastic night filled with fun, music, and celebration of our cricketing community.

Book Early!

Tickets are limited and demand is expected to be high, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

To purchase tickets:

Contact: Club Secretary – Stuart Conroy
Mobile: 086 1613353
Email: stuart_conroy24@yahoo.ie

Smart Dress is essential.

Halverstown Oaks: 2020 Season in Statistics

Below are the highlights from the 2020 season for the Halverstown Oaks. With just 6 games played (2 wins, 1 tie, 3 defeats), we still managed to extract some valuable statistics and memorable moments.

Batting Highlights

Batsmen are simple folk, and so we rely on just one key metric: average runs scored (with a minimum of 2 innings).

• Top Scoring Batsmen: Includes players in double figures and even those with infinite averages (e.g., Brian and Abhi) as long as they had 2+ innings.
• Kevin Hodson’s average of 18 from one innings didn’t qualify for rankings due to the minimum requirement.

Bowling Highlights

Bowling, the more nuanced art, is measured in various ways:

• Most Wickets Taken: Niall led with 7 wickets, followed by a surprising 5 from Gunter.
• Runs Per Wicket: Gunter topped this list, followed by Brian, Andrew Williamson, and Abhi.
• Economy Rate (min. 5 overs): Brian bowled at an outstanding 2.56 per over, with Abhi not far behind. Only 3 maidens bowled all season (by Paddy Carroll, Brian, and Niall).

Fielding Highlights

• We steadily improved in the field as the season progressed.
• 6 catches taken by: Patrick O’Suicru, Niall, Brian, Andrew, Abhi, and Des Drumm.
• Stumpings: Cecil had 7 (including 3 in one game), and Hubert added 4 more.

Honourable Mentions

No Player of the Year was awarded due to the shortened season, but a virtual award goes jointly to:

• Brian – excellent all-round stats
• Niall – leading wicket-taker
• Cecil – 10 catches/stumpings and multiple game-turning moments

Champagne Moment of the Year

Although Cecil’s 5 dismissals against Carlow was special, the true highlight was the final ball of the last match vs Laois Lions. 10-year-old Mark Case needed 1 run off the last ball – and thumped it for 4. A moment to remember forever.

Thanks to everyone who played for Halverstown Oaks during the 2020 season. Despite the truncated format, the enthusiasm and passion for the game were infectious. Here’s to an even better season in 2021!

P.S. Full batting and bowling stats are available. Contact Des Drumm for details.

Goodbye William Gray

About 60 years ago, as a callow 15-year-old, I joined Halverstown C.C. Before my first game, William was pointed out to me and I was told: “Look, Listen and Learn.”

So, at the end of my first season, I thought it normal to swear and snarl at batsmen when bowling and to try to knock their heads off with a bouncer if hit for a boundary. Fielders and wicketkeepers were also roundly abused for either dropping a catch or not stopping a ball.

I also thought it normal to have several pints and whiskies after a game. After many ‘sick’ Monday mornings, I decided my mentor could have that one.

After leaving school, William played for Leinster C.C. in Rathmines, where he excelled as a bowler. He bowled the best yorker and off-cutter I have ever seen. He was also a crafty batsman with an off drive that curled and was nearly impossible to field.

At every ground we played in, he was known, respected, and liked — and his passing has cast a cloud over his very many friends.

His four sons — Desmond, Alan, Brian, and the late David — also played cricket for Halverstown, and William got great pleasure when his granddaughter, Jennifer, played for Ireland.

William, we will miss you. RIP.

– TP

The Kildare Derby II

After two straight wins, including beating county rivals North Kildare, Halverstown crashed to earth after a defeat to Adamstown last Saturday. As was pointed out after the match, for 55 out of the last 60 overs played, they had controlled the games. It’s just in those 5 overs last week that the wheels came off the wagon.

Saturday is going to be a big occasion. Halverstown will want to win and reinforce that the 8-wicket win from two weeks ago was no fluke. For North Kildare, they’ll want revenge for that defeat. As things stand, the group is finely balanced, with Halverstown, North Kildare, and Adamstown all on 40 points after 3 games, with only Net Run Rate separating the clubs.

We will have live updates on our Twitter page on Saturday.

On the left you will see some photos from the last game against North Kildare. These are the copyright of Sean Brilly from the Kildare Nationalist and have been reproduced here with his permission.

Halverstown XI:

• Hubert Beaumont (Capt)
• Clive Wardrop
• Danny Ruddock
• Kevin Hodson
• Vishnu Yannam
• Ahsan Syed
• Kevin Threadgold
• Gunter Bayer
• John Threadgold
• Neville Case
• David Braithwaite

Start time in Brannockstown: Saturday, 2pm.

Also this weekend, Des Drumm captains the Halverstown Oaks on their journey to Dublin to play the Theatrical Cavaliers. The Oaks are still looking for their first win of the season, after losing by 9 wickets to the North Kildare Taverners team last Friday.

Start time for the Oaks game: Sunday, 2pm.

The Difficult 3rd Game

After the utter joy of beating county rivals last week, it’s back to normality and a tough visit to Corkagh Park to take on Adamstown. Halverstown go into Saturday’s game sitting top of the table on maximum points and will be looking to make it 3 wins from 3.

The sides are familiar rivals, having met in the group stages of the Russell Court Trophy last season, where Halverstown came out as 5-wicket winners.

Start time in Corkagh Park: Saturday at 2pm

Halverstown 1 XI:

• Clive Wardrop
• Kevin Threadgold
• Ahsan Syed
• Kevin Hodson
• Barry Ashmore
• Gunter Bayer
• H Beaumont (Capt)
• John Threadgold
• Vishnu Yannam
• Neville Case
• David Braithwaite

Friday Night Fixture:

The Halverstown Oaks travel to North Kildare to face their Taverners side. It’s been a difficult season so far for the Oaks, with a heavy defeat to RTE last week leaving them with two losses from two games.

Start time in Kilcock: Friday at 6pm