NEWS / MATCH REPORTS -
The Treble is Secured!!!! (Sun 14th August): Grange Albion finished the 2011 season with a fine victory over Grange Catholics to take the Ted Peterson Cup and, in doing so, won the treble for the first time since 1974. On a mostly sunny afternoon at Rumney RFC, the Albion won the toss and decided to bat facing the wily bowling skills of Wales A cap Michael Sullivan. Sullivan produced an excellent spell and was backed up by some fine fielding from his team mates and if it wasn't for a knock of 11 runs by Nathan Alderman and some steady batting from Gary Jones, the Albion would have been facing a much lower total than the 34 they achieved. This good fielding performance gave the Catholic boys every incentive to put on a steady batting display. That is a lot easier said than done though when facing Welsh baseball's finest bowler for many years in Matthew Hopkins. Once again, very few Catholic batsmen were able to score off Hopkins and they were all back on the bench for only 17 runs giving the black and whites a 17 run first innings lead. Whilst this lead was most welcome, the Albion boys knew they would have to bat a lot better in their second knock to put the game outside of the Catholics grasp. This they duly did with a number of batsmen hitting good runs, namely Nathan Alderman again (10), Stephen Ayres (10) and Tyrone Vale (8). The Albion totalled 65 in the second knock leaving the Catholics requiring 83 to achieve a remarkable win. The evergreen Catholic batsman, Michael Dacey, made some very good shots in building a personal total of 8 second innings runs. Unfortunately, aside from an excellent shot for 4 runs by youngster, Lewis Watts, Dacey wasn't backed up by his team mates and their second innings finished on a total of 27 leaving the Albion victors by 55 runs. The 'treble' celebrations started at the end of the game and carried on at the club later into the evening. The last time the Albion won the treble was in 1974 and it was good to see the captain of that team, Maurice Jones, in the crowd cheering on the class of 2011. The Albion boys are already looking forward to the 2012 season.
Albion add the Bill Barrett Cup to the Dewar Shield (Mon 8th August): Grange Albion secured a league and cup double by comprehensively defeating local rivals Grange Catholics at the excellent Whiteheads Sports Ground in Newport. Having won the toss, the Albion batted and had an excellent start and were 22 for 2 after the first round of batting. The Black and White's looked set for a big score until young Lewis Bratcher came into the bowling box. He began to whittle out the Albion batsmen aided by some excellent catches most notably from Catholic captain, John Collins, who held an excellent one handed diving catch to dismiss Stephen Ayres. The Albion boys first innings finished on 51 which was less than had looked likely at one stage. The top bats for the Black and White's were captain Nathan Taylor (11) and Liam Beattie (6). This gave the Catholics a chance to gain a foothold in the game but this was swiftly swept away by the sheer pace of Albion bowler Matthew Hopkins and some top class fielding by his team mates. None of the Catholics looked comfortable against Hopkins and they were dismissed for just 22 runs. The Albion began their second innings in determined fashion and went on to amass an excellent total of 70 with Nathan Taylor top bat once again smashing the ball to all parts of the ground in his 15 runs. He was well supported by Tyrone Vale (10), Liam Beattie (9) and Nathan Alderman (8). This left the Catholics the daunting task of hitting over 100 runs to win the game and despite a better batting performance in their second knock, they were dismissed for just 27 runs leaving the Albion victors and double winners. Special mention must go to young Albion backstop, Dean Brockway, who stepped into the role as a result of the Albion's regular stump, Jason Cross, being unavailable. Brockway did an excellent job in holding Hopkins and this augers well for the Albion's future success in the game given the young ages of both Hopkins and Brockway. It must also be said that the game was very well umpired by the experienced Dave Evans and Bill Barrett himself would have been very proud to witness the talent and skills displayed by both sides. Attention now turns to the last game of the season on Sunday (2pm) where the same two teams will compete for the Ted Petersen Cup Final at Rumney RFC.
Two all Grange Cup Finals Again!!: Local rivals, Grange Catholics, handed out a heavy defeat to St Peters in the semi final of the Ted Petersen Cup at Sevenoaks Park tonight (Wed 3 August). In doing so, they have set up two all Grangetown cup finals for the 2nd time in the last three seasons. Two years ago, the honours ended at one cup final win apiece between the Albions and the Catholics. The first final, the Bill Barrett Cup, takes place this Sunday (7th August) at the Whiteheads Ground in Newport, with the Ted Petersen Cup Final the following Sunday (14th August) at Rumney RFC. The Catholics have bounced back well over the last few weeks and have been hitting lots of runs. This should make for two 'hard to call' local derbies to end the 2011 baseball season.
CHAMPIONS!! Grange Albion take Dewar Shield for 4th year running!!: Grange Albion retained their league title for the fourth consective season following a low scoring but hard fought victory over an up and coming St Peters team at the awkward Harlequins Ground in Roath. St Peters batted first and faced the pacy bowling of Wales A cap David Burnett. Burnett had an excellent spell in the box and had the Rocks batsmen on the ropes from the start. He eventually bowled them all out for 23 with the experienced John Dunleavy top scoring with 9. This gave the Albion boys a chance to really impose themselves on the game but a huge shock was on the cards when young pace bowler, Josh Dunleavy, had the Albion struggling on 12 for 8. Fortunately, the evergreen Gary Jones was backed up tremendously by youngsters David Burnett and Lewis Jones and the three players took the Albion into an 17 run lead that looked impossible at one stage. Burnett opened up in the Rocks second innings and he was clearly tired from his excellent bowling and batting efforts. At 19 without loss, the Rocks looked well set for a high score. However, substitute Nathan Taylor took over in the bowling box and immediately turned the game around in dismissing St Peters for 35 in their second innings. This left the Albion to get 18 to win. However, the Rocks boys were in no mood to roll over and they removed 4 of the first 5 Albion batsmen with a tremendous one handed catch by Jason Leaman taken with his back against the fence at long stop. The Black and White boys eventually settled down and managed to knock off the runs required to take the 2 points on offer and with it the Dewar Shield for the 4th season running. The Shield was presented to Grange Albion by the captain of St Peters, John Dunleavy, who gave a very gracious speech and WBU committee representative Chris Webster.
All Grange Cup Final on Sunday 7th August!!: The two Grangetown based teams, Albions and Catholics, will contest the Bill Barrett cup final on Sunday 7th August at a venue yet to be decided. The two sides beat St Albans and St Peters respectively to reach the final and, if the game follows recent cup finals between the two sides, it should be a cracking game for fans and players alike. The game will take place at the excellent Whiteheads Sports Ground in Newport - 3pm knock off.
Grange Albion defeat Buns to reach Cup Final (27 July):
Grange Albion travelled to Tremorfa Park to face St Albans, the only team to have defeated them this season, in the semi final of the cup. The Albion knew that they would have to be at the top of their game to defeat a talented and determined Buns side who are also just placed behind them in the league. Choosing to bat first, the Black and White boys began well and went on to post an excellent score of 88 with the top scorers being the ever reliable Nathan Alderman (20) and pace bowler, Matthew Hopkins (19). This score immediately put the Black and Amber boys under pressure and facing Matthew Hopkins they lost their opening bat and 3 others in the first round. They eventually reached a decent total of 45 thanks mainly to two excellent young players in Ryan Spriggs (12) and Sam Burridge (5). In fading light, the Albion decided to put St Albans back in and once again they proved difficult to finish off and made 47 to make the Albion needing 5 to win in their 2nd innings. This they did without loss. Grange Albion Chairman, Mark Jones, was very proud of all of the Albion players in the way in which they went about their work in this game and all of the other Management team and Albion followers were delighted to reach the cup final. They all realise though, that a lot of tough games lie ahead in this season and much still to play for.
Llandaff North fall to Albion in Cup (25 July): Grange Albion moved into a second cup semi final after defeating an under strength Llandaff North side by an innings at Hailey Park. Batting First, the Albion boys posted a total of 76 thanks mainly to Wales A caps Nathan Alderman (16) and Tyrone Vale (13). The majority of the Llandaff North team would not have encountered the blistering pace of Matthew Hopkins and this showed when he bowled them out for 13 in their first knock. This didn't deter them though and, facing a combination of David Burnett and young Nathan James, the Llandaff boys were 25 for 1 after their first round. They couldn't keep this going though and Hopkins came back into the box to remove them for a good knock of 45 in the second innings. In the semi final, the Albion will meet the winner of the Gower versus Rumney RFC clash.
Congratulations to Wales B and Wales Youth: The Grange Albion Club wish to congratulate all of the players who represented Wales at the weekend in their victories at B, under 14 and under 16 levels. In the B game, it was great to see all three Albion players (Jason Cross, David Burnett and Lewis Jones) play well and finish not out in their only innings. Cross also shone behind the excellent pace bowling of young Josh Dunleavy of the St Peters Club. The younger of the Dunleavy brothers, Lewis (also St Peters), deservedly won Man of the Match in the B game for a good batting performance and one of the best one-handed, diving, slip catches seen for many a year. The Club were also delighted by the selection of siblings, Chloe and Perry Squire, for the Wales under 14 team and this was topped off nicely by Perry winning the Man of the Match award. Congratulations to both players. Long may it continue!!
Black & White's progress in cup (20 July): Grange Albion progressed to the semi final of the cup with a fine win over an Ely Caerau side who didn't let the Albions have it all their own way. Batting first against the ferocious pace of Matthew Hopkins, the Ely boys posted a decent total of 29 against the league's outstanding bowler. This gave the Albion a chance to build a first innings lead and this they did in reaching 45 all out with Stephen Ayres top scoring with 7. In their second knock, Ely were struggling at 14 for 8 but a useful stand by their last three batsmen took the final total to 29 once again. Anthony Moreland was Ely's best bat with his individual total of 9 runs. This left the Albion to score 14 runs to win which they duly did but losing three batsmen in the process. With the Albion looking forward to the semi final, the Ely Caerau team can reflect on a decent performance and it is clear that, if they can add one or two quality players to their squad, they can be a stronger force next season as they have the spine of a very good team.
3 Albions in Wales B Team!!: The club were delighted to hear that all three of its trialists were successful in being selected for the Wales B team to face England B on Saturday 23 July at Rumney RFC. The three players selected are backstop, Jason Cross, base one and change bowler, David Burnett and one of this season's top scorers, Lewis Jones. The Club sends its congratulations to all three players and best wishes for the game.
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Jason Cross David Burnett Lewis Jones
Albion defeat Ely (Sat 16 July):
| Grange Albion are one win away from retaining the Dewar Shield for the fourth consecutive season with this victory. Batting first, the Albion boys started well with only one batsman dismissed in the first round. They continued in this vein and finished their innings on 86 with fine contributions from veterans Gary Jones (13) and Tony Hicks (10) aided by the consistent Lewis Jones (11). |  Gary Jones |
| Facing a bowling combination of Dean Brockway and Gary Jones, the Ely boys batted well and finished their innings on 48 with Mikey Fish top scorer with 7. Despite a 30 plus lead, the Albion decided to bat again but were dismissed for one of their lowest totals of the season (29) as a result of excellent fielding by the Ely team. Once again, Lewis Jones batted well (9 not out). This left Ely requiring 69 to win but their hopes were quickly dashed with the introduction of Matthew Hopkins in the bowling box. Hopkins is in devastating form this season and despite a good knock of 7 by Anthony Moreland, the Ely boys were all out for 25 leaving the Albion winners by 43 runs. The two teams meet again at Sevenoaks Park on Wednesday night in the cup. |
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Matthew HopkinsHopkins blasts Albion to big win (Wed 13 July): Matthew Hopkins made a massive statement following his omission from this season's Welsh team by blowing away a strong St Michaels team in both of their innings for just 9 and 11 respectively. This was after he had hit 9 runs in Grange Albions innings of 44 with Wales A cap, David Burnett top scoring with 12 runs. This left the Albion to progress in the cup and looking forward to Saturday's league match with Ely Caerau at Sevenoaks Park.
Congratulations on Wales caps: Grange Albion are very pleased and proud that players Nathan Alderman and Stephen Ayres played so well for Wales in the win against England in Liverpool on Saturday 9th July. Nathan made his 3rd appearance for Wales whilst Stephen made his debut. Our congratulations go to both players and their families.
Stephen Ayres Nathan Alderman
Close game ends with Albion victors (Sat 2 July): Grange Albion faced top Newport side, St Michaels, at a hot and sunny Sevenoaks Park in front of the biggest crowd this season. The spectators witnessed a hard fought encounter as the Newport side knew that a defeat would effectively knock them out of the running for the league title. After winning the toss, the Albion batted first against Wales' opening bowler, Ross Perrett. Perrett bowled well and, aided by excellent backstopping from Greg Lyons and some fine fielding the Albion were all out for one of their lowest totals of the season in 38. New Wales cap, Stephen Ayres top scored with 7 runs. With the Albion minus their opening strike bowler, Matthew Hopkins, the St Mike's boys must have felt that they had a good chance of taking a first innings lead. Having said that, the Albion have strength in depth in the bowling box and team captain, Nathan Taylor, did superbly well to remove the Newport boys for just 33 giving the Albion a small lead. The Grange lads new that this was a pivotal innings in the season but started poorly in their second knock with a number of good batsmen out for ducks or low scores. However, with Perrett tiring in the bowling box, the Albion boys got back on top and went on to achieve 55 with fantastic knocks under pressure from ex Cardiff City youngster, Curtis McDonald (10) and the evergreen Gary Jones (14). This left St Mike's a target of 61 and with a number of good quality batsmen in their side, it was a total they had run down in the past. They started a lot better and after the first round of batting they had only lost two batsmen. Taylor was tiring in the box so in stepped young David Burnett and it was he who changed the game with an excellent spell of quick bowling. He was also backed up in the field with the crowd amazed by an outstanding one handed catch by Wales B trailist, Lewis Jones. This catch changed the game in favour of the home team who went on to win by 26 runs. The game was well umpired by Gordon Griffiths and the crowd were treated to a good afternoon's entertainment. The two teams meet again at Sevenoaks Park in a week or so in the cup where another exciting game is anticipated.
Cup victory for the Black and White's (Wed 29 June): Grange Albion kept up their winning streak with a resounding win over the Gower club on a lovely evening at Roath Park. The Gower boys batted first and were immediately struggling against the quality bowling of Matthew Hopkins. Only a couple of the Gower team got bat to ball and it wasn't long before they were all out for 25. However, in the field, the Gower boys made an excellent start and some very good bowling by Anthony Cacchia was backed up by several top class catches in the field. It was left to just 5 Albion batsmen to pull the Grange boys out of a hole and this they duly did with good runs made by Lewis Jones (11 - see below), Tyrone Vale (11), Matthew Hopkins (10) and Stephen Ayres (9). The Albion finished their innings with 59 runs on the board. The challenge now was for Gower to make the Albion bat again but this was quickly wiped out with a devastating spell of speed bowling by Matthew Hopkins. He clean bowled 7 Gower batsmen and only had 5 hit runs off him in their 2nd innings total of just 14. Hopkins is on the top of his game and is a throw back to the speed bowlers of yesteryear. The sizeable crowd at Roath Park were highly impressed by this 22 year old bowler and they were all left wondering why he has not been selected for Wales against England on the 9th July. It was good to see a number of ex-Grange Albion players in the crowd including ex Cardiff City footballer, Lee Jarman, and three stalwarts of the Albion's ladies team in Tracey Buckland, Corinne Skinner and Natalie Ayres. All three of these ladies graced the black and white colours for many years and it was great to see them supporting the boys at this game. We hope to see them and other fans of the game over the remainder of this season as this young Grange Albion side provide a great deal of entertainment on the diamond.
Albion take local derby spoils (Sat 25th June): Despite the rainy morning and cloudy game conditions, Grange Albion remained on course to retain their Premier crown after a comprehensive victory over local rivals Grange Catholics. Batting first against the Catholics attack of Welsh international bowler, Mike Sullivan, and promising youngster, Lewis Bratcher, the Albion boys racked up a very competitive total of 79. The top bats for the black and white's were new Wales cap Stephen Ayres (14), Nathan Taylor (12) and Tyrone Vale (11). The highlight of the Catholics fielding was a fantastic diving catch by the evergreen Andy Nelson playing at longstop. When batting, the Catholics changed their usual order with another very promising youngster, Ashley Park, stepping into open the innings in place of Sullivan. However, facing the games top bowler, Matthew Hopkins, is always tough and not one of the Catholics batsmen got on top of him. Bowling throughout both innings, Hopkins removed the Catholics for 25 and 31 respectively leaving the Albion victors by an innings. Once again, Hopkins proved without doubt that he should be the first name on the Welsh team sheet and again left all of the players and spectators baffled by the decision not to include him. For the Catholics, a period of rebuilding is needed with the focus increasingly on an exciting crop of youngsters emerging in their ranks.
Baseball followers shocked by Hopkins omission from the Welsh Team!!: The team to represent Wales in the annual international against England was announced on Wednesday 22nd June. For the 2nd year in succession, the baseball fraternity at large are absolutely dumbfounded by the decision not to include the games most outstanding bowler, Matthew Hopkins, in the Welsh team. Whilst work committments preclude Hopkins from playing in every game for the Grange Albion club, this cannot be a reason for his omission as others selected have played less games than him for their respective club sides. This is not a reflection on those selected as the Welsh team will be well served by two very fine bowlers in Michael Sullivan (Grange Catholics) and Ross Perrett (St Michaels). However, the vast majority of those involved in the game are completely flabbergasted by Hopkins omission. Quite simply, this is baseball's equivalent of Australia leaving Shane Warne out of their side in his hey day!!
Gower fall to Hopkins and Co (Wed 22nd June): Grange Albion travelled to Roath Park to face a Gower side strengthened by a number of recent signings. After winning the toss, the Albion batted first and, despite losing their first two bats without a run on the board, they steadily built over a number of rounds to finish on 84. Top scorers were Liam Beattie and Dominic Stephens (both 13) but these were backed up with excellent batting displays from Matthew Hopkins and Jason Cross.
Facing the league's top bowler, the Gower boys were 7 down with little on the baord. To their credit, however, the remaining batsmen stuck at it and took the team's total to 44 with Richard Ford, Chris Britton and James Stitfall to top batsmen. With 40 runs to play with, the Albion decided to enforce the follow on. Facing the very able Albion back up bowlers of Nathan Taylor and David Burnett, the Gower boys were in trouble but, once again, a group of Gower boys stuck together to take their 2nd innings total to a very respectable 50 with Ford and Britton again the top bats. This left the Black and White's to get 11 to win which they did for the loss of three batsmen. This is another welcome 2 points for defending champions Grange Albion whilst the Gower boys will take great heart from a much improved batting performance which should stand them in good stead for the remaining games of the season.
Grange Albion get back to winning ways (Wed 15th June): After losing their first game of the season the previous Saturday, the Albion boys were determined to get back to winning ways in what is tradtitionally a tough fixture against Ely Caerau away. However, batting first, the Albion batsmen settled after a few early setbacks and racked up a season high of 105 for 9 declared. The two Albion batsmen in form once again were Nathan Alderman (22 not out) and Stephen Ayres (19 not out). These two batsmen are setting the pace this season with both nearing 100 runs thus far. This long batting display took the wind out of the Ely boys sails but, to their credit, a number of their batsmen fronted up well to Grange paceman, Matthew Hopkins. Nevertheless, they were unable to get sufficient runs to make the Albion bat again leaving the black and white's to take the points on offer.
Buns take the points (Sat 11th June): On a perfect day for baseball, St Albans deservedly took the points on offer at Sevenoaks Park and also ended the Albion's unbeaten start to the season. The Albion batted first and, once again, had to rely on a group of 5 to build a total. After looking decidely shaky on 32 for 6, some excellent batting from Stephen Ayres, Nathan Alderman, Lewis Jones and Gary Jones helped the Albion total to 65. At this stage, the Albion were favourites and when 4 St Albans batsmen fell in the first round, the Albion were in control. However, the game changed with some top class batting and big hitting from the Buns batsmen, especially Michael Brandt, Stephen Hubbard, Nathan Trevett and Michael Brind. This stand took the Buns total to 82 and left the Albion with quite a bit to make up in their second knock. The innings got off to a poor start though with a number of Albion boys going for ducks. Once again, it was left to Alderman and Lewis Jones aided by young Dean Brockway. The Albion managed to leave St Albans just 27 to win but, with David Burnett in the bowling box, the Buns got of to a terrible start losing their first four batsmen for ducks. However, Brandt steadied the ship and, aided by some powerful hitting from Nathan Trevett, the Buns boys got home with four men to bat.
Grange Albion make it 5 out of 5 (Wed 8th June): The Albion boys made it 5 wins on the trot in securing an innings victory over a youthful St Peters side at a windy Sevenoaks Park. Batting first, the black and whites struggled initially against some accurate and pacy bowling by young Josh Dunleavy. However, a group of Albion batsmen, made up of Nathan Alderman, Jason Cross, Stephen Ayres and Tyrone Vale, dug in and eventually took the innings total to 62. With Mathew Hopkins in the bowling box, the Rocks players struggled to deal with his raw pace and, aided by some good catches, the St Peters first innings closed at 19. Albion captain, Nathan Taylor, then enforced the follow on and once again Hopkins made serious inroads into the Rocks batting order. He then took a well earned rest and passed the bowling duties to David Burnett who, once again, bowled very well to wrap up the Rocks second innings for 22 leaving the Albion to take the 2 points on offer. Whilst this may look a comfortable win, the Albion boys know that they have to continue to maintain the high standards they have set themselves and several players will be dissappointed in dropping a number of regulation catches and others in not troubling the scorecard. For St Peters, it must be said that the future looks bright as it is clear that a good number of the young players they are blooding will develop into very fine baseballers. The Albion boys know that the Rocks will continue to get better year on year and they fully expect, and look forward to, a strong challenge from St Peters in the coming seasons.
Albion take derby day spoils (Sat 4th June): The first Grangetown derby of the season ended with a 9 men to bat win for the black and whites following a good all round performance by an Albion side missing first choice bowler and back stop combination, Matthew Hopkins and Jason Cross. Thankfully, the Albion squad has got real strength in depth and the new combination of Welsh internationals, Nathan Taylor and Nathan Alderman, did an excellent job to dismiss Grange Catholics for 30 runs in their first innings. They were backed up by some excellent catches with one outstanding take by Stephen Ayres. The Albion then set about their batting and, despite a flurry of early dismissals, they built up a healthy lead in amassing 84 runs. This total was aided greatly by two excellent knocks of 19 each from internationals Nathan Taylor and Tyrone Vale. The Albion changed their bowler and backstop combination in the 2nd innings with David Burnett taking over in the bowling box and Liam Beattie donning the gloves. They also did a superb job and the first nine Catholic batsmen were back on the bench in short order. However, to their great credit, they made the Albion bat again after some fantastic batting from their last two players, Wales B players John Collins and youngster Ashley Park. The Albion were left to get 6 runs which they did for the loss of a couple of batsmen. It was good to see the Catholics fielding some very promising youngsters which will stand them in good stead for the future. For the Albion, they now go into Wednesday's game at home to St Peters with growing confidence and will be strengthened by the return of Hopkins and Cross.
Winning run continues (Wed 1st June): Grange Albion kept up their 100% start to the season with a comfortable win over a youthful Gower team playing their first league game of the season. Batting first, the Albion boys posted a total of 64 with the main contributions coming from the evergreen Gary Jones, Welsh international, Tyrone Vale, and young Lewis Jones who has made an excellent start to the season. The Gower team were unfortunate to face Welsh baseball's best bowler, Matthew Hopkins, in tip top form and he removed all 11 batsmen for just 16 runs. The Albion enforced the follow on but decided to rest Hopkins and give new signing, David Burnett, a chance to shine in the bowling box. And shine he did with a number of batsmen cleaned bowled in an excellent spell which was marred only by a couple of late home runs. The Gower eventually fell for 26 in their second knock leaving the Albion victors by an innings. The next game is Saturday's local derby against Grange Catholics at Sevenoaks Park.
Albion win away in Newport (Sat 28th May): An under strength Albion team travelled to Whiteheads Sports Ground in Newport, the new home of St Michaels, but still came away with the points after defeating the top Newport team by 8 men to bat. The win was set up by a tremendous display of bowling and backstopping by duo Nathan Taylor and Jason Cross. Taylor bowled both with accuracy and no little pace and this was backed up by Jason Cross who has started the season extremely well in all areas of the game. St Mike's fell for a lowly 19 runs and they were up against it when the Albion took a 40 plus lead after some excellent batting from youngsters, Nathan Alderman, Curtis McDonald, Lewis Jones and the experienced Jason Cross and Gary Jones. St Mike's did much better in their 2nd knock but the introduction of Gary Jones into the bowling box broke up a promising stand and the Albion were left less than 20 to win which they got for the loss of 3 men. This was an excellent 2 points gained in what is always a difficult fixture. The next game for the Albion is on Wednesday night at home to Gower.
2011 season kicks off emphatic Albion win (Wed 25 May): Defending Champions, Grange Albion, got off to an excellent start to their 2011 campaign with an emphatic victory over a talented and experienced St Albans side at Tremorfa Park. The Albion won by an innings with all players doing well after some good pre-season training sessions. The Albion boys got off to a great start by dismissing the Buns for just 16 runs in their first knock with first class bowling from strike man, Matthew Hopkins, working in tandem with outstanding backstop, Jason Cross, and new signing, David Burnett, on base one. This trio, allied to some excellent fielding from the other players, provided the platform for the Albion to go on hit a healthy total of 80 for 6 declared in their knock. A number of players contributed to this total including Curtis McDonald, Gary Jones, Nathan James, Nathan Alderman, Matthew Hopkins and Jason Cross. The Buns did much better in their 2nd innings scoring 34 but leaving the Albions to take the two points on offer.
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Matthew Hopkins of Grange Albion, Man of the Match in the Ted Peterson Cup Final 2009. Go to www.sportingwales.net to see an article on Mathew (Issue 6, pages 30/31).
See Pictures from Cup Final here:
Above: Albion Scorer Melvyn Hopkins and his St Albans counterpart, Christine Churcher, prepare the paperwork for the game ahead. They are joined by Grange Albion Under 14 player, Regan Poole, son of former Albion player and Wales B international, Geoffrey Poole.
Hopkins makes Premier history (Sat 7 June 2008): Grange Albion's young speed bowler, Matthew Hopkins, made Premier League history on Saturday 7 June 2008 with an almost perfect spell of bowling that destroyed the batting line up of previously unbeaten St Michaels. With his first two balls, Hopkins, removed Welsh internationals, Paul Hurley and Norman Parselle for ducks. This set the tone for the rest of the batsmen and, with the aid of some fine fielding and tremendous backstopping by Jason Cross, Hopkins tore through the order to finish with the history making figures of 11 for 6 runs!!!, all of which were extras. No St Michaels player scored a run!!! This tremendous feat is a first for the top level of the game in Wales and will take some beating.
************************************************** * 2007 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS - Our Centenary celebrations continued on the afternoon of Friday the 18th May with a local junior schools tournament for the 'Grange Albion Centenary Trophy' at The Marl. The four schools involved were Ninian Park, St Paul's, Grangetown and St Patrick's.
The schools produced an exiting and memorable tournament which was thoroughly enjoyed by the children, teachers, parents and spectators (including Lord Mayor, Gill Bird) alike. In the first round of games, St Patrick's defeated Ninian Park and St Paul's beat Grangetown to see those two schools compete in the final. In a terrific final, St Paul's just edged out St Pat's by two runs to leave captain Alex Goodman to collect the Centenary Shield from the Lord Mayor.
The winning school, St Paul's:
* GRANGE ALBION v COMBINED WALES/ENGLAND TEAM - This match followed on from the schools tournament. The combined international team was made up of:
Mike Sullivan, Tony Miles and Mike Deacy (Grange Catholics),
Leighton and Russell Martin (ISTL Llanrumney),
Chris Duffin (Caerau),
Peter King (Gower Sports),
Brian Curtis (St Albans),
Norman Parselle (St Michael's), and
Jeff Linge, Paul Hughes and Barry Hughes (Liverpool and England).
The combined international team was led out onto the diamond by former player and Grange Albion legend, Charlie Kinsey. Prior to knock off, both sides were introduced to the Lord Mayor. The game proved to be an excellent spectacle for the 400 plus crowd with the international side taking a first innings lead. The Albion's bowlers did well against a highly skilled batting side with youngster, Matthew Hopkins, causing the 'internationals' many problems.
An honourable draw was the final outcome and captains, Matt Hopkins and Jeff Linge, jointly collected the trophy from the retiring head of Cardiff Parks Department, Mike Clark.
The match was followed by a night of celebration and stories of the 'old days' back at the Grange Albion Sports and Social Club.
* TREE PLANTING AT THE MARL - On the afternoon of Wednesday 21 March 2007, members of Grange Albion Baseball Club and officials from Cardiff County Council held a joint tree planting ceremony at the Marl to commemorate both the Club's Centenary season and the reopening of the redeveloped facilities at the Marl. The event was well attended with a number of former players getting together to mark the occasion.
The photograph below is of former players (l to r) Alan Barnett, Mark Jones (international cap), Billy Clifton (int. cap), Gary Jones, Mattie Lloyd, Tony Hicks, Mac Purchase (int. cap), Trevor Rees (int. cap) and Graham Finn (int. cap). 