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Just a date for your diaries. 24th to 28th July, Lower Castle Park.
30+ Real Ales & Ciders. Craft Ale in conjunction with Two Brews. Comprehensive Pavilion Bar. Quality cricket every day Thursday to Sunday.
Today (15/06) the First XI host Loughton CC (11:00 start) and we welcome the return of England U19, Charlie Allison and Scotland U19 Mackenzie Jones to the Colchester team, which also includes Joe MacGregor (Captain, Loughborough University) and Simon Fernandes (Essex CCC Second XI). The bar will be open , free admission, and the match will also be live streamed via the Colchester Play Cricket website and YouTube.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 15:59 - Jun 16 with 3024 views
What a treat spectators in Castle Park had yesterday in a rain affected fixture. Colchester moved clear at the top of the league after smashing 219 in merely 34 overs.
Sadly, 195 minutes and hence 56 overs were lost to the weather, but Joe MacGregor and Charlie Allison both hit 70+, Charlie in a spectacular six fest, with one clearing a Catchpool Road roof, without question, the biggest hit I have witnessed in a decade.
Then Loughton were soon reeling at 8-4, recovering to 78-6, with eight catchers around the bat. This was declaration/timed one day cricket at its tactical best. Bowling out any Premier Division side in 30 overs is nigh on impossible. The match was ultimately drawn with Colchester taking 14 bonus points. Next Saturday, it’s the top of the table shoot-out at Chelmer Park, Chelmsford, and the good news is long injured Scottish U19 International, Mackenzie Jones, is expected to be fit to bowl.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 18:31 - Jun 16 with 2999 views
I only arrived for the last twenty minutes ...Charlie Allison is capable of shots that may never have been replicated at Castle Park.
I noticed that Guy Haynes was missing from the line up yesterday.
Guy, Joe, Charlie and Simon are close to the best top four Colchester & East Essex have had in my lifetime...the only line up to rival them is Wright, Scofield, Nolan and Moye - two of whom played for Essex ( Wright and Nolan ) and Trevor Moye played for Essex 2's.
Trevor Moye was an outstanding all rounder!
This could be Colchester's best opportunity to win the Hambro Premier title with Wanstead and Hornchurch less formidable than in previous seasons.
Chelmsford away next Saturday is a big match for the club.
Is it too much to ask for an Essex Premier title and a promotion season for Colchester United?
STOP PRESS - it was Ben Allison who was striking 6's today with Brentwood flying the flag for Essex clubs in the National Cup - five in his innings of 73 not out in a victory against Swardeston from Norfolk.
😊😊🦮🦮
[Post edited 16 Jun 19:46]
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 20:52 - Jun 20 with 2922 views
Colchester & East Essex CC batter, Charlie Allison is making his Essex T20 debut tonight, joining his brother, Ben. Sadly, this means Charlie is absent for the top of the table Essex Premier League clash at Chelmsford this weekend. However, prolific opener Guy Haines returns.
Next Friday (evening) 28/06 CEECC in Castle Park is hosting an evening with New Zealand Black Caps T20 star, Adi Ashok. Non-members are welcome (free admission). Daytime, I am scoring England Young Lions v Sri Lanka U19 at Chelmsford, which is likely to feature Essex’s Charlie Allison, Noah Thain and Luc Benkenstein. I am unsure if this fixture will be televised (possibly highlights on Sky), but I am sure a (free) live stream will be on YouTube.
Just a month to go before the Cricket & Beer Festival, and again, Colin Bocking of Crouch Vale Brewery has sourced an awesome selection of Real Ales and Ciders. Paul from Two Brews will enhance this with superb selection of Craft Ales. We are even promised forecast sunshine!
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 10:20 - Jun 21 with 2887 views
Congrats on your England U19 duties Noah. Don’t get there too early has this is a Day/ Night fixture starting at 14-00 hrs. Sky usually televise only U19 World Cup tournaments, but sure would be available onstream.
Met up with former Club Chairman David Beales yesterday and mentioned the top four for Colchester & East Essex over the years - in his view the best ever One to Four was as follows -
Wright Hands Nolan Green
That may just eclipse my former line up with Wright and Nolan figuring again.
Stuart Hands, an international cricketer from Zambia became our games master at Colchester Technical College around 1971 and was a superb organiser, mentor and sportsman.
Stuart ( R.I.P. ) was looking for a local club and l mentioned Colchester to him.
He was playing for the club about two weeks later.
We had a college cricket team back then that played in the twenty over cup and l recall a victory we achieved in near darkness over at Braintree one night. Stuart was a natural leader of our student team that included players from a range of different courses.
He placed a notice on the message board in reception and within 48 hours we had a net session on the college playing field - one of the batsman went on to play for Warwickshire Second X1.
Stuart also organised lunchtime 6 a side football league and cup tournaments that were very competitive and great fun to be involved in.
As a member of the Art School team we played in national competitions in London and Peterborough eventually losing to teams from Southampton and Liverpool.
After having too much fun at Art School l focused on concentrating on a career after leaving the Sheepen Road campus.
Just remembered an Art School v Staff cricket match at Spring Lane where l opened the batting with a sculpture student by the name of Dan Jones who l only met on the eve of the match at a practise session.
We put on 160 for the first wicket with Dan smashing about 130 with shots all over the ground!
All l had to do was push singles into the cover area and get Dan on strike.
I think we made about 250 for 7 dec and bowled out the staff for around 130.
[Post edited 21 Jun 13:07]
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 07:59 - Jun 22 with 2846 views
Not my first scoring duties for a touring side at Chelmsford. Alongside Tony Choat for Essex, I’ve scored for India, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Denmark. Tourists never bring a scorer, whether for senior or age-group cricket.
I also suspect that I might possibly hold the First Class record for scoring for the most different counties (e.g. rather than my own), as during Covid, social distancing meant there were no travelling scorers (or spectators). So, I scored an entire behind closed doors season for the visitors during the Bob Willis Trophy competition that was fortunately available on the live stream and some TV.
Counting back, I’ve actually scored for other First Class opposition more often than for Essex First XI. Frankly, it is the ultimate in “dead man’s shoes” career progression, and consequently opportunities are few, but I am privileged to have occasionally enjoyed the best view in the ground whilst getting paid for it.
But my passion remains Colchester & East Essex CC, where currently we enjoy the best top seven batting line up I can recall in twenty years, although the past Castle Park combination of Aussie, Julian Russell and current New Zealand WK, Tom Blundell would get my vote for all-time best partnership. We have perhaps yet to see the best of Charlie Allison, who is absent today with the Essex T20 Squad having played last night versus Kent. Today is a big test, a top of the league clash (away) versus Chelmsford CC at Chelmer Park. I plan to live stream the game on the Colchester Play Cricket website, subject to a decent local 4G signal. Start 11:00am.
Get the Castle Park cricket & beer festival in your diary (24th - 28th July). On Saturday 27th July, the visitors are Wanstead & Snaresbrook, always fireworks given they have Essex batters, Robin Das and Kishen Velani.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 23:06 - Jun 22 with 2816 views
A bad loss today for Colchester & East Essex CC on an awful wicket. We were 114-9 at lunch, then 116 all out merely an over later. Then, Chelmsford lost seven wickets knocking them off before tea. An injury to a Chelmsford player meant we only required nine wickets, so the margin was slim. Today highlighted just how good Castle Park pitches are.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 15:56 - Jun 24 with 2759 views
With Ben and Charlie Allison representing Essex last week l was looking back ( with the help of Wiki ) at brothers who had played together for Essex.
I was reminded that an Essex player holds a world record ( 163 ) for a batsmen coming in at No.11 - that being Peter Smith. Peter's brother Ray also played for the county but l'm not sure if they were both in the same side when this feat was achieved.
I recall the Pont brothers playing together for Essex in a Lords final.
I attended my first Essex match at Castle Park as an eight year old. My dad, who worked on a Saturday morning took me along for the afternoon and evening session.
It was a similar experience to watching my first football match at Layer Road at the same age - captivated by both visits and the beginning of a long journey.
Essex Cricket Week at Castle Park was always one of the highlights of the summer.
The first wages l ever earned were paid by The Pakistan Cricket Board for selling promotional brochures in 1967.
The greatest side l ever saw at Castle Park were South Africa in 1965.
A few of us did scoreboard duties for Colchester & East Essex for around five seasons and also Colchester Chamber of Commerce during the summer holidays on Thursday afternoons - some decent player's involved in those matches.
Crowds used to flock to these matches in the 1960's, benches were put out along the boundary on the Causton Road side and cars would flood in through both gates.
Very few benches are available these days and cars are no longer permitted to enter the ground for spectators.
The crowds were often boosted by patients and staff from Essex Hall and Turner Village - some of the patients had strange habits like taking sweets out to the umpires and assisting with the occasional fielding duty.
This was a golden era that will never be repeated.
STOP PRESS - Just checked out the line up for the South African match played at Castle Park, July 3rd, 5th and 6th, 1965 and can see that the Essex openers that day were Micky Bear and Graham Saville. I had thought that Gordon Barker opened that day - so here l am correcting my memory some 59 years later!
When Peter Pollock was bowling at that blistering pace, which included plenty of bouncers, the players were wearing just caps - seems inconceivable now.
I can still remember the entire South African squad signing autographs on the Saturday morning before play begun - we were also treated to an exhibition of fielding by Colin Bland throwing down a single stump on the run - l never saw the like of it again.
There was a very respectful atmosphere in the ground for our esteemed visitors.
😊😊🦮🦮
[Post edited 24 Jun 18:00]
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 23:52 - Jun 24 with 2737 views
Speaking of young Charlie Allison, he hit another 50 today for England U19, but was overshadowed by a young man named Rocky Flintoff, who on debut hit 106. A familiar name and score? You bet, is Andrew’s son. Is it really that long since I saw dad Freddie destroy the Aussies?
Both should be in action at Chelmsford on Friday when England U19 host Sri Lanka. I am scoring the fixture, so look up and give me a wave when queuing for a beer or ice cream.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 09:33 - Jun 28 with 2654 views
Enjoy the day Noah, let’s hope the Essex boys do well. Although a member, Meteor way unavailable, changed to a day/ night fixture, main gate towards city centre closed and the bag police will probably be in attendance for unattended bad week. ECB have made this fixture, better to avoid rather than attend .
How’s this for a fantastic selection of real ales that include…….
Brewery. Real Ale. ABV. Type Roughacre Saffron Sun. 5.4. PALE Roughacre. Zestival 3.6. PALE Black Box. First Class 4.8. PALE Black Box. Vulcan. 4.0 GOLD Chelmsford Brew Co. 37th Parallel. 4.8. DARK Chelmsford Brew Co. Wild Coast IPA. 4.5. PALE Green Jack. Nightingale. 4.0. AMBER Green Jack. Trawlerboys. 4.6. BROWN Wharf. Scruffy Mild. 3.7. DARK Wharf. Coggeshall Gold. 4.0. PALE Colchester. Cat's Whiskers. 4.8. DARK Colchester. Mermaid. 3.8. PALE Crouch Vale. Brewers Gold Extra 5.2. PALE Crouch Vale. Ernest. 4.0. PALE Brentwood. Summer Virgin. 4.5. PALE Elephant School. My Milk Stout Brings All The Bulls To The Yard 4.5. DARK Billericay. Billericay Dickie. 4.2. AMBER Earl Soham. Albert. 4.4. AMBER Cliff Quay. Mermaid 3.8. PALE Bishop Nick. Ridley's Rite. 3.6. AMBER Bishop Nick. Hazy Pale. 4.2. PALE Mighty Oak. Copperheart. 4.1. BROWN Mighty Oak. Arcadian. 3.9. AMBER George's. Cockleboats. 4.0 BROWN Hopmonster. Kobiashi Maru
Plus dozens of craft ales from Two Brews, plus ciders
Just three weeks until the cricket & beer festival starts.
[Post edited 1 Jul 21:18]
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 20:02 - Jul 3 with 2489 views
Earlier this week, Colchester Skipper/WK, Simon Fernandes followed up his Essex Second XI 100 last week with a T20 92 off merely 52 balls. With regular WKs Pepper and Rossington committed to the Hundred competition, surely he is soon going to get a chance with the Essex First XI along with Charlie. Trouble is, we need them at Castle Park for our title challenge.
Massive game on Saturday, Brentwood CC at Castle Park, both sides boasting an incredible array of talent.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 06:26 - Jul 13 with 2324 views
Just over a week until the Cricket & Beer Festival (starts 11:00 Wednesday 24/07, with Kwik Cricket Tournament at 18:00, then, the first day time cricket is next day).
Beer list confirmed, Craft Ales confirmed,and even the weather forecast is looking good. Indeed, it looks like heralding the start of 2004 Summer proper!
The cricket club is not only a top Essex Premier League Club (both male and female teams in the top flight), it is a charitable community sports club. Every week, over 200 children are encouraged, coached and developed. This is our major annual fundraiser and your support is valued.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 08:06 - Jul 13 with 2314 views
Charlie Allison 44 not out for Essex in the Twenty Twenty yesterday against Sussex - put on around 120 for the 6th wicket which may be an Essex record.
I spoke to Charlie on Friday evening - so pleased for him!
🦮🦮😊😊
[Post edited 15 Jul 12:32]
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 23:30 - Jul 15 with 2171 views
I have just addressed the beer pricing model for the Colchester Cricket and Beer Festival.
A majority of the real ales and ciders on offer will be available at a price between £4.20 and £4.60 per pint. Only one beer exceeds the UK pub average of £4.80 per pint, and that is a 5%+ ABV rocket fuel.
With merely £3.00 admission (including glass and programme) this will be the best value event in Castle Park for many years, plus there is decent cricket on Thursday to Sunday.
For a full beer list, see earlier in this thread. Many CAMRA members have fed back that over 50% are new beers to them. We try to please.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 19:17 - Jul 19 with 2106 views
A brave effort from Colchester's 19 year old Charlie Allison tonight, but a narrow defeat means the end of the 2024 T20 competition for Essex CCC.
Almost a a sensational finish at Castle Park today versus MCC. Colchester required 36 to win from the last over. Scottish U19 international Mackenzie Jones was at the crease, hit 6, 6, 6, 6 (could he do it?) out caught on 97. Result was match Drawn, but 571 runs scored in 92 overs, 15 wickets, that's entertainment!
Essex fans will probably be at Chelmsford for the 50 over one day cup on Wednesday, but why not join our beer festival post match? Castle Park is merely five minutes walk from the Colchester North railway station.
Then Thursday 25th July - Colchester versus Lloyds of London ( a very decent team!).
Friday 26th July - Colchester versus the Gentlemen of Essex (the cream of the Essex League).
Saturday 27th - Wanstead - THE top of the table Essex Premier League title showdown?
Sunday 28th - Essex Women's Premier league - another title showdown (n.b., Essex CCC are away at Gloucester - we hope to show that on the pavilion "big screen").
26 Real Ales - 18 were NOT at the recent Chelmsford Beer Festival.
Only one beer (a rocket fuel!) priced in excess of the average UK pub price. Most Ales on sale at £4.20. We are fundraising as a (registered) Charitable community sports (cricket) club that supports over 200 youngsters each week (maybe future Charlies Allisons and Mackenzie Jones?).
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 06:14 - Jul 23 with 2016 views
Ready for serving from 11:00am tomorrow (Wednesday) through to late Sunday 28th July.
If you have never tried “My milk stout brings more bulls into the yard” (Elephant Brewery) this is your opportunity. Also two fantastic ales from the tiny Roughacre brewery. Something new for all beer lovers.
26 fantastic real ales carefully sourced from the highest quality brewers, plus dozens of craft ales from Colchester’s Two Brews……..cricket and SUNSHINE!!!
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 23:27 - Jul 24 with 1929 views
With the Col United fixture on Saturday being played behind closed doors what better reason to instead visit Castle Park for the cricket and beer festival?
First day, today, was awesome. Over 100 youngsters displaying their talents, lots of thirsty parents, and a decent number of CAMRA enthusiasts that heaped praise on the quality of beer selection.
Thursday to Sunday, four days of quality cricket, and more beeer.
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Colchester Cricket & Beer Festival on 06:34 - Jul 27 with 1826 views
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