The Committee

Captain

Jonathan Scowen – The Skipper, Lord Jon, Player’s Prince

“My name is Jonathan Galahad Scowen, commander of the Arbour of the South, General of the Batting Legions, loyal servant to the true umpire, Biggus Dickus. Father to a murdered bat, husband to a murdered wicket. And I will have my vengeance, in this over or the next.”

Having resisted the call for 84 years, the skipper finally relented to the weight of public pressure and agreed to open the batting for The Arbour [read: no one else could/wanted to]. Having ended the season as the leading run scorer, and breaking numerous club batting records on the way – Most Bats Punched and Angriest Walk Off, specifically – this proved to be the correct decision. As part of an increasingly confident Arbour batting unit, Jonny struck regular partnerships with Kai (RIP) and Neil, helping to lay the foundations for a handful of strong batting performances and wins.

However, as life seeks balance, batting success meant bowling sucketh. The skipper went wicketless in eight games, conceded more runs than any other bowler, and returned an economy rate of more than 4.00 for the first time – albeit having bowled more overs than anyone else. Unfortunately, this drop has ensured Mitch is well clear as the Club’s leading all-time wicket taker. Bugger.

Neil Carolan – Neilio, Sugarbottom (but only by Coach Carolan, AKA his wife)

2024 gave a hint, a coquettish glimpse, into what could have been. Everyone in the team knew Neil could bat. We’ve seen it in the nets, seen glimmers of it on the pitch, but it was the 2025 summer where his ability was truly visible. Clearly, time off over the winter to work on a revised batting stance (and a loan spell at Knowleonecares Village CC – Ed.) has yielded impressive results. Bulk runs, exceptional catching (finally! finally?), and a diddlyi stint as Vice Captain made this an impressive summer for Neil. In any other season, his haul of 187 runs, notably over double his returns from 2024, would have left him top of the run-scoring lists. He performed a vital role in steadying the top order with Jonny and Kai (RIP), which was so critical in the new-look and more confident batting line-up. Aggressive ball-striking, strong running between the wickets, and increased caution against ‘bastarding low balls’ have made him a formidable prospect with the bat. On the rare occasions he was allowed to bowl, he made a good case to be included in the growing list of Arbour ‘all-rounders’, picking up his first club wicket in the process. He also had his experience of captaincy, becoming the third man to captain The Titanic Arbour.

Conor Gavin – 4-Foot Giant, Little Sausage

Another Arbour player to have their best season returns, Gav enjoyed a profitable season with the ball, doubling his overall wicket tally, moving to sixth on the all-time wicket-taking list, and picking up his best bowling figures of 3/16 against DSTL in August. The lethal ‘in-dicker’ continued to be highly effective, and Gav even proved himself capable of bowling spells longer than he is tall, showing a marked improvement in match fitness. With the bat, Gav has gradually moved his way down the order. Usually batting at nine, he eeked out enough runs to pass 100 club runs and made a few valuable contributions, including a handy bromance with Mitch in Yorkshire, where both batters sported fetching pink cowboy hats. Off the pitch, Gav was able to indulge his true passion of golf, leading to a famous victory at the second edition of The Arbour Open. His other interests, continental lager and general mischief, made for an entertaining tour. As a “committee member”, Gav has been vital in securing much needed funds and picking up several new players. For all of these reasons combined, he continues to be a vital member of the club – despite occasional ambivalence to the sport.

Treasurer & Digital Marketing Manager

Cait Carolan – Coach Carolan, Wifey

“Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another. I beg you, don’t get out first ball, motherducker.”

As digital marketing manager for the second year in a row, Cait is a glutton for punishment and continues what she does for work during her precious little time off. Each moment is worth it, however, as she actively prevents crossing the boundary from cricket WAG to cricket widow. Often the Arbour’s only groupie, she’s used to cheering from the sidelines with the likes of “good effort!” “nice try!” and “stop allowing bloody extras, ya feckin eejits!”. Cait also brings her encouraging words to nets as she’s taken on a bit of coaching duties. She’s swung a cricket bat a few times in nets, but mainly uses the time as therapy – and training to beat the shite out of anyone who messes with her or hits on her husband.

After a tricky start, Russ ‘The Huss’ found a rich vein of form towards the end of the season, resulting in his most successful season with the bat for the Arbour so far. His two best knocks, a career best 25* against Knowle Village and a match-winning 23 against The Blades in the final game of the season, cemented 2025 as a year to remember for Russell. He clearly worked hard over the winter to improve his technique, but it was a move down the order to number 6 in the mid-summer that resulted in his change in fortunes. As ever, Russ brought a hard-hitting, uncomplicated approach to batting, and sound wisdom and good judgement off the pitch. He also worked hard on his fielding over the winter, and this paid dividends during the season. Russ has comfortably established himself as an able fielder and a regular fixture in the covers. He also procured his first Arbour wicket, courtesy of a stellar catch by Gav, in the final game of the summer. In so doing, he joined Colin in being the first pair of players to open both the batting and the bowling in the same game.

The Regulars

Joe Wilmore

Joey ‘Bungle’ Wilmore’s season was, in many ways, a reflection of The Arbour’s. Moving into the middle order, Joey remained runless after his first three games of the season. This included a 23-ball duck against The Newport Gentlemen (although he can be forgiven on this front for following his captain’s orders – Ed.). Undaunted, Joey’s crowning achievement for the season was a match-winning knock to save and then win a smash-and-grab match against The Blades CC.Stitching together a 60-run partnership with Russ to rescue The Arbour from 23-4, it was an overdue knock from the big batter full of characteristically lusty blows through cover and uncharacteristically quick running between the wickets. 2025 still yielded better returns than 2024 from Joey, proving that no cricket is better than any cricket at Yelverton Bohemians.

Ross Atkinson

One year on from the Atkinson Ascendency, and Ross is still the Arbour’s new ball bowler. Sadly, for none more so than him, 2025 did not yield quite the same returns as 2024. Despite bowling with the same flight, drift, and drop, the wickets were harder to find this summer. He suffered more than most from dropped catches (five, I think? Ed.) and was on the receiving end of some talented batting. However, a well-deserved wicket against Airedale ensured he remains fourth on The Arbour’s all-time wicket-taking list, keeping Leon down at fifth. Not necessarily known for his batting prowess, Ross continues to entertain whilst at the crease. He has also found himself receiving a number of promotions up the order. No longer the Arbour’s designated number 11, he has settled well into his new role at number 10, helping to shepherd the remnants of the tail (i.e. Leon or Manny) to a respectable total. With a good eye, strong arm (at distances of fewer than 20 feet), and ability to dive when the ball is safely past him, Ross has also continued to evolve into a respectable fielder and can usually be relied upon to tidy up behind Colin. To his credit, Ross is the ultimate clubman. Always willing to don a florid shirt and undertake a stint as an umpire or volunteer his place in the side to let another have a go, Ross has a vital role at the heart of the club. No doubt he will be back with a vengeance in 2026.

Joe Bitchell

Conspicuously less hungover this season, Mitch’s status as the Arbour’s premier strike bowler remains, just about, unchallenged. Another 10+ wicket summer took him up to 40 club wickets in the process, comfortably more than any other player. The dry pitches of the summer and some dubious wicket-keeping undoubtedly robbed him of several more wickets. A developing competition and rivalry between Mitch and Leon made for some entertaining spells, but a good tour (yielding five wickets across both games) took his season tally to 16 wickets, at a miserly economy of 3.71. With the bat, he is painstakingly working his way up the order. Despite an unofficial diktat from the skipper preventing him from batting any higher than seven, Mitch crept his way into the top five run scorers for the season and made a number of enterprising knocks. A sound technique, backed by the straightest bat in the club, Mitch looks set to pass as a genuine all-rounder next year, with 50 club wickets and 200 club runs firmly in his sights. His Achilles’ heel? The close proximity of a hen do.

Leon Dell

Much like Neil’s batting, 2024 was a criminally unrewarded year for the diminutive medium pacer. However, 2025 proved to be a much more fertile hunting ground, and he ended the regular season as The Arbour’s top wicket taker. It was an incomplete scorecard without a Leon Dell wicket, and he took wickets in  7 consecutive matches, a new Arbour record. Bowling with skill and guile, many an opposition batter was undone by the drift and dip of a Leon Dell delivery. He proved adept at breaking partnerships and keeping the run rate down. His well-earned soubriquet of ‘Deadly’ Dell was very apposite this year. His final tally of wickets also lifted him up to 5th on the Arbour’s all-time wicket-taking charts. Not known for his prowess with the bat, 2025 should also be remembered as the year in which Leon scored his first runs for the Arbour. In regular competition with Ross for the number 11 slot, this looks to be another competition that Leon will win. Unfairly maligned by his captain for his abilities in the field, Leon did manage to take one catch this season, notable for it giving a first wicket in senior cricket to Rocky. Given the other drops (Colin), this makes it doubly important. We hope to see much more of him in 2026.

Sachen Chopra

A new addition to the team for 2025 (another product of the ‘Gav Pipeline’), Sachen has immediately taken to friendly cricket and has proven a welcome and valuable addition to the team. A retirement (28*) on debut against the Academics set the tone for his batting over the summer. Blessed with a good eye, powerful swing, and some deft strokeplay, Sachen has taken well to his role as a middle-order dasher, and his 103 runs came at a respectable average of 12.88. His approach to batting is best encapsulated by his response to facing a hat-trick ball against the Racqueteers. Upon taking guard, he nervelessly skipped down the wicket to belt the bowler for four, against his captain’s advice. As the season progressed, he became ever more confident with the ball in hand. A number of sharp spells culminated with a 5-fer against Bedhampton Mariners and a rapid rise up the wicket-taking charts. His sharp pace, good variations, and a masterful slower ball mean he is a welcome addition to the Arbour’s fast bowling stock. Club management are VERY keen to retain him for 2026, where he will no doubt return as a mainstay for The Arbour.

Manny Forcados

Manny’s second season went unrewarded for far longer than his bowling deserved. His bowling over the winter had come on a long way, and he began the year bowling with real pace and appreciable swing. He had a particularly profitable mid-season, with economic spells of bowling and a number of wickets to add to his overall tally. He returned his career-best bowling figures this season, taking 2/7 off of four overs against Clanfield. Tying down the middle order in the mid/late stages of the match, Manny bowled with control and skill to eke out two well-deserved wickets. Never a confident batter, Manny became the first Arbour batter to retire hurt, having been struck by an unreasonably quick delivery on the forearm. Still yet to score a run in men’s cricket – an intensive training session over the winter might be in order.

The Occasionals

Mark Carlisle

The most regular of the occasionals, Mark was a new addition for the 2025 season and proved his value as an all-rounder. A steady batter with a sound technique and straight bat, Mark is a valued member of The Arbour’s middle order. Mark’s second greatest value is as a fielder. He is by far the quickest player in the field, with lightning reflexes. Well-suited to covering the ground at mid-wicket. Many an opposition batter has thought twice about a quick single at the sight of Mark swooping down on the loose ball. Mark’s greatest value is his progeny, and we sincerely hope he will use his powers of persuasion to convince Rocky to return next year.

Conor Hinton

Conor’s role at The Arbour is perhaps better understood as a recruitment agent for Knowle Village CC. When you bear this in mind, it has been a highly profitable season for him, having picked up Neil, Jonny, and Sachen (in addition to Gav and Mitch) to play for the local rivals.

Sam Armes

‘The Ringer’ returned for his customary handful of matches. His standout performance with the bat, 32* against Knowle Village, was filled with his useful deft strokeplay and aggressive hitting (sorry Con). He partnered well with Russ to put on a sizeable partnership and bring The Arbour to within touching distance of Knowle’s score. No doubt he will be called upon again to bolster the team when availability dries up next July.

Bill Clark

Drafted in to cover a player shortage, Bill became the Arbour’s youngest player when he made his debut against Clanfield in July. With a compact stance and strong technique, Bill can already make a claim to be one of the better batters in the club – certainly a more talented bat than his father. Bill also has enviable energy in the field, and proved himself adept with the ball, bowling a particularly miserly spell alongside Rocky against Bedhampton Mariners. Evidence that The Arbour’s ‘youth policy’ is working, it is hoped that Bill will rejoin the club next summer.

Rocky Carlisle

The second ‘junior’ to join our ranks this season, Rocky started out as a substitute fielder against Knowle Village before making his full debut against DSTL Portsdown in August. Despite his height (something that, in fairness, has never stopped Leon or Gav – ed.), he immediately proved his value as a bowler. Bowling tight lines at a good pace, Rocky picked up his first senior wicket on debut and was unlucky not to have more, with Colin having dropped at least two chances off him. It is clear he has the ability and temperament for senior cricket, and we sincerely hope we get one more season from Rocky before he realises he’s better than us and moves on.

Mike Punt

Called upon to cover two fixtures this year, Mike bowled tidily in both, helping to keep the run rate down and was unlucky not to pick up more wickets (having had four drops off his bowling). Mike’s propensity to test every shower at every cricket ground he visits has continued, as has his appalling chat. He also appeared against the Arbour for OPCS Titchfield, where he was run out by the skipper and went at 8.50 with the ball. Evidently, he saves his best performances for The Arbour.

Dan Mason

Dan kindly filled gaps in our availability for two Sunday games, proving a more likeable alternative to Mike. Club management considered his three-wicket debt to The Arbour from last season settled.

Chinmay Ingmale

An unexpected return for the summer tour, Chinmay made the journey from north of the border (Scotland, not Berkshire) to join the team in Yorkshire. Chinmay slipped right back into his old role as spinner and top-order batter. His loopy, sharply turning, left-arm spin resulted in an economical, if criminally unrewarded, tour. Should The Arbour visit Yorkshire again, Chinmay will certainly be called upon.