Bailey takes the reins

At a packed AGM of the club Steve Bailey was elected as the new captain of the club. The 28-year-old succeeds Henry Watkinson who leaves for Australia as soon as the side returns from Kenya.

"At least it's not a tough act to follow," said Bailey. "It's a great privilege and I hope that I can live up to the great players who preceded Henry. I feel that my experience of leading the School in 1990, plus my skills as a genuine allrounder, will help to lead the club into a new era."

Ed Copleston, who was elected as vice-captain, was quick to give his support to Kitbag. "Steve is a master on the field, a demon of tactician. He will make calculated decisions based on the situation he faces, not rash reactions to pressurised scenarios. It will be a pleasure to serve under him and I know we all have alot to learn from the next year of transition which he leads us head first into."

New social secretary Rick Johnson discusses fund raising with an admirer
And Simon Copleston also gave his backing to the diminutive new leader. "Steve is a very competent captain. I've played under him before and he'll inject a tough edge into OCs cricket that we haven't seen since the days of Bugge. His dancing talents off the field will be very useful and I'm sure he'll pick a very good looking team."

Club president John McDermott was equally supportive once had got over the shock.

Bailey denied that his new romantic links with a Spanish lady would mean that he couldn't give his full attention to the job.

Other decisions reached at the meeting were that Martin Williamson and Mike Chetwode would captain a 'Golden Oldies' 2nd XI on Speech Day, with selection placing less emphasis on ability to procure illegal substances and more on cricketing prowess. Chetwode denied that it was a move on his part to take more cheap wickets.

Former captain Andy Wright, star batsman Robin Elsdon Dew and supporter Allen Dean were all elected vice-presidents.

And Rick Johnson was levered into the new position of OCCC Social Secretary.