Side announced for Brewers Cup debut

Eds Copleston, who captained the OCCC to victory on Speech Day and will lead the side in the Brewers Cup first round match against Old Hurstjohnians in three weeks time, has named his squad for the game.

Having applied unsuccessfully over a number of years for admission to the Brewers Cup, effectively the second-stream Cricketer Cup, the club have been included this year for the first time. The only previous foray in competitive cricket was in the Cricket World Trophy which we entered between 1990 and 1997, with our best performance coming in the first year when we reached the semi-finals.

"In the view of both myself and the committee as a whole it is essential we do as well in this tournament as we should," said Copleston. "The OC Cricket Club can only grow and attract new talent in the long term if it makes itself successful in the short term. Our progress in the Brewers Cup, perhaps a long Cup run, could publicize the club in an extremely beneficial way."

There are two high-profile absences in the squad. Club captain Steve Bailey, who took over from Henry Watkinson at the end of the Kenyan tour is missing as is the powerful hitter Rick Johnson.

Bailey's omission, whilst unfortunate, is explained by his lack of form - his last four innings have produced just 12 runs - and his tendency to catch the ball like a girl. "He is suffering a lack of form," reflected Copleston. "However, I believe like all great captains who have suffered in this manner he is strong enough to bounce back."

Johnson on the other hand can consider himself hard done by, especially given that his ability to score quick runs could be extremely useful in the limited overs format of the Brewers Cup.

But Copleston denied that the decision was down to anything other than cricketing ability. "He confirmed to me with his performance on Speech Day that he is not Brewers Cup material. I need players with genuine skill and a desire to extract victory at all costs.

"Nicknaming me Hitler for the severity with which I continuously told him to behave or placed him intermittently at long leg will not have improved his previously bleak chances," added Copleston.

The match takes place on Sunday 24th June at Hurstpierpoint and starts at 11.30am.

OCCC side to play Old Hurstjohnians (from); E Copleston (cap), S Copleston, S Watkinson, G Brown, R Gutteridge, W Howard (wkt), A Janmohamed, N Read, T Hufton, M Chetwode. 12th Man: L Moorby