Cup defence ends at the first hurdle

Old Alluredians 139 (Chetwode 5-15) beat Old Cranleighans 132 by seven runs

After all the entertainment we have gained from cup competitions since we joined the Brewers Cup in 2001, this took us back to the beginning. The club has progressed significantly since we were knocked out in the 1st round by Old Hurstjohnians in 2001. We have raised the Brewers Cup three times in four years and the Cricket World Trophy last year. However the availability for this round was dire… University exams, holidays (yes, during the cricket season) and a general lack of interest in travelling down to Kings Taunton turned the usual selection dilemmas into a scramble for 11 players.

We did, however, turn up with a full compliment on a warm day down in Taunton. We won the toss and elected to field, given that the green pitch was still drying. Our opening attack was a blend of youth and experience with Henry Watkinson and Max Barson (on debut). Both bowled with good control to contain the OA’s openers. Watkinson struck early on as he bowled an excellent tight line and some sharp fielding contained the OAs to 40 for off 14 overs. Our first change, Jumbo Jupp, was expensive in a short spell before Rob Jones gave us more control, with Alex Craven bowling his usual miserly line and length from the other end. Mike Chetwode came on to replace Jones and immediately gave us back complete control of the game as he took 5 for 15 either side of lunch. Some excellent groundfielding helped us keep the pressure on at both ends and OAs had no answer to Chetwode. Jones replaced Craven to take the last three wickets as OAs left us 140 to win.

With a very achievable target the plan was simple - bat sensibly for as many overs as it took. After some excellent early drives from Jones, we quickly found ourselves in trouble at 35 for 3 with Jones, Barson and Johnny Gates all back in the pavilion. Eds Copleston and Will Howard steadied the ship before we lost Howard LBW trying to work a straight ball to the leg side(all too familiar) to leave us 60 for 4. Jock Vickers and Copleston took us to 85 for 4 before Copleston was controversially given out caught off his pad. At 85 for 5 we were reeling and shortly afterwards Vickers fell LBW to leave youngsters Damien Hill and Jupp with a difficult task - 95 for 6 at tea. The run rate was never an issue and we knew if just batted for another 10 overs the game was ours. Jupp batted with maturity and mental strength to get us to within 7 runs of victory as at the other end wickets continued to tumble - Hill ran himself out, Wakinson was bowled and Craven fell LBW. Shortly afterwards the umpires had the last word as Jupp was stumped off what debatably could have been a no-ball.

We didn’t deserve to win this game the way we batted, Taunton played with spirit and deserved their exciting win. The majority conclusion after the game was this is a thoroughly worthwhile tournament to be in and can provide some good cricket for all OCCC club members going forward. This also represents an opportunity to blood players and test them under pressure in cup cricket. We must move on and learn alot from this experience as attention now moves to the first round of the cricketer cup this weekend - a home tie against Lancing…