Henderson takes over as Copleston quits

Eds Copleston has resigned as captain of the OCCC after only three seasons in charge following his move to the USA on business. Eds had hoped to be able to juggle work with cricket and continue in the role courtesy of air miles, but business commitments meant he has been unable to play since moving to New York in June.

"It’s with great sadness that I have decided to resign as captain,” he said. “The club has given me an enormous amount of pleasure over the years and I feel like I have more to give back to it."

Ed Henderson is set to be appointed as his replacement at the AGM early next year. "The club’s in good hands with Hendo as club captain," Copleston said, adding: "Although he does lack captaincy experience, so I hope the club supports his efforts."

Eds took charge of the cup side in 2001 and led the side to four Brewers Cup finals between 2002 and 2006, winning three times. He also captained us to the Cricket World Trophy in 2007 before taking over the full club captaincy from Henry Watkinson in 2008.

Copleston’s departure also meant he was overtaken by his brother on the all-time run-scoring list, and a superb 2010 season for Simon, who also lives abroad, enabled him to become only the second OC to pass 4000 career runs.

"Congratulations to Simon … it’s is a further sign of the continued Copleston dominance of the OCCC batting aggregate board and it is inevitable now that Nigel Paul’s record will fall to either Simon or myself as we now have 8000 OCCC runs between us."

Season ends with heavy defeat

West End Esher 128 for 3 beat Old Cranleighans 126 (Hill 40) by seven wickets

What has been in many respects a frustrating season ended with a heavy defeat at West End. The on-field drubbing was largely offset by a lovely setting and an excellent post-match BBQ.

With a weakened side containing several faces who no longer play regularly, we never got to grips with some decent but not devastating bowling on a far from tricky pitch. Several batsmen perished to horrible shots, and at 75 for 8 it appeared likely the game could be over before the charcoal was even lit. But Damien Hill, horrendously hungover from his birthday celebrations the day before, swung to good effect against the secondary bowlers before missing a full toss, adding 35 for the ninth wicket with Martin Williamson and scrambling us into three figures.

The ever-dependable Mike Chetwode struck early, actually removing a stump from the ground for the first time in years, but we did not have nearly enough depth to the bowling or runs on the board to threaten an upset. Nigel Radbourne rolled back the years with his offspin to claim a late wicket, and a daft run out engineered by Gareth Starling and aided by Tristan Rosenfeldt removing the bails in advance of receiving the ball gave the scoreline a smidgeon of respectability.