Youngsters shine as Watkinson opts out

OCCC 302 for 4 (Davies 130, Cross 116*) drew with Grasshoppers 156 for 2


On a rather miserable looking Jubilee with a day of constant light drizzle we did battle with the Grasshoppers. Skipper Matt Crump won a crucial toss given that he only had five players at the due start time – the remainder were gingerly making their way back from Jonny Gates’s wedding - and to everyone’s relief elected to bat. Will Howard as per his usual bizarre behaviour turned up with no kit only his wedding suit from the night before.

We  soon put the rather poor Grasshoppers attack to the sword with the two youngsters Ollie Davies and Ollie Cross striking centuries with ease, Davies clocking up his maiden OC ton before lunch. Davies, the more classical looking player, appeared very assured at the crease while Cross used his strength to muscle the ball to the boundary in what was a very impressive partnership by the youngsters.  We  finally declaring on a mammoth 304 for 3 off 45 overs.

Henry Watkinson and Ru Hume took the new rock, with Watkinson taking the first wicket with one that ‘came back in’ to remove the opener LBW.  He was then dispatch to the boundary by the Grasshopper No. 3 and soon decided that with the light drizzle, Charlotte arriving and the batsman getting on top that his back felt a bit stiff so decided to get in his hairdresser’s car and drive back up to London and leave the rest of the team fielding in the rain. Not what you expect from a former captain.

The Grasshoppers moved onto 156 for 2 before the drizzle got heavier and the players left the field to general relief of everyone.  Other than Henry who was by then back at home having his crumpets and tea.   Matt Crump