It's Thankgiving ... that means it's Sarasota

Eds Copleston gets incredibly excited about returning to the USA in general and to Sarasota in particular

Man on a mission ... Eds Copleston pictured
with enough tour kit to sink a battleship

So we roll on to the 20th anniversary of the Sarasota international six a side tournament. It's an incredible achievement that they've managed to make it this far. So much water under the bridge and so many poor shots played ... in the town that is famous for its circus.

The OCs have always presented themselves in an excellent light on these tours, whether that be John McDermott resisting arrest under the highly respected drunk driving laws of the US of A or William Howard being thrown out of the Cheetah club for inappropriate manipulation of silicone-enhanced body parts. This year we will not be clowns, and the 20th anniversary promises so much.

This year, we have the squad that may well deliver (silverware). It's a lean squad and we are only taking six for this reason, as we don't want to take up any extra space when the clowns we already have ensure victory. In previous years, we have taken eight or nine lunatics. This year, our hand selected crew has a wonderful blend of maturity and talent.

As usual, we have Hank, the most experienced Sarasota veteran. He sleeps enough for all of us, which will ensure the first over is a miserly one. Then we have Matt Crump, who generates a lot of pace and also a lot of wides. Another man who can now classify himself as a Sarasota vet. Langmead, the consummate allrounder, will provide a mix of medium pace and powerful batting.

For years now, we've waited for Will Howard to win us a game with a bat. This year brings new hope. He has been put in charge of kit, so I think this new, more responsible, role may well bring success at the crease. The surprise package this year comes in our club president, David Bugge, making his six-a-side debut. David is a fierce competitor, and will be an excellent asset for a side that lacks a decent spin bowler now that Jonny Gates is unavailable. David will also instil a mentality in a side that does not like to run between the wickets. Finally, Eds Copleston completes the infamous six and has vowed to finally leave Sarasota triumphant.

In previous years, we have tried acclimatizing, netting, sleeping, not sleeping, and even warming up. But this year we enter the tournament as heavy underdogs. We've dropped Gates, Alan Cope, and Rob Merry for disciplinary reasons, so there is hope yet. Through adversity comes belief, and the challenge we face is a big one. Raising the cup on the 20th anniversary of the Sarasota six-a-side tournament will be a wonderful achievement for the club. As ambassadors for the OCCC in America, we believe the dream is alive.

This year brings new kit, more cheerleaders than players, and the greatest entry onto a cricket pitch ever. Now, people: Give me an O, give me a C, give me a C, and give me another C. OCCC forever. Eds Copleston