tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28372995527405091382012-02-03T20:01:48.171ZAdminnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-61110130238999319092012-01-18T22:00:00.003Z2012-01-23T19:16:43.605Z

The averages for the St Lucia trip do not make pleasant reading, but that is hardly surprising after a trip where we lost five of our six matches, were bowled out for our lowest score abroad (44) and only narrowly avoided our heaviest tour defeat. The form batsmen of recent seasons, Alan Cope and Matt Crump, failed wretchedly, and managed 78 runs in ten innings between them. Crump, who bore

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-50837165088581116022012-01-10T16:20:00.004Z2012-01-15T20:45:59.907Z

OCCC 170 (Crump T 44, Howard 37) lost to South Castries 204 (Gabriel 69, Harman 3-31, Watkinson 2-18, Crump M 2-41) by 34 runsClick here for match photosThe sixth and final match of the tour again took place at the Beauesjour Cricket Ground but once more we went down to defeat, our fifth, and the fourth in four under the captaincy of Jonny Gates.After a solid start from South Castries, the way

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-23852003292017752672012-01-08T16:12:00.001Z2012-01-15T16:51:35.264Z

OCCC 137 for 8 (Bugge 40, Crump T 32, Calixte 4-18) lost to SLNCA Veterans XI 140 for 9 (Charlery 56, Harman 3-28, Brown 2-8, Crump T 2-11) by 80 runsClick here for match photosAfter a day on a catamaran, we returned to the Beauesjour Cricket Ground for a game against an SLNCA Veterans XI which included several members of the St Lucia board. The match was scheduled to be played at Mindoo Phillip

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-27943284612397839402012-01-06T16:33:00.000Z2012-01-15T16:39:50.713Z

OCCC 121 for 5 (Watkinson 52, Johnson 26*) beat New Park Select XI 117 for 5 (Crump M 2-18) by 4 runsClick here for match photosGiven that we had enjoyed the tour dinner the previous night, we arrived at the Beauesjour Cricket Ground for our two Twenty20s in remarkably good shape. Overnight rain, and a brief shower as we walked out to inspect the pitch, delayed the start of the first game by an

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-32898951785707921002012-01-06T16:26:00.000Z2012-01-15T16:32:44.135Z

OCCC 135 for 5 (Crump T 51*, Howard 37) lost to South Castries 139 for 6 (Crump M 2-18) by 4 runsClick here for match photosThe second game of the day at the Beauesjour Cricket Ground took place under lights, the first time the club and many of our players had taken part in a night game. Again, pink balls and black sightscreens were the order of the day, and again we lost the toss and found

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-42207893956769955972012-01-04T16:40:00.001Z2012-01-15T16:48:36.362Z

OCCC 87 (Cope 22, Charlery 4-18) lost to Southern Zone XI 220 for 8 (Alexander 100, Crump T 2-28, Harman 2-49, Crump M 2-55) by 133 runsClick here for match photosWith the Gros Islet ground deemed unfit, we returned to the Beauchamp Cricket Ground, albeit without most of those who had played the day before who decided the stomach-churning drive could not be worse than the fines they would face

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-63956713678190600642012-01-03T16:03:00.003Z2012-01-15T16:12:04.001Z

OCCC 44 lost to Southern XI 124 (Crump M 3-18, Gates 3-19, Harman 2-19, Watkinson 2-27) by 80 runsClick here for match photosLess than two days after arriving in St Lucia and after a fairly gruelling minibus journey, we opened the tour with a match against a Southern XI at the St Lucia NCA’s Beauchamp Cricket Ground. The venue, built with funding from disgraced billionaire Allen Stanford, was

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-60384865871561040542011-11-30T15:04:00.002Z2011-12-15T15:08:04.866Z

Another highly successful and enjoyable visit to the Sarasota International Sixes, 13 years after we first made a mark in Florida, ended with the now customary semi-final defeat against a backdrop of remarkable off-field antics. Strong performances in the opening two five-over games where we scored 93 and 74, enough to see us win both times despite the bowling and fielding being less than

Adminnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-57799403354698177552011-09-27T13:29:00.005Z2011-09-30T21:27:12.518Z

Stuart Meaker has been named in the squad for England's limited-overs trip to India. England have five one-day matches against the world champions followed by a solitary Twenty20 match, with the tour getting under way with the first of two warm-up fixtures on October 8.Described by Chris Adams, the Surrey cricket manager, as “compact, explosive, very quick and skiddy”, Meaker impressed the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-52794940613305241162011-09-15T12:45:00.004Z2011-09-15T12:51:01.441Z

The investment in cricket at Cranleigh and the hard work done by coach Stuart Welch was again in evidence as Duncan Allan became the second OC to play a full ICC one-day international when he played for Kenya against Netherlands in Holland on September 12. What made it all the more pleasing was that Seren Waters, who made his own international debut in 2008 and is now a regular member of the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-44988097057026791232011-08-16T18:39:00.003Z2011-08-16T18:43:19.878Z

The OCCC have been drawn away at St Edwards Oxford in the first round of the 2012 Cricketer Cup. If we win then we will be at home to the winners of Old Alleynians and Old Merchant Taylors, and we will retain home advantage if we make it through to the quarter-finals. Click here for the full draw Eton, who were well beaten by Malvern in last weekend's final, play them again in the first round

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-80202271078456738282011-08-14T18:35:00.003Z2011-08-27T20:55:49.898Z

Hampshire Hogs 288 for 8 (Langmead 4-39) lost to Old Cranleighans 290 for 7 (T Crump 65, Fletcher 64, Davies 60) by three wickets The Hampshire Hogs is not an easy place. It's not easy to find found Harman, Roper and Fletcher at 11.28. It's not easy to decide what to do when you win the toss - if you opt to bat they'll try and change your mind and if you opt to bowl, they'll keep you out there

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-47490262254147783922011-07-30T12:58:00.002Z2011-08-08T13:18:33.942Z

Old Cranleighans 219 (Bugge 50, Watkinson 44, Ashton 36) drew with Frogs 159 for 9 (Watkinson 5-31, Preece 2-34)On a hot day on Jubilee, the OCs won the toss and batted - with a mixture of experience and youth in the side it was decided that the experience of Will Howard and Sam Langmead would show the way to go. Five minutes after the start both were back in the pavilion, Howard having survived

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-67761663813592322292011-07-23T12:57:00.001Z2011-08-08T12:58:34.720Z

Harrow Wanderers 135 lost to Old Cranleighans 136 for 4 by six wicketsA Harrow side, young, keen but soaking wet behind the ears provided no trouble for an OC side captained by Rick Johnson in what was a significant mismatch. From the moment that it became apparent that the opposition had about six pairs of white trousers between the ten of them, it was obvious that OCs should bat if they won the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-32111746722403549062011-07-15T08:55:00.006Z2011-07-15T11:03:56.077Z

Old Cranleighans 252 for 8 dec lost to Woodpeckers 253 for 7 by three wicketsAfter the Woodpeckers, a wandering team whose roots lie the the Fleet Street press but are now based in and around the Alma pub in Wandsworth, stepped in to replace the Eton Ramblers at the last minute, there was just one talking point ... Alan Cope. At Eds Copleston's wedding the night before, Ed Henderson had received

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-80916558115202092942011-06-27T18:50:00.004Z2011-06-28T08:00:40.268Z

Old Cranleighans 239 for 5 dec (R Merry 100*, Clarence-Smith 90) beat East Horsley 181 (Christo 62, Williamson 3-23) by 58 runsClick here for match photosEd Henderson maintained the unbeaten start to his OC captaincy career with a comfortable 59-run win at East Horsley, Rob Merry marking the occasion with a well-made maiden hundred for the club. The setting at East Horsley was as always glorious

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-57207903945260768492011-06-20T18:56:00.000Z2011-06-27T19:10:36.146Z

The inaugural girls’ cricket match between the Old Cranleighans and the school took place on the St Andrew’s and, despite the overcast sky and the constant threat of rain overhead, a few moments of sunshine were seen, and the match only had to be suspended once, for a short time, during the afternoon.A six-a-side format was used, with the OCs borrowing a wicket-keeper from the school during their

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-64318266540491738952011-06-19T19:41:00.004Z2011-06-20T08:42:05.429Z

Old Cranleighans 193 for 8 (Waters 71) lost to Eton Ramblers 213 for 9 (Horne 62, Cope 4-59) by 20 runsClick here for match photosFor the second year on the trot our Cricketer Cup ended at the first hurdle, and for the first time in six matches in the competition we lost at home. At 68 for 5, Eton Ramblers were on the ropes, but they recovered well to post 213 for 9 in 50 overs, and although we

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-1684121710683081892011-05-29T18:58:00.000Z2011-05-29T18:59:00.739Z

Alan Cope will lead the side in the Cricketer Cup first-round match against Eton Ramblers at Eton College on Sunday, June 12. The match starts at 11am.Abeed Janmohamed was selected as captain at the start of the season but he has had to go to the USA for some flimsy reason or another.The full side is:-Alan Cope (captain), Matt Crump, Tom Crump, Elliott Hannah, Jonathan Haynes, Will Howard (wkt)

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-11945241337270027822011-05-16T21:09:00.001Z2011-05-18T21:26:22.044Z

Old Cranleighans 221 for 4 (M Crump 72*, Barson 44*) beat Old Wykehamists 218 for 7 dec (Barson 3-52) by six wickets A good start with the ball and a clinical batting performance made amends for a ragged fielding performace to see us beat Old Wykehamists comfortably. Max Barson bowled with pace and control whilst Henry Watkinson bowled with control to reduce OW's to 45 for 4 within the first hour

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-26915820548801826612011-05-04T10:00:00.002Z2011-05-04T10:09:49.722Z

OCCC 230 for 5 (Gates 56*, T Crump 55, W Langmead 52, Jones 50) beat Esher 211 (39.4 overs, Chetwode 4-14) by 19 runsClick here for match photosOur first line up of the season was a blend of experience and youth, and on paper a very strong batting line up. We won the toss and took the opportunity to post a score for Esher to chase down in their 40 overs. The unseasonably fine weather, in

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-51036923250011877022011-04-21T14:34:00.002Z2011-04-21T14:35:06.954Z

Fast bowler Stuart Meaker has signed a new deal with Surrey keeping him at The Oval until the end of 2013. Meaker, from Normandy CC, represented England age group sides throughout his development – including a trip to the Under-19 World Cup in 2008 – and will be hoping to push for a place in the England Performance Programme or Lions squad over the course of the 2011 season. “Signing on with

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-4923401244823475442011-02-21T22:33:00.002Z2011-02-21T22:35:36.590Z

The extent to which Kenya have regressed as a cricketing force can be seen from their fortunes at the World Cup. Two tournaments ago, in 2003, they reached the semi-finals and were being talked up as a possible 11th Test nation, but in the intervening years they have been chastised for their lack of investment in grassroots cricket as well as their questionable selection policy. Nevertheless

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-37637267409630092302011-02-04T18:15:00.001Z2011-02-04T18:16:45.391Z

The Annual General Meeting at the Alma in Wandsworth agreed a number of changes to the way the club will operate in 2011, including a new policy on subscriptions and a change of start times for all home matches.The main change in terms of officers was that Ed Henderson was elected as captain to succeed Eds Copleston with Paddy Harman as his vice-captain. Johnny Gates took over from Ed as

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-25472470113473250752011-01-28T13:44:00.001Z2011-01-28T13:45:47.007Z

Seren Waters’ inclusion in Kenya’s squad for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup is a fantastic achievement for him and also for Cranleigh cricket. Waters, who made his debut for Cranleigh’s 1st XI as a 14-year-old, broke the record aggregate of runs scored in a season in his final year, and is now on the books at Surrey while he studies at Durham University. He made his Kenya debut against

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-26774397158247360182011-01-08T21:37:00.004Z2011-01-08T21:39:09.177Z

Rather amusingly, a page created for the OCCC on Wikipedia, on the back of a suggestion made to me a few weeks back, has been deleted by one of their moderators because the Old Cranleighan CC are “not notable” and are too insignificant to warrant an entry. The person who made this decision - pictured right (seriously) – also lectured me on the content and expressed doubt that I had the ability

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-36692917183386710992011-01-06T20:03:00.003Z2011-01-06T20:06:25.486Z

The averages for 2010 showed significant contributions from both young and old, but the story of the season was provided by the veteran Simon Copleston, who returned from exile in Dubai to record his sixth OC hundred, equally the record of Nigel Paul; despite barely lifting a bat in anger for several seasons, he also came within six runs of a second century. His 267 runs at 89.00 topped the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-47744664783111684912010-11-29T09:27:00.003Z2010-11-29T12:33:37.451Z

Reports of the success on or off the field of the OCCC side in Florida are few and far between - perhaps that’s actually a good thing – but we have heard that despite pre-tournament bullishness from the club chairman, the usual Sarasota hospitality appears to have taken its toll and we failed to make the final, finishing with a record of won three and lost two.Undoubtedly more details will be

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-45623565735847019312010-11-24T16:39:00.001Z2010-11-24T16:40:40.583Z

Stuart Meaker has been named as the first recipient of the Harold Larwood Fast Bowling scholarship to Australia.Seven players are participating in the England Cricket Board’s Fast Bowling Programme this winter. This group includes Meaker (Surrey) who has been nominated as the first recipient of the Larwood Fast Bowling Scholarship which will be nominated annually and enable a young fast bowler to

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-57139450640570657722010-11-08T13:09:00.002Z2010-11-08T13:13:32.326Z

Henry Watkinson leads arguably the strongest OCCC squad to Florida on November 24 for the seventh time in the club’s history and the first since 2007 in an effort to lift a trophy that has just escaped the club’s grasp on more than one occasion in the past. The Sarasota International Six-a-Side Thanksgiving tournament has attracted such names as Chiv Chanderpaul, Fayood Bacchus, Jonathan Trott,

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-41774375283041235762010-10-10T05:16:00.002Z2010-10-10T05:20:41.877Z

Graham Webb,a stalwart over three decades and still our leading spinner, offers a chance for OC quick bowlers to rekindle their careers at Blackheath, a lovely club with strong contacts with Old Cranleighans going back to the 1970s As some of you know, I play my club cricket at Blackheath, a very sociable club in a beautiful location near Cranleigh that has boasted many OC members over the years,

Adminnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-51469845493785269602010-09-13T20:44:00.003Z2010-09-13T21:09:05.388Z

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. “

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-86401973251256662212010-09-05T09:58:00.001Z2010-09-06T10:02:18.507Z

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

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-8935942416182299982010-08-16T11:06:00.001Z2010-08-16T11:07:41.166Z

We have been drawn to play Old Etonians at Eton in the first round of the 2011 Cricketer Cup on Sunday, June 12. If we win that then we are again away in the second round at either Wellington or Stowe on June 26. For the full draw, click here.There are two new sides in the 2011 competition, with Old Eastbournians, who have enjoyed considerable success in the Cricket World Trophy, and Old

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-83390075794745611052010-08-15T10:39:00.000Z2010-09-06T10:40:45.285Z

Radley Rangers 141 for 4 (27.1overs: Goudie 2-58; Harman 1-15) beat Old Cranleighans 140 for 5 (35 overs: Crump T 42*, Langmead W 28)Despite heavy overnight rain we were able to get a game of sorts on a soggy Jubilee, albeit one of the limited-overs variety increasingly the norm but less than popular with some of the old guard. Damien Hill won the toss and batted but, by his own admission, “I

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-6742805611914920962010-08-11T11:16:00.002Z2010-08-14T15:28:55.476Z

Heartfelt congratulations to Heather Dean who won a Lifetime Achievement award from Surrey CCC for her remarkable work for Merrow CC. Heather picked up the award from Alec Stewart in a ceremony at The Oval.The citation read: “Heather Dean is described as the ‘lifeblood’ of Merrow CC, with her nominator seriously questioning whether the club would have remained in being without her commitment. She

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-51864003987753766022010-08-11T07:59:00.001Z2010-08-11T07:59:55.748Z

Old Cranleighans 277-7 (Howard 79, Starling 50) beat Cryptics 139 (Henderson 3-14) by 138 runsThis was an OC side made up predominantly of those legends from the glorious ’99 season. Out of retirement came Gareth Starling (50) who compiled a slow but necessary half century, Will Howard (79) who scored some quick runs, including belting the hapless opening bowler into the pavilion for three sixes,

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-20741421928599501092010-08-11T07:51:00.003Z2010-08-11T07:54:25.950Z

Ed Henderson looks back on the 2010 OC cricket weekOld Cranleighans 217-6 (Ashton 94*) beat Eton Ramblers 213-7 by three wicketsAn earlier-than-usual 10.30am start at the behest of the Etonians because they wanted to be home in time for the World Cup final was rather undermined when only two of the opposition were present at the scheduled beginning, but the game was underway before 11am. A

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-34830387946696545022010-07-10T20:44:00.003Z2010-07-11T20:21:08.477Z

Old Cranleighans 281 for 6 (43.5 overs: Crump T 91*, Cope 90, Crump M 41) beat Cranleigh School 280 for 9 (45 overs: Allen 89, Davies 34, Austin 30, Cowdrey 3-33) by four wicketsClick here for match photosWe gained revenge for the OC Day Twenty20 the previous Sunday with a four-wicket win over the School on the hottest day of the year. It was again a close-fought 45-over encounter which went to

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-26610372253679065872010-07-09T20:23:00.001Z2010-08-09T20:27:03.682Z

Old Tonbridgians, defending Cricketer Cup champions and the side who knocked us out of the 2009 tournament, were eliminated from the 2010 competition after it was discovered they had played an ineligible player in their second round win over Old Brightonians."We beat the Old Brightonians by seven wickets to earn a home tie against the Charterhouse Friars, but discovered subsequently that we broke

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-17154657012244352712010-07-04T13:44:00.004Z2010-07-05T19:35:24.030Z

Cranleigh School 158 for 5 (18.4 overs: Langmead 69*, Cross 64) beat Old Cranleighans 157 for 5 (20 overs: Crump T 53, Cope 46)After the absence of a decade or more and years of constant pestering and sucking up by Rick Johnson, the headmaster finally allowed Speech Day and OC Day to merge once more. The results proved the decision was the right one with sport, art and music exhibitions showing

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-912496271867742462010-07-02T17:19:00.002Z2010-07-02T17:21:23.618Z

Congratulations to Alan Cope and Seren Waters who faced off against each other at Lord’s on June 25 on the MCC Universities final. Seren opened the batting for Durham and scored 111 (188 mins, 134 balls, 10x4, 2x6) in their total of 328 for 6. Alan, captaining Loughborough, made 12 in their reply of 169 as Durham won by 159 runs.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-64498853744731013942010-06-28T11:31:00.000Z2010-06-28T11:33:10.789Z

East Horsley 238 for 6 beat Old Cranleighans 237 for 7 (Howard 74, Shapland 50, Hume 44, Chetwode 38) by one runThe annual match against East Horsley was all rather peculiar. What should have been a sleepy afternoon’s cricket in glorious late-June sunshine turned out to be a disjointed limited-over slog. Like much this weekend, it was all Fabio Capello’s fault.Had his overpaid fools been even

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-26336495061290808082010-06-24T09:36:00.005Z2010-06-24T09:40:18.932Z

Rick Johnson has been elected to the OCCC Hall of Fame in recognition of his huge contribution to the club. He becomes the 11th inductee.“The Hall of Fame is a good idea and I am flattered to have been elected,” the stout Johnson said. “I hope I can continue to offer something back to OCCC as it has given me more pleasure than Melissa.”“Rick has been instrumental in taking the club to a new

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-59930433033691831402010-06-23T09:13:00.001Z2010-06-23T09:13:58.809Z

A little piece of Cranleigh history will be made on Friday June 25 when two Old Cranleighans - Alan Cope and Seren Waters - line up against each other for Loughborough University and Durham University respectively in the MCC Universities Championship final at Lord’s. Both captained Cranleigh School 1st XI and have scored hundreds for the OCCC. Alan, in his final year at Loughborough, is the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-14126215042090368392010-06-21T19:57:00.003Z2010-06-21T20:43:45.834Z

Old Cranleighans 241 for 6 dec (Ross 112*, Langmead 72) lost to Headley 245 for 1 (M Pickering 124*, Paver 83*) by nine wicketsClick here for match photosOne of our heaviest defeats in many years came in the usually gentle match at Headley. We brought down a young veterans side, mainly made up of occasional cricketers, and were completely outplayed by a young Headley team who were bolstered by

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-53893328047922100372010-06-16T09:05:00.000Z2010-06-16T09:08:39.177Z

The match against Eton Ramblers on Sunday, July 11 will start an hour early at 10.30am to allow those interested in Spain and Brazil to watch the World Cup final which starts at 7.30pm. In another sign of falling standards the match will be a 45-over contest.Tristan Rosenfeldt, the fixtures secretary, said: “Eton requested this as they have had problems raising a side when the fixture coincided

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-38980526733425121582010-06-13T19:50:00.007Z2010-06-14T18:23:53.348Z

Old Malvernians 160 (Webb 5-25) beat Old Cranleighans 66 for 6 (T Crump 17*) by 13 runs (revised target)Our Cricketer Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle away from home, going down to Malvern, the side who beat us the 2008 final, in a rain-affected tie. For the second year running, we had the bad luck to be drawn against one of the favourites in the early stages. After a three-hour hike across

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-83897223366233969232010-06-12T10:41:00.001Z2010-06-12T11:42:37.761Z

After much deliberation we have settled on the following XI to represent the Old Cranleighans in Round One of the Cricketer Cup v Old Malvernians on Sunday June 13 away at Malvern Venue: Malvern College Start Time: 1130 Meet: 1030 latest Abeed Janmohamed – Captain Will Howard – Wicketkeeper Seren Waters Matthew Crump James Halton Alan Cope Tom Crump Max Barson Elliott Hannah Henry Watkinson

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-70189584423257553762010-06-09T20:29:00.000Z2010-06-13T20:32:31.927Z

Rob Merry reports on how he and nine other friends climbed the peaks of Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Pen y Fan, as well as cycling between them, in memory of their close friend Tom Wheeler who sadly passed away in 2005 aged 22.Click here for the full story

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-70870104090046262492010-05-30T15:34:00.000Z2010-08-14T15:49:26.407Z

Old Cranleighans 229 for 7 (Allen 103, Roper M 53, Close-Brooks 4-45) beat Old Wykehamists 228 for 8 dec (Walters A 55, Roper P 3-71, Chetwode 2-37)The antidote to the previous week's torpor with a game which ebbed and flowed and which we eventually won by two wickets with 16 balls to spare.The star of the day was Duncan Allen, in his final year at Cranleigh. Batting at No. 6, he came with us

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-48876633938975106212010-05-29T16:40:00.001Z2010-05-29T16:42:13.237Z

From May 29, Rob Merry, Sam Langmead and eight other friends will be climbing the peaks of Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Pen y Fan. “Not only will we be climbing these mountains but we will also be cycling between them and then back to London, finishing at Big Ben,” reports Rob. “By the time we finish we will have climbed almost 3,000 metres and cycled over 500 miles - all in the space of five days!“

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-82585333478642740632010-05-16T11:21:00.000Z2010-05-26T11:22:14.204Z

Old Cranleighans 302 for 7 dec (Rosenfeldt 71, Hume 37, Crump 32, Copleston 32, Ross 30) drew with Kenya Kongonis 205 for 8 This was the inaugural home tie against Kenya Kongonis – the away fixture took place in Nairobi in 2001 when the OCCC toured Kenya. The “Long Rains” had begun early when the two sides met in Nairobi (only two boundaries were hit all day with the wet outfield) and while

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-61697826535559808132010-05-08T21:37:00.001Z2010-05-08T21:38:36.026Z

A reminder that the OCCC AGM will be held at Thames Ditton next Thursday, May 13 at 7.30pm. It would be helpful if those who plan to attend could let Ed Henderson know and he will circulate an agenda to those who are coming next week. If anyone wishes to put themselves up for any committee position then please let Ed know.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-77468291353362146312010-05-06T18:25:00.002Z2010-05-06T18:28:43.886Z

Stuart Meaker celebrated his recall to the Surrey first team by taking career-best figures of 5 for 48 against Gloucestershire at The Oval on the third day of the County Championship Division Two match. Remarkably, it was the first five-for by a Surrey seamer at The Oval for four years. Stuart got his chance because fiery South African Andre Nel had been slapped with a two-match ban after another

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-46912262440974403092010-05-05T21:16:00.001Z2010-05-05T21:16:25.144Z

It is with great sadness we have to announce Tony Loveland died on May 3.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-20661234259642991242010-04-19T20:50:00.004Z2010-04-25T19:53:21.938Z

Abeed Janmohamed has been named as the club’s Cricketer Cup captain, replacing Eds Copleston who is heading for a two-year sabbatical in New York. “Abeed and I have both captained counties at all our respective age groups, captained the school and then gone on to captain in Surrey championship leagues – which makes him the obvious choice,” Copleston said. “I put my full trust in Abeed and believe

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-1107894896058438842010-04-11T15:42:00.002Z2010-04-11T18:18:04.102Z

A remarkable day for Cranleigh and Old Cranleighan cricket on April 10 with three players in action in first-class matches.At The Oval, Stuart Meaker was in action for Surrey against Derbyshire, taking 2 for 58 as Surrey struggled at the start of the County Championship season.At Canterbury, Alan Cope was captaining Loughborough MCCU against Kent, while at Durham, Seren Waters took his debut

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-2406089485751934852010-03-08T21:14:00.002Z2010-03-08T21:18:35.293Z

Around 50 Old Cranleighans and a few current Cranleighans attended the annual-when-the-committee-remembers dinner at The Alma in Wandsworth. For the first time three awards were made - Batsman of the Year, Bowler of the Year and Player of the Year. There was also an auction to raise money for the Friends of Tim Evans Trust and in all more than £1100 was collected.After drinks and an excellent

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-37174007270801639072010-03-01T21:50:00.000Z2010-03-01T21:51:19.729Z

Fifty-five days at sea and Red Arrow, the boat containing Rich Hume (2 North, 2000), has gone 2012 miles and has 554 to go before reaching the finishing line in Antigua. Heart of the Warrior, which is co-rowed by Sam Langmead (2 North 2002) still has 1130 miles to go.In his latest blog, Rich writes: “I spoke to Sam, an Old Cranleighian as well yesterday, and he is doing well despite still having

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-46466030687954806662010-02-14T20:36:00.001Z2010-02-14T20:38:38.541Z

Ed Henderson writes: -I will be putting in an order for OCCC cricket sweaters in the next month. As we need to have a minimum order then please take this opportunity to think long term and put in an order as there is unlikely to be another opportunity for several years. They will be the standard sweaters that many of the longer standing members of the club will have - OCCC coloured stripes with

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-54068681312788177812010-01-07T12:41:00.000Z2010-01-07T12:42:04.876Z

The OCCC Dinner, which was set to take place on Friday, January 8, at the Alma in Wandsworth has been postponed because of the continuing bad weather. “The weather has left a lot of people unable to make it,” said club captain Eds Copleston.” Wandsworth Town trains are running infrequently (as I know only too well after this morning) and I don’t want to hold this OCCC dinner with under 30 people

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-65866545461852699502010-01-03T19:53:00.003Z2010-01-03T19:56:54.508Z

Richard Hume, the former School and OCCC opening bowler who has turned his back on cricket to pursue some un-Cranleigh fitness ordeals, sets off his most crackpot scheme yet on January 4 when he begins to row the Atlantic.The closest most Cranleighans get to water is Gatleys, but Richard and colleague Tom Barnes are taking part in the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race 2009.Follow their

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-35938407993672162722009-12-22T22:00:00.001Z2009-12-22T22:01:59.681Z

The annual dinner will take place at the Alma in Wandsworth on January 8, 2010. Tickets, which cost £25 each, can be obtained from the usual suspects.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-71136020552410249672009-12-09T21:39:00.004Z2009-12-10T08:15:36.427Z

A group of us have got together to bring to your attention that your friend, Tim Evans, is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. This disease is progressing at an alarming rate and we are trying to do everything within our power to improve your friend Tim’s quality of life. Spending time with Tim you realise how amazing and determined he is to beat this disease; he has done a research MA and is

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-23981035055375556952009-10-13T20:55:00.001Z2009-10-13T20:57:18.542Z

Stuart Meaker has been included by the England board as one of a five young players in its Fast Bowling Programme. In the coming months they will spend time at a conditioning camp in Florida and at the MRF Fast Bowling Camp in Chennai under the guidance of Australian legend Dennis Lillee.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-45936589357636564202009-10-02T07:52:00.003Z2009-10-02T07:57:34.092Z

In a tough Cricketer Cup draw, we will travel to Old Malvernians, who beat us in the 2008 final, in the first round of the 2010 competition. The match will take place on June 13. If we win that tie we will again be away in the second round on July 4 to either Harrow Wanderers or Rugby Meteors.Those who believe there should be some kind of seeding in the competition will point out that the draw

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-76980328764186997672009-09-10T21:36:00.000Z2009-09-10T21:37:58.912Z

Old Cranleighans 186 for 8 drew with West End Esher 185 for 7The 2009 season concluded with a draw at West End Esher in a game which went down to the final delivery. Eds Copleston won the toss, and after losing three early wickets Hill (45), Copleston (40) and Rob Merry (49) helped steer us to 186 for 8. Ed Henderson (4 for 48) made early inroads into the West End innings before a middle-order

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-4779739493822078302009-08-16T22:02:00.003Z2009-08-22T21:50:58.603Z

Many congratulations to Seren Waters who became the first Old Cranleighan to score a first-class hundred when he made an unbeaten 157 on the third day of Kenya’s ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Canada in Toronto. Waters shared a massive third-wicket stand of 330 with the veteran Steve Tikolo and Kenya went on to register a comprehensive win.A day later and another young OC, Stuart Meaker,

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-91812627073440481212009-07-19T21:31:00.000Z2009-08-22T21:35:10.734Z

Ed Copleston won the toss and chose to bat after rain had delayed the start. The decision was more than justified by Matt Crump and Tom Garland who took us to lunch on 105 for 0, and both opened up after the break, Crump reaching his hundred and Garland his fifty before both fell hitting out. Sam Langmead and Copleston then continued the good work, enabling us to declare in 262 for 3. Spare a

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-72554437131603869292009-07-10T13:15:00.001Z2009-10-03T20:13:15.732Z

Old Cranleighans 252 for 9 dec (Crump T 51, Cowdrey 36, Cope 30, Hannah 24*, Roper M 23) beat Old Tonbridgians 180 (Hedley 40, Crump T 2-11, Crump M 2-16, Langmead 2-19) by 72 runsA winless cricket week was avoided thanks to a last-day victory over Old Tonbridgians, a result which gave us an atom of revenge for the Cricketer Cup defeat at the end of June. After several captains had huffed and

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-85736815200465162062009-07-09T19:43:00.003Z2009-07-09T19:46:19.819Z

Chaterhouse Friars 119 for 5 beat Old Cranleighans 118 (Crump T 62, Vickers 29) by five wicketsAfter two days of lousy weather, the rain finally relented for our visit to Charterhouse. However, the pitch was still very wet and that meant the toss was crucial. We lost it, were stuck in, and from the moment Alan Cope was struck twice by lifting deliveries before being dismissed for 0 in the opening

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-84972836915971120622009-07-08T15:57:00.000Z2009-10-03T20:13:15.733Z

Old Cranleighans 129 for 7 (Copleston E 32, Rosenfeldt 26, Crump M 20) drew with Old GeorgiansWarm and sunny turned to cold and wet, and in end after on an-off day, the match was abandoned at 4pm with the square left sodden by 45 minutes of heavy rain. In the play there was, our batting found conditions hard, with only Eds Copleston (32 off 28 balls) managing to find any touch. Two wickets on

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-73226222467958883282009-07-06T20:25:00.002Z2009-10-03T20:13:15.734Z

Old Wellingtonians 244 (Jones 60, Allen 3-30, Henderson 2-33, Harman 2-55) drew with Old Cranleighans 130 for 9 (Bailey 32, Barker 4-23)Click here for match photosThe weather broke shortly after the start of the second game of the week, the temperature dropping and several heavy showers blighting the day, one brutal squall mid-morning causing several ageing OCs to show a turn of speed not seen in

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-75794876481410521802009-07-05T20:04:00.005Z2009-10-03T20:13:15.735Z

Old Cranleighans 358 for 5 (Preece 121, Watkinson 83, Copleston 64*) drew with Eton Ramblers 333 for 8 (J Redmayne 121, Jupp 3-30, Hannah 2-28, Henderson 2-85)Click here for match photosThe cricket week got off to a cracking start with a match against Eton Ramblers that saw more than one century-old record broken. Sadly, it also marked the end of the Wimbledon-long heatwave. The game itself was

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-20463603360633195592009-07-03T20:52:00.000Z2009-07-07T20:53:52.253Z

Cranleigh School 242 (Allan 76, Cowdrey 40, Austin 46*, Langmead 42, Harman 3-64) beat Old Cranleighans 178 (Cope 51, Davies 4-44) by 64 runsFor the second year running, we fielded a side of recent leavers in this annual game, although the intended captain, Seren Waters, was absent on international duty with Kenya. This was the final match of the School’s year and, again in a break with tradition

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-33436270710078104422009-07-02T15:07:00.004Z2009-10-03T20:13:15.735Z

The highlight of the OC season is on us, and with the weather set fine, the 2009 cricket week promises to be a cracker. We kick off with a game against the School on Friday (July 3) and then after a day off resume against Eton Rambers (July 5), Old Wellingtonians (July 6), Old Georgians (July 7), Grasshoppers (July 8), Charterhouse Friars (July 9 away), Old Tonbridgians (July 10). We have no

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-28972111113387123072009-06-26T20:51:00.003Z2009-06-26T21:25:10.330Z

Old Cranleighans 242 for 6 dec (Chetwode 72, Russell 46, Wilkie 41*) drew with Headley 240 for 6Click here for match photosA lovely sleepy summer’s afternoon and a perfect antidote to the abomination resulting from poor captaincy 12 months earlier, the game going down to the last ball. Village cricket as it should be played.The OC hierarchy banished the captain of 2008 to Singapore and picked a

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-67027392328408638142009-06-23T20:18:00.000Z2009-06-26T20:51:41.452Z

"We have had some motivational good lucks from many many OCs for this game," writes Eds Copleston, "not least our ex-president John McDermott, who says: “Our D Day has arrived. To play OTs on the Head in the Cricketer Cup has always been the dream. No more comfort zone matches, this truly is the big one.” Tonbridge are the most successful side in Cricketer Cup competition and this should prove

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-23969116128897423092009-06-15T21:14:00.005Z2009-06-15T21:24:14.820Z

Old Cranleighans 187 for 1 (Waters 103*, M Crump 35, T Crump 31*) beat Haileybury Hermits 186 (walker 93, Watkinson 4-58, Webb 2-30) by nine wickets with 23.5 overs to spareClick here for match photosA excellent 107 not out from Seren Waters helped us to an easy nine-wicket win over Haileybury Hermits in the first round of the Cricketer Cup, setting up a challenging second-round tie at Tonbridge

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-79902199118862542742009-05-31T08:50:00.002Z2009-05-31T08:57:52.266Z

Following the OCCC Cricketer Cup selection panel conference call (and Rick Johnson was still 25minutes late for that), the following 14-man squad has been named for the first-round tie against Haileybury Hermits on Jubilee on June 14. Michael Chetwode, Eds Copleston (captain), Matt Crump, Tom Crump, Paddy Harman, Ed Henderson, Will Howard (wkt), Abeed Janmohammed, Rob Jones, Chris Preece, Phil

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-25873979648079044422009-05-26T20:14:00.006Z2009-05-27T18:51:26.216Z

Old Wykamists 260 for 7 dec drew with Old Cranleighans 178 for 8 (Copleston 88, Henderson 30)Click here for match photosFollowing two away wins, the inaugural home game in front of the new pavilion on Jubilee saw us take on Winchester on a gorgeous day at Cranleigh in what was a Cricketer Cup trial for both teams.The pavilion looked utterly superb with the new OCCC flag flying happily in the

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-60840940792141302492009-05-22T17:54:00.004Z2009-05-28T21:34:31.031Z

Click here for photosAlthough the official opening of the renovated Jubilee pavilion is not until OC Day on June 14, it is already in use, and on May 22 a small dinner was given by the school to those who were involved in the rebuilding. Suffice to say that the interior is stunning, and for the first time we have a genuine cricket pavilion, right down to honours boards listing all school and OC

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-32337774866650239572009-04-29T12:30:00.002Z2009-05-05T20:55:34.148Z

We are very sorry to have to report that Viv Cox died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, April 27, 2009. He was 93. There are few individuals so inexorably linked to Cranleigh and Old Cranleighans. Viv was one of a rare breed who both went to the school and returned to teach there, and in retirement built his home in Edgefield Close so he was able to keep on top of daily life at Cranleigh.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-85549298906091854472009-04-27T07:22:00.002Z2009-04-27T08:01:22.464Z

OCs 234 for 7 dec (Vickers 53, R Merry 49, Ross 44, Hill 32) beat East Horsley 161 (Henderson 3-14, Gates 3-33) by 73 runsReport to follow.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-40137728223821518312009-04-25T07:20:00.001Z2009-04-28T19:01:45.136Z

Following an early morning shower, the sun came out as we arrived for our first game of the season - at the picturesque Follies Farm near Chiddingfold. In his first official game as captain, Eds Copleston won the toss and elected to field having agreed a 40 over-a-side game. We bowled tightly early on, Luke Moorby unfortunate not to make a breakthrough. Old Spots struggled to 35 for 3 after 15

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-80637090825602253692009-03-31T19:26:00.001Z2009-03-31T19:29:05.101Z

The new season is nearly upon us and it promises to be an exciting one for the OCCC. The spectacular new pavilion on Jubilee will be ready in April with the official opening on 14th June, the same date as our opening Cricketer Cup game against the Haileybury Hermits makes this an historic season. A tweaked fixture list has given us more fixtures against old boys sides, a more competitive cricket

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-74828009714107251972009-02-25T21:09:00.003Z2009-02-25T21:16:59.753Z

As a prelude to the forthcoming season, the incoming captain Eds Copleston has launched an advertising campaign across London. The advert (above) is at the moment displayed on the side of a No. 77 bus running from Green Park through Parliament Square, the Embankment and down to Clapham."We don't need players, we need support and we need national recognition for being the best old boys cricket

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-49752989117918169462009-02-12T20:58:00.005Z2009-02-12T21:06:46.445Z

The fixtures for 2009 have now been announced and there's some consolidation around the cricket week and we have also opted out of the Cricket World Trophy. We have our first Twenty20 contest against the School on what is Speech Day, while the more traditional game switches to later in that week, with our cricket week beginning on the Friday. The first Saturday of the week features a Golden

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-29831986762501376002009-01-26T21:14:00.001Z2009-01-26T21:14:56.984Z

While most of us panic when the loss of the TV remote control might mean having to actually get out of a comfortable chair during the course of an evening, we are told that sometime OC allrounder come ironman Richard Hume is planning, with a friend, to row the Atlantic Ocean in December 2009. That’s 2500 miles for those of us who suffered an education at Cranleigh.For more details on the whole

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-80951061882906251902009-01-09T22:15:00.000Z2009-01-15T22:18:27.255Z

Click here for the day's photosThe final match of the tour and the last chance for new but under-fire captain Eds Copleston to rescue his shredded reputation. The day started with a fascinating tour of one of South Africa’s biggest townships and from there moved on to the match. The intended venue at had, sadly, fallen victim to vandalism and looting and cricket there has all but died out.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-69373008136913923562009-01-08T21:35:00.000Z2009-01-12T21:37:03.123Z

An early-morning jaunt up Table Mountain ended before it began after we woke to a grey day with low cloud. Everyone headed back for a powernap before rising two hours later to head to a wine-tasting session followed by a picnic lunch in the hills. We got back about 4pm for a second powernap and then possibly the most idiotic fines session of the six OC tours to date. Tristan Rosenfeldt looked to

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-81190568999080070352009-01-07T21:19:00.003Z2009-01-15T21:50:59.001Z

Click here for the day's photosBy now under pressure after two defeats and with the resignation of another captain ringing in his ears, Eds Copleston promised changes and a new purpose for the game at Constantia Vitsig, a glorious little ground nestled in a vineyard. He even took those members of the XI who didn’t tell him where to stick it on a pre-match run. For 20 overs it seemed a corner had

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-83845853358807558492009-01-06T21:17:00.001Z2009-01-15T21:49:30.554Z

What the advertisers would have you believe was a once-in-a-lifetime shark-viewing experience was described by Keith Crump as “the worst day of my life”. The 4.30am start unsurprisingly accounted for a few casualties as some senior players opted out with lame excuses, but more than a dozen of the group headed out to sit in a cage and watch sharks at play. Gates’ now customary chunder (some say

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-6508348730952084512009-01-05T21:16:00.000Z2009-01-12T21:17:22.238Z

A quiet day to allow reflection on the previous 24 hours, spent by most of the party at the beach or enjoying a superb lunch at a waterfront restaurant where we were joined by Tom and Osha Hufton. Fines in the evening were relatively low key and the group went their own way.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-31057429440276853892009-01-04T21:14:00.002Z2009-01-15T21:47:20.762Z

Click here for the day's photosThe second match of the tour took place at Western Province CC, a stunning ground situated under Table Mountain. The weather was glorious, and our hosts even went as far as handing us the toss on a plate (quite possibly the only thing Eds Copleston will win all tour). We started decently, Damian Hill’s idiosyncratic strokeplay contrasting and outscoring the more

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-52144546783749672192009-01-03T21:40:00.000Z2009-01-15T21:43:49.760Z

Click here for the day's photosMore than a week after landing we finally took to the cricket field at the wonderful Van der Stel CC in Stellenbosch, surrounded by mountains and under a deep blue sky. We fielded and made a quick breakthrough when Matt Crump ripped out an off stump, and soon after Tom Merry scored a run-out with a direct hit, When Michael Chetwode had J Engelbrecht caught behind,

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-66350445588650479582009-01-02T21:26:00.000Z2009-01-15T21:27:12.155Z

Before a day in transit with flights from Livingstone to Jo'burg and Jo'burg to Cape Town we handed over 30 of the Alive and Kicking footballs we had picked up in Lusaka to the head of social projects at our hotel. He was utterly utterly speechless and couldn't thank us enough. It was a very heart warming moment.

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-59742887795307913272009-01-01T21:20:00.001Z2009-01-15T21:24:45.777Z

Click here for the day's photosFor the few who could haul themselves out of bed, breakfast was taken on Livingstone Island perched on the top of the Victoria Falls. Henderson, Gates, Merry R and Langmead ventured out into the river unpeturbed by the guide's insistence that swimming out to a plunge pool on the very edge of the Falls was for 'strong swimmers' only. The four had to put in a pretty

Adminnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2837299552740509138.post-91797880238543098572008-12-31T21:09:00.000Z2009-01-15T21:16:01.490Z

Click here for the day's photosThere can be few more unsuitable ways to prepare for a long hard night of partying than spending the day battling the Zambezi river during five hours of intense white water rafting. Copleston apart, this is what the majority of us did and it was exhilarating. In the stunning deep gorge in scorching sun we took on rapids with names such as the 'Washing Machine' and

Adminnoreply@blogger.com1