All-round performance sees off Harrow

Karthik Suresh enjoyed a successful Cup debut

The OCCC overcame poor weather and a resilient Harrow side to move into the second round of the Cricketer Cup with a four-wicket win on Jubilee. An away trip to either Clifton or St Edward’s Oxford on June 26 awaits.

Click here for match photos

Harrow had been our first opponents when we joined the Cricketer Cup in 2007. On that occasion Michael Chetwode carved the winning runs through midwicket off the last delivery in late evening sun in front of a large crowd. The conditions nine years later could not have been more different.

Heavy overnight rain and morning drizzle meant the game was unable to start before 1.15pm with each side reduced to bowling 40 overs. That we played at all was testament to the hard work put in by the groundstaff. Matt Crump won a vital toss, and with the rules of the competition favouring the side batting second when weather intervenes, he chose to field. His opening bowlers, Will Rollings (0-8) and Karthik Suresh (2-22), making his Cricketer Cup debut while on a holiday from Singapore, made the most of seam-friendly conditions and maintained a naggingly accurate line, restricting Harrow to 23 off the first ten overs.

Thereafter, it was all spinners, and on an outfield slowed by the rain allied to some excellent groundfielding, the batsmen struggled to build any momentum. Bruno Broughton (0-28) kept a tidy line, while Rob Jones little-used dobblers proved highly effective as he took 2 for 36. Jack Scriven (2-40) was a tight as ever, although his figures were spoiled when the last two balls of the innings went for ten. Another debutante, George Thomas, showed no nerves and good control bowling the final overs to finish with 2 for 21.

Alan Cope on the attack

All in all it was a good performance, some hard catches were held but a couple of not-so-hard ones spilt. The feeling was that Harrow, who had the worse of the conditions, were probably 20 or so short.

Our innings began with a flurry of shots and wickets. Mike Burgess (8) started with two fours before being caught off the third ball, and Scriven (7) and Tom Crump (0) soon followed to leave us 19 for 3; Harrow, for the first time, sensed they were back in the game and a tense half hour followed. Alan Cope (35) and Matt Crump (26) added 56 for the fourth wicket at over five an over before Cope mistimed a shot, and when Crump fell lbw to leave us 98 for 5, again Harrow were back in the game. 

But Jones (37), as he has done so often for us, played an important knock, while Broughton (27*) quickly deflated the bowlers with some excellent counter-attacking strokes, smacking four fours off the first ten balls he faced as well as enjoying a little luck when dropped by a fielder at deep midwicket as he tumbled over the boundary rope.

By the time Jones was bowled we were almost home and Will Langmead (8*), showing the kind of confidence he had in his record-breaking season in 2012, saw us home with almost seven overs to spare.

St Edwards Oxford in Cricketer Cup first round

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 with a likely visit by Old Tonbridgians awaiting the winners.

Another first-round defeat in Cricketer Cup

Old Cranleighans 193 for 8 (Waters 71) lost to Eton Ramblers 213 for 9 (Horne 62, Cope 4-59) by 20 runs
Click here for match photos

For 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 reached 90 for 1, our innings lost momentum and as the run-rate climbed we fell away badly, eventually losing by 20 runs. There could be no complaints that the better side on the day won.


The start was not auspicious - possibly because a majority of the side had attended the Foundation Ball the night before and were in various states of disrepair – as Henry Watkinson’s first four deliveries of the day went for 14 runs. In fairness, he finished with figures of 1 for 28 off eight overs, which with 14 off the first and eight off the last overs accurately showed he only got better. Matt Crump shared the new ball but was all over the place, shipping ten wides in his five overs; Alan Cope, who bowled very well in fits and start, bowled eight, and in the end extras – 21 wides and five no-balls, all uncharacteristically from spinner Graham Webb – proved the difference between the teams.

After our woolly start we recovered well. Watkinson removed the dangerous-looking Vanderspa for 20, and then Cope took a brace of wickets in his second and fifth overs, a reward for a good line and length aided by some very indifferent batting. But we appeared to relax slightly, and Hobson and Bruce calmly rebuilt the innings with a sixth-wicket stand of 73. Hobson, who made 62 off 135 balls, provided the rock for the recovery, and while our spinners (Webb and Seren Waters) proved hard to get away, they did not look like breaking the stand until Bruce was well held by Cope off Waters for 32. The over before Bruce had deposited Waters through the back window of a car parked next to the pavilion to general amusement.

Max Barson’s bustling medium pace struck one run later when Thompson chased a ball so wide he did well to get the toe of his bat on it, Will Howard taking a good low catch, and at 144 for 7 off 39 overs we again seemed to be in the box seat. But Farley, batting at No. 8, then took to the bowling with a mixture of orthodoxy and improvisation, and our bowlers were unable to keep him in check. Hobson’s excellent innings ended when he was run out taking on Matt Crump’s arm from the deep, but Farley pushed on. Harry Chetwood hit a couple of fours, was hit on the head by Cope, and then run out by Crump in his follow through when he slipped mid-pitch. A target of 214 was more than seemed likely at one point and represented what Stuart Welsh reckoned was a par score. To our credit, our fielding was outstanding, even Michael Chetwode being forced to admit it might have been slightly better than in “his day”.

We started solidly, with Seren Waters and Rob Jones, batting right back on his stumps to counter the pace of Bruce, driving and pulling with confidence. The introduction of spin did for Jones, but Matt Crump and Waters pushed the innings on so that at the halfway point we were 90 for 1. When Waters departed for 71 to the first ball of Bruce’s second spell, we were still in the driving seat needing 73 from 13 overs, but then it started to go wrong as a succession of batsmen got bogged down, and then as wickets started falling our middle order lost its way. A lack of experience and some tight bowling, especially by Chetwood, caused us to start playing a succession of desperate shots. Boundaries dried up, and in the end we were left flailing.

It was good to see a large number of former and current players supporting the side, despite the frustration of a wasted trip to Eton last week and another day of indifferent weather.

We have now lost four of our last five matches in the Cricketer Cup – tough draws have not helped – but we can take satisfaction from the youth of our side. Whether we are necessarily serious enough about the competition is another matter, and there has to be some soul searching before next season’s first round.

Cope leads side against Eton Ramblers

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), Rob Jones, Will Langmead, Seren Waters, Henry Watkinson, Graham Webb. Phil Roper will act as 12th man and Heather Dean will score.

Regular updates will be carried on the club homepage in the twitter module on the right-hand side, or on the club’s Twitter page.

Away at Eton in 2011 Cricketer Cup

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 Bedfordians replacing Lancing Rovers and Old Westminsters. The decision of the committee to make changes was largely influenced by the success of the Old Cranleighans when we were brought in to the tournament in 2007.

Old Westminsters were one of the 16 founder members in 1967 but have by some way the worst record, with only seven wins in 44 years. Lancing, who joined in 1969, have fared slightly better with 19 wins in 42 years but they failed to raise an XI for their first-round tie at Oundle this season.

For Lancing, traditionally one of our strongest opponents, it is a sign of how the school’s cricketing fortunes have slipped. Between 1963 and 1984 we never once beat them, and our in at the end of the 1984 cricket week, completing our ninth straight victory, was considered the highlight of the season and an indication of the strength of our side.

At the final on Sunday, Old Malvernians, who beat us in the first round, defeated Oundle Rovers by 73 runs to take the title for the seventh time. Here is the report from the Cricketer Cup site.
“Oundle won the toss and asked Malvern to bat, The wicket was damped and there was every indication that the ball would seam and swing. And so it proved as The Old Malvernians soon found themselves at 12-3 with Patrick Foster (3-33) making the early breakthroughs. Rebuilding was required and this came in the shape of Mark Hardinges (43) and Will Gifford (49). With 5 wickets down pundists around the ground were thinking that 180 would be the most Malvern could expect but David Nash (55 not out) and Jonny Cartwright (35 off 18 balls) had other ideas andtogether they took the score to a more than respectable 209.

“In reply Oundle started briskly but the loss of Craig Smith was a big blow and besides Cameron Wake (41) noone seemed to relish the challenge. Tight bowling from Jonathan Ashworth (3-18 and Olly Griffiths (2-11 in 8 overs) put an and to any fightback and Old Malvernians in the end ran out easy winners.

“After the horrific downpours on Saturday we were lucky to get a game in and our thanks to the Shenley groundstaff for their efforts to get the game on. In the end the sun shone and we look forward to returning in 2011.”

Old Tonbridgians forfeit Cricketer Cup win

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 the rules of the Cricketer Cup by playing one of this year's leavers, who was not eligible to play in either the first or second rounds of the competition. As soon as we realised our error we immediately offered to forfeit the game. As a result we will take no further part in this year's competition."

The final is between Old Malvernians, who we lost to in the first round, and Oundle Rovers at Shenley on August 15.

Another Cricketer Cup defeat by Malvernians

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 the Midlands, Abeed Janmohamed, appointed captain after Eds Copleston was deported to the USA, lost the toss and for the first hour and a half we struggled, with Mark Hardinges’ county experience to the fore as his 60 steered Malvern to 102 for 3.

The innings was then turned on its head by 49-year-old Graham Webb who took 5 for 25 in his 10 overs, showing what a class act he remains. With Seren Waters (2 for 30) chipping in with his legspin, the value of quality spin was again underlined. Malvern struggled to 160, a very gettable score.

As the day went on the conditions grew more overcast, confirming what a good toss it was to win. To their credit, Malvern’s bowlers exploited increasing swing and Hardinges found a nagging line just back of a length.

We were almost immediately in trouble as we lost Matt Crump and Seren Waters, bowled off his thigh pad, to slide to 3 for 2. We were always struggling – Will Howard, who had kept excellently and pulled off three stumpings, was stupidly run-out for 12, Alan Cope made 9 and then Janmohamed again failed on the big occasion with 0.

By this time it was clear the forecast rain was going to hit, and despite the tumbling wickets we remained in the hunt with Tom Crump (17*) steadying the innings. But at 5pm with us on 66 for 6 in the 27th over the umpires took the players off, and by 6.15pm it was clear we weren’t going to get back on by the 6.30 cut-off.

Cricketer Cup side announced

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
Graham Webb

Scorer – Heather Dean

According to the Malvern College website it takes three hours from Cranleigh. Please leave enough time to get there

Directions:
http://www.malcol.net/visiting/

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Address for Sat Nav: Malvern College College Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 3DF

Janmohamed named Cricketer Cup captain

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 is the right man for the job. The first round away tie at Malvern is about as hard as games come and I hope Abeed and the boys can win that. It would be a terrific achievement.”

He has a hard act to follow. Since taking over as cup captain in 2002, Copleston has led the OCCC to four Brewers Cup finals, winning three of them, as well as victory in the 2007 Cricket World Trophy.

“It’s a true privilege to be given the honour of captaining the OCCC following in the footsteps of legends like Chetwode, Watkinson and Copleston<” gushed former Kenya international Janmohamed. “I am surprised given that i am yet to score an OC hundred or distinguish myself in OCCC colours.” He added his captaincy would be “less methodical and more spontaneous” adding he would be looking to get the best from the younger players.

Malvern away in 2010 Cricketer Cup

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 means that two of this year’s semi-finalists, Eton Ramblers and Repton Pilgrims, are set to meet in the second round.

Click here for a PDF of the full draw

Squad named for Tonbridge tie

"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 an excellent test for us all. The game is due to start at 11.30am this Sunday (June 28). Traffic should be ok getting down there but please aim to meet by 10.15am at their ground. Directions are at: http://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/contact/maps/

Below is the squad for the match

Mike Chetwode, Alan Cope, Eds Copleston (capt), Matt Crump, Tom Crump, Paddy Harman,
Will Howard (wk), Abeed Janmohammed, Stuart Meaker, Chris Preece, Phil Roper, Seren Waters, Henry Watkinson.

The squad for the inaugural Twenty20 match against the School, also on Sunday, has also been named. The game starts at midday.

Ross J-D(c), Ross's brother!, Mike Roper(wk), Max Barson, J Harman, Elliot Hannah,
Jumbo Jupp, James Harrison, Damien Hill, Josh Smith, Rich Ashton or Paddy Harman.

Waters and spin sink Haileybury

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 spare
Click here for match photos

A 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 in a fortnight.

The setting could not have been better, with the sun shining and hundreds of Old Cranleighans and their families lining the Jubilee boundary. The Red Arrows flew over shortly before the start of the game, and when Eds Copleston won the toss it seemed it was going to be our day all the way.

We started shakily,however, Henry Watkinson and Ed Henderson conceding 17 off the first two overs, but the pair stuck to their guns and reined the openers, and by the tenth over each had taken a wicket and Haileybury were struggling on 43 for 2.

Then came a stand that appeared to be setting them on their way to a formidable total as Nick Walker and Stewart put on 108 for the third wicket. We knew that Walker, whose first-class career with Derbyshire and Leicestershire ended in 2008, would be the danger man, and he set out his stall by smacking Watkinson for two sixes in his first ten balls.

Copleston then set the three-prong spin attack of Phil Roper, Graham Webb and Waters into operation. Initially it seemed as if Walker would continue to dominate, hitting Roper for four fours in eight deliveries, but the next 15 overs produced only two more boundaries. Walker was adept at milking the singles, but Stewart struggled to keep the strike rate up. He managed only one run in the first 38 balls he faced, and 22 of his 24 runs, made from 98 deliveries, were singles.

Roper was unlucky as twice Webb spilt catches off well-hit reverse sweeps, but in the end the pressure told. Copleston switched Webb to the bottom end and with his second ball he had Stewart stumped. Three overs later Waters bowled another Stewart, and then within two balls the innings completely came unstuck.

Gaur was well run-out trying to give the strike to Walker, and next ball Walker himself, limited to singles by tight bowling and good field-placing, was cleaned up by Webb. At 151 for 2 with 18 overs remaining and the pitch playing well, most spectators were talking of a target of 270 plus; nine overs later Haileybury were 171 for 6 and all at sea.

That set the scene for Watkinson, whose pace is a distant memory but who has become a canny death bowler, taking on the mantle which Mike Chetwode used to fulfil so skilfully. By relying on line and length, with the occasional slow full toss into the mix, he polished off the innings with three wickets in five deliveries.

Haileybury had lost their last eight wickets for 35 runs, and defending 186 needed a to hit the ground running. Perhaps the hour-long lunch break, during which former housemaster Roger Knight formally opened the pavilion, did for the visitors.

The opening attack was wayward – there were ten wides in as many overs – and Waters, in good form after a mediocre start to the summer, was savage on anything wide of the off stump, cutting and driving with elegance and power. Matt Crump was by no means going to play second fiddle, and he was as always strong off his legs.

As the hundred approached, both batsmen started taking more chances. Waters was inexplicably dropped at mid-on when in his forties, Crump not as fortunate soon after.

The arrival of Tom Crump only accelerated the finish, cracking four fours in nine balls. Waters, whose fifty came in 61 minutes off 64 deliveries, laid into the weary attack, racing to his second hundred, his second fifty taking only another 32 balls and 34 minutes. His was innings which oozed class, and it was a fitting end to a weekend which had started with his father being awarded the MBE for services to Kenyan cricket.

Squad named for Cricketer Cup first round

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 Roper, Seren Waters, Henry Watkinson, Graham Webb.

The only two absentees from last year’s Cricketer Cup final are Stuart Meaker, who is on Surrey duty, and James Halton, who is injured. Alan Cope, who played in all rounds of the 2008 campaign other than the final, is out for the season with a back injury.

Paddy Harman, currently at Durham University, and Chris Preece, who made his OCCC debut against Winchester last week, come in to the squad for the first time.

Cricketer Cup tie to mark Jubilee opening

We are delighted to announce that Hailybury Hermits have very kindly agreed to cede home advantage for our first-round match in the 2009 Cricketer Cup on Sunday, June 14, allowing us to stage the game on Jubilee on OC Day, when the renovated pavilion will be officially opened.

Haileybury away in in 2009 Cricketer Cup

We have been drawn to play Haileybury Hermits away in the first round of the 2009 Cricketer Cup. The winners of that tie are away at Tonbridge.

Defeated but not disgraced

Old Malvernians 178 (Nash 70, Watkinson 4-14, Meaker 2-35) beat Old Cranleighans 152 (Waters 68) by 26 runs
Click here for match photos

The dream of winning the Cricketer Cup in only our second year in the competition ended in the final at Old Deer Park as we lost to Old Malvernians by 26 runs. Nevertheless, we played superbly for three-quarters of the match and it was only in the dying overs that Malvern’s experience proved too much. They were the worthy winners but the youth of our side means that we should be a force to come for a number of years.

Malvern had a superb record in the competition, with five wins from five finals. Like us, they also made the final in their second year, although they went one better than we eventually managed.

Henry Watkinson won the toss and opted to field, hardly a surprise given that we had successfully chased in all four rounds. The pitch was dry and produced variable bounce, and Malvern found runs hard to come by. Stuart Meaker bowled a fiery opening spell, in contrast to Watkinson who relied on guile and accuracy and who took the first wicket in the sixth over, bowling Powell.

Watkinson’s opening spell of 5-2-4-1 set the benchmark, and Meaker got his reward four overs later when Mark Hardinges, who seven days earlier had steered Gloucestershire to a one-day win over Hampshire, dragged into his stumps for 2. Gifford looked capable of posing problems before he played an ugly cross-batted shot to Seren Waters, and at 31 for 3 in the 15th over, our tails were up.

Middlesex’s David Nash was clearly the danger man, and he found gaps with the skill expected of a professional, and with Franklin, the opener, he rebuilt the innings. Franklin should have been run-out with the score on 56 but Michael Chetwode fumbled a return to the bowler’s end with the batsman stranded mid pitch. However, we struck a crucial blow with the last delivery before lunch when Franklin tamely cut Matt Crump to Phil Roper at backward point for 29. We headed off in the better position, with Malvern 86 for 4 off 30 overs.

Nash and Usher batted well after the break, taking the total to 153 for 4 with judicious placement more than out-and-out aggression. In the innings overall there were only ten fours. In the final overs the batsmen hit out and, inevitably, wickets fell.

Nash perished for 70 to a tumbling catch from Roper and in the next over, the 46th, Meaker bowled Usher for 30. Watkinson then chipped in with two in two, and a brace of run-outs in the final over restricted Malvern to 178. Watkinson finished with excellent figures of 8-3-14-4 and the last six wickets had gone for 25 in five-and-a-bit overs.

The pitch continued to throw up puffs of dust and the outfield was slow, so it was a gettable target but not an easy one. The early sunshine had also given way to low cloud and the temperature had dropped into the 50s.

Waters top-edged the first ball he faced, a bouncer, over the keeper for four, and was struck by the second. But he showed composure beyond his years and was soon looking as assured as ever. Howard fell early, getting a leading edge, but that brought in Matt Crump, another young player in great touch.

Early shackles were broken when Waters twice lofted fours over midwicket, and Crump then joined in, surviving a half chance when he hammered the ball to the right of square leg who could only parry the ball.

Crump perished for 17 – one of three leg-befores against batsmen going back – and then Malvern’s seasoned spinners really tightened their grip on the game, backed by some excellent fielding. Abeed Janmohamed, such a class act in the semi-final, struggled to find his touch, but Waters kept things ticking along. Janmohamed departed for a 27-ball 3 (69 for 3) but Meaker sought to impose himself from the off.

The penultimate over before tea appeared to have swung the balance of the match, 15 coming off it including the day’s first six, a swing over long leg from Meaker. We headed off on 102 for 3 off 30, needing 77 to win in 20 overs with wickets in hand.

Whatever was served for tea, it perked up Malvern and pretty much did for us. Meaker fell lbw to the first ball after the restart and the pressure was on. James Halton, who specialises in run chases, looked up for it, but wasn’t able to stay long enough to make a difference.

Waters, who passed his fifty before tea, found it almost impossible to get enough of the strike. Eds Copleston was unable to push the ones needed to keep Waters at the striker’s end, although he did strike one sublime straight six.

The run-rate, which had hovered around four an over throughout, began to rise as the gloom worsened. Copleston perished trying to hit over the top, and three balls later Waters was bowled for a superb 68 as he tried to make up the lost ground.

From then on in we were always off the pace, although Tom Crump and Roper kept the flame flickering. Thirty three were needed off four, but Roper fell to a thick edge and then Crump was run-out after being sent back by Watkinson, who was bowled off the next ball to seal a deserved victory for Malvern.

The turnout was excellent, and many former and present OCCC players were in evidence, along with a good smattering of non cricketers and representatives of the school. There was a pleasant atmosphere, although staging the final at a ground under the Heathrow flight path was a downer.

Although the result was disappointing, everyone who has taken part in the competition for us this summer can be proud. As can the club and the school. Eight years ago we weren’t even in a knock-out tournament. In the interim we have won the Brewers Cup three times and the Cricket World Trophy once. Even participating in the Cricketer Cup was beyond our wildest dreams, and yet we achieved that and within two years we reached the final. We’ll just have to make sure that next year we go one better.

One last thought. In 2007, we became the first new side in the Cricketer Cup since it was expanded from 16 to 32 teams in its third year (1969). Our success has shown that there are strong sides out there who might not have been so four decades ago. Allowing some of these old boys’ teams into the competition can only bring new life to it, and the organisers should think about the value of looking at some expansion, adding new sides rather than waiting for old ones to drop out. It might mean a first qualifying round each year for the less successful teams, but that might be no bad thing either.

One change for Cricketer Cup final

The side for the Cricketer Cup final against holders Old Malvernians at Richmond is as follows:-

Seren Waters, Will Howard (wk), Matt Crump, Abeed Janmohamed, Stuart Meaker, James Halton, Tom Crump, Eds Copleston, Phil Roper, Henry Watkinson (capt), Michael Chetwode. 12th man: Jumbo Jupp.

There is one change from the semi-final XI, with Stuart Meaker back from England Under-19 duties to replace Alan Cope who is playing for Malden Wanderers.

Cranleigh School will have a marquee on the ground for OCs.

Click here for a map of how to find the venue. The game starts at 11.30am.

All OCs invited to Cricketer Cup final

From Guy Waller and John McDermott

The Old Cranleighan Cricket Club has reached the final of the Cricketer Cup. To do so, in only its second year of entry in this prestigious competition, is a considerable achievement and reflects greatly on the current health and strength of Cranleigh cricket.

The 2008 Cricketer Cup final will see the Old Cranleighans playing the Old Malvernians at Richmond Cricket Club (Old Deer Park), on Sunday, August 17, 2008.

The Cricketer Cup sponsor, Rensburg Sheppards, is very kindly offering a complimentary lunch for the first 100 guests at its barbecue. Additionally, free Pimms sponsored by Cranleigh School will be served from 4.00pm to 7.00pm in the OC Society marquee.

Now in its 42nd year, the Cricketer Cup has enabled the leading cricketing schools to compete annually against each other in knock-out competition. Not included in the original 32 schools selected, Cranleigh has had to wait until 2006 to be invited to replace Blundells in the competition.

Last season, after the great win in our first match v Harrow on the Jubilee, the toss of a coin on a wet Sunday in a Fulham pub finished our hopes v Highgate. This season the OCCC have recorded convincing wins v Lancing, Clifton, Cheltenham and Dulwich.

Cranleigh School has long been proud of its cricketing tradition. Following convincing investment in cricket facilities and resources, the 1st X1 enjoyed unbeaten seasons in 2006 and 2007 against the likes of Tonbridge, Radley, Winchester, Wellington and Charterhouse. In 2008 Seren Waters broke the record for runs scored in a Cranleigh 1st X1 career. Several recent players have gone on to shine at university, county and even national level. All these are playing now in the OCCC Cup team.

Furthermore, Cranleigh remains committed to the future development of such potential. 2008 saw Cranleigh School host the first ever Spirit of Cricket event held outside Lords. 2008-9 will not only see the redevelopment of the much-loved Cricket Pavilion on the Jubilee under a joint OC Society and Cranleigh School project, but also the creation of dedicated indoor nets to complement the newly improved outdoor nets. The refurbishment of the Prep School Pavilion ensures that the School's youngest talent, too, can be nurtured, with facilities that are now the envy of many of the Schools we play.

The School's commitment to cricket, and subsequent achievements, have in turn enhanced one of the strongest ever eras of Old Cranleighan Cricket. Over the past 15 years, the OCCC has travelled on 12 international tours across all continents. It has been victorious in 4 national knockout cups and is proud to still host probably the strongest and most enjoyable annual Old Boys cricket weeks in the country on the Jubilee.

Malvern can boast a total of 10 appearances in the final, five as winners. Only Tonbridge has a slightly superior record to Malvern in the competition's history. It certainly will be a challenge and also a great occasion.

The match starts at 11.30am, so bring a picnic and spend a wonderful day supporting this Cranleighan achievement and don't forget to get there on time for the free BBQ which should start at about 2.00pm.

For directions to the grounds, click here.

And now to the final

OCs 219 for 7 (Waters 57, M Crump 51) beat Old Alleynians 218 for 9 (Roy 57) by three wickets
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After three convincing and yet relatively straightforward wins, the semi-final against Old Alleynians was a far tougher affair, although the margin of our victory – three wickets – rather distorted our fairly calm progress until a late flurry of wickets within sight of the finish. The result was a place in the final at only the second time of asking, vindication for the organisers in allowing a new side into the competition for the first time in 40 years last summer, and also for the strength of Cranleigh cricket.

We had lost Stuart Meaker days before the game, called into the England Under-19 side for the Test series against New Zealand, and 19-year-old James Halton, a batsman highly rated by Stuart Welsh, came into the side. The weather was a rare scorcer in this otherwise wretched summer, and Alleynians had little hesitation on batting when again Henry Watkinson lost the toss.

Alan Cope opened with a brace of wides, but Watkinson, as he has so often done, broke through with the new ball, although on a good batting pitch, runs came quickly, especially when width was offered. But the innings turned on two run-outs. The first was a brilliant example of team-work, a seemingly fruitless chase to deep midwicket, a diving flick back on the rope to Seren Waters who had chased all the way as well, a bullet-like throw and a smart flick from Will Howard to leave the batsman inches short seeking a seemingly comfortable second.

Chris Jordan of Surrey, allowed to play on the condition he didn’t bowl fast, nonchalantly flicked Michael Chetwode off his legs to get off the mark and it appeared we were in for a long day in the field. But in the next over Roy pushed to point, Jordan called for a risky single only to be turned back and was never in the frame as Eds Coipleston’s throw scored a direct hit at the bowler’s end. Not needed as a batsman in the three previous rounds, it was his first real contribution to the cup run, but possibly it was a match-winning one. Jordan trooped off as the disbelieving Cranleighans mobbed the man with the plastacine arm.

Rattled, the Alleynians then found themselves pegged down by the teenage spinning duo of Waters and Phil Roper. Waters’ nagging legspin from the top end was hard to get away, while Roper, brought into the side in the previous round for the crocked Graham Webb, showed real potential.


Lunsh was entertaining, a barbeque on the run as Rick Johnson slightly miscalculated the time needed to cook chicken, but our young batsmen again came up with the goods when we started our chase. Howard and Waters made another good start, but hopes of another Howard onslaught were ended when he was caught behind for 20.

Matt Crump joined Waters and the scoring rate picked up as they took the score to 101 before Waters was caught behind off the bowling of Sivakumaran for 57. Cope arrived at the crease and looked at ease until falling LBW following an injudicious reverse sweep to a straight ball from Jordan, bowling off spin. It was not the first time the stroke had caused his downfall and won’t be the last.

The scoring rate had been good all the way through - however, with the arrival of Abeed Janmohamed, it picked up markedly. Hooking, pulling and driving the Dulwich opening bowler to distraction, Janmohamed made 35 in quick time before being caught on the boundary at long-leg going for another six. At 182 for 3, with Matt Crump again making batting look easy, we had one foot in the final. But Dulwich never gave up and, with the fall of the fourth wicket our lower middle order was exposed for the first time in the competition. A mini-collapse followed as we lost three further wickets in short order, including that of Crump to a top-edged swipe to leg for 51. Luckily, time was irrelevant and Tom Crump, aided first by Copleston and then by Roper, finally saw us home with Watkinson and Chetwode nervously padded up on the boundary.

“We have made it to the final at our first real attempt which is a testament to the strength of the school's cricket at the moment,” noted former captain and super veteran Michael Chetwode. “We mustn't forget that more than half this side are under 21 and, of the others, only two are over 30 (no names!). Dulwich came with what appeared to be a strong and well organised side but they should have been blown away. It's a credit to their tenacity and fighting spirit that they were in with a chance (however small) at the end despite looking down and out for long periods. It also shows that we can't be complacent in any facet of our game. We meet Old Malvernians on August 17 at Richmond and they will prove to be an altogether tougher assignment.”

Squad named for Cricketer Cup semi-final

Henry Watkinson writes: Congratulations to all involved in Sundays convincing victory in the West country. A terrific performance again with the bat and well done to Will and Matt for terrific innings. Well done also to Mike, Seren and Crumpy again for steaming the flow of runs in the middle overs. I thought our fielding again was an improvement on the previous game.
We should be confident but not overly confident as we know that Old Alleynians strongest side will be thrown at us for a semi final and we cant expect to carry on winning at a cantor- it just wont happen - I assure you. We will have to show even more intensity in each facet of our game to come through this next round.

The squad for the semi-final is:

Henry Watkinson (capt), Mike Chetwode, Eds Copleston, Abeed Janmohamed, Will Howard (wk), Alan Cope, Matt Crump, Jumbo Jupp, Stuart Meaker, Tom Crump, James Halton, Seren Waters, Phil Roper.
Heather Dean (scorer).

More details to follow but those who havent had a bat for a while should do so in the intervening days.

I have received many emails of encouragment and congratulations from OCs as well as non OCs in the last few days - we have created a large amount of interest and should not lose sight of the fact that it would be a huge feather in our cap if we were to reach the final in our first real attempt in this competition. We are not there yet and we must give our utmost before and during the game.