Old hands see us to victory at Headley

Old Cranleighans 214 for 7 (Morgan 46, Bugge 45, Vickers 27*, Chase 26*) beat Headley 213 (Pickering 48, Moss 45, Chase 3-61, Watkinson 2-27 Bugge 2-35) by three wickets

Click here for match photos

Our annual Golden Oldies match at Headley was not quite as oldie as in previous years because of some last-minute cry-offs, but we got the required number of players to the ground and pulled off a three-wicket victory with two overs to spare.

After Henry Watkinson opened the door, the bowling was dominated by two old timers. David Bugge, operating on one knee, and Mike Chase. Bugge, once fast enough to bowl for Oxford University, now sends down offspin with a fast-bowler’s temperament; Chase, once a good slow left-armer, sends down grenades. They proved effective.

Click here for a full report

Hong Kong Phooey

We accepted the invitation to be one of the 32 teams to participate in the fourth Hong Kong International Six-a-Side Festival. A truly international tournament with only two sides from the UK being invited. Sponsored by Ichor International Investments and Chesterton Petty, this festival was the first club sixes tournament to have world-wide television coverage and attracted international cricket stars Doug Walters (Australia), Heath Streak and Adam Huckle (Zimbabwe).

Faced with a 12-hour flight, eight-hour time difference, temperatures in the eighties with high energy sapping humidity and air pollution, a three-day cricket programme starting at 8.30 am and a city with the 24-hour-a-day carnal attractions of Hong Kong, this four-night trip was indeed testing. Undaunted, We went native immediately on arrival on the first night with a Chinese supper in Rat Alley followed by a bar crawl until dawn in the lively Wanchai district. This first excursion set the tone and style of the trip. As in nature, the weak members of the herd are picked off first. Peter Hobbs, Mike Chase and Rick Johnson, all hardened OCCC tourists, were soon off the demanding pace of the trip. Our skipper, Henry Watkinson, then went in the back and our Press Officer, Barry Ross, went in the head. Excellent wins against the strong Malaysia CC, Tokyo CC and Hong Kong Wanderers CC saw us progress to the quarter finals on the final Sunday morning. The strategy of fielding first, bowling a tight line with good fielding, allowing Nathan Ross, Abeed Janmohamed and Phil Goulstone to hit off the necessary runs appeared to be working.

On arrival for the quarter final, while we again kept the excellent first-aid marquee busy, our opponents, the Pakistan Association CC, were jogging around the ground. They won the toss, we batted first to post a sub-standard target, Hobbs was carried off the field in his first over when his pain-racked body finally gave in, and we lost off the penultimate ball of the match. The festival was won by the SubCont CC. However, our ambassadorial social skills and cricket blazers off the field continued to attract photographic and media attention and we have accepted an invitation to the prestigious cricket festival next September in Shanghai.

Tour party Henry Watkinson (Captain), Mike Chase, Phil Goulstone, Peter Hobbs, Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, John McDermott (Tour Manager), Nathan Ross, Barry Ross (Press/Media Officer).

Golden oldies shine in 2002

Statistics can be a cruel thing. Last year, when Eds Copelston made runs with the ease of Reado on the pull, the averages weren't published until the spring of the following year. Eds repeatedly pressed for them to be released, but the secretary couldn't get his act together. This season Eds has been in the kind of form previously reserved for the Bangladesh middle order. Rather like one of President Blair's spinners, he pleaded that the figures should be buried on a 'bad news day'. All to no avail.

Eds' season wasn't too bad by the standard of others, but he only passed fifty twice - his best was against the School on Speech Day. In terms of commitment he was surpassed by his brother who, stung by suggestions that he was on the way out, played more games than any other person and passed 300 runs. The top of the averages was the veteran flat-track bully Mike Chase, who passed fifty five times in seven innings including a brutal unbeaten 94 at Headley. Our honorary Antipodean OC Nathan Ross also chipped in with some telling contributions and Richard Hume, who averaged 6.17 with the bat in 2001, hit good form and showed his promise.


Abeed Janmoahmed at last looked the real deal with both bat and ball. He still has been unable to go on and make the big score he is more than capable of - he did score a big hundred for MCC and accumulated 997 runs during the season - but it will come when he bats higher up the order. His bowling earned him 13 wickets - second only to old warhorse Chetwode - and when he finally realizes that his future is as a spinner and not a rubbish seamer he will do even better.

Inevitably, Chetwode dominated the bowling, sending down almost three times as many overs as anyone else and taking almost twice as many wickets as his nearest rival. The legs may be tiring, the run-up almost non existent and the stamina for sleeping on School beds exhausted, but he remains far and away the best bowler in the club.

Of his rivals, Tim Evans and Ed Henderson both had their moments - in both cases they shone in the Brewers Cup final - while Nick Read only came out when it was a cup match or there was enough sun to top-up his permatan. Chase's wickets came courtesy of bad batting when we were throwing the ball up to be hit - despite his claims that it signalled his return as a genuine allrounder.

Brewers Cup final player reports

Eds Copleston 9/10 Superb organisation before the game, captained well on the field and led by example. His innings, all the better given his medicocre form throughout the season, was vital to the win as it calmed nerves after the loss of an early wicket

Simon Copleston 8/10 Often criticised for slow scoring, he overcame his own scratchy form to grind out an absoluely vital innings in the context of the match, his partnership with his brother proving the match-winner.

Richard Hume 6/10 Unfortunate to play on after becoming slightly bogged down, he provided one of the moments of the day. After snicking the ball into his pads and from there straight to a close fielder, he sneered at the resulting appeal for lbw, exclaiming "How could that be out, I hit it". The umpire ignored the fact that it had been caught and the fielders were left amazed at Skippy's stupidity.

Mike Chase 7/10 The old man of the side fielded well and then resisted his natural urge to try and hit the cover off the ball, happily grinding out the runs needed to win. Only later did he admit that his average for the season is over 100 and he "wasn't going to throw away that for anyone".

Abeed Janmohammed 8/10 Bowled well after a shaky start which saw 10 come off his first over and, as ever, fielded quite superbly. Coming in at 94 for 3, he batted with great maturity and ensured that a mini-collapse didn't become a crisis.

Graeme Brown 6/10 Struggled to find his line and length with the ball, although did get turn. Fielded well but spilt what would have been an oustanding catch near the end.

Will Howard 8/10 Kept very well and stood up to all bowlers which put considerable pressure on the bastmen.

Nick Read 7/10 Overcame a nervous start (24 off his first four overs) to bowl with control, grabbing two wickets. Solid in the field, and amazingly got through the game without pulling any muscles.

Michael Chetwode 8/10 Despite a 24-hour drinking binge the day before (and resulting lecture from his captain) he bowled with his usual parsimony after a wobbly start, conceding just 11 runs in nine overs. Fielded like a man with a hangover.

Ed Henderson 8/10 Bowled with excellent control and, aided by Will Howard standing up to him, proved hard to get away. Took wickets as soon as he came on both times. Fielded well and almost took an brilliant catch.

Tim Evans 9/10 His medium-paced gentle outswing completely bamboozled the opposition, and he got the game off to a flier by taking a wicket with the first ball of the match. His return of 11-5-22-2 was by far his best for the club.

Supporters 10/10 Great turnout from the great and the good, with ages ranging from Viv Cox (84) down to the youngest member of the Chetwode clan at a few months. John McDermott so enjoyed the day that he briefly abandoned being rude to all and sundry. The free bar and food helped make for a great day.

Watkinson to miss Brewers Cup final?

Eds Copleston has announced his side for the final of the Brewers Cup against Old Herefordians at Milton Keynes on Sunday, September 1.

He has stuck by the players who guided us to our first limited-overs final, with the only surprise the omission of former captain Henry Watkinson. Two years ago Henry would have been one of the first names on the teamsheet, but he returned from a year in Australia massively overweight and unfit. Although a vigorous cabbage soup diet helped him shed much of his belly, his fitness remained a problem, a point stressed by Copleston. “He isnt fully fit or bowling as he needs to be to book a seat on the player's bus. I have the utmost respect for Henry- on top form he'd get into any side I picked. He's had an unlucky injury just before the last round that has wrecked his chances of being involved this year. I know him, he will come back stronger next year and I look forward to that.”

The only change from the side which beat Old Dunstonians in the semi-final was the return of veteran Mike Chetwode in place of schoolboy Johnny Gates. Gates played a crucial part in the win, and batted with great confidence at Blackheath, but Chetwode had to be accommodated. “Having to drop Johnny was not an easy decision,” admitted Copleston. “He had a fantastic day in the field and looks like a star in the making with the bat."

The OC batsmen are all in form which bodes well for the match, and the seam bowlers have all shown that they have adjusted well to the limited-overs format. Graeme Brown is the sole spinner, although the emergence of Abeed Janmohamed as an offspinner in the last season has given Copleston the luxury of a more than able sixth bowler.

Our opponents probably go into the match as favourites, having reached the final last season. Like us, they did their best to throw away the semi-final with a dramatic batting collapse, slumping from 102-0 to 113-5 chasing 120 to win. Strong batting, tempered with a propensity to collapse. It promises to be a good day out.

1. Richard Hume
2. Simon Copleston
3. Eds Copleston (c)
4. Mike Chase
5. Abeed Janmohammed
6. Graeme Brown
7. Will Howard (wk)
8. Nick Read
9. Mike Chetwode
10. Ed joHenderson
11. Tim Evans
12th man – Johnny Gates

Australia tour gets the green light

After several weeks of uncertainty, Johnson Williamson Package Holidays are pleased to confirm that their fourth bi-annual jaunt, the tour to Australia in January 2003, is on.

A number of high-profile cry-offs had left the trip in doubt, but an equal number of cry-ons has redressed the balance and the planning is now going ahead. The flights and hotels have been booked and all the match/restaurant/transport arrangements have been made.

The trip will leave late on Thursday, January 16 (those who have jobs will be able to put in a full day at the office) and will return in the early hours of Monday, February 3 (those with jobs and the metabolism of an ox will be able to go straight to work), so you will need to take no more than 11 days our of your annual holiday. This leaves even the most unfortunate of you with nine days remaining (of which five will be the cricket week, obviously).

We are playing five matches, the highlight being a match at the Don Bradman memorial ground at Bowral (also the home of the Bradman Museum). The cost includes a three-day trip to the Hunter Valley (quite whether they are prepared for Wongy is another matter), six days at the beach (including flights to and from) and all accomodation, and transport to matches.

The cost of the trip is £1800 (given that flights have already been booked this might be slightly more for latecomers depending on flight availability, but ask and we'll see what we can do). Further good news is that Rick has agreed (extremely reluctantly) that he will not go overboard on clothing and he has ditched his plans for Armani blazers.

We need at least £600 now (to cover deposits) and the balance in the coming months but by late November at the latest. Last one to pay sits next to McDermott on the plane ... and it's a 21-hour flight remember.


Draft Itinerary

Thursday January 16
Leave UK on BA 015 at 22:30

Friday January 17
Indoor Match vs. Singapore baggage handlers at Changi Terminal 1

Saturday January 18
06:30 Arrive Sydney, Australia “The Land of Milk and Honey”

Sunday January 19
Game 1 v Newington College (similar school to Cranleigh). Official dinner for OC expats. Hosted by Bob Dwyer.

Monday January 20
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb / Free day

Tuesday January 21
Game 2 v TBA .

Wednesday January 22
Game 3 v Bradman Memorial Ground, Bowral.

Thursday January 23
Free Day / One day final Eng v Aust at SCG Day/Night

Friday January 24
Hunter Valley, home of Australian wine – Afternoon private wine tasting sessions at various vineyards– possible end of tour! Stay Hunter Valley.

Saturday January 25
Match 4 vs. Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Vineyard XI

Sunday January 26
Golf morning + more wine tasting. Afternoon return to Sydney for flight to Whitsunday Islands (Tropical paradise on the Barrier Reef)

Monday January 27
Beach

Tuesday January 28
Beach

Wednesday January 29
Game 5 v TBC / Beach

Thursday January 30
Beach

Friday January 31
Beach

Saturday February 1
Game 6 v TBC. Return to Syndey for end of tour dinner. Stay at Park Hyatt with views over the Harbour

Sunday February 2
Depart Sydney 16:00

Monday February 3
Arrive UK 0600

Who's going (so far) Steve Bailey, Mike Chase, Michael Chetwode, Eds Copleston, Tim Evans, Pete Hobbs, Freddie Hood, Tom Hufton, Rick Johnson and the long-suffering Melissa, John McDermott, Nick Read, Nathan Ross, Henry Watkinson (TBC), Martin Williamson, Andy/Liz Wright.

Copleston heads the averages

For the second season running Eds Copleston topped the OC batting averages, despite failing to reach three figures during the year. That Copleston and Abeed Janmohamed were the most consistent batsmen bodes well for the future as both are under 25. Of the old guard, Mike Chase scored most of his runs in Kenya and Rick Johnson's tally included his 'flat track' century at Old Georgians.

The bowling was again dominated by the veteran Mike Chetwode who took twice as many wickets as his nearest rival. Will Stephens, Richard Thomas and Nick Read took most of their wickets in Kenya, Graeme Brown's tally included seven against the School and Janmohamed's included his match-winning five against Buccaneers.

                M    I   NO    HS   RUNS     AV   50  100
Copleston E     9    9    2    78    327   46.71   3  
Chase M         6    6    0    70    236   39.33   2 
Janmohamed A   11   10    3    53    273   39.00   2 
Johnson R       8    8    1   108    211   30.14       1
Copleston S     5    4    0    51    105   26.25   1 
Chetwode M      8    6    3    23     56   18.67  
Brown G         8    7    1    50    110   18.33   1 
Watkinson H     5    5    2    17     52   17.33  
Read N          5    4    0    21     33    8.25  
Bailey S       11    9    1    31     62    7.75  
Hume R          7    6    0    23     37    6.17  

Qualification: 5 matches/4 innings

               O      M   RUNS     W      AV    5WI   BB
Janmohamed A  22.0    4     67     7      9.57   1   5-32
Stephens      17.0    2     57     5     11.40       4-10
Read N        27.5    2     98     8     12.25       3-16
Thomas R      32.0    7     88     7     12.57       2-10
Chetwode M    92.1   22    302    19     15.89   1   5-22
Brown G       38.0    1    171     9     19.00   1   7-32
Watkinson     35.5    1    154     5     30.80       4-53

Qualification: 5 wickets/bowled in 4 innings