Copleston upbeat about cup

Eds Copleston has announced his side for the first round of this year’s Brewers Cup campaign and has made a number of changes from last year’s side which suffered a heavy defeat to Bruton in the final.

He has rested bowling legend Mike Chetwode and left Ed Henderson out of the squad to ensure he is fit for subsequent rounds should the OCs win their first game against Bloxham on Sunday June 25.

"Having won the competition in 2002 and 2004, I felt last year we were simply going through the motions. No player has a given right to play in the Brewers Cup and my selection should demonstrate I am prepared to reward form players with a place in the side."

Allrounder Nick Read has been recalled having not played in the cup competition since 2002. "Reado gives me some solidiity in the lower middle order and has bowled well in the trial games against Winchester and Old Spots.

Copleston also brought in 16-year-old opening batsman Seren Waters who will partner Johnny Gates. "Seren is playing well for the school and is hungry for runs. I am excited about the boy’s future with the club."

The bowling will be spearheaded by ageing seamer Henry Watkinson & the surprise of last year's campaign Alex Craven. Copleston boasted: "England paceman Stuart Meaker was unavailable for this round but should join the squad if we manage to progress."

The spin department is bolstered with the inclusion of Ian Houston. "Ian will give us control in the spin department while Graeme Brown and Abeed Janmohamed offer variation. First-class wicketkeeper Will Howard retains the keeping gloves and Copleston is confident this could be Will's year with the bat. "Will shows a lot of promise with the bat. He hasn’t won us a match yet however, but I think as he matures he should become a special player and I would love to see him win man of the match one day."

In conclusion Copleston pointed out this year's campaign must be taken more seriously. "I think last year we all went through the motions believing we deserved to raise the cup. I’m afraid that won’t happen again with application and concentration. The dream is alive of three cups in five years, its time to let our cricket do the talking."

OCCC 1 Seren Waters, 2 Johnny Gates, 3 Eds Copleston (capt), 4 Will Howard (wk), 5 Abeed Janmohamed, 6 Graeme Brown, 7 Nick Read, 8 Matt Crump, 9 Henry Watkinson, 10 Ian Houston, 11 Alex Craven

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.

Sarasota semi-final heartache

The third jaunt by the OCCC to the Sarasota International Six-a-Side festival ended, as in the 1999, in semi-final defeat. But again (and mystifyingly) we won many friends off the pitch and funded Cheetahs nightclub's operating costs for another twelve months.

For the first time we entered two sides - one in the main competition and one in the social league - and also brought an increasing number of supporters. We also introduced coloured kit to the Americans, chosing to play in a fetching navy blue strip with orange hats.

The first team lost just one of their group matches, defeating the fancied Houston side for the second year running and also seeing off last year's winners, British Airways. In the end we won our qualifying group by the narrowest of margins.

John McDermott sings My Way during the annual Festival dinner
In the semi-final we were again slightly the worse for wear after a particularly evil drinking session at the Festival dinner and never quite scored enough runs to challenge a strong Tornoto side.

Nick Read was again the pick of the batsmen, although Watkinson and Chetwode both showed signs of their big-hitting abilities. With the ball Chetwode was as parsimonious as ever, although in one match he managed to concede 21 runs from his over.

The social side were on paper probably the strongest in the group but we suffered from kit difficulties (Trevett opting to play in boat shoes after losing all his luggage) and the captain's rather strange agreement to a 7.30am start for one of the matches (we had to wait for dawn to break before we could start).

Off the field Nick Whitfield travelled in hope but failed to play a match after his cruciate ligament injury flared up whenever starting times were mentioned; he won an award for visiting Cheetahs on ever day throughout the tour.

The behaviour was generally good, although there was too much shopping done in many peoples' opinion, too little drinking and too long spent in burger bars and Denny's. Nigel Clark's behaviour on the outward journey leaves little reason to believe that he will make it to Australia without being kicked-off the flight.

First Team: Henry Watkinson (capt), Steve Bailey, Rick Johnson, Nick Read, Michael Chetwode, Richard Thomas.

Second Team: Will Bond (capt), Tom Trevett, Tim MacKenzie, Nigel Clark, Martin Williamson, ANO.

'I'm the man' - Copleston

Simon Copleston launched a broadside at the OCCC's lacklustre management in recent seasons following the announcement that the club had been admitted to the Brewers Cup.

"Finally the OCCC is going to play some competitive cricket again," said the Cranleigh Village star. "Gone are the lazy days of friendly matches; Watkinson throwing up grenades; Chetwode coming on to mop up the tail; hat-tricks from Euan Briggs; everyone on the boundary to give them the single; centuries from Eds (Copleston) against Blackheath. Next year the OCs are going back to what they do best - winning!"

The OCCC will play old rivals the Old Hurstjohnians in the first round of the Cup, and Copleston is in no doubt that new blood is needed for this venture…and he has an idea who might best fit this role.

"Who better than me? I can promise you controlled aggression; dedication to winning, teamwork; flamboyance and gritty determination all rolled into one. I've got a wealth of competitive captaincy experience.

"Steve Bailey has promised to be my vice captain," added the clearly deranged left-hander. "The campaign will be getting into full swing on my return from an intrepid cricket tour of India, where I intend to visit the Gavaskar school of captaincy."

Former prospect Nick Read added: "Copleston would make a far better Fixture Secretary, as proven at school when he failed to beat Messrs Johnson and Watkinson to the higher echelons of the CCC."

He droned on: "I assume that these Brewer games will be abroad as I only play my cricket on foreign soils nowadays. However, as a direct contrast to Mr Bergkamp, I can always change my mode of transport from plane to car, if the price is right (and I am now extremely cheap).

God slams fitness jibes

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The OCCC have confirmed that they will break with 110 years of tradition and wear coloured clothing for the forthcoming trip to Sarasota.

The clothes, designed by Armani, will be predominantly navy blue, with orange trim. The cap will be of a colour chosen by Henry Watkinson. Coloured pads etc have been borrowed from a county side. As another concession to the modern game all players will have names on the back of their shirt, although Rick Johnson is threatening to sue after it was revealed that his shirt will bear the legend Dyson!

Another open for endless ridicule is Nick Read, a man who is fir for about three weeks of any year. He has not let the side down this time, pulling a hamstring during last weekend's OCHC match.

When asked, he denied that he was a weak drip. "I pulled my hammy this last time last year before Florida, attempted to pull out of the cricket, was coerced into playing four games (embarrassingly hobbling) by Messrs McDermott and Watkinson, and managed to do more damage such that I did not play hockey again until February, and then pulled it again in first game back as was recommended by physio to take a year off sport to which he said 'bollo** off' (though this may be seen as a blessing to the OC's)."

Stung by suggestions that he would be out until 2001, he thundered, "Unlikely to be fit before Christmas" needs to be differentiated to "being bullied to play 10 overs of cricket by Williamson et al in Florida" to "unlikely to be match fit to play hockey, save ripping the frickin muscle again."

"Puurrlleeaasee! Let's hope I have more joy in pulling things other than muscles in the US. One can only pray." When asked about the possibility of the latter, the consensus of OCCC tourists was that there was more chance of Bailey avoiding another confrontation with The Wall than Reado pulling.