A win to end the tour

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The 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. Nevertheless, we had an opposition, although our travelling support was issued with strict orders not to move from immediately in front of the pavilion … it seems the previous side had ignored this rule and had paid the price.

We batted first and yet again our top order failed to fire, proof if it were needed that combining excessive alcohol and no sleep is no way to prepare for a game. Matt Crump made 23 but it wasn’t until Damian Hill thumped 29 and with Alex Craven and Mike Roper making late runs, we were able to post 152 for 8. Tristan Rosenfeldt’s tour came to an end when he was hit on the finger, his you-can-get-gloves-cheaply-in-Mumbai equipment offering as much protection as a meringue. He departed muttering “when will bloody India stop haunting me” only to reappear with a comedy bandage on his hand, more befitting someone who had trapped his hand in a machine.

It seemed as if it would be four losses in four when we conceded 11 wides in the first five overs as the home side raced to 34 for 0. But then we suddenly found some bottle. Michael Chetwode restored some much-needed control and then part-time spinners Matt and Tom Crump and Alan Cope chipped away at the batting. There were still some glitches – Tom Crump managed an 11-ball over – and the odd dropped catch, but we still put ourselves in a winning position before some late jitters took the match almost to the wire. Cool heads prevailed and as the run-rate climbed, we grabbed the last two wickets and finally had our win on tour.

Presentations followed – we waited to see if Copleston would use the same “this is the most beautiful ground we have played at” speech but even he realised that would be too much – which included handing over more Alive and Kicking footballs. A detour at a township bar – where the “barmaid” served from behind a Fort Knox-like system of grills – followed before we headed home.

After a brief pit stop we headed to Newlands for the end-of-tour dinner in the chairman’s dining room. We took the group photo in the middle with Table Mountain in the background and headed inside. Within minutes we were back out on the square to have another group photo, this time including the Johnsons who, inevitably, were late. Not Rick’s fault. Obviously.

The dinner was followed by closing fines and awards. The batsman of the tour was Damian Hill, the bowler Michael Chetwode, the fielder Tom Merry, and the overall Man of the Tour Keith Crump, whose uncomplaining good humour and ability to ignore the worst excesses of his sons was an example to all.

A few late-tour arguments ended the evening, various pubs were visited and the last of the squad returned to the hotel at 10am, complete with lurid tales.

Naps and appalling fines

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 add some spice to proceedings by offering a Play-Your-Cards-Right twist. The idea was that the victim picked a card and guessed whether the next card is higher or lower … if they guessed right then they could pick someone else to drink their fine for them. While that sounded fine on paper, what Rosie figured without was that almost everyone would guess correctly, and that they would all hand the fine back to him to drink. In short, within 15 minutes Rosenburg was a gibbering, alcohol-fuelled wreck. While Rosie ranted and dribbled, everyone else headed out to the Waterfront for a meal which involved copious quantities of cocktails, and from there to an Irish pub where the tour wheels really came off in spectacular style. One senior tour member who is old enough to know better returned home in a police car, given a lift rather than under arrest after being found wandering the streets of Cape Town.

Three out of three

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By 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 been turned only for us to run slap bang into a massive brick wall.

One problem was that despite the youth and size of the squad, injuries were taking their toll and so we went into the match with four front-line bowlers and only one able to take anything more than a four-pace run-up. After a rollicking start, the guile of Chetwode, Cope and Matt Crump (reduced to bowling spin because of a detaching toenail that belonged in a museum of horrors) reduced Constantia to 98 for 5 in the 19th over. All was well. Except Eds was left without any of the four to bowl the last seven overs. Putting his faith in Langmead and Hill was a bold move that didn’t quite work as those overs yielded 109 runs. Langmead 4-0-58-1, Hill 3-0-50-0. Gray, Constantia’s opener, made an excellent 129*including nine sixes, as they posted 268 for 8.

The talk at the break was of the need for a positive start, but we lost Rosenfeldt in the third over (although he did score his first run in five innings in South Africa) and by the end of the tenth over we were 30 for 3 with Cope and Matt Crump out. From then on it was only ever going to be a face-saving exercise. Copleston briefly sparked with 26, Gates played himself into some form with 25, Hill bludgeoned 30 and Langmead at the end made 38*, but it was another heavy defeat by 91 runs.

After fines and the passing of Dick of the Day to Hill for his bowling, we dined at one of South Africa’s best restaurants where we managed to behave. For about half an hour. The napkins were knotted, the wine flowed and Chetwode muttered “don’t any of you know how to behave in a real restaurant” more than once. We were joined by the Johnsons who had decamped to a luxury villa on the estate for the remainder of their tour, a move which was widely condemned in public and envied in private.

Sharks avoid the OCs

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 it was before the boat has left the harbour) failed to prove a tasty treat and not a shark was to be seen in the four-hour bobbing on the ocean waves. And it rained. And it was cold.

The seniors headed for the hills for a long and wine-fuelled lunch, enlivened by the Johnson-Watkinson old wives act as the hapless pair got hopelessly lost (the blame is still being discussed). The wine continued to flow through fines and beyond, with the senior pro (Chetwode) seeking to spark some old hostilities by covering the locals in beer. His wife, by now Dick of the Day, was quieter … mainly because she had passed out, making her an easy target for Copleston to write on as she slept.

A day to reflect

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.

Defeat under Table Mountain

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The 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 classy Alan Cope. Cope fell leg before to a Tom Merry instant decision, and thereafter we limped along, with only a stand of 63 for the fourth wicket between the Crumps enabling us to reach a half-decent total. The gamble of pushing the veterans Chetwode and Watkinson into the middle order to boost the scoring rate failed dismally. Copleston and Matt Crump scurried and swept at the end to help us reach moderate respectability.

Between innings we were treated to a sight never before seen at an OC match as Chetwode warmed up with some painful and horribly stiff contortions. No matter that he needed help to get up afterwards, it showed excellent intent.

Left to defend 160, we did make an early breakthrough when Watkinson won over the umpire with an obscenely long three-part screeching appeal. The ball was going down leg but no matter. It turned out to be our only success of the afternoon and our bowling was cut to ribbons and our fielding, increasing affected by sambuca Belgrano calls the previous night, became increasingly listless. WP Chairman’s XI romped home by nine wickets with almost eight overs to spare.

A marvellous barbeque followed, showing up Rick’s efforts in terms of quantity and also timeliness, and fines then took place against the backdrop of sun setting next to Table Mountain. Rick, to widespread acclaim, took the Dick of the Day tie. The journey home, past houses with ubiquitous razor-wired walls and promises that they were protected by armed response units, was enlivened by a karaoke session, the highlight in quality being Mike Roper, in entertainment Hill’s Suggerhill Gang rap.

The evening started full of promise but ended with the usual number of casualties. Despite warnings not to venture out after dark, Rick led the 4am walk home through the deserted streets to the hotel. Even the local thugs knew not to mess with a 5’4” puffball dressed in a hideous blazer.

The one unanswered question was the whereabouts of the nominated 12th man during the game. Rosenfeldt was missing at the start on an almost inevitable burger hunt, but then spent the remainder of the day telling everyone within earshot about his regular bowel movements. Any sympathy from neutrals soon evaporated when it transpired that his problems started in Lusaka when his desire for meat took him on a 45-minute cab ride which finished in two chicken burgers from a street vendor.

Finally cricket ,,, and a defeat

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More 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, the home side were 62 for 3 and we fancied our chances. But while we stuck to the task, Cape Cobra's contracted Sybrand Engelbrecht hit 89 to help boost his side to 228 for 7 off their 50 overs. Matt Crump was the most successful bowler with 3 for 36.

We lost Tom Crump to the fourth ball of the innings and Johnny Gates followed shortly after – from then on in only Matt Crump saved us from complete humiliation. He effortlessly stroked his way to 88 off 106 balls, including 12 fours, while all around fell to rash shots and reckless running. Eds Copleston led the headless charge, escaping a dropped catch only to leave himself high and dry as he tried for a resulting run that was never there. Aside from Crump, only 40 runs came off the bat. It really was that dismal.

Dinner was taken by all at Panama Jacks in the harbour in Cape Town and will be remembered not just by the touring party, but all those unlucky enough to be in the restaurant, for the performance of Jonny 'the bugler' Gates. After perhaps one too many Castle lagers he expelled what had gone in and there are flags on the ceiling and windows in the restaurant that will never, ever be the same again. It was quite remarkable - please ask anyone present for more details. Or perhaps don’t.

Balls and bye to the Falls

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.

Into the abyss (almost)

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For 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 serious shift of swimming against the current to reach the rock from which they jumped into the plunge pool. Health and Safety clearly hasn't reached Zambia yet as peering over the edge on the Falls with nothing to hold you back other than an underwater ledge was pretty punchy. On the return swim Henderson set the guides into panic by picking a bold across-current line and looking for all the world like he might disappear over the edge of the Falls! Fortunately all reached terra firma to tuck into New Year Eggs Benedict.

The rest of the day was spent in various stages of recovery, mainly by the pool where the only activity required was chasing away the blue testicled monkeys who repeatedly tried to steal things.

Ed Henderson and Tom Merry on fines were not going to let the previous night's excess deter them from handing out some interesting fines under the title 'Crime and Punishment'. They thought they would be considerate and, instead of handing out neat shots, they kindly produced such delicious drinks as gin and lung tonic (the main ingredient of the cough mixture being creosote) and gin and cream soda (the latter with a sell by date in the mid nineties).

Happy New Year!

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There 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 the 'Devils Daughter'. Flipping over in the middle of some grade 4 rapids and getting stuck under an upside down boat can be a little hairy. However fun was had by all.

Minutes after arriving back at the hotel from the rafting trip we were departing for a more sedate form of water activity - a sunset cruise aboard an exclusively chartered boat with as much food and drink as we could consume. Floating alongside crocodiles and hippos wasn't going to stop an over 25's versus under 25's boat race. Some impressive downing from the young shavers Cope and Roper left it all for Rosenfeldt to do on the home straight but, despite pouring half of the bottle of beer down his front, he couldn't secure a win for the older crew.

Following the boat trip we rocked up at the Waterfront Hotel for Livingstone's biggest party. Despite the rest of the party goers appearing to be under 18 to begin with, the cheap alcohol flowed and the crowd matured. An absolute cracker of a night ensued.

Appeals fail at the Falls

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For those avid follows of the blog (I am assured there are a few!!) - apologies for the delay in getting this to you, a combination of being very busy and a few connectivity issues are to blame ...

Our trip from Lusaka to Livingstone did not start particularly successfully - the issue of lots of kit (familiar to anyone who has toured with the OCs before was to blame. Just outside Livingstone we had a fascinating tour of the Lusaka Alive and Kicking factory, run by Chris Roe (an OC who left in 2001). The charity produces footballs and netballs with health messages which they then distribute, along with educational seminars, to schools and townships across Africa (www.aliveandkicking.org.uk). The tour gave us a fascinating insight to the work the charity does as well as the opportunity to pick up some balls that several benefactors and our sponsors have kindly donated, to distribute in Zambia and South Africa.

Our 7 hour estimate for the coach soon became interesting... The road from Lusaka most of the way to Livingstone was exceptional, pot holes about as evident as an OC tourist drinking water at dinner. Unfortunately the road then ended (literally) and we hit 'roads' that would have and did challenge any vehicle, let alone a coach. All I can say is that it was a great relief that we finally made it to the hotel. The next day we has a great game drive around the Mosi-oa-tunda ('The smoke that thunders' - the local name for the Victoria Falls) - where we got up close and personal with hippos, impala, wildebeest, buffalo, baboons, zebras, giraffes, birds, snakes and lizards.

Following the game drive we went to learn more about the various activities on offer over a beer (thanks Karien!). The tourists had clearly developed a taste for the adrenaline rush of the coach journey as white water rafting, bungee jumps, walking with the lions, going to Livingstone Island to sit in a plunge pool and helicopter rides all proved popular as well as the New Years Eve cruise / party that had already been booked! The afternoon was spent by the poolside in splendid sunshine. Unfortunately the pool also led to our first casualty of tour, Matt Crump unfortunately getting a perforated eardrum from a stray elbow in the pool - we wish him well for a speedy recovery.

The only thing powerful enough to drag people away from a sunlounger or game of volleyball over the bridge in the pool (our invention which is now practically an institution) was the waterfall that backs on to the hotel. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Victoria Falls truly has to be seen to be believed and all stood in awe perilously close to the edge trying to get the perfect picture, whilst getting absolutely soaked. We were able to further appreciate this marvel at sunset, over drinks on the veranda at our regal sister hotel. This was followed by fines, where the first (and a particularly weak) appeal by Alan Cope, for not wearing the dick of the day cravat, was denied by the tour committee. Dinner saw the first successful appeal by Mike Chetwode (experienced in such matters) to the detriment of the accuser Eds Copleston (who should have known better).

We are all very much looking forward to the rafting and New Years Eve festivities. Happy New Year to all! Rob Merry

Second match falls foul of the weather

Unfortunately it rained overnight and therefore the full match had to also be scrapped. In fairness evidence of the night before suggested that this decision had already unconsciously been made as several of the players were much the worse for wear come the second day on tour….

Much to the credit of the tourists the excesses of the night before did not prevent the guys hosting a long training session for the aspiring Zambian cricket senior players, ironically in dazzling sunshine.

The afternoon was spent visiting the shopping Arcade, which conveniently backs on to the hotel. It was also fascinating over lunch to hear about the work that Chris Roe, an Old Cranleighan who left in 2001, does with Alive and Kicking – the charity that we are supporting on tour. Fines and dinner were relatively subdued – acknowledgment of the eight-hour coach adventure to Livingstone that awaits us early tomorrow morning.

I am writing the blog in darkness and heat due to a prolonged power cut and this just serves to emphasise how lucky we are to experience the upper end of life in Lusaka. It has been a real privilege to help out the Zambian cricketers who have not had the same support as us and we are thoroughly looking forward to visiting the Alive and Kicking factory on the way to Livingstone tomorrow. Rob Merry

Opening match washed out

Boxing Day 2008 and the introduction of a throng of OC blazers brought some colour to the much maligned Terminal 5. Tristan Rosenfeldt was on hand to provide some last minute kit including the ‘vital’ tour underpants… The flight itself was fairly uneventful by previous standards. There was excitement at the announcement of the Gates’ engagement – until it was revealed that this was simply a ruse to get their hands on a glass of free champagne.

The weather forecast on the flight was ‘good visibility but scattered showers’. The tour organisers wore worried expressions as we were actually greeted by fog, low cloud and torrential rain. It took an age for the baggage to arrive and unfortunately for the youngest of the Crump clan he is still waiting…

Our exclusive coach took the scenic route from the airport stopping at the wrong Protea hotel. With the Twenty20 match not due to start until the afternoon the opportunity for a couple of hours sleep was welcomed by all except Ed and Eds who were dispatched to inspect the pitch. The pitch inspection was coupled with a press conference with our chaps fielding questions from the local press, flanked by the Zambian Cricket bigwigs.

On their return it was disappointing but not surprising to learn that the Twenty20 had been rained off. However we did take the opportunity to get out of the hotel and run a coaching session for about 20 youngsters. Cricket training sessions were followed by some touch rugby, football and some beers. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the young Zambians and no shortage of skill too. The press were in attendance again – Ed and Eds by now local celebrities.

The nine tour virgins were ‘welcomed’ at the traditional fines session, Matt Crump the proud recipient of the dick of the day cravat, before we went off for some splendid steaks at the Lusaka Country Club. It was then back to the ‘Arcade’ that backs on to the hotel to sample the local nightlife, and try to get to grips with being a cash millionaire in Kwacha .

A busy start then, and we must hope that the ground dries up enough for cricket tomorrow.

AGM looks ahead to a busy season

The following are the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club held at the OC Club, Thames Ditton, on Thursday January 31, 2008.

Present: Graham Brown, Mike Chetwode, Eds Copleston, Allen Dean, Ed Henderson, Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, John McDermott, Tristan Rosenfeldt, Henry Watkinson, Martin Williamson.

Apologies: John Cooke, Matt Crump, Robin Elsdon Dew, Rob Merry, Richard Seeckts, Peter Shelley, David Westcott, Andy Wright.

Rules: The meeting voted unanimously to adopt the revised rules as sent out by email.

Captain’s report: In a brief captain’s report, HW said that India had been good, the summer good, but Sarasota not quite as good, other than off the field.

Hon Fixtures Secretary’s report: TR gave a lengthy speech on the 2008 fixtures. The main change was that the Elstead fixture, new to 2007, had not been renewed as it was not felt to be the kind of end-of-season game we were after. Alternatives of were discussed but TR was asked to seek others. The bulk of games were as in 2007 although the frogs had been incorporated into the week. We were again scheduled to play Wellington but there was concern over match fees and recipricocity and TR was asked to investigate.

The Cricketer Cup clashes were discussed at some length and especially the issue of the clash with the School match were we to progress to the second round. The rules do not allow us to play away from the school and the headmaster had made it clear we would not be allowed to be at Cranleigh on that day (June 29). TR would ask potential second-round opponents (Winchester or Clifton) if we could play away should the need arise. Whatever happened, we would field a side against the school on the same day.

Hon Treasurer’s report: In his final report after 25 years in the role, MW said the books had balanced but that was largely through donations from the OC Society and two individuals which totalled £750. The introduction of annual subscriptions (£10) would enable us to book umpires for all games and give us a sounder financial footing. The incoming treasurer would need to make the establishment of standing orders a priority.

South Africa tour 2008-09: EH reported plans were progressing and around 18 people had committed (13 players) with several others more probable than possible. Attempts to reduce the cost had failed as we were travelling at a peak time but other options – sponsorship etc – were under consideration. EH briefly suggested that matches could be played inside Zimbabwe on the Zazmbian leg of the trip but this was vociferously opposed on moral grounds. There were possibilities of a charity visit to Soweto while in SA.

Cup competitions: There were mixed views on our continuing in the Cricket World Trophy but it was agreed that we should on the understanding that selection was, unless unavoidable, mutually exclusive with the Cricketer Cup side. HW would skipper the CC side and EC the CWT side. Selection would be by the cricket committee.

Election of officers: There being no other nominations other than the ones circulated before the meeting, all were passed unanimously. The only changes from 2007 were than MW stood down as secretary and treasurer to be replaced by EH and RM. Rick Johnson was elected to fill the new post of chairman. Two new vice presidents were elected - Heather Dean in recognition of her services as a scorer and supporter for many years, and Clem Williams in recognition of his efforts as master in charge at Cranleigh and his support for the OCCC then and since leaving.

President: John. W. McDermott
Chairman: Rick Johnson
Captain: Henry Watkinson,
Honorary Secretary: Ed Henderson
Honorary Treasurer: Rob Merry
Honorary Fixtures Secretary: Tristan Rosenfeldt
Committee: Michael Chetwode, Martin Williamson,
Vice Presidents: (new nominations) Heather Dean, Clem Williams.

Any Other Business: 1) RJ expressed the desire for two social functions a year, one oldies event in the season and a dinner in October. While the latter was approved, it was felt the former was unnecessary although it was agreed that notice would be sent out that former players would be especially welcome on one specified cricket week day. 2) It was agree to allow Damien Hill to run with his plan of a sixes event on one of the Saturdays of the week. 3) JM asked for a note to be made of the death of Ted Crowe of the Old Blundellians, whose links with the OCCC go back more than four decades.

Tour No. 6 ... South Africa

Having organised their final tour to India in February/March 2007, Rick Johnson and Martin Williamson have passed the reigns over to Ed Henderson, Rob Merry and Tristan Rosenfeldt, who are pleased to announce the destination for the next tour. Having debated many diverse and interesting options, ranging from the Caribbean to a Middle East/Western Australia tour, the unanimous decision and natural place to go next was Southern Africa.

So to formally announce it, the OCCC will be undertaking their 6th major overseas tour to….Zimbabwe! Only joking, we will be gracing Zambia and South Africa with our presence over New Year 2008-09.

Here are some details regarding the itinerary from which we hope to start getting commitment from players, families, WAG’s and legends (M. Payne) regarding attendance. With just over a year to organise the tour, support and help from anyone will be much appreciated and tour details will be continually provided and updated.

Provisional itinerary

Christmas Day/Boxing Day 2008 Players will no doubt be resisting the temptation to indulge in the festive spirit at home and a boot camp in the Welsh valleys has been discussed for those with intentions to hit the ground running in Africa, or have alterior motives to one day captain the club!
Saturday December 27, 2008 Afternoon flight to Lusaka, Zambia. Breakfast arrival (28th December). Day of leisure (golf, pool, sleep) at 5* hotel culminating in ‘Welcome to Africa’ dinner.
Sunday December 28, 2008 Game 1 v. Zambian Team (TBC but potentially a National side or a British High Commision side)
Monday December 29 – Tuesday December 30, 2008 Safari (Details of Safari TBC)
Wednesday December 31, 2008 AM flight to Cape Town, check into 5* Waterfront hotel and prepare to see in New Year 2009.
Wednesday December 31 – Friday January 9, 2009 OCCC in Cape Town. Based at 5* Waterfront hotel. The following is being arranged for the stay in Cape Town:

Three games plus the inaugural OCCC 20/20 game. The tour organisational team is working it’s upmost to get the team playing at Newlands and a first OCCC game under lights is very much a possibility.

Trip up Table Mountain for that perfect team photo.

Day at the Beach, however, Camps Bay (10 minutes from Cape Town city centre) is no West Whittering!

Adrenaline Junkie Day – Bungee Jumping followed by Shark diving! For those less inclined to this lifestyle, deep sea fishing will be an option.

Tour of Robben Island – tour led by former political prisoners.

Township Visit.

There will of course be the usual OCCC frolics:

Daily fines.

‘D*ck of the Day’.

Rosenfeldt Quiz Night/Hobbs and Watkinson cheating challenge.

Plus, we are pleased to announce, the Afrikaans food challenge – www.mishtancafewillbetamecomparedtothis.com

Friday January 9, 2009 PM flight to Lusaka, Zambia. Check in to another ridiculous 5* hotel.
Saturday January 10, 2009 Final game against local Zambian team.
Sunday January 11, 2009 – Monday January 12, 2009 Potentially a River Safari. Plus Victoria Falls visit, the end of tour Dinner to be held whilst the touring squad looks out over the falls (as promised by Mr. Ed Henderson)
Tuesday January 13, 2009 Flight back to London, another OCCC tour successfully completed.

Well I hope that has slightly whetted your appetite for this next adventure. This is still very much a rough itinerary and is of course subject to change (most notably the dates and times of the safaris) but the main structure of the tour (flying in and out of Zambia etc.) will remain.

The cost of the tour will be around the £2000 mark, and we will be looking for a real commitment from people with a non refundable deposit in late January 2008. We are working hard to make sure it really will be a trip not to be missed, plus, the kit is going to be brilliant!

All you students, unemployed or those put off by the price-tag, don’t worry, payment options spread over the year will be available, and we can come to agreements between us, don’t be afraid to ask. We just need that initial commitment.

The three of us are incredibly excited about this tour and all are welcome, whether you are a whole family, a cricketer, a partner or just an enthusiastic supporter, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of us if you would like more information or have any advice or contacts for us out in Southern Africa, sponsorship of course always welcome!

Regular updates regarding the tour will be found on the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club Website.

Rob, Ed and Tristan

rmerry@deloitte.co.uk
edward.henderson@1thesanctuary.com
tristanrosenfeldt@hotmail.com

South Africa 2009 the next tour?

The new era of OC touring began last night at The Angel in Thames Ditton when Tristan Rosenfeldt, Rob Merry and Ed Henderson agreed to succed Rick Johnson and Martin Williamson as tour organisers.

A long discussion about destinations ensued and the happy trio went to away to examine the possibilities. The favourite is a two-week jaunt to South Africa, with a shorter trip to Dubai the alternative. Damian Hill suggested Devon.

Prices, availability and interest is being researched and a more concrete proposal will be circulated to all the club shortly.

In the meantime, contact Tristan, Rob or Ed for more information.