Once again, writes Mike Chetwode, 1993 was a disappointment in terms of results, but this was more than made up for by the spirit in which all the games were played, and the closeness of many of the results and the fact that everyone who played - both for and against us - seemed to enjoy themselves. We played a total of 12 matches out of a possible 15. losing 6, winning three and drawing three, the other three being abandoned. We put a second eleven on two occasions, at Merrow and the School, and both games were drawn.

We have played in the Cricket World Trophy for the past four seasons and were this year drawn against the Old Reigatians and the Old Blues in the first round. Unfortunately, we were unable to put out a strong enough batting line-up against the Reigatians and lost to them by 59 runs despite restricting them to 204-8 off their 55 overs.

The School game was a draw despite the O.C.s looking in dire trouble at 77-7 just after lunch. Seventy six from the Captain and contributions from the rest of the tail got us to the exalted heights of 181 all out. The School were never really in the hunt, but Nick Read batted well for an unbeaten 45 to save them, with nine wickets down at the end.

The second match in the Cricket World Trophy, against the Old Blues, was won relatively easily. Chasing their 242-5, Mike Chase made short work of it, opening the innings and completing the victory with nine overs to spare. Mike (left arm spin bowler of no repute) finished with 122 not out. Unfortunately, it was not enough to take us further in the competition as the Blues also lost to Reigate.

We played Lancing away this year and following last year’s game, where we chased 300 and won, they were never going to make things easy for us. They declared at 309-6 and following the loss of two of last years runmakers for only two runs, we never really had a chance. Richard Gutteridge made a sparkling 110, which included seven hugh sixes, but we subsided to 234 all out.

And so to cricket week. The first game was against Merrow which we lost on the last ball. Martin Williamson made a typically idiosyncratic 54 not out, and we used eight bowlers to keep them interested. - including Simon Copleston who somehow managed to take two wickets and a diving catch which was ruled good despite the fact that most observers thought that the ball had bounced at least once. Merrow were a little too interested and managed to beat us by three wickets. We were too strong for the Surrey Cryptics, against whom Martin Williamson (48*) and Henry Watkinson (65) put on 105 for the fourth wicket to steer us to 224-5. We bowled them out for 112, a performance which included some fine catches and wickets for no less than seven bowlers.

The game against the Old Georgians was perhaps the most extraordinary game I have ever played in. Tossing up with three people in the pavilion, winning the toss and electing to field with, by now, eight fielders, we bowled them out for 99, the Captain taking a career best 8-46 in 19 overs (a full side had been cobbled together by 12.30). We then managed to lose nine wickets before tea for 61 runs. Despite lusty blows from the last wicket pair of Chetwode and Webb we were bowled out for 98, for which I doubt Chris Hamm will ever forgive me.

The second game of the season against the Blues produced another superb day’s cricket. Simon Copleston and Richard Seeckts put us on the way to 227-7, with Simon eventually getting out for 99. At tea the Blues were 55-5, but they managed to win the game from this position with the O.C.s again being slightly too generous. They won by one wicket with Martin Williamson dropping their final batsman as he took the winning run (yes, Martin, now the whole world knows...).

The game against the Frogs was rained off and so we entertained Uppingham Rovers on the second Saturday. We struggled to 173 despite rain interruptions and then reduced them to 24-7 at tea; they were eventually all out for 127 with the Captain taking 5-38. The Ardingly game was a disappointment this year, despite fifties for Mike Chase and Richard Gutteridge. They were never in the hunt and finished fifty adrift with four wickets in hand.

Once again, the week had been a huge success despite the fact that Henry Watkinson took it upon himself to try and out-drink everyone else... a fact that is fine by the rest of the side, providing he leaves us alone after his second pint.

Following the week we entertained the Eton Ramblers on the Lowers and put up a very good show against a strong side. We made 256-7 with Chase and Hellings making good half-centuries. Nigel Radbourne then came into his own. Following a century opening partnership, he reduced them to a fight for survival at 153-8, taking 6-51. It is worth noting that Nigel has bowled better then ever this year, the reason being that he is finally playing regular cricket.

The final game saw us up against a strong Esher side which included both Nigel and Richard Radbourne, who made a dour 60. Although they had won the Surrey Championship the previous day, and were therefore somewhat jaded, they managed to declare at 239-7 and despite a last wicket partnership of 67 in six overs by Will Porter (27*) and the Captain (50) we lost by seven runs with three balls to go. This goes to show the manner in which we like to play the game. As Will said to me "let’s go for it, I’ve been in for five balls and my eye’s already in".

Thirty four O.C.s played for us this season, and six different players captained sides. One of the highlights for me were the three slip catches Tom Trevett took in the Uppingham game, and along with Tom we had eight other first time players. We introduced Nick Read and Charlie Oliver from the School side during the last game, along with Nick Dunnett from the Colts in the Georgians game. I would like to think the many others who left the School this year, of whatever standard, would like to play for us. In this regard, please contact Michael Chetwode, Martin Williamson or perhaps someone younger whom you know plays for us, and we will start, subject to availability, by offering you a place in one of the two Speech Day sides next year.

I must end by saying thank you to Martin Williamson, Nigel Radbourne, Rcihard Seeckts, Henry Watkinson and Simon watkinson for their help during the season . Also to John McDermott for his support as President. Brian Adams umpired authoritatively at all times and Peter Woodhead and his staff at the School produced excellent pitches throughout the year. I must also say a word about the hospitality that the School continues to offer us, which now includes all the catering. The food has been first class and we would not be able to enjoy the week so much if it were not for the accommodation provided at the San. Jon Ayres has done a marvelous job in accommodating us, and we are most grateful.

Finally, it has been a great pleasure to welcome back Chris Hamm as our resident scorer. He does a fantastic job and at least the book is now legible. My apologies to you, Chris, if my methods of managing to nearly win a game, only to lose it, drive you to drink...or is it just a good excuse?

Michael Chetwode composed the above report whilst calculating how many wickets John Cooke would have taken if he had not had lost his best years to National Service.