Snow causes Dinner postponement

The OCCC Dinner, which was set to take place on Friday, January 8, at the Alma in Wandsworth has been postponed because of the continuing bad weather.

“The weather has left a lot of people unable to make it,” said club captain Eds Copleston.” Wandsworth Town trains are running infrequently (as I know only too well after this morning) and I don’t want to hold this OCCC dinner with under 30 people when we had expected nearly 50.

“The good news is the Alma has agreed to roll the deposit over for a date in March, at present Friday March 5 looks like the date it will be held.

“Sorry chaps but we will rise again. Let’s get over 50 people there on March 5 please! This does give me longer to compile the fine list as well (bad news for you after your dropped catches this season Damien Hill).”

Rich Hume sets off across the Atlantic

Richard Hume, the former School and OCCC opening bowler who has turned his back on cricket to pursue some un-Cranleigh fitness ordeals, sets off his most crackpot scheme yet on January 4 when he begins to row the Atlantic.

The closest most Cranleighans get to water is Gatleys, but Richard and colleague Tom Barnes are taking part in the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race 2009.

Follow their progress by visiting their website at http://www.rowingtheatlantic.com/ where, thanks to wonders of electronics, you can even email or text them as they trundle from the Canary Islands to Antigua, a distance of approximately 2,500 nm (2,876 statute miles).

Annual Dinner on January 8

The annual dinner will take place at the Alma in Wandsworth on January 8, 2010. Tickets, which cost £25 each, can be obtained from the usual suspects.

Tim Evans

A group of us have got together to bring to your attention that your friend, Tim Evans, is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. This disease is progressing at an alarming rate and we are trying to do everything within our power to improve your friend Tim’s quality of life.

Spending time with Tim you realise how amazing and determined he is to beat this disease; he has done a research MA and is currently working towards a PHD both on understanding MS and how he can improve his quality of life.

However it is alarming to see that even his basic needs are not being fulfilled, he needs funds for more care hours, better quality of diet, basic necessities like hand rails installed into his flat to aid him in mobility and much more.

We have set up the Friends of Tim Trust to aid Tim both financially and in kind and we are looking to all Tim’s friends to help him in his hour of need.

We invite you to take up a Standing Order (click here to download); anything you can give per month will transform Tim’s quality of life.

You can also donate via cheque made payable to ‘Friends of Tim’, and send to c/o Caroline Jackman, Tilthams Farm, Tilthams Corner Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3DE.

If you would like to be kept up to date with Tim’s progress please complete the contact form below and return to Caroline Jackman at the address above or email friendsoftimevans@yahoo.co.uk

Many thanks for your support.

Best wishes

Friends of Tim Trust

Meaker on ECB Fast Bowling Programme

Stuart Meaker has been included by the England board as one of a five young players in its Fast Bowling Programme. In the coming months they will spend time at a conditioning camp in Florida and at the MRF Fast Bowling Camp in Chennai under the guidance of Australian legend Dennis Lillee.

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

Tense draw to end the season

Old Cranleighans 186 for 8 drew with West End Esher 185 for 7

The 2009 season concluded with a draw at West End Esher in a game which went down to the final delivery. Eds Copleston won the toss, and after losing three early wickets Hill (45), Copleston (40) and Rob Merry (49) helped steer us to 186 for 8.

Ed Henderson (4 for 48) made early inroads into the West End innings before a middle-order revival meant a tight run-chase which went to the wire. West End needed five to win off the last three balls, but a wicket from Clarence-Smith followed by a dot ball ensured the home side fell two runs short.