Janmohamed named Cricketer Cup captain

Abeed Janmohamed has been named as the club’s Cricketer Cup captain, replacing Eds Copleston who is heading for a two-year sabbatical in New York.

“Abeed and I have both captained counties at all our respective age groups, captained the school and then gone on to captain in Surrey championship leagues – which makes him the obvious choice,” Copleston said. “I put my full trust in Abeed and believe is the right man for the job. The first round away tie at Malvern is about as hard as games come and I hope Abeed and the boys can win that. It would be a terrific achievement.”

He has a hard act to follow. Since taking over as cup captain in 2002, Copleston has led the OCCC to four Brewers Cup finals, winning three of them, as well as victory in the 2007 Cricket World Trophy.

“It’s a true privilege to be given the honour of captaining the OCCC following in the footsteps of legends like Chetwode, Watkinson and Copleston<” gushed former Kenya international Janmohamed. “I am surprised given that i am yet to score an OC hundred or distinguish myself in OCCC colours.” He added his captaincy would be “less methodical and more spontaneous” adding he would be looking to get the best from the younger players.

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.

Charterhouse ease home as Crump goes AWOL

Chaterhouse Friars 119 for 5 beat Old Cranleighans 118 (Crump T 62, Vickers 29) by five wickets

After two days of lousy weather, the rain finally relented for our visit to Charterhouse. However, the pitch was still very wet and that meant the toss was crucial. We lost it, were stuck in, and from the moment Alan Cope was struck twice by lifting deliveries before being dismissed for 0 in the opening over, we were up against it.

As per the teamsheet, it was a Crump who captained the OCs. However, it wasn’t Matt, the match manager, but younger brother Tom. Matt had withdrawn the night before claiming he had tickets for the second day at Cardiff. Eds Copleston’s splenetic reaction was repeated 18 hours later when he found out that Matt had not only missed the match but also failed to secure the promised ticket for the Test. “It’s very disappointing for the club,” Copleston muttered. “It could take many years for Crumpy to rebuild the trust of his team-mates after this debacle.”

Back to the match. With the ball popping from every length, batting was a hit or miss affair. Jock Vickers’ natural game – swing and smash – worked for a while as he bludgeoned 29, aided by four dropped catches, while Tom Crump salvaged some family pride with a superb 62. Sadly, the rest of the side offered little and we were bowled out for 118.

With conditions improving and our opening bowler in hiding from Eds, we were short of seamers to exploit the pitch. The Harman brothers both bowled well, Phil Roper was as tight as ever, and even Vickers managed a wicket. But we were 50 runs shy of making Charterhouse sweat and they eased to a five-wicket win before the scheduled team interval.

Rain blights midweek matches

Old Cranleighans 129 for 7 (Copleston E 32, Rosenfeldt 26, Crump M 20) drew with Old Georgians

Warm and sunny turned to cold and wet, and in end after on an-off day, the match was abandoned at 4pm with the square left sodden by 45 minutes of heavy rain. In the play there was, our batting found conditions hard, with only Eds Copleston (32 off 28 balls) managing to find any touch. Two wickets on the stroke of an early lunch saw us go into the interval on 40 for 4, and our only period on top came after the re-start as Copleston and Tristan Rosenfeldt put on 52 in 28 minutes. But once Copleston went and light rain started, we lost momentum.

Old Cranleighans v Grasshoppers - match abandoned

The rain which caused Tuesday’s abandonment lasted through the night and left the square underwater, and a second shower in the morning ruled out any play before the afternoon. An inspection at 2pm resulted in a 3pm start, but as the teams changed and prepared for the toss, the heavens opened again and that was that.

Records tumble in cricket-week opener

Old Cranleighans 358 for 5 (Preece 121, Watkinson 83, Copleston 64*) drew with Eton Ramblers 333 for 8 (J Redmayne 121, Jupp 3-30, Hannah 2-28, Henderson 2-85)Click here for match photos

The cricket week got off to a cracking start with a match against Eton Ramblers that saw more than one century-old record broken. Sadly, it also marked the end of the Wimbledon-long heatwave.

The game itself was drawn, but on a pitch which offered nothing for bowlers, almost 700 runs were scored and the match was in the balance for the last two hours, thanks largely to Eton’s decision to chase a seemingly impossible target from the off. We made a record 358 for 5, 11 more than our record score set in 1907, and Eton finished on 333 for 8. The aggregate of 691 runs smashed the previous record of 601, also set in 1907.

The outfield was baked brown and the pitch a road. Eds Copleston won the toss and we got off to an uncertain start, losing three early wickets, the unluckiest being Simon Copleston, leg-before for 1 despite a thick inside edge, and after flying all the way from Abu Dhabi to play. But the left-handed pair of Chris Preece and Henry Watkinson then set about the second-string bowlers, capitalising on a lightning fast outfield in a fourth-wicket stand of 166 at almost seven an over. Preece drove and pulled with assurance, Watkinson, allowed a rare foray up the order, looked the batsman of old, especially off the front foot.

Preece completed a chanceless hundred, his first for the club, and it was only when he had passed three figures that he was dropped - twice in successive balls - as he hit out. Watkinson seemed set for his own century, much to the chagrin of Rick Johnson who was busy counting the cost of getting two names engraved on the new honours boards, when he was well caught in the covers for 83. But so quick had the runs come that Copleston had little choice but to bat on, taking the total to 358 for 5 in only 49 overs.

Eton made a good start before Jumbo Jupp, on as first change, took three wickets to reduce them to 103 for 3 in the 21st over. With an asking rate at that point of almost ten an over, the game seemed destined for a draw. But the Redmayne brothers laid into some generous bowling, Johnny Gates offering the richest pickings, to such good effect that Copleston was forced to recall his frontline attack sooner than intended.

The last 20 started with Eton requiring 184 – while that seems steep, with the Redmaynes in full flow, they were in the box seat, and when a sharp piece of fielding from Preece accounted for T Redmayne, Innes kept the score ticking over. The asking rate was matched for the first ten overs, Henderson and Watkinson struggling gamely to keep a check on the runs. Jamie Redmayne was caught by Preece on the boundary but he was unable to stop himself stepping over the rope.

Sixty-three were needed over six when Jamie Redmayne thumped Watkinson for 21, putting Eton in the driving seat, but in the next nine balls the game turned on its head. Henderson had Redmayne caught for 121 with the last ball of his 13th over, and then Elliott Hannah, called back to replace the tired Watkinson, struck with successive deliveries. With the first ball of his next over, Henderson bowled Duff-Gordon, and Eton had slumped from 321 for 4 to 325 for 8. The pitch was as perfect as ever, however, and the final 17 balls were easily negotiated.

The evening was spent in the curry house where the young recruits indulged in a much-favoured past-time of abusing the chairman. It is reported, but not confirmed as yet, that at one stage Johnson was rendered speechless. If so, it was a truly remarkable day in every respect.

Waters and spin sink Haileybury

Old Cranleighans 187 for 1 (Waters 103*, M Crump 35, T Crump 31*) beat Haileybury Hermits 186 (walker 93, Watkinson 4-58, Webb 2-30) by nine wickets with 23.5 overs to spare
Click here for match photos

A excellent 107 not out from Seren Waters helped us to an easy nine-wicket win over Haileybury Hermits in the first round of the Cricketer Cup, setting up a challenging second-round tie at Tonbridge in a fortnight.

The setting could not have been better, with the sun shining and hundreds of Old Cranleighans and their families lining the Jubilee boundary. The Red Arrows flew over shortly before the start of the game, and when Eds Copleston won the toss it seemed it was going to be our day all the way.

We started shakily,however, Henry Watkinson and Ed Henderson conceding 17 off the first two overs, but the pair stuck to their guns and reined the openers, and by the tenth over each had taken a wicket and Haileybury were struggling on 43 for 2.

Then came a stand that appeared to be setting them on their way to a formidable total as Nick Walker and Stewart put on 108 for the third wicket. We knew that Walker, whose first-class career with Derbyshire and Leicestershire ended in 2008, would be the danger man, and he set out his stall by smacking Watkinson for two sixes in his first ten balls.

Copleston then set the three-prong spin attack of Phil Roper, Graham Webb and Waters into operation. Initially it seemed as if Walker would continue to dominate, hitting Roper for four fours in eight deliveries, but the next 15 overs produced only two more boundaries. Walker was adept at milking the singles, but Stewart struggled to keep the strike rate up. He managed only one run in the first 38 balls he faced, and 22 of his 24 runs, made from 98 deliveries, were singles.

Roper was unlucky as twice Webb spilt catches off well-hit reverse sweeps, but in the end the pressure told. Copleston switched Webb to the bottom end and with his second ball he had Stewart stumped. Three overs later Waters bowled another Stewart, and then within two balls the innings completely came unstuck.

Gaur was well run-out trying to give the strike to Walker, and next ball Walker himself, limited to singles by tight bowling and good field-placing, was cleaned up by Webb. At 151 for 2 with 18 overs remaining and the pitch playing well, most spectators were talking of a target of 270 plus; nine overs later Haileybury were 171 for 6 and all at sea.

That set the scene for Watkinson, whose pace is a distant memory but who has become a canny death bowler, taking on the mantle which Mike Chetwode used to fulfil so skilfully. By relying on line and length, with the occasional slow full toss into the mix, he polished off the innings with three wickets in five deliveries.

Haileybury had lost their last eight wickets for 35 runs, and defending 186 needed a to hit the ground running. Perhaps the hour-long lunch break, during which former housemaster Roger Knight formally opened the pavilion, did for the visitors.

The opening attack was wayward – there were ten wides in as many overs – and Waters, in good form after a mediocre start to the summer, was savage on anything wide of the off stump, cutting and driving with elegance and power. Matt Crump was by no means going to play second fiddle, and he was as always strong off his legs.

As the hundred approached, both batsmen started taking more chances. Waters was inexplicably dropped at mid-on when in his forties, Crump not as fortunate soon after.

The arrival of Tom Crump only accelerated the finish, cracking four fours in nine balls. Waters, whose fifty came in 61 minutes off 64 deliveries, laid into the weary attack, racing to his second hundred, his second fifty taking only another 32 balls and 34 minutes. His was innings which oozed class, and it was a fitting end to a weekend which had started with his father being awarded the MBE for services to Kenyan cricket.

Squad named for Cricketer Cup first round

Following the OCCC Cricketer Cup selection panel conference call (and Rick Johnson was still 25minutes late for that), the following 14-man squad has been named for the first-round tie against Haileybury Hermits on Jubilee on June 14.

Michael Chetwode, Eds Copleston (captain), Matt Crump, Tom Crump, Paddy Harman, Ed Henderson, Will Howard (wkt), Abeed Janmohammed, Rob Jones, Chris Preece, Phil Roper, Seren Waters, Henry Watkinson, Graham Webb.

The only two absentees from last year’s Cricketer Cup final are Stuart Meaker, who is on Surrey duty, and James Halton, who is injured. Alan Cope, who played in all rounds of the 2008 campaign other than the final, is out for the season with a back injury.

Paddy Harman, currently at Durham University, and Chris Preece, who made his OCCC debut against Winchester last week, come in to the squad for the first time.

Copleston battles to secure the draw

Old Wykamists 260 for 7 dec drew with Old Cranleighans 178 for 8 (Copleston 88, Henderson 30)
Click here for match photos

Following two away wins, the inaugural home game in front of the new pavilion on Jubilee saw us take on Winchester on a gorgeous day at Cranleigh in what was a Cricketer Cup trial for both teams.

The pavilion looked utterly superb with the new OCCC flag flying happily in the breeze. Eds Copleston lost the toss and Winchester decided to bat, a wise move given the unseasonally hot weather. Henry Watkinson and Ed Henderson tied down the openers with the new ball before the pressure told and Henderson claimed two quick wickets. Mike Chetwode, coming back from his retirement announced in South Africa, maintained the pressure, and a wicket for him and a nonsensical run-out reduced Winchester to 70 for 4.

Ed Prince proved wayward in his first spell, but his replacement Chris Preece tied things down again before lunch. The expansive new catering facilities allowed us to serve the opposition bacon sandwiches before the game and follow that up with a fine lunch – many thanks to our Head Catering Manager & Assistant Catering Manager – better known as Helen & Hayley. Lunch proved too good for us and we looked sluggish afterwards, allowing Winchester to fight back to close on 260 for7.

Against an opposition clearly not in the mood for generosity, we made a decent start before Preece, who latched onto anything pitched up, and Johnny Gates gave their wickets away within four balls shortly before tea.

Andy Ainsley fell straight after the restart and was soon followed by Jock Vickers, bowled attempting a lofted drive, and our batsmen were struggling against the nagging offspin of Tom Hemmingway. Tom Merry was bowled round his legs, and when Watkinson managed his trademark chip to cover we were 65 for 6 and in all sorts of trouble.

Copleston, struggling in the last couple of years, needed a good score and he rolled back the clock with a defiant 88, mixing his typically impish running with some powerful hitting, including three sixes. He clearly benefited from one-on-one coaching from Stuart Welch. He found a partner in Henderson, whose pretensions as a batsman have been advanced by the foot injury which meant he was unable to bowl last summer.

We were always off the pace, but appeared to be well on course for the draw only for Copleston to fall leg-before in sight of his hundred since 2000. A setback became all the more serious when soon after Henderson was brilliantly caught at leg slip off an authentic glance, but Rob Merry, nursing a dislocated finger, and Prince played out the last four overs among some enthusiastic appealing from Winchester.

Gates to the rescue

Following an early morning shower, the sun came out as we arrived for our first game of the season - at the picturesque Follies Farm near Chiddingfold. In his first official game as captain, Eds Copleston won the toss and elected to field having agreed a 40 over-a-side game.

We bowled tightly early on, Luke Moorby unfortunate not to make a breakthrough. Old Spots struggled to 35 for 3 after 15 overs. Alex Craven and Henry Watkinson maintained the stranglehold, Watkinson unlucky not to take a wicket as Jock Vickers failed to hold on to a number of chances behind the stumps. Johnny Gates replaced Craven and immediately took a wicket as his flighted offbreaks confused the Old Spots middle order. Damian Hill replaced Watkinson and runs started to flow more freely. Gates maintained the stranglehold from the other end though and looked impressive, taking 3 for 34 as Old Spots struggled to 154 for 8 off their 40 overs. It should be noted that Vickers was banished as keeper after one drop too many, and Copleston got his reign off to a flying start when he cracked a finger diving over the ball.

In reply, we faltered early on with Will Howard punching the second ball of the innings directly at cover point and calling Tom Merry through for a single Usain Bolt wouldn’t have made. Briefly Copleston and Howard steadied the ship, but when Copleston fell we were shortly 52 for 3. Howard and Hill kept us ahead of the rate and at 82 for 3 off 15overs the game looked to be there for the taking. Howard, however, threw his wicket away with a trademark leading edge before Hill and Moorby fell shortly after. At 96 for 6 the game was very much in the balance. Watkinson and Gates then batted with determination before opening up towards the end to ensure a winning start to the new era.

Season starts with London-wide bus campaign

As a prelude to the forthcoming season, the incoming captain Eds Copleston has launched an advertising campaign across London.

The advert (above) is at the moment displayed on the side of a No. 77 bus running from Green Park through Parliament Square, the Embankment and down to Clapham.

"We don't need players, we need support and we need national recognition for being the best old boys cricket club in the country," gushed Copleston. "The club will grow stronger and a more captive audience can only be a good thing. If we can push the advertising global for the website, the public will really start to take interest.

"There is no reason we can't get a thousand people to support a big cup game for instance. I see this as a natural step for the club, the dream is alive."

Copleston is currently receiving therapy and should be available for the start of the summer.

A win to end the tour

Click here for the day's photos

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.

Three out of three

Click here for the day's photos

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.

Defeat under Table Mountain

Click here for the day's photos

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

Click here for the day's photos

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.

Happy New Year!

Click here for the day's photos

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

Click here for the day's photos

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

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.

Eds Copleston gets engaged

We are delighted to announce the engagement of Eds Copleston and Sophie Cook in Mombassa at the weekend.

Eds actually got engaged at the same venue used by Will Stephens to pop the question to Katie back in 2001 during the OCCC tour of Kenya. The delightful Sophie runs the OC Ladies Netball club.

The rather alarming OC link doesn’t end there. The Serena Mombassa, the location of the engagements, is one of many hotels run by Abeed Janmoahmed’s father.

Janmohamed now becomes the bookies’ favourite to be the next high-profile OC to get engaged.

Defeated but not disgraced

Old Malvernians 178 (Nash 70, Watkinson 4-14, Meaker 2-35) beat Old Cranleighans 152 (Waters 68) by 26 runs
Click here for match photos

The dream of winning the Cricketer Cup in only our second year in the competition ended in the final at Old Deer Park as we lost to Old Malvernians by 26 runs. Nevertheless, we played superbly for three-quarters of the match and it was only in the dying overs that Malvern’s experience proved too much. They were the worthy winners but the youth of our side means that we should be a force to come for a number of years.

Malvern had a superb record in the competition, with five wins from five finals. Like us, they also made the final in their second year, although they went one better than we eventually managed.

Henry Watkinson won the toss and opted to field, hardly a surprise given that we had successfully chased in all four rounds. The pitch was dry and produced variable bounce, and Malvern found runs hard to come by. Stuart Meaker bowled a fiery opening spell, in contrast to Watkinson who relied on guile and accuracy and who took the first wicket in the sixth over, bowling Powell.

Watkinson’s opening spell of 5-2-4-1 set the benchmark, and Meaker got his reward four overs later when Mark Hardinges, who seven days earlier had steered Gloucestershire to a one-day win over Hampshire, dragged into his stumps for 2. Gifford looked capable of posing problems before he played an ugly cross-batted shot to Seren Waters, and at 31 for 3 in the 15th over, our tails were up.

Middlesex’s David Nash was clearly the danger man, and he found gaps with the skill expected of a professional, and with Franklin, the opener, he rebuilt the innings. Franklin should have been run-out with the score on 56 but Michael Chetwode fumbled a return to the bowler’s end with the batsman stranded mid pitch. However, we struck a crucial blow with the last delivery before lunch when Franklin tamely cut Matt Crump to Phil Roper at backward point for 29. We headed off in the better position, with Malvern 86 for 4 off 30 overs.

Nash and Usher batted well after the break, taking the total to 153 for 4 with judicious placement more than out-and-out aggression. In the innings overall there were only ten fours. In the final overs the batsmen hit out and, inevitably, wickets fell.

Nash perished for 70 to a tumbling catch from Roper and in the next over, the 46th, Meaker bowled Usher for 30. Watkinson then chipped in with two in two, and a brace of run-outs in the final over restricted Malvern to 178. Watkinson finished with excellent figures of 8-3-14-4 and the last six wickets had gone for 25 in five-and-a-bit overs.

The pitch continued to throw up puffs of dust and the outfield was slow, so it was a gettable target but not an easy one. The early sunshine had also given way to low cloud and the temperature had dropped into the 50s.

Waters top-edged the first ball he faced, a bouncer, over the keeper for four, and was struck by the second. But he showed composure beyond his years and was soon looking as assured as ever. Howard fell early, getting a leading edge, but that brought in Matt Crump, another young player in great touch.

Early shackles were broken when Waters twice lofted fours over midwicket, and Crump then joined in, surviving a half chance when he hammered the ball to the right of square leg who could only parry the ball.

Crump perished for 17 – one of three leg-befores against batsmen going back – and then Malvern’s seasoned spinners really tightened their grip on the game, backed by some excellent fielding. Abeed Janmohamed, such a class act in the semi-final, struggled to find his touch, but Waters kept things ticking along. Janmohamed departed for a 27-ball 3 (69 for 3) but Meaker sought to impose himself from the off.

The penultimate over before tea appeared to have swung the balance of the match, 15 coming off it including the day’s first six, a swing over long leg from Meaker. We headed off on 102 for 3 off 30, needing 77 to win in 20 overs with wickets in hand.

Whatever was served for tea, it perked up Malvern and pretty much did for us. Meaker fell lbw to the first ball after the restart and the pressure was on. James Halton, who specialises in run chases, looked up for it, but wasn’t able to stay long enough to make a difference.

Waters, who passed his fifty before tea, found it almost impossible to get enough of the strike. Eds Copleston was unable to push the ones needed to keep Waters at the striker’s end, although he did strike one sublime straight six.

The run-rate, which had hovered around four an over throughout, began to rise as the gloom worsened. Copleston perished trying to hit over the top, and three balls later Waters was bowled for a superb 68 as he tried to make up the lost ground.

From then on in we were always off the pace, although Tom Crump and Roper kept the flame flickering. Thirty three were needed off four, but Roper fell to a thick edge and then Crump was run-out after being sent back by Watkinson, who was bowled off the next ball to seal a deserved victory for Malvern.

The turnout was excellent, and many former and present OCCC players were in evidence, along with a good smattering of non cricketers and representatives of the school. There was a pleasant atmosphere, although staging the final at a ground under the Heathrow flight path was a downer.

Although the result was disappointing, everyone who has taken part in the competition for us this summer can be proud. As can the club and the school. Eight years ago we weren’t even in a knock-out tournament. In the interim we have won the Brewers Cup three times and the Cricket World Trophy once. Even participating in the Cricketer Cup was beyond our wildest dreams, and yet we achieved that and within two years we reached the final. We’ll just have to make sure that next year we go one better.

One last thought. In 2007, we became the first new side in the Cricketer Cup since it was expanded from 16 to 32 teams in its third year (1969). Our success has shown that there are strong sides out there who might not have been so four decades ago. Allowing some of these old boys’ teams into the competition can only bring new life to it, and the organisers should think about the value of looking at some expansion, adding new sides rather than waiting for old ones to drop out. It might mean a first qualifying round each year for the less successful teams, but that might be no bad thing either.

And now to the final

OCs 219 for 7 (Waters 57, M Crump 51) beat Old Alleynians 218 for 9 (Roy 57) by three wickets
Click here for match photos

After three convincing and yet relatively straightforward wins, the semi-final against Old Alleynians was a far tougher affair, although the margin of our victory – three wickets – rather distorted our fairly calm progress until a late flurry of wickets within sight of the finish. The result was a place in the final at only the second time of asking, vindication for the organisers in allowing a new side into the competition for the first time in 40 years last summer, and also for the strength of Cranleigh cricket.

We had lost Stuart Meaker days before the game, called into the England Under-19 side for the Test series against New Zealand, and 19-year-old James Halton, a batsman highly rated by Stuart Welsh, came into the side. The weather was a rare scorcer in this otherwise wretched summer, and Alleynians had little hesitation on batting when again Henry Watkinson lost the toss.

Alan Cope opened with a brace of wides, but Watkinson, as he has so often done, broke through with the new ball, although on a good batting pitch, runs came quickly, especially when width was offered. But the innings turned on two run-outs. The first was a brilliant example of team-work, a seemingly fruitless chase to deep midwicket, a diving flick back on the rope to Seren Waters who had chased all the way as well, a bullet-like throw and a smart flick from Will Howard to leave the batsman inches short seeking a seemingly comfortable second.

Chris Jordan of Surrey, allowed to play on the condition he didn’t bowl fast, nonchalantly flicked Michael Chetwode off his legs to get off the mark and it appeared we were in for a long day in the field. But in the next over Roy pushed to point, Jordan called for a risky single only to be turned back and was never in the frame as Eds Coipleston’s throw scored a direct hit at the bowler’s end. Not needed as a batsman in the three previous rounds, it was his first real contribution to the cup run, but possibly it was a match-winning one. Jordan trooped off as the disbelieving Cranleighans mobbed the man with the plastacine arm.

Rattled, the Alleynians then found themselves pegged down by the teenage spinning duo of Waters and Phil Roper. Waters’ nagging legspin from the top end was hard to get away, while Roper, brought into the side in the previous round for the crocked Graham Webb, showed real potential.


Lunsh was entertaining, a barbeque on the run as Rick Johnson slightly miscalculated the time needed to cook chicken, but our young batsmen again came up with the goods when we started our chase. Howard and Waters made another good start, but hopes of another Howard onslaught were ended when he was caught behind for 20.

Matt Crump joined Waters and the scoring rate picked up as they took the score to 101 before Waters was caught behind off the bowling of Sivakumaran for 57. Cope arrived at the crease and looked at ease until falling LBW following an injudicious reverse sweep to a straight ball from Jordan, bowling off spin. It was not the first time the stroke had caused his downfall and won’t be the last.

The scoring rate had been good all the way through - however, with the arrival of Abeed Janmohamed, it picked up markedly. Hooking, pulling and driving the Dulwich opening bowler to distraction, Janmohamed made 35 in quick time before being caught on the boundary at long-leg going for another six. At 182 for 3, with Matt Crump again making batting look easy, we had one foot in the final. But Dulwich never gave up and, with the fall of the fourth wicket our lower middle order was exposed for the first time in the competition. A mini-collapse followed as we lost three further wickets in short order, including that of Crump to a top-edged swipe to leg for 51. Luckily, time was irrelevant and Tom Crump, aided first by Copleston and then by Roper, finally saw us home with Watkinson and Chetwode nervously padded up on the boundary.

“We have made it to the final at our first real attempt which is a testament to the strength of the school's cricket at the moment,” noted former captain and super veteran Michael Chetwode. “We mustn't forget that more than half this side are under 21 and, of the others, only two are over 30 (no names!). Dulwich came with what appeared to be a strong and well organised side but they should have been blown away. It's a credit to their tenacity and fighting spirit that they were in with a chance (however small) at the end despite looking down and out for long periods. It also shows that we can't be complacent in any facet of our game. We meet Old Malvernians on August 17 at Richmond and they will prove to be an altogether tougher assignment.”

Lancing Rovers blown away

OCs 186 for 2 (33.5 overs; Meaker 72, T Crump 65*, Janmohamed 26*) beat Lancing Rovers 183 (48.3 overs; Spink 46, Webb 3-21, Chetwode 2-23, Crump 2-35, Watkinson 2-61) by eight wickets

Click here for match photos

For the second year running we recorded a home win in the first round of the Cricketer Cup, but whereas last year’s game went to the last ball, this time we saw off Lancing Rovers with few alarms. The margin – eight wickets and almost 17 overs in hand – underlined the fact we outplayed them in every department. Our reward is a home tie against Clifton on June 29.

It was a real generation game of a performance. Our batting was dominated by two teenagers - Tom Crump and Stuart Meaker – and our bowling by two forty-somethings old enough to be their fathers - Michael Chetwode and Graham Webb. The old timers were supported by some excellent fielding, and the only glitch in an otherwise polished display was that we allowed Lancing to recover when almost down and out.

We suffered two blows on the eve of the match as Alan Cope (exams) and Rob Jones (bruised hand) called off. Briefly, things were so serious that there was talk of Rick Johnson getting a call-up. Briefly.

On a warm day under a watery sun, Henry Watkinson put Lancing in and shared the new ball with Matt Crump. Both bowled well, removing an opener each within six overs, Crump taking the important wicket of former Surrey batsman Johnny Robinson courtesy of a sharp catch by Eds Copleston at short mid-on. Wakeford briefly looked dangerous, thumping Watkinson for 14 from three balls when he dropped short, but Graham Webb removed him in his first over to leave Lancing 41 for 3.

Webb was joined by Chetwode, replacing Crump at the top end. Their combined age might be 92 but they whirled through their overs, tight and unrelenting. Webb, despite being increasingly troubled by a calf strain, bowled through, finishing with 10-1-21-3. Chetwode was equally parsimonious (10-3-23-2) and the two utterly strangled the middle order. By the time drinks came after 24.3 overs, Lancing were in shreds on 74 for 7.

Immediately after the resumption, Spink appeared to have been caught by a tumbling Sam Langmead at silly point but the umpire was unconvinced. For the next hour or so we slumbered while Lancing battled back. Watkinson juggled the bowling but the seamers lacked the penetration of the old guard. Crump returned to remove Shinners for 28, but Spink continued to push ones and twos.

As the innings drew to a close Spink and Johnston cut loose, Watkinson coming in for some heavy punishment. With his last ball he dismissed Johnston courtesy of a remarkable boundary catch from a leaping Chetwode at long-on, sticking out a hand as he jumped and holding the ball high to his right after it had passed. Even he realised this was special and set off on a heavyweight Panesaresque victory charge.

A target of 185 was double what had seemed likely two hours earlier, and we opened with Tom Crump and Meaker after a debate between captain and chairman. The captain won and his choice proved spot on. Meaker was savage on anything short, and there was plenty on offer, while Crump played a superb anchor role, cautious for the first 20 or so overs and then picking off the tiring bowling.

Three times Meaker pulled high over midwicket, and then when a man was placed on the rope, he repeated the shot but 20 yards straighter. As the field dispersed he contented himself with singles and some sublime drives, the pick a rasping drive off the back foot that fizzed back past the bowler.

After 10 overs we had 55, after 20 we had 115. Meaker’s luck ran out when he was cruelly adjudged caught behind after a miscued reverse sweep looped up off his forearm – there was a lingering feeling that he paid for the impetuosity of the stroke more than anything. But his 76-ball 72 had already broken Lancing.

Matt joined younger brother Tom, but fell almost immediately to a sharp slip catch by Robinson, and momentarily Lancing’s body language picked up. Abeed Janmohamed, who had kept very neatly, put the visitors back in their box with a six off his third ball, and that galvanised the younger Crump into playing three superb drives, one through extra cover and two straighter, the third sealing a comprehensive win in front of a veritable who’s who of OC cricket gathered in front of the pavilion.

The victory aside, it was the manner of it that really pleased, particularly the combination of the old and the young. Cranleigh cricket has never been so strong and that was reflected in the side. As an aside, Jubilee has rarely looked more lovely, and the outfield was almost perfect. The school has, after 143 years, even invested in a rope…

When I first played for the OCs in 1980, Lancing were the side we aspired to compete with. At the end of my first cricket week we were bowled out by them for 42 and, as we sat in the pavilion, several of the senior players reflected we would probably never be able to match them. In 1984 we beat them for the first time in 21 years. Now, another 24 years on, we are a far superior cricketing school – that is not meant to be gloating but it is a sign of how far we have come. The school is aiming higher all the time.

Perhaps a more substantial sign of how times change came with Chetwode’s admission that rising petrol prices had led to him buying a bicycle and, reportedly, he had started driving at a fuel-efficient 60mph on motorways. While Cranleigh and Old Cranleighan cricket will continue getting stronger, few are betting that either of Chetwode’s mid-life crises last much beyond the second round.

OC XI Stuart Meaker, Tom Crump, Matt Crump, Abeed Janmohamed (wkt), Eds Copleston, Max Barson, Sam Langmead, Henry Watkinson, Alex Craven, Michael Chetwode, Graham Webb.

Cup defence ends at the first hurdle

Old Alluredians 139 (Chetwode 5-15) beat Old Cranleighans 132 by seven runs

After all the entertainment we have gained from cup competitions since we joined the Brewers Cup in 2001, this took us back to the beginning. The club has progressed significantly since we were knocked out in the 1st round by Old Hurstjohnians in 2001. We have raised the Brewers Cup three times in four years and the Cricket World Trophy last year. However the availability for this round was dire… University exams, holidays (yes, during the cricket season) and a general lack of interest in travelling down to Kings Taunton turned the usual selection dilemmas into a scramble for 11 players.

We did, however, turn up with a full compliment on a warm day down in Taunton. We won the toss and elected to field, given that the green pitch was still drying. Our opening attack was a blend of youth and experience with Henry Watkinson and Max Barson (on debut). Both bowled with good control to contain the OA’s openers. Watkinson struck early on as he bowled an excellent tight line and some sharp fielding contained the OAs to 40 for off 14 overs. Our first change, Jumbo Jupp, was expensive in a short spell before Rob Jones gave us more control, with Alex Craven bowling his usual miserly line and length from the other end. Mike Chetwode came on to replace Jones and immediately gave us back complete control of the game as he took 5 for 15 either side of lunch. Some excellent groundfielding helped us keep the pressure on at both ends and OAs had no answer to Chetwode. Jones replaced Craven to take the last three wickets as OAs left us 140 to win.

With a very achievable target the plan was simple - bat sensibly for as many overs as it took. After some excellent early drives from Jones, we quickly found ourselves in trouble at 35 for 3 with Jones, Barson and Johnny Gates all back in the pavilion. Eds Copleston and Will Howard steadied the ship before we lost Howard LBW trying to work a straight ball to the leg side(all too familiar) to leave us 60 for 4. Jock Vickers and Copleston took us to 85 for 4 before Copleston was controversially given out caught off his pad. At 85 for 5 we were reeling and shortly afterwards Vickers fell LBW to leave youngsters Damien Hill and Jupp with a difficult task - 95 for 6 at tea. The run rate was never an issue and we knew if just batted for another 10 overs the game was ours. Jupp batted with maturity and mental strength to get us to within 7 runs of victory as at the other end wickets continued to tumble - Hill ran himself out, Wakinson was bowled and Craven fell LBW. Shortly afterwards the umpires had the last word as Jupp was stumped off what debatably could have been a no-ball.

We didn’t deserve to win this game the way we batted, Taunton played with spirit and deserved their exciting win. The majority conclusion after the game was this is a thoroughly worthwhile tournament to be in and can provide some good cricket for all OCCC club members going forward. This also represents an opportunity to blood players and test them under pressure in cup cricket. We must move on and learn alot from this experience as attention now moves to the first round of the cricketer cup this weekend - a home tie against Lancing…

2007 averages - Young batsmen, old bowlers

Alan Cope, who had such a good India tour, topped the batting averages (Seren Waters and Stuart Meaker had higher averages but did not play enough to qualify) with his 61 against Harrow the innings of the season. He also made his first OC hundred at home � all four centuries came from players under 25. Dane Groenveld, back for a sabbatical from Australia, was in awesome form and played some thrilling attacking innings. Rob Merry found good form, but Johnny Gates, after a good start, again struggled. He will come good and few players deserve success more than him. Damien Hill was unable to capture his form of 2006, and Matt Crump was surprisingly out of sorts other than in the Brewers Cup final.

While his body may show signs of ageing, Michael Chetwode continues to be our most parsimonious bowler and yet again he tops the averages. You have to go back more than two decades to find the last time he was not either the leading wicket-taker or topped the averages. Another not-quite-so-old oldie, Henry Watkinson, equaled Chetwode's 11 wickets, while only Matt Crump, two decades Chetwode's junior, had a double-wicket tally. Alex Craven was the pick of the cup bowlers, although Cope had his moments in the Brewers Cup, but we lacked a spinner. Graham Webb, two years off 50, came back for the cup and showed what a class act he remains . He is also still able to fit into the whites he wore at school ... and how many of us can say that, Tristan?

Click here for the full averages

One change for Cricketer Cup second round

We make one change to the side that beat Harrow for the second round of the Cricketer Cup against Old Cholmelians on Sunday, June 24, Ed McGregor coming in for Johnny Gates.

Squad Michael Chetwode, Alan Cope, Eds Copleston, Alex Craven, Matt Crump, Will Howard (wk), Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, Rob Jones, Henry Watkinson (capt), Graham Webb.

The match takes place at Highgate School (click here for directions) and starts at 11.30am. Although, like us, they have their own old boys' sports club, Cricketer Cup rules state matches must be played at the school. The OCs are Highgate School old boys - the name, for the inquisitive, comes from School’s founder Sir Roger Cholmeley.

For the statistically minded, we have played the Old Cholmelians six times before, between 1921 and 1927, winning one, drawing one and losing the other six.

Cope steers us to dramatic last-ball win

Old Cranleighans 200 for 8 (50 overs: Cope 61, Howard 59, Morrison 3-34) beat Harrow Wanderers 197 (50 overs: Engelen 67*, Harmsworth 32, Norris 28, Watkinson 3-35, Chetwode 2-20, Craven 2-30, Webb 2-37)
Click here for match photos

The OCs first foray in the Cricketer Cup ended with a thrilling last-ball, two-wicket win of Harrow Wanderers in a match which ebbed and flowed from the off. The closing overs in front of a large OC Day crowd on a sun-drenched Jubilee were about as dramatic as you can get.

Click here for the full match report ...

Watkinson leads us into Cricketer Cup

The following have been picked to play for the club in our first Cricketer Cup match, against Harrow Wanderers on Jubilee on Sunday, June 10. The game starts at 11.00am.
As it is also OC Day, so everyone is welcome. Bring a picnic!

Michael Chetwode, Alan Cope, Eds Copleston, Alex Craven, Matt Crump, Will Howard (wk), Abeed Janmohamed, Rick Johnson, Rob Jones, Henry Watkinson (capt), Graham Webb.

Graham Webb makes his first cup appearance since we lost to Reigate in the semi-final of the Cricket World Trophy back in July 1990. At 46, he is the oldest person to take part in a cup tie for the club, robbing Mike Chetwode, a youthful 44, of that honour. Rob Jones, Alex Craven, Matt Crump and Alan Cope were not born when they left Cranleigh. Cope and Crump are also younger than Chetwode’s daughter!

Rosenfeldt puffs as we come up short at Esher

Esher 239 (50.5 overs - Tallent 73, Moores 49, Porter 4-40, Chetwode 2-47, Copleston 2-50) drew with Old Cranleighans 232 for 6 (44 overs – Gates 61, Merry 58, Copleston 53, Ahmed 2-45)

Fresh from back-to-back wins the previous weekend under Henry Watkinson, the captaincy was handed to Tristan Rosenfeldt. After listening to his self-promotion while we trekked across India, it was time for the big man to show everyone whether he was all hot air. Signs that it was came when he immediately announced it was “without doubt a prouder moment than my future wedding or first-born’s birth will be”.


On a pitch in wonderful condition, Esher won the toss and confidently decided to bat. With one short boundary and a lush outfield, it certainly looked a day for the batsmen. This was proved to be the case when after 27 overs of the new regime, with the skipper relying on Mike Chetwode and Alex Craven to get the early wicket, Esher were trundling along comfortably on 117 for 0. This score certainly did not reflect the quality of bowling, but emphasised the woeful fielding. The absence of Damien Hill (who stumbled out of a Clapham nightclub the night before and no doubt made a few 3 or 4am phone calls to certain female members of the OCCC India tour before eventually hitting the sack) from the field for the first hour didn’t help.


Johnny Gates, a man with a burgeoning reputation for not being able to catch a cold, shelled two in as many overs to take his season’s tally of drops to four, much to Chetwode’s amusement. Chetwode bowled his usual tight line, a perfect example to many of the youngsters playing and was unlucky not to have a better haul to his name.


The breakthrough came when Moores was caught behind by Rob Merry, via the back of the bat as he shaped to sweep Hill. It was at this point that Chris Porter came into the attack. Taking just a few balls to get into his stride, he took his first wicket of the day in his second over with a ball that jumped … cue wild celebrations and a Porter clenched fist.


It was a renewed buzz and atmosphere around the field that greeted Sohail Ahmed (one unnamed OC, finding out he was a Pakistani Academy player, chirping “well, you’re gonna be embarrassed when you get a duck”). It is his third season at Esher and he has no doubt adapted to Surrey life wonderfully, and promptly got off the mark with a well struck six. However, life at the Academy had in no way prepared him for Eds Copleston.


Having been found out on the turning wickets of the subcontinent as a man who offers no spin at all, Copleston and Porter become our very own Warne and MacGill. After being smacked for 10 in his first over, Copleston deceived Sohail with a cleverly flighted, slower, held-back delivery that dropped marginally short of the man at wide mid-on. He was clearly flustered, and Porter immediately picked him off, caught well at deep mid-on by Chetwode, exorcising the demons of the week before and his knuckle staying firmly within his skin.


This started a mini collapse. Copleston took a slip catch to remove Esher opener Tallent for a well made 73. Trusty, in only his 2nd game for us and a tennis player at school, showed his cricketing credentials with some solid ground fielding and topped off an outfielding performance with a well-judged catch in the covers … the same, however, couldn’t be said for Mark Shapland, who shelled an easy enough chance to deny Porter his first five-for for the club. The stares exchanged between them were reminiscent of the times Mark failed to deliver the bread and milk within three minutes of the break time bell going. A definite no-no.


Porter bowled well throughout and ended up with 4 for 40. Copleston picked up two wickets for his efforts, Rob Merry with some sharp glovework to get a stumping and Eds bowling the one that went “straight on” (the variation in action so very hard for the naked eye to pick up on). It was down to Craven and Chetwode to come back and polish off the tail with, backed up well with some good catching in the outfield, particularly from Jon Greeves, university housemate of Hill (the man who joined in the fielding banter with a scream of the name ‘Michael Jackson’, we still don’t know why). Between innings the teams trudged off for a wonderful BBQ and a couple of well-earned drinks.


Gates walked out purposefully - and full of chicken, steak and several sausages - to open the innings with Shapland, both being given a chance to make up for their dropped catches. Gates started well, looking solid in defence. This lasted all of four balls when Gates tentatively prodded one to mid-on and backing it up with a call of “Yes … no … wait ... no … yes … shit” which left Shapland run out without facing a ball. Shapland joined Sam Langmead as early-season victims of Gates’s calling.


Rob Merry, batting at No. 3, started his innings without the same fluidity he had the previous week, playing and missing at a few outside off stump, the run rate slowly rising. Gates on the other hand looked like a man with a point to prove, driving beautifully through the off and tucking away delicately off his legs. Merry found his touch, hitting two big sixes to overtake Gates and record his second consecutive fifty off 65 balls, including four fours in six balls. He was bowled, bringing Porter to the crease. He eased himself back into batting with a couple of solid fours before yorking himself with some poor foot movement.

At the start of the last 20 we were 116 for 3, 124 needed. Copleston kept us up with the run rate as Gates reached only his second OC fifty off 77 balls in a flurry of boundaries, before losing his head and being stumped for 61.

Copleston then took charge of the chase, running between the wickets like a man possessed and making a run-a-ball fifty, even though Esher were leaning heavily on Sohail who was tough to get away. Hill did a fine job in rotating the strike and proved to all that he can do a role at different times of the innings, particularly finding the straight boundary.


When Hill departed, sharply caught behind when trying to force one through the off, the game was evenly poised, but it turned when Sohail had Copleston caught superbly by Ahmed at deep mid-off for a well constructed 53.

Twenty off two overs was never going to be easy and the pedestrian Rosenfeldt and Greeves struggled to get the bowling away, not for lack of trying. Rosenfeldt, who perseveres with an over-tight shirt as if wearing it will defy the laws of calorific intake, showed his worth when he pulled a buttock muscle while swishing – in a John Inman manner – and missing. It rounded off a wretched day for the would-be skipper, but underlined he has the swollen ego and lack of fitness that the job demands.

We finished eight light but it was a great early-season game and at least Rosenfeldt avoided the humiliation of squandering our unbeaten record.

Belly dancers, champagne and a spurned godfather

Tristan Rosenfeldt, the self-proclaimed captain elect, reports on the first reunion of the India Tour. For full photo coverage, click here

Imodium-clad and blazer-wearing India tourists congregated at Tom and Osha’s house for the first reunion on Saturday. A large majority of the tour party came along and were greeted by a bright and beautiful English spring evening. Nibbles and drinks got the night off to a perfect start, Millie briefly joining us and promptly asking for ‘Eddie’ while Henry’s jaw dropped in the background.

The hosts then pulled a masterstroke by introducing miniature tomato soups for the group, memories of our friend on the Chandigarh train came flooding back. Fines duly followed and were fairly tame in all honesty, although Gatesy fully deserved his fine for calling Anna ‘Osha’ and Eds started to rack up a huge amount due to his lack of alcohol consumption the day prior to the marathon, ‘we want cramp’ being chanted by the many that witnessed Eds’ collapse in Mumbai (Tour ‘Legends’ – remember that? Oh no, of course not!) .

The real entertainment then began – Jole Johnson-lookalike bringing a bit of India to London, with a course in belly dancing. Particularly keen on learning the moves were Mark Cope, Waffer and of course in a female presence, man of the tour, Mike Payne. England’s thrilling climax to their game against the West Indies was watched, (Rumours that Nathan Ross was taking notes on how to finish a game properly are yet to be confirmed) while Tom went all Jamie Oliver on us and cooked some of the best steaks in South West London.

The tour party moved on to the Opal club, a 20 second walk or a £4 taxi journey if you take the skipper’s directions. The blazers were out in full force, as well as Gatesy’s credit card, it was like a night out with George Best 40 years ago, champagne was flowing (Anna in particular loving the ‘Bling Bling/Puff Daddy’ style of ‘why use a glass when you can drink out the bottle’), behaviour was suitably obnoxious and Henry eyeing up every female, regardless of age or beauty in the club. The party went on late into the night, most crawling out the club around the 4am mark, Rick Johnson stumbling around Gloucester Road hunting for kebab. In Damien’s case, the party went on until 8pm on the Sunday, plonking himself on Tom and Osha’s sofa like the India bug Martin’s stomach just can’t quite get rid of.

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

Another memorable week

Click here for the 2003 Cricket Week Awards

A pluperfect Jubilee track made the 2003 week a hard slog for the bowlers, a slow outfield made it hard for the fielders, and some silly drinking games made it hard for the batsmen. The docile nature of the wicket was highlighted by the fact that only one side was bowled out all week - a below-strength Aldenham side in the Brewers Cup quarter-final on the second Sunday.

We kicked off with the second annual match against the Sam Watkinson XI and for a time it looked as if we might be in with a chance of victory chasing 230, but then Sam took four wickets in three overs, including a hat-trick, and we had to shut up shop, ending on 185 for 8. On the Sunday we beat Celeriacs, the last-minute replacements for the cup-tied Etonians, by seven wickets.

On Monday we had the best game of the week against the Grasshoppers. They declared on 260 for 6, built around 90 from Kiwi international Hamish Marshall, and our chase was led by a entertaining 60 from Rick Johnson and a solid farewell 40 from Clem Williams. We slipped well behind the clock until Henry Watkinson blasted a quickfire 50, but we called off the chase at 250 for 9 with four balls remaining.

We travelled to Georgians on Tuesday and were kept in the field in 90 degree heat by a declaration which was delayed as the Georgians weren't ready to take the field! The offer of extending the match by 15 minutes to make up for the delay was declined - wisely as it turned out as our last pair held firm as we scraped a draw.

On Wednesday the weather turned and the match against Tonbridge was washed out at lunchtime after less than 70 minutes play. Out inaugural fixture against Charterhouse on Thursday never got going after overnight drizzle left the square too wet to play.

The sunshine returned on the Friday but, sadly, the game against Wanderers was one best forgotten. Zimbabwe Test opener Trevor Gripper made a hundred - aided by some glaring drops - as Wanderers batted on, and then any chance of a positive result was snuffed out when they kept their opening bowlers on for far too long. We needed eight an over at tea, and started the last 20 overs requiring 208 to win. Opening the game up consisted of getting Gripper to seal up one end with his offbreaks. In the end we almost capitulated as two batsmen committed suicide through boredom (Hobbs and Seeckts) and one through insanity (Brown), as we ended on 109 for 8.

On Saturday we went down by six wickets to Surrey Cryptics, despite half-centuries from David Westcott and Sam Watkinson, and an entertaining cameo from Henry Watkinson during which he managed to be dropped four times in five balls. We failed to hold our chances and the Cryptics batted well.

The final match was the Brewers Cup tie against 2001 winners Old Aldenhamians. They were weakened by absences at a wedding and were rolled over inside three hour, bowled out for 52 with Michael Chetwode taking 5 for 3 and Ed Henderson returning the remarkable figures of 8-7-1-2 (and the one was a wide).

As ever the behaviour of those taking part was exemplary. Rick Johnson won the "drink 60 shots of beer in 60 minutes" competition, but a subsequent examination revealed that his glass was two-third's the size of runner-up Henry Watkinson who managed 57 shots. Brown lost the Rawalpindi Roulette in the Curry Inn and suffered the rest of the week, while also showing that he has by far the worst arm in the club. His humiliation was completed on Sunday when he was out-thrown by a lady. Eds Copleston won the Lord Lucan award, strangely preferring the company of his new blonde girlfriend to that of a bunch of unwashed, smelly OCs. Pete Hobbs hobbled around all week as living proof that there is such a thing as a crippled twenty-something, only perking up when under-20 females were in the vicinity. All in all, a fairly typical cricket week.

Copleston under pressure for his place

We have been drawn away against Old Roffensians, the old boys of King¹s Rochester in Kent, on 1st June in our re-entry into the Cricket World Trophy, a competition we left in 1994.

We are an unknown quantity in this tournament, but organiser, Michael Blumberg, held nothing back when discussing the excitement of our decision to enter. "You are the Brewers Cup holders, and I've heard you won it at a canter. I would be a brave man if I said you weren't up there with the favorites for this years Cricket World Trophy."

Eds Copleston said "We'll be taking the Brewers Cup on our campaign with us. The prospect of playing Old Georgians in the quarter-finals if we get past the Old Roffensians is tantalising. As newcomers its all an unknown quantity to us and there will be some strong sides."

Looking ahead to the coming season, Copleston admitted that he was quietly confident. "I won't turn round and say- we've done it. The Brewers Cup has come home. Last year was an amazing year all round. However following that up with another good run in the Brewers would be magnificent. "Our first round tie will be very tough cricket against a pedigree side who have a history in the Brewer's Cup []. The CWT simply doubles the excitement and if I had to be drawn on my dream for the season ahead it would have to be the double. But that's a long way away."

When questioned as to whether the entering in the CWT was simply a way of getting Rick Johnson in the side Copleston laughed. "I understand the press have to run that kind of thought through their mind, but that's just out the question - I've always picked my tournament sides on nothing except merit and form."

An OC insider revealed that after a dismal tour of Australia the pressure is on Copleston to score runs to retain his place in the side. "He can't dwell on past glories," the insider said. "He struggled last season with the bat and was dire Down Under. There are other players putting him under pressure and he needs runs, and runs against decent sides. He's our version of Graeme Hick. He'll score plenty against weak opposition, but when the going gets tough it's a different story."

If Eds were to lose his place then Henry Watkinson or Abeed Janmohamed would be favourites to take over the captaincy.

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.