12
The Don
OWCC - THE FIRSTS ARE FIRST
It is to say the least, satisfying when years of hard work pay off. But
it is a victory for everyone in the Club.
On Saturday 17th August, the Old Wimbledonians Cricket Club
were officially promoted to the Surrey Championship Division 2,
the highest the 1XI has ever been since the league was split into 6
divisions from the 3 it used to contain.
This has been a long time in the making, as even though the team
has spent a good number of years in Division 3, the policy of living
within our means and slowly building up our playing strength from
the colts to play through all the teams, has meant that this year we
have blossomed.
A lot of credit has to go to Captain Johnno Gordon who has
consistently managed to bring in new players to strengthen the
team as well as having a fine season himself. In addition, having
Clint and Brandon McCabe has given us the extra bit of talent we
needed to really dominate the division, as we are promoted with 3
games still to go. The list of others such as Tim Seals, Greg Nielsen
and ex colts Joe Bell and James Thomas is a long one, and apologies
I can’t for now possibly list everyone, but to have colts playing and
winning in the 1XI is a tribute to the work of Elaine Bell, Bill Tolmie,
Dave Thomas, Eddie Gardner, Tim Richards and the entire Colts
Committee.
Not to be forgotten either, and also reaping the rewards of years of
Colts development, is the Saturday 4XI. With the inspiring Captaincy
of Ben Walsh, they lie second in their Division and are close to going
up as well. This team also has a long list of regulars, but the spirit
and determination shines through every game. Well done as well
lads.
500 WICKETS FOR GARFY!
1st
XI Captain
Johnno Gordon
moments after
promotion
Also, a great job done by Mark Pratt who organised a fantastic
Under 15s competition for the OWs and 3 other local sides. There
were a number of girls playing who played at an impressively high
standard and showed guts and enthusiasm. In the spirit of the
World Cup the tournament ended in a tie, but the OWs were pipped
at the post finishing second. A year of organising for Mark, but a
great day and a great crowd.
Finally, I remember years ago looking over a windswept
Chessington, wondering how we could ever get to rubbing shoulders
with the likes of Cheam, Wimbledon and the rest of the big clubs.
Now with nearly 200 colts, great facilities, up to 7 senior teams each
weekend and a place in Division 2, we are well on our way there.
Nick Fox
After many years of service to the
OWCC, Garfield ‘Garfy’ Fontaine
reached an epic milestone of 500
wickets for the club. Anyone who
has faced this formidable Dominican
bowler will understand exactly how
he has hit such an epic milestone as
he continues to take wickets every
weekend and shows no signs of
stopping!
A lovely celebration and some heart
felt words from OWCC chairman Nick
Fox to honour Garfield’s 500 wickets!
And an amazing spread from the man
of the moment’s lovely fiancé Adriana.
www.oldwimbledonians.com