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Hopkins to referee the first game. This was between
The other semi-final between the Legends and the
Stitcher’s Superstars (2005 Leavers, led by Jeremy Barker,
Talent saw the older boys take a 12-0 lead before the
[Pn 2000–2005]) and Douglas Dynamite (2007 leavers, led
Talent hit back with a try. In a slightly more one-sided
by Mark Douglas, [Bn 2002–2007] set the tone for a day
encounter than the previous semi-final, a Burgess [Pn
packed with close encounters by finishing in a 12-12 draw.
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1997–2002] line break was good enough to seal the game
The early group stages in pool 1 saw Looker’s Legends
19-7 to the Legends.
(2001/2, captain Will Looker, [Bl 1996–2001] edge past
This left the final waiting to be played out between
the amalgamated old heads of Brownrigg’s Bruisers and
the favourites (Magic, 7/2) and the 2nd favourites Legends
Harrison’s Heroes (Pre 2001 Leavers, captains Steve
(4/1). At last the form guide began to take a turn, as the
Brownrigg [Hl 1988–1993], Doug Harrison [O 1995–
Magic seemed to have lost their bite after such a physical
2000]). In the other pool, MacManus Magic (2008 Leavers,
encounter in their semi-final. The pace of Willcocks [Pn
captain Joe MacManus [Hn 2003–2008]) overcame both
1996–2001] and Abiola [C 1996–2001], aided by precision
Thomas’s Talent (2004/3, captain Rob Thomas [Pn 1998–
passing from Freer [A 1997–2002] was just too much for
2003]) and The Class of Cervino (2006 Leavers, captain
the youngsters, leaving a delighted skipper Will Looker to
Dan Cervino [Pn 2001–2006]), with a combination of tour
accept the trophy he flew all the way from New York to re-
fitness and pace out wide to top their group and reach the
claim from the last winning captain Ed Rosa [Hg 1997–2002].
semi-finals, ahead of second place Thomas’s Talent.
A fantastic time was had by all, not least those that
Those who had taken a cursory glance at the organisers
stepped in to fill the last couple of slots in each team.
pre-tournament bookies odds may have noted that all 4 top
Every year the 10’s seems to unearth talent previously
seeded sides reached the knock out stages on Bigside.
frustrated or hidden at school by the abundance of com-
In the first semi-final the youngest side (Magic) were
Three ows, Ed Young [Bd 2002–2007], Luc Durandt [Hg 2003–2008] and Ben Kingsnorth [Hl 2001–2006] starred for Valley End
at Lord’s as they beat Woodhouse Grange from Yorkshire to win the 2008 npower Village Cricket Cup. As Valley End Chairman,
James Young [L 1968–1972] is a former Chairman of owcc , there was an even stronger representation.
petition and talent.
pitted against the oldest (Bruisers), in a truly titanic
Huge thanks go to Chris Potter, Matt Oakman and
encounter. After both sides scored and converted tries
Greg Woodrow for making the event possible, but the
in the first half, the second half saw some great breaks
event could never get off the ground were it not for the
and desperate defence. No further scores until full-time
persistence and energy each captain put into getting a
saw a sudden death period played in which the youngsters
team together, and a few supporters along to watch. I
capitalised on a loose ball to pick up and score a runaway
hope to see even more people next time. James Robertson
try, leaving the Bruisers wondering what might have been
[Pn 1996–2001].
Charge would have been delighted at the ability to bowl
to time constraints on the time of the boys (and girls) the
a good length one side of the wicket. Sadly the second
format of the game will be agreed on a yearly basis. What
part of the equation was beyond us and despite never
has not changed is the determination of the boys to show
falling too far behind the rate, wickets were lost at regular
the largest crowd of the year that they are a fine group of
intervals meaning that the Old Cheltonians won a last ball
cricketers who love to beat the old boys.
were the scrums not uncontested !
worry, they are not confined to the history book, but due
thriller by 2 runs. James Robertson [Pn 1996–2001] was
A new fixture against the Wiltshire Queries saw
arguably the best weather of the year on 1st June. Again
???????
the top scorer, but the overall batting efforts were slightly
indicative of the season.
The week was curtailed by the weather, with the
a terrific job in his first match as a manager and deserves
O
ows came second, but Will Jelf [Hg 1991–1996] did
Meteors as ever providing the social highlight and giving us
a good cricketing lesson as well.
the
wcc has moved with the times. No longer is it
played against a strong Esher
xi keen for April practice.
a mention, as do other first timers Simon Massie-Taylor
the case that 7 or 8 players play about 10 games
The ows bowled and fielded with skill, determination and
[Bn 1994–1999] and Hugo Shephard [Bn 1998–2003] as
Unbelievably, the first victory of the season did not
each and there is a relatively small group of ows
athleticism, but application with the bat was lacking so the
well as everyone else who ensures that 11 ows turn up at
come until the middle of July against Brook when James
rain saved the day.
an allotted place and time ready to take on an opposition
Fuller [Bn 2001–2006] scored a magnificent 150 to beat
who are always keen to play on Turf.
the friendly rivals from down the road. That was followed
playing regular cricket. Now a lot more players are playing
a lot less regularly. Indeed over 50 players turned out on
It was a similar story against the Old Malvernians who
Turf in the 2008 season. Some making their debut on the
were as always strong and led by the new Common Room
The mid-point of the season is always marked by the
hallowed ground in their late twenties and the thrill was
recruit, Gavin Franklin. Having persevered in the field
first round of the Cricketer Cup. This year we were in
the same as it was for many of us in our teens.
again a lack of patience undid the batting efforts.
the top half of the draw, assuring us home games to the
up by a loss to Eton a thoroughly enjoyable game and a
heavy defeat of the Harrow Wanderers.
Overall the season was one of transition, and in that
ows played for the
The weather, as ever, played an important part in
The end of May brought along the Speech Day game,
final, if we could start by beating the Old Cheltonians.
transition was progress. Several new
the season, and although not as many games were aban-
which sadly, but understandably, is no longer a 2 day affair.
Having got away to a rapid start scoring 100 off the first
first time, fielding and bowling often reached great heights,
doned as were in 2007, the full fixture list was not played.
Instead the boys won in the last over on the Friday in a 50-
20 overs the
However, those games that were enjoyed had the custom-
over game, and with a little more to spare on the Saturday.
1999–2004] words at drinks, kept them to 205 off their
As ever I would like to thank Peter Lewington
ary competitiveness, fun and excitement. An early sea-
Those who remember the nail biting finishes at 7:00 p.m.
50 overs. Some excellent seam bowling in the second half
on behalf of the club for the time, effort and support
son game against Esher set the tone where 11 young ows
on the Saturday after 2 days of tight rivalry need not
of their innings was admired by all concerned. Masters in
he gives the
ows, inspired by Captain Pete Young’s [Bd
as did t he batting on a less regular basis.
owcc. The only problem we are finding,