NEWS

News

School Match


FIXTURE ARRANGED


We are pleased to announce that a cricket match has 

been arranged to take place at the School ground


Wednesday June 30th – Start 1.00



FIXTURES 2021

 

DATE

OPPONENTS

TIME

VENUE

Sat Apr 24

 

 

 

Sat May 1

Southgate

1.30

Southgate – Waterfall Road N14 7JZ

Sun May 9

Eastcote

1.00

Eastcote – Southall Lane, Joel Street HA5 2EG

Sun May 16

Essendon

2.00

Essendon – Village Centre AL9 6AH

Sat May 22

 

 

 

Sat May 29

Mayfield

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jun 5

Pacific

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jun 12

Eltham

1.30

Eltham – 239 Footscray Road (RFC)

Sat Jun 19

Penn Street

1.00

Penn Street – Opp. Squirrel Public House

Wed Jun 23            

City of London School?

 

Grove Park

Sat Jun 26

Bohemians

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jul 3

 

 

away

Sat Jul 10

Whittington

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jul 17

Penn Street

1.00

Penn Street – Opp. Squirrel Public House

Sat Jul 24

Arkley

1.30

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jul 31

Stoke Newington

1.00

Hackney M. – Mandeville Street, E5 0AL

Fri Aug 6

Storrington?

 

away

Sat Aug 7

Kensington

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sun Aug 15

Ashridge Coopers

1.00

Berkhamsted – Ashridge Management College

Sat Aug 21

 

 

 

Sat Aug 28

Mayfield

1.00

Palmers Gn.  Hazelwood Ln. Sports N13 5BH

Sat Sep 4

Ilford Catholic

1.00

Ilford – Cranbrook Road IG6 1QB

Sat Sep11

Botany Bay

1.00

Enfield – East Lodge Ln. EN2 8AS (off A1005)

Sun Sep 19

Bamville

1.30

Harpenden – East Common AL15 1AW

Sat Sep 25

Braywood

1.00

Maidenhead – Fifield, Turnbull SL4 4QF


February 2021

 

Current position 18/2/21. It is with some relief we have managed to secure a ground as a home venue, and are able to book home fixtures. Here is the current state of the fixture programme. A question mark indicates that the fixture is likely, but as yet unconfirmed.

 

FIXTURES 2021

 

DATE

OPPONENTS

TIME

VENUE

Sat Apr 24

 

 

 

Sat May 1

Southgate

1.30

Southgate – Waterfall Road N14 7JZ

Sun May 9

Eastcote

1.00

Eastcote – Southall Lane, Joel Street HA5 2EG

Sun May 16

Essendon

2.00

Essendon – Village Centre AL9 6AH

Sat May 22

 

 

 

Sat May 29

Mayfield

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jun 5

Pacific

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jun 12

Eltham

1.30

Eltham – 239 Footscray Road (RFC)

Sat Jun 19

Penn Street

1.00

Penn Street – Opp. Squirrel Public House

Wed Jun 23            

City of London School?

 

Grove Park

Sat Jun 26

Bohemians

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jul 3

 

 

 

Sat Jul 10

 

 

 

Sat Jul 17

Penn Street

1.00

Penn Street – Opp. Squirrel Public House

Sat Jul 24

Arkley

1.30

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sat Jul 31

Stoke Newington ?

 

away

Fri Aug 6

Storrington?

 

away

Sat Aug 7

Kensington

1.00

Bushey – Aldenham Rd, Met. Pol. WD23 2TR

Sun Aug 15

Ashridge Coopers

1.00

Berkhamsted – Ashridge Management College

Sat Aug 21

 

 

 

Sat Aug 28

Mayfield

1.00

Palmers Gn.  Hazelwood Ln. Sports N13 5BH

Sat Sep 4

Ilford Catholic

1.00

Ilford – Cranbrook Road IG6 1QB

Sat Sep11

Botany Bay

1.00

Enfield – East Lodge Ln. EN2 8AS (off A1005)

Sun Sep 19

Bamville

1.30

Harpenden – East Common AL15 1AW

Sat Sep 25

Braywood

1.00

Maidenhead – Fifield, Turnbull SL4 4QF

 

 

New Contact Details for the
Club Cricket Conference

 
 
To: all CCC database contacts, including those associated with our Member Clubs and Leagues
 
Similar to many businesses, the coronavirus pandemic has made us realise that we can operate without an office. With just 3 employees, it could be called a 'no-brainer'.
 
So with immediate effect our office phone number will be 07859 924683.
9.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday throughout the year.
 
During the Cricket Season our Fixture Bureau service will also use the same number ; but Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.00pm,
 
Any post should be addressed to:
Club Cricket Conference
c/o 79 Evergreen Way
Hayes
Middlesex
UB3 2BH

Our email address remains
[email protected]

 
 
Regards
Club Cricket Conference
www.club-cricket.co.uk

Jan/Feb 2021


CRICKET  -  A CURRENT UPDATE


We are still searching for a suitable home ground to replace Mill Hill Village CC

because they are going to run a fourth eleven which will result in them needing

to use both home squares regularly on Saturdays.  There is heavy demand for

cricket pitches on Saturdays, so solving the problem is a difficult challenge.


One solution would be to switch to playing more often on Sundays where it is

comparatively easy to hire home venues, but we generally prefer Saturday games,

and we have not got enough people playing to attempt to play twice at the

weekend, and the availability of players is normally a bit better on Saturdays.



 

Welcome to the 31st Newsletter of 2020

 
 
Well, Dear Reader, we live in tumultuous times do we not??  V-week is with us and bodes well for the future. Richard Edwards has been trawling round the country asking what lessons have been learned from this pandemic year for implementation in 2021.  See here for some of the results.  We would love to hear from you as to what changes you would like to see put in place by your leagues and local organisations.  Replies on a postcard to [email protected]  

Our innovative lunch committee arranged an extremely successful free evening of entertainment via Zoom with the President, Roger Dakin in the chair  The evening raised just over £2800 for the Club Cricket Conference and was enjoyed by all who attended.  We had interviews from South Africa and Australia, a quiz, an auction, magic tricks and sleight of hand, as well as some great impressions by Kevin Connolly.  It’s quite something to have an after-dinner-speakers evening with a bring-your-own food and drink menu- but it worked! See here for an interview with your editor and here for an interview with Gulfraz Riaz, Chairman of the National Asian Cricket Council. We expect to do this again in the early spring and hope that the attendance and fund pledging will surpass this excellent effort.

Talking of Bring-Your-Own, I see that the storm in a teacup regarding breaks in play has brewed itself into a bit of a stew.  Sussex – Oh no it isn’t! – Oh yes it is! – has kept the pantomime atmosphere going, and respected luminaries from the 4th Estate have lamented the demise of club cricket as we know it.  Some sub-editors need a good spanking in my opinion!  Just to jolly it along with a festive spirit, Cornwall Cricket is going to its AGM with a no-tea motion of its own.  I stand by what I mooted in previous newsletters – protect the umpires and scorers from starvation and provide them sustenance, but otherwise have the flexibility which suits your own finances,

What else do we have for you, Dear Reader, in this Bumper edition? 
  1.  A contact with our friend Lydia Greenway for her Girls in Cricket set up see here 
     
  2. A link to the Wisden website for their Golden Summers book – a magnificent history of summers of our memories here 
     
  3. Our Dear Friend Simon (the Analyst) Hughes and his hugely entertaining Analyst Cricket Club  The evenings are totally interactive and Simon is a great host.  I’m sure that the cost gives excellent value to subscribers and I am hopeful that we will have a Club Cricket based podcast in the early New Year.  The last one of the year is ……  here and here and here
     
  4. And, most importantly, the link to The Reluctant Umpire E-book here. We have a number fo hard copies of the Reluctant Umpire available at www.theclubcricketcharity.org  if you need a really amusing Xmas gift – but I am biased!
There is a whole branch of philosophy which is dedicated to “how to prove a negative”.  In the service industry – and the NCC/CCC are definitely part of that group of beleaguered community servants – we can only give examples of what we provide.  It’s extremely difficult to show “what the Romans did for us”, to quote Monty Python.  I can summarise what I believe is our value to the Club Cricket Community in simple terms:

31 newsletters this year alone; 8400 readers per edition; the fixture and ground-sharing bureau; our representative cricket programme; 2 club competitions; dissemination of information and advice; a free entertainment evening; a depth of knowledge and experience covering over 100 years of dealing with club cricket issues; the development of the National Cricket Conference, The National Asian Cricket Council and the African-Caribbean Cricket Association; the establishment of The Club Cricket Charity and its programme (with the ECB) of supply and distribution of portable defibrillators to cricket clubs and organisations nationwide (almost 300 to date).

We have our challenges, and, as part of the NCC, we have our responsibilities to achieve our goals of integration with the County Boards as a complementary asset, and the ECB, for the betterment of amateur and recreational cricket in the country.

Our relationship with the Counties and their ability to help with Defibrillators has a massive impact on our outreach. We have a unique offering which I believe is appreciated by our friends and readers.  Please help us to show that we are indeed a voice of the grassroots of the game we love.  Contact us on [email protected]

Stay safe and well.  Keep up the feedback. Be careful over the holidays.  Keep in touch with us and each other.  Make sure we are all there ready to play in the spring under whatever circumstances we must endure. The very best wishes to you all and to the cricket family.

Robbie
 
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Copyright © 2020 Club Cricket Conference, All rights reserved.

October 2020
 
Some sad news in this year’s Gazette
 
Amongst the obituaries in the Gazette, are five people who were active in the
cricket club, including two doctors who played for us in the eighties.
 
Mark Petersen played throughout the decade 1979 to 1989. He was an
all rounder who averaged 27.48 with the bat for the first eleven, and took 56
wickets at an average of 25.18. He played with enthusiasm, and took 31
wickets, fielding mainly at slip or gully where he earned a reputation as a
safe and useful fielder. He enjoyed socialising after games, and along with
Ben Webb and Simon Hylson-Smith, could often be found in their usual
corner of the bar at Grove Park.
 
Amit Bhasin was not a regular player, but in 1982 and 83 turned out mainly
for the third eleven, where he averaged 12.43, in a total of 87 runs, with a
highest score of 31, and took one catch. He was a popular figure, but, like
Mark, died at a relatively young age.
 
Philippe Lacamp, Pip, played earlier, from the end of the fifties and into
the sixties, as a left arm pace bowler for the senior side. His best bowling
figures were 9-23 at Sunbury. On moving to Kent, he still kept a link with
the school, by playing for the Forty Cricket Club over many years. He was
active in both our rugby and fives clubs.
 
Finally Maurice Banbury’s death has already been recorded in our news.

July 2020


We have learned that a regular player for the first eleven between
1967 and 1971, John W McFarland died in July, aged 82.


He was introduced to the cricket by Gordon Stringer, and soon
got the nickname of Biscuits. He was an all rounder with a bowling
bias, a useful batsman, and tidy fielder. As a bowler he bowled
almost 700 overs for us and captured 128 wickets for the first
eleven at a good average of less than nineteen runs per wicket.
Nearly all his bowling was fast medium, but we found out during
net practise at Grove Park on Wednesday evenings he was
capable of bowling big spinners at a useful pace too. I was not
the only batsman to be bamboozled, other batsmen were regularly
in difficulties. One unusual aspect of facing his spin bowling was
that he sometimes got so many revolutions on the ball you could
often hear it fizzing towards you.


He had been brought up playing on poor surfaces where his pace
bowling proved effective, and we were unable to convince him
that his spinners would be more effective on our wickets. In the
last season he played for us he was in a game heading for an
inevitable draw, with the opposition having lost only a couple
of wickets, but with no hope of reaching the target. We persuaded
John to bowl an over of spinners, and he took three wickets
without conceding a run. If only he had listened to us earlier!


 Batting, he had 83 innings, scored 1,298 runs at an average of 
18.90, notched five fifties, with a top score of 70 not out. He
also took twenty catches in the field.


John was a likeable and modest man, and our thoughts go out
to Pat, his wife, at her loss.


(AGS)




June 2020

Welcome to the 11th Club Cricket Conference Newsletter of 2020

 
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Dear Reader, all we have really wanted is clarity.  Just when we thought we had the bad news of no cricket until at least August, the Government has given a chink of light for the recreational game.  As a result, the ECB have made the following statement on 30/5:

‘’ECB are extremely heartened by today’s announcement from Government, which supports a meaningful return for recreational cricket in England. It is important that we are aware of all safety protocols that must be adopted to see cricket begin to reopen. Over the coming week, we will seek to understand the specific guidance from Government’s medical teams so that we can provide support for clubs who will be eager to reopen their doors and begin delivering coaching to small groups of players.”

We then had the news from Guernsey that a live streamed T20 match with an audience of 84000 (source BBC) took place on Saturday at the KGV ground.  Played under strict safety conditions and distancing, with players arriving pre-changed, it was apparently a great success.  All such news is encouraging.

The Half-Full amongst you will still be looking forward to at least a two-month season; the Half-Empty’s will be mothballing their kit for the winter.  Let’s wait and see during the week.

From a CCC point of view we have decided that we must postpone our 2 main competitions, The Conference Cup for the Bertie Joel Trophy, and the Sovereign Trophy, until 2021.  It is our hope that all of you clubs and Leagues who have paid entry fees will allow CCC to hold them over, but we will understand if you feel that you would prefer a refund.  The few representative games which are scheduled for the late part of the season will be left in the calendar pending final decisions by the authorities.

In an interesting and thoughtful way to recognise club cricket’s heroes, ECB have launched “Raise the Bat” as part of their TTTT scheme.  Please click here for details and a short video.

From the latest pre-emptive suggestion by government regarding the hospitality industry, the first groups to be able to open include premises with an outdoor area such as a beer garden.  Dare I think that the biggest beer garden in your area is your cricket club?  Or am I just being a Half-Full kind of guy?

CCC has already sent a notice from the ECB to all our affiliated Leagues of the changes to the League support loan.  Should you wish to be aware of these changes then please click here

Through our Dear Friends at “Gentlemen and Players” we are delighted to offer Newsletter subscribers the opportunity to secure a 10 week online coaching programme. Please follow this link here to see the attached You Tube video for details. There is a £100.00 discount by ordering thought this link using the code CCC/G&P when booking. 

The programme has already been distributed to many schools and it would be a great asset within the club environment, especially in these current, challenging times.
 
With apologies to all my small-banking friends, can I correct the bottom-end figure on offer in the Bounce-Back loan scheme as £8000, not £100k as I put in Newsletter 10. (I must take more water with it when I do arithmetic!).  I reiterate however my words of caution to Club Treasurers – loans must be repaid sometime and should be part of your rigorous risk management assessments before undertaking future liabilities.

On a personal note, I was always intrigued by a story which was reputed to originate in the days of the old Red Cross Midweek or Middlesex 20-Over Cup days of the 1970’s, when my club played at Brondesbury in a six-o-clock start mis-match on a Wednesday.

Batting second on a rapidly darkening evening and without any chance of overhauling the Brondesbury total, we gamely played our way through the overs looking forward to a nice drink in the bar. 

One of the opposition players was given the opportunity of finishing off our dismal response.  We hadn’t noticed him before as he hadn’t batted but, given the ball, he started his run close to the far sightscreen with our leg-spinning number 10 sort-of-batsman in his sights. Let’s call our man, Al.

Al peered into the far distance, searching in the gloaming for the bowler who blended in perfectly with the dark background. 

The first ball passed by without any reaction from Al who had heard it - but hadn’t seen it at all.  Their bowler, let’s call him Wayne, brought in an umbrella field for the next delivery.  He was the only one outside a 10-yard circle from the bat, but on his follow-through completed the net.  The ball thudded into the keeper’s gloves!

Al made the decision that his career as a lawyer was more important than any cricket match, and so when the next ball seemingly whistled past his bat and the whole fielding side claimed the catch, he was off, with bat tucked firmly under his arm! 

Sadly, he had to pass Wayne on the way to the pavilion.  “Aw come back man!”, Wayne said, “I’ve still got the ball in my hand!”  As a merciful end, likened to a euthenasiastic conclusion, Al was castled next ball.

I really hope that this was the original story.  Wayne Daniel, already in the West Indies team, was qualifying for Middlesex at the time, and he did bowl 3 balls at Al, but I’ve heard it told in other contexts.  Anyone confirm authenticity???

The “Dear Reader Challenge” is now closed and the judging panel has gone into conclave.  We await the white smoke, but I am disappointed to announce that we did not receive a single “Under-30” age group entry.  Is it a matter of education standards?  I don’t think so given some of the work I have seen from younger writers in Nightwatchman magazine.  Readership profile perhaps?  Please make sure that your playing members receive the Newsletter.   Undeterred, I shall try it again later in the year.

Keep Safe everyone. Get your priorities right in all you do! 

Robbie


May 2020



There is still no cricket to report, but looking at some cricket sights

 on the web, I came across the following on Brasted & Sundridge.



SQUARE LEG MEAL

Sir, I have recently bought a new pair of cricket whites, the 

trousers have a label attached which reads:


“Mould prevention germ proofing  - Do not eat”


I have endured some pretty indifferent teas over many years

of provincial cricket, but even I would draw the line at eating

my own trousers.


J. Todd

Frinton-on-Sea



April


 Maurice H Banbury


We have heard the sad news that Maurice has become a victim of coronavirus after contracting the disease five days previously.


He was a regular third eleven batsman playing for twenty-one years from 1970 to 1990. In the seventies he also played fives for the Cits.


Most of us will remember Maurice as a regular attender at the sports dinner which he never missed, and was called upon to say grace.


Maurice also ran an occasional Sunday cricket side for his church, and it was for that team he scored a half century, his highest score. As a non driver he became expert on travel in the London area, always arriving on time for matches, and socialising after the game.


Maurice had a career in the health service and lived in Putney prior to retiring to Marlow. For many years he lived with his mother who was a huge cricket fan with considerable knowledge

of the game. He married late in life, but the marriage did not last.


He will be remembered as a friendly, kind and gentle man with a sense of humour. Our thoughts are with his brother and family.      


NEWS UPDATE (mid-March)


In view of the latest government advice concerning public gatherings,

it has been decided that we shall have to cancel the proposed annual

Sports Dinner in April.


The AGM meeting will not take place at the usual venue, but we 

plan to make phone contact between members, details from Bill

Barnes.



The Annual Sports Club Dinner 2020

Date: Friday April 24th  
Venue: Balls Brothers, Minster Pavement, 
Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PP
Time: 6.30 for 7.15 pm
Tel: 0207 283 2838

Ticket Price £40
(inclusive of complimentary house wine)
Cheques payable to OCCC or online
transfer a/n 39433568 sort code 30 94 51

Everybody Welcome

The restaurant is close to Monument,
Tower Hill, Bank & Aldgate underground
stations and a short distance from London
Bridge, Fenchurch Street, and Cannon Street
stations.

Contact: Bill Barnes
               (Menu details and queries)
Tel: 07789 955955 or 0207 082 6220  


INFORMATION UPDATE

Please note the KIT SHOP – CLOTHING  has now changed. The new connection is as below:
Welcome to the Old Citizens Cricket Shop!



Net Sessions
2020

1st

Sunday    Lords

January 26     6 – 7 pm

2nd 

Sunday    Lords

February 16    6 – 7 pm

3rd

Sunday    Lords

March 1          6 – 7 pm

4th

Sunday    Lords

March 15        7 – 8 pm

5th

Sunday    Lords

March 29        7 – 8 pm

6th    

Sunday    Lords

April 1            7 – 8 pm

(Revised details)


Remember. Whites must be worn.


NOTE.  It is very helpful to let Mike Shannon when you 

intend attending.                                          07757 640983



Old Citizens Cricket Club

2020

Situation as at 27/1/20. Still subject to additions and
alterations etc.

Saturday Apr 18                                                           Home

Saturday Apr 25   Bamville (tbc)                                  Home

Saturday May2      Southgate                                       Away

Sunday May 10     Eastcote                                          Away  

Sunday May 17     Essendon                                        Away

Saturday May 23                                                           Away

Saturday May 30   Mayfield                                           Home

Saturday Jun 6       Pacific (James G)                           Home

Saturday Jun 13     Eltham                                             Away

Saturday Jun 20     Penn Street                                     Away

Tuesday Jun 23      City of London School                     Away

Saturday Jun 27     Arkley                                              Home

Saturday Jly 4        Arkley                                               Away

Saturday Jly 11                                                               Home

Saturday Jly 18      Penn Street                                      Away

Saturday Jly 25                                                               Home

Sunday Aug 2                                                                 Away

Friday Aug 7           Storrington?                                     Away

Saturday Aug 8                                                               Away       

Sunday Aug 16          Ashridge Coopers                         Away

Saturday Aug 22       Waxlow                                           Home

Saturday Aug 19        Mayfield                                         Away

Monday Aug 31    Chingford                                            Away

Saturday Sep  5 Ilford Catholic                                        Away

Saturday Sep 12         MHV 6-s-side?                              Home?

Sunday Sep 20           Bamville                                        Away

Saturday Oct 10         Pacific (James G)                         Away



Whittington, Waxlow, Highgate Taverners, Southgate Adelaide and others awaited.

Arkley have lost their ground but are using the Vets College ground.

Six-a-side entry to be decided

ANNUAL CRICKET & SPORTS DINNER


Provisional date for the dinner is FRIDAY APRIL 24
th

Details to come from Bill. Although this is a week after the first game of the season
we have had to avoid clashing with other dates such as Easter and the Halford Hewitt golf dates.  

A.G.M.

Monday March 23rd  2020

Details from Bill or Richard H. or Tony.

January 2020


DATES for the DIARY

NETS at LORDS (indoor)

SUNDAY JANUARY 26th    time 6.00 – 7.00 pm

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16th  time 6.00  - 7.00 pm

SUNDAY MARCH 1st   time 6.00 – 7.00 pm

SUNDAY MARCH 15th time 6.00 – 7.00 pm

SUNDAY MARCH 29th time 6.00 – 7.00 pm

SUNDAY APRIL 5th       time 6.00 – 7.00 pm

Note Whites must be worn

A small charge is made to help cover costs.

People intending to go to a session should tell Mike they are going so that
numbers can be controlled in order that people get a fair practice time.
07757 640983 (M)

Nets are subsidized by the club and are provided for players who intend to play
some games for the Old Cits in 2020.       
 

January 2020

It is with sadness that we report the death of Mark (MEV) Petersen. 

Mark played regularly for the Cits in our later days at Grove Park 1979-89 mainly as an all-rounder batsmen for the first eleven. He scored 1594 runs at an average of 27.48 with the bat, with a top score of 90 not out. He also captured 56 wickets at 25.18 with his pace bowling, and was a good fielder with a total of 31 catches. Mark had been ill for some time, and our sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
 
November/December

On November 23rd, Mike Shannon and Tony went to the Pacific CC dinner held at the Pineapple in Kentish Town. James Gleadow’s parents attended, and gave the OCs various items that belonged to James. Unfortunately James’ mother told us she was now receiving cancer treatment herself. Horrible news. 

October 
OLD MERCERS SPORTS DINNER


The OM Sports Dinner took place on Friday October 18 at the usual venue of the Cross
Keys pub in Endell Street near Covent Garden. The Old Cits were represented by two regular
guests, Andy Mitchell and Tony Sawell who enjoyed a traditional English meal in convivial
company in the compact and friendly dining room.


Robin Whiteland organized the event in his efficient way. Robin used to be a wicketkeeper
batsman for our third eleven in Grove Park days, having previously played for the Old Mercers
at cricket and football. Another ex OC cricketer, Colin Fidge, was also there and he updated
our knowledge of his two sons David and Colin, who also played for us. 


The numbers of Old Mercers are sadly diminishing of course, and the OM club is likely to be wound up in 2020.  Nevertheless it is hoped that there will still be one more sports dinner
next year.



The Old Citizens CC played the latest date in the year, October 12th., the club has ever had
a fixture against Pacific CC, in honour of James Gleadow. Rain curtailed play but both clubs
celebrated the loss of a keen cricketer in the pub afterwards. 


May 2019


Ian Courtney

We have learnt from brother Stuart that Ian has died recently

after suffering from ill health for some time. Ian played cricket for

us from 1969 to 1973 scoring over five hundred runs for the OCs.


He usually played in the second eleven, and got his nickname of

the Pink Panther when he went on out Sussex Tour in 1972.

The Pink Panther mascot was a Bendy Toy and anyone who was out for

a duck had to look after the mascot. Ian managed to get two noughts

and had custody of the panther for most of the time – hence the

nickname.


The Courtney family have had connections to CLS for many years,

and have featured in OC sports activities since the 1930s.


Our sympathy goes out to the family at this sad time


Ray J Mannell


Ray Mannell, “Major” passed away on April 17th at the age of 84.

He suffered from osteoarthritis in his last three years, as well as

having age related dementia.


The Major was a pillar of the OC Rugby Club and very active as

team secretary, and was fixture secretary for many years. He was

known for making new members welcome and feel at home.


He played cricket from 1969 to 1981 as a batsman/wicketkeeper for

the third eleven, and enjoyed evenings in the bar after the matches.


Always a bachelor in his playing days, he later married his wife Irene.

April 2019

We started the season badly this year failing to get a side for the first match on the Saturday

of the Easter weekend, although attendance at net practice has been good. Injuries hit us

hard, along with other events.
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The Dinner at Balls Bros  early in the month went very well, with Mark Stockton performing

the M of C ceremonies in the absence of Bruce Todd,

Familiar faces from the Cricket Fives, and Golf were there, and it was good to see some of

our successful Football players.

We had brief updates from all the clubs, together with speech by JCC President, Neil Edwards, who represented Scotland at Rugby Union.

Richard “Birdseed” Millett was awarded the Mercers Cup for his efforts last season, and paid

tribute to James Gleadow who recently lost his fight with cancer. James was a popular member who never lost his enthusiasm for cricket, and he is greatly missed by all those that knew him.


March 2019

Senior schoolboys have been invited to attend Sunday Net Practice at Lords. (Free of charge)


Jack Malnick told us that Richard Saldanha has also joined him in becoming engaged, although
not to each other! Congratulations all round!

Callum is soon expected to become a father. He tells us the due date is so close that his friends

seem to be avoiding him, just in case.


SPORTS DINNER 2019


The Annual Sports Club Dinner


DATE: Friday April 5th

Venue: Balls Brothers, Minster Pavement, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7PP

Tel: 0207 283 2838

6.30 for 7.30 pm


Ticket Price £40

(inclusive of complimentary house wine)

Cheques payable to OCCC or online transfer A/N 39433568 S/C 30 94 51


Everybody welcome.

The restaurant is close to Monument, Tower Hill, Bank and Aldgate undergroundand a short distance from Fenchurch Street, Cannon Street, and London Bridge stns


Contact:  Bill Barnes

(menu details & queries)

[email protected]

Tel: 07789 955955 / 0207 082 6220


Feb 2019


Flight Club     ---   Take-off Delayed


It has been decided to postpone our visit to the oche


There will be a new date for the social event announced later this year,

either during the season or as an end of season event.



Sunday February 17
th  - NETS


Lords  - Starts 6 pm


All welcome but tell Callum Hopkins you are going to attend

and remember whites must be worn.


[email protected]

 


Marylebone Cricket Club announcement

Just a quick note to say firstly our May June nets will be opening for bookings next week.

Also starting on the 15th of February we are running an adult training program for 2 hours on Friday evenings with coaching and use of the facilities here at the academy. There will be specialist batting and bowling coaching as well as some fielding and fitness involved. The session are aimed at getting preseason coaching for individuals in a group environment. All the info for cost and dates and times are on the attached. The link to book is below.

https://academy.lords.org/courses/courses.htm?coursesSearch=search&typeId=63  

If you would like further information please let us know and we would be happy to help.

James Flunder
Cricket Academy Administrator

Marylebone Cricket Club



February 2019


The next season’s fixture list has nearly been completed, and although we did not get

as many of our requested home dates as asked for, we have managed to compile a good

fixture programme.


IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE

Starting date            Saturday April 20th

School match          Tuesday  June 25th

Storrington              Friday August 4th

On Sunday August 18th we have a game on the Hambledon ground in Hampshire

which has claims to the title “Cradle of Cricket”, on Broadhalfpenny Down.

We plan to arrive early and have something to eat at the famous pub next to the

historic ground beforehand.


James Gleadow Memorial Match

Details have not been finalised yet, but the committee have proposed an annual

game with Pacific Cricket Club, to remember our popular player who became

a victim of cancer.


             

January 2019

 

Cricket Nets Start

 

There was a good turn out on Sunday January 27th for the first

nets session at Lords indoor nets attended by about ten players.

 

 

JCC Meeting 15th Jan 2019

 

At the meeting which took place at the School we had almost an hour’s

talk by a representative from the School, and she explained the position

regarding GDPR where CLS has to follow guidelines used by the

Corporation of London.

 

As far as recruitment for Old Boys sports goes, it made what can only

be described as depressing hearing.

 

In effect it means it will be very hard to make meaningful contact with

the boys or to obtain their contact details.

 

  

 

 

AGM

 

The Cricket Club Annual General Meeting

with take place on Monday February 25th

Venue: Old Bank of England, Fleet Street

6.15 pm 

Social Event



Flight Club Darts

Victoria


6 Sir Simon Milton Square

London SW1E 5DJ

Tel: 0203 019 3093


Friday February 22nd  2019

Start Time 6.00


Oche booked for 18.30 – 20.30

& bar area afterwards



NEWS from the SPORTS COMMITTEE



It has been agreed to produce a four page A5 colour booklet/flyer

publicising OC sports activities featuring the following sports

Cricket, Football, Fives, Golf, and Water Polo,

with their contact details.


This will be issued to all school leavers to make them aware

of Old Cits sports, and encourage them to become involved.


Karen has designed an eye catching layout, and it is being

printed already.


This will go some way to mitigating the current unfortunate

situation which has existed for too long, whereby it is so

difficult to get contact details when boys leave the school.


November 13th

At the committee meeting yesterday the following was noted:-

NETS                                  Start date JANUARY 27th Full details in due course.
SOCIAL                             The Flight Club – Thurs FEBRUARY 7th – details Jan
AGM                                   Monday FEBRUARY 25th

ANNUAL DINNER           Provisional date APRIL 5th

A tribute to James Gleadow probably involving an annual match with Pacific CC was proposed.


Friday November 2nd

James P Gleadow’s cremation took place in a moving service at Golders Green Crematorium, which was followed by a wake at Lauderdale House in Watergate Park, Highgate, afterwards.

James’ popularity was reflected in the number of people attending the function, which included at least a dozen members of the OC Cricket Club, as well as players from Pacific CC, among the many friends and colleagues.

October

Doug Stoker

We have heard that another regular past player is no longer with us, he died recently after a long illness. Doug was a victim of cancer.

He was a regular player in the period when we had our own ground at Grove Park. At school and afterwards he played tennis to quite a high standard, but apart from his cricket and tennis he became a useful squash player.

Doug was known as Poker in the cricket club. He liked to hit the ball hard when he batted, and had a prodigious throw when in the field. He scored a century for both the third eleven and second elevens, and had a best score for the first eleven of 92, just failing to add his name to the two players who recorded hundreds for all three sides, John Petzold and Gerald Wainwright.

On one memorable occasion we were playing Sunbury-on-Thames at their attractive ground, and Doug was batting against a slow left-arm spinner. Making good use of his eye for the ball and his strong arms, he hit a mighty straight six which hit the sightscreen, later he repeated the stroke again. The fielders at long-on and long-off got nowhere near the ball. The bowler moaned “pity I can’t put a fielder right in front of the screen” to the umpire. Doug overheard and said “You can if you want”, so he did. The next ball was despatched in the same way. The fielders looked scared as it crashed into the woodwork out of their reach. Our batsmen just grinned, but when the bowler started doing an odd looking dance of frustration, the umpire failed to keep a straight face, and even a couple of their players burst out laughing.

One of the clubs OCCC used to play against was Britannic House, which was the sports division of BP, who had a lovely ground at Streatham. One year when two of our sides were playing there, we found Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen had been hired to entertain us in the evening after the game. Then we discovered that Brian, Doug’s father, was responsible for running their sports facility!


At this time we should like to offer our sympathy to his family.

October 12th 2018


It is with great sadness we have to report the passing of

James Gleadow who battled against cancer with determination

and a brave face for several years. The fact that our Jimbo

was such a young man to face such a terrible disease

made it all the worse, particularly for his family, not to forget

all his many cricketing and other friends.


Cricket was an important part of James’ life, a true enthusiast.

He believed in justice, not just on the cricket field, but in all

aspects of life.


All fellow players would like to offer their condolences to

those closest to him.

  



October 2018


OLD MERCERS SPORTS DINNER


On Friday October 19th the OMs will be holding their Sports

(or technically Athletic Association) Annual Dinner


Venue: The Cross Keys, 31 Endell Street, London WC2H 9BA

The Old Citizens will be represented by Tony Sawell, Andy Mitchell, and John Harris




September 2018



We finished the season on a disappointing note.


The match with Southgate Adelaide on September 22 was completely washed out by rain, and what should have been the last game against new opponents, had to be scratched as well because we were unable to raise a side.


The results tally reflects the poor second half of the season, where we were hit by injury and unavailability:

Won  8 Drawn  0 Lost 11     (Cancelled 7)


September 2018

 

Late Season Update


After a 1976 type summer the weather has returned to normal and we

have had a bit of rain.


Later results have been hit by unavailability, holidays, and in particular,

with some in juries to key players, and our results have suffered somewhat.

At mid July our wins were comfortably ahead of losses, but since then

our playing record has not looked so good.


Hopefully damaged hands, bad backs, and kidney stones, will clear up!


August 2018


James came to see part of the game when we were playing Waxlow CC at our home ground,

Mill Hill Village. It was great to see he had made what was obviously a huge effort to come

and see us in action again.


Well done Jimbo!


Unfortunately he has since posted on his Facebook page, that he is now back in UCLH with

an infection and high temperature.


We all wish him a speedy recovery.


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July 2018


On Tuesday July 24th Henry Rolt’s funeral took place at the church overlooking Southgate

Cricket Club, and he was buried at Southgate cemetery. Our club was represented by Tony

Sawell and John Harris and we read a poem at the service.