golf - Jules Akel

128 w e l l i ng ton y e a r b oo k 2 0 07 − 2 0 0 8w e l l i ng ton y e a r b oo k 2 0 07 − 2 0 0 8 129Hopkins to referee the first game. This was between The other semi-final between the Legends and theStitcher’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-sidedby Mark Douglas, [Bn 2002–2007] set the tone for a day encounter than the previous semi-final, a Burgess [Pnpacked with close encounters by finishing in a 12-12 draw. 1997–2002] line break was good enough to seal the gameThe 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 betweenthe amalgamated old heads of Brownrigg’s Bruisers and the favourites (Magic, 7/2) and the 2nd favourites LegendsHarrison’s Heroes (Pre 2001 Leavers, captains Steve (4/1). At last the form guide began to take a turn, as theBrownrigg [Hl 1988–1993], Doug Harrison [O 1995– Magic seemed to have lost their bite after such a physical2000]). In the other pool, MacManus Magic (2008 Leavers, encounter in their semi-final. The pace of Willcocks [Pncaptain Joe MacManus [Hn 2003–2008]) overcame both 1996–2001] and Abiola [C 1996–2001], aided by precisionThomas’s Talent (2004/3, captain Rob Thomas [Pn 1998– passing from Freer [A 1997–2002] was just too much for2003]) and The Class of Cervino (2006 Leavers, captain the youngsters, leaving a delighted skipper Will Looker toDan Cervino [Pn 2001–2006]), with a combination of tour accept the trophy he flew all the way from New York to reclaimfrom the last winning captain Ed Rosa [Hg 1997–2002].fitness and pace out wide to top their group and reach thesemi-finals, ahead of second place Thomas’s Talent.A fantastic time was had by all, not least those thatThose 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 previouslyseeded sides reached the knock out stages on Bigside. frustrated or hidden at school by the abundance of competitionand talent.In the first semi-final the youngest side (Magic) werepitted against the oldest (Bruisers), in a truly titanic Huge thanks go to Chris Potter, Matt Oakman andencounter. After both sides scored and converted tries Greg Woodrow for making the event possible, but thein the first half, the second half saw some great breaks event could never get off the ground were it not for theand desperate defence. No further scores until full-time persistence and energy each captain put into getting asaw a sudden death period played in which the youngsters team together, and a few supporters along to watch. Icapitalised on a loose ball to pick up and score a runaway hope to see even more people next time. James Robertsontry, leaving the Bruisers wondering what might have been [Pn 1996–2001].were the scrums not uncontested !Oc r i c k e twcc has moved with the times. No longer is it played against a strong Esher xi keen for April practice.the case that 7 or 8 players play about 10 games The ows bowled and fielded with skill, determination andeach and there is a relatively small group of ows athleticism, but application with the bat was lacking so theplaying regular cricket. Now a lot more players are playing rain saved the day.a lot less regularly. Indeed over 50 players turned out on It was a similar story against the Old Malvernians whoTurf in the 2008 season. Some making their debut on the were as always strong and led by the new Common Roomhallowed ground in their late twenties and the thrill was recruit, Gavin Franklin. Having persevered in the fieldthe same as it was for many of us in our teens.again a lack of patience undid the batting efforts.The weather, as ever, played an important part in The end of May brought along the Speech Day game,the season, and although not as many games were abandonedas were in 2007, the full fixture list was not played. Instead the boys won in the last over on the Friday in a 50-which sadly, but understandably, is no longer a 2 day affair.However, those games that were enjoyed had the customarycompetitiveness, fun and excitement. An early sea-Those who remember the nail biting finishes at 7:00 p.m.over game, and with a little more to spare on the Saturday.son game against Esher set the tone where 11 young ows on the Saturday after 2 days of tight rivalry need notThree ows, Ed Young [Bd 2002–2007], Luc Durandt [Hg 2003–2008] and Ben Kingsnorth [Hl 2001–2006] starred for Valley Endat 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.worry, they are not confined to the history book, but dueto time constraints on the time of the boys (and girls) theformat of the game will be agreed on a yearly basis. Whathas not changed is the determination of the boys to showthe largest crowd of the year that they are a fine group ofcricketers who love to beat the old boys.A new fixture against the Wiltshire Queries sawarguably the best weather of the year on 1st June. Againthe ows came second, but Will Jelf [Hg 1991–1996] dida terrific job in his first match as a manager and deservesa mention, as do other first timers Simon Massie-Taylor[Bn 1994–1999] and Hugo Shephard [Bn 1998–2003] aswell as everyone else who ensures that 11 ows turn up atan allotted place and time ready to take on an oppositionwho are always keen to play on Turf.The mid-point of the season is always marked by thefirst round of the Cricketer Cup. This year we were inthe top half of the draw, assuring us home games to thefinal, if we could start by beating the Old Cheltonians.Having got away to a rapid start scoring 100 off the first20 overs the ows, inspired by Captain Pete Young’s [Bd1999–2004] words at drinks, kept them to 205 off their50 overs. Some excellent seam bowling in the second halfof their innings was admired by all concerned. Masters inCharge would have been delighted at the ability to bowla good length one side of the wicket. Sadly the secondpart of the equation was beyond us and despite neverfalling too far behind the rate, wickets were lost at regularintervals meaning that the Old Cheltonians won a last ballthriller by 2 runs. James Robertson [Pn 1996–2001] wasthe top scorer, but the overall batting efforts were slightlyindicative of the season.The week was curtailed by the weather, with theMeteors as ever providing the social highlight and giving usa good cricketing lesson as well.Unbelievably, the first victory of the season did notcome until the middle of July against Brook when JamesFuller [Bn 2001–2006] scored a magnificent 150 to beatthe friendly rivals from down the road. That was followedup by a loss to Eton a thoroughly enjoyable game and aheavy defeat of the Harrow Wanderers.Overall the season was one of transition, and in thattransition was progress. Several new ows played for thefirst time, fielding and bowling often reached great heights,as did the batting on a less regular basis.As ever I would like to thank Peter Lewingtonon behalf of the club for the time, effort and supporthe gives the owcc. The only problem we are finding,