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Clayesmore Cormorants Cricket 2001

 For the second year running we beat Canford Cygnets twice in a day. It was to the Cygnets' credit that they insisted upon a 'beer match' following their heavy defeat in the main game. Perhaps it was partly due to the fact the pub was not to open for a couple of hours.

Canford won the toss, and at lunch they were struggling at 112 for 7 on a good track. After the interval old-hand Simon Haw (39) and the school's first XI Captain, Chris Harms (38), combined to take the score to a respectable 177 all out. Andrew Dike was the pick of the Cormorants bowlers ending with 4 for 54.

In reply the Cormorants reached their target in double quick time with Guy Hicks (53) and Dietrik Harmse (78) magnificently striking the ball to all corners of the ground. Victory was achieved with the fall of only four wickets. One of the highlights of the day was Adam Firth 's incredible caught and bowled from a screamer. The alternative, supposedly, was plastic surgery and a couple of months in Shaftesbury Hospital .

The Cormorants batted without conviction against the Bryanston Butterflies and should have scored around the 220 plus mark but ended with a disappointing 178 all out just before the half way mark. Only Guy Hicks (53) and Terry Morgan (42) were capable of getting on top of the tight bowling. On completion of the innings a huge cloud-burst followed. With the wicket absolutely saturated it looked unlikely any further play would be possible. But after an early tea, and with the assistance of vast amounts of sawdust and towelling the reluctant opposing Captain, Guy Bucknall, ex Clayesmore Prep, was persuaded to chase our total. After all, we were on tour to play cricket, weren't we?

The Cormorants did not bowl or field particularly well, and when the occasional catching chance was offered it was not taken. The Butterflies won in easy fashion with seven wickets and three overs to spare.

Wednesday was a golf day!

The Strollers have toured Dorset and played the Cormorants for twenty years now. On virtually every occasion the game has gone down to the wire. It was inevitable that one year a one-sided match would prevail. 2001 was to be the year.

The Cormorants batted first and accumulated 213 for 9 and declared on the stroke of tea. Richard Gulliver (46), Guy Hicks (31) and Terry Morgan (33) made the major contributions. For the opposition, Frank Canning took 4 for 43. In reply, a weakened Strollers side was skittled for just forty-nine.Martin Blanty bowled very accurately, as he had all week, and finished with 3 for 10 from eight overs.

On a fine summer's day the Cormorants again batted first in the final game against Dorset Rangers. With prominent innings from Tristan Deighton (38), Dietrik Harmse (48) and Martin Blanty 39), the Cormorants were able to set a winning target of 260 in just over three hours. Dorset Rangers, after a fine start, lost wickets regularly to the innocuous pace of the skipper for the day, Alastair Deighton, who led the team well to a handsome 91 run victory. Young Andrew Merson, the son of Brian (Bugsie) Merson, bowled well during the match on the Friday evening, the Tour Dinner was held at the Cricketers Inn, Shroton. Thirty-five diners witnessed Alison Watkins, wife of the late David Watkins, present the Cormorants Cup to Guy Hicks for his three important knocks during the week.

As always the tour would not be such a success if it were not for the hard work of certain individuals. Therefore many thanks go to Andrew Beaton for the co-ordination of the tour in his role as Chairman; to Ray Norris, for supplying good cricket wickets and a beautifully cut outfield reminiscent of Lords; to Roger Bayliss for umpiring; to Susannah and Annabel Roberts for making the lunches and teas; and to the school for providing the facilities at Devine House and the Sanatorium.

Results:

Canford Cygnets 177 all out (A. Dike 4 for 54)

Cormorants 179 for 4 (G. Hicks 53, D. Harmse 78) Won by six wickets

Cormorants 178 all out (G. Hicks 53, T. Morgan 42)

Bryanston Butterflies 179 for 3 Lost by seven wickets

Cormorants 213 for 9 dec. (R.Gulliver 46, G. Hicks 31, T. Morgan 33)

Strollers 49 all out (M. Blanty 3 for 10) Won by 164 runs

Cormorants 259 for 7 dec. (T. Deighton 38, D. Harmse 48, M. Blanty 39)

Dorset Rangers 168 all out (A. Deighton 4 for 10) Won by 91 runs

Next year's cricket week will be held between 15th and 19th July.

Nick Goumas (62-66)

Hon. Secretary

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