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Clayesmore
Cormorants' Cricket 2002
Not a rain cloud or sweater in sight all week! After such a poor beginning to the summer many of us were wondering what was in store, but the weather was perfect and really made a week in which we scored two victories, a winning draw and a narrow defeat.
Monday 15 July and the opening match at home to Canford saw the Cormorants posting 241 for six declared. A 73 run opening stand between Tom Hicks and newcomer Ned Lack was the best possible start, with Lack contributing an excellent 37 and Hicks going on to make a superb 107. Alex Morgan (46) was the other main contributor. Smith was the pick of the Cygnets attack with three for 71 from a marathon 25 overs. For a while the Cygnets' reply looked threatening with 55 from Shepherd and 77 from Harms, but a really impressive five for 54 from young Andrew Merson ended their hopes on 228 all out.
The following day we were away to Bryanston, where the Butterflies batted first and made 258 for five declared, with Heath contributing 94 and Elder 87. There were no notable bowling performances from the Cormorants but with the bat the Hicks brothers excelled, both making fine 50s. Unfortunately Jamie Dike could not bat as he had turned an ankle fielding earlier in the day; with him we would certainly have got closer than our reply of 201 all out.
Wednesday was a day of golf, relaxation, recuperation and then curry in Blandford. The following day we were in the runs - nothing to do with the curry - and scored an impressive 263 for four declared in only 39 overs against the Strollers, who sadly appear to have made their last tour to Dorset. Richard Gulliver produced a wonderful 106 in a fine century stand with Andy Dike (38), and there were important contributions from Alex Morgan (52 no) and Lack (33). Frustratingly, the Strollers were 164 for eight at close, thanks to a stubborn and unbroken partnership of 37 between Gray and Canning, and the game was drawn.
Many thanks to Penny Dain for stepping in at short notice to help us out against the Strollers - as a player! Penny is a member of the Oxford University ladies cricket team and whilst, disappointingly, she did not bat, Penny bowled a couple of very tidy overs and her fielding was excellent. I may be wrong, but I think she is the first lady to play for the Cormorants. Penny, I hope you are finding a use for that tie!
Our final game on the Friday was with Dorset Rangers, who, batting first, scored 231 for nine declared (Bengough 57). There were three wickets for Merson and two apiece for Martin Benfield, Alex Morgan and Alistair Deighton. Everyone who batted contributed to our reply of 233 for five, but Guy Hicks most notably with a commanding 72 not out.
The end of week dinner was held as usual at the Cricketers in Shroton. It has been good to meet George, the new landlord there, and to find that he is continuing in the fine traditions of his predecessor. This is in marked contrast to the Talbot, which sadly appears to have gone even further downhill from last year.
The Cormorants Cup was awarded this year to Andrew Merson. He played in all four games, bowled with great accuracy and commitment, and took 10 wickets during a week that favoured batting, not bowling. Ned Lack, who like Andrew is only 16 and has a further two years in the Clayesmore XI, was presented with an autographed bat as most promising newcomer. Ned is a fine wicket-keeper who talks the talk and hits the ball hard. Best effort of the week was from Nick Goumas, who arrived at the dinner just in time for the prize giving, having landed at Gatwick on his return from a family visit to Australia only a few hours beforehand.
Our thanks go to Roger Bayliss for umpiring all week - something the Club really appreciates - our fantastic new caterers, Ann and Joanna; Chris, our newly acquired coach driver - should be ready for the test soon, Chris! - and, of course, to the School for the use of the ground and Devine House. The pitch and grounds generally look better than ever. Thanks are also due to our ever present President, Piers Sabine.
Finally, can I put out an appeal for more players, particularly you younger OCs. We managed for playing numbers this year - just - but we do need to widen the player base so that we can rest players and cover for the inevitable occasions when our regulars cannot make it. I think anyone who has been down for the week will tell you how enjoyable it is. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the OC Society, match and other charges are priced according to means, so students need not be concerned that the week will be costly. The future of the Cormorants is entirely dependent on successful player recruitment, so if you have any suggestions or ideas on this subject, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thank you all for another wonderful week's cricket, camaraderie and
companionship. Wato would have approved thoroughly.
Andrew Beaton (64 - 69)