2016
12 Jun v REIGATE PILGRIMS (at Betchworth) – CANCELLED (weather)
20 Jul v SUNBURY (at Sunbury) – WON 4 wkts
D Adikari 23 1
K Cronin 81 4 0 33 1 1
N Troth 32
G Rouse 6 4 0 48 0 2
J Randall 13 1
R Lashwayo 0 3 0 19 1
J Hamilton 19*
R Chibisa 44* 6 0 32 0
A Foster DNB 7 1 27 2
J Wair DNB 7 0 44 5
J Balcombe DNB 4 0 41 1 1
extras 22 15
250-6 249
Richard Chibisa, captain for the day, won the toss and asked Sunbury to bat on a wonderfully warm day at their attractive ground, with it’s excellent wicket and fast outfield. Two spinners opened the bowling, Keaghan Cronin and James Balcombe, and immediately took a wicket each (8-2). The next Sunbury batters soon got going with a flurry of fours and the run rate increased dramatically – so much so that after 11 overs the score had reached 102, and the prospect of chasing around 300 loomed large. At 152 in the 17th over, a breakthrough however; Jens Wair induced an excellent catch at cover by Grant Rouse which saw off centurion Sohi (who got a 100 last year against the Ramblers). Wair struck again at 169 in the 20th over – a catch by Cronin on the square leg boundary, but a large score still looked likely. Wair continued to take wickets, albeit by his own submission not turning the ball greatly, and finished with a ‘michelle’ – his first for the club. Alan Foster (2 in 2 balls) and Raymond Lashwayo finised off the remaining batters, so that the total was 249 in 35 overs; a good result and a very chaseable target.
Ramblers mdse a bright start with Keaghan Cronin and Delrick Aldikhari getting to 45 in 6 overs, before the latter went LBW. Nick Troth, returning to the Ramblers fold after 20 years, struck a forceful 32. 100-1 in the 13th, which included what turned out to be an expensive drop of Cronin on 36. 154 was reached in 20 overs, so the rate required was much easier. During this period Cronin had reached an excellent half century, looked set for the other half, but managed to run himself run out going for a sharp second run; the situation at 26 overs was 190-6. Stalwarts Richard Chibisa and John Hamilton, in their contrasting styles, the comfortably put on 60 to win with 8 overs to spare.
JENS WAIR – 5fer
21 Jul v NOMADS (at Charterhouse) – WON 2 wkts
B Ward 0
M Bhardwaj 2
S Phillips 85
B Edwards 43
D Britt 0 1
B Hudson 33* 12 3 24 3
R Chibisa 6 8 1 11 0 1
J Hamilton 7
T Hastilow 2 7 2 19 1 2
N Cooper 3* 12 2 61 0
J Wair DNB 8 0 72 2
extras 20 15
201-8 200-6d
Stand of 100 for the 3rd wicket by Seb Phillips and Phil Edwards
Another hot day at Charterhouse where Nomads won the toss and opted to bat, and proceeded rather slowly to 25-0 off 10 overs – due to steady bowling from Neil Cooper and skipper Richard Chibisa and an argusably low bounce. These two were relieved by Ben Hudson and Tom Hastilow, and it was the former who made the first breakthrough at 48 after 19 overs, followed by two more wickets shortly after, one to the deserving Tom Hastilow and another to Hudson – the board then showing 65-3 from 26 overs. There was then something of a stand, only to be broken by a catch by Hastilow at mid wicket off leg spinner Jens Wair. Hudson took his 3rd towards the end of a long and economic spell, smartly caught at cover by Chibisa. The final wicket to fall was for Wair – another catch by Hastilow, and then Nomads flailed fairly mightily to reach 200 and the declaration after 47 overs.
The Ramblers didn’t make a good start with 2 down for 14, but there then followed a stand of exactly 100 by the clean striking Seb Phillips, and Phil Edwards with his excellent footwork. At the beginning of the last 20, 110 were required. Ben Hudson joined Phillips and maintained the required momentum, which for the last few overs effectively meant a run a ball. Phillips looked ripe for a century but didn’t get down quickly enough om a yorker from the Nomads returning opening bowler, and that meant mini-cameos from other batters with Hudson, so that at the berginning of the last and 38th over, 10 were required. Determind running brought 3 successive 2s, followed by a single. 2 balls to go and 3 wanted – but only one was needed; uncertain fielding and more quick running got the job done. In the end a 2 wicket and satisfying victory. The Nomads will no doubt rue their dropped catches and ponderous early batting.
27 Jul v HASLEMERE (at Haslemere) – DRAW
S Phillips 15 2
J Hamilton 25
N Troth 17 1
N Randall 7
B Ward 38 1
H Ward 3 3 0 25 0 2
D Ford 5 7 1 32 2 1
R Chibisa 11 2 0 38 0
F Pass 4* 6 0 44 1
C Oosthuizen 0 7 1 50 2
J Wair DNB 7 0 45 2
extras 4 16
129-8 237-7d
10 Aug v EMERITI (at Charterhouse) – LOST 5 wkts
D Adikhari 36
B Copeman 10 8 0 33 0
C Warburton 5
W Kreihn 11 3 0 18 0
N Randall 7 1
N Troth 5 3 0 21 0
A Foster 56 4 1 13 1
D Hood 58 2 0 10 0
H Ward 18 9 2 40 0
J Binet 0 3 0 17 0 1
C Oosthuizen 2* 13.1 1 64 4
extras 20 20
228 231-5
Stand of 108 for the 7th wicket by Alan Foster and D Hood
11 Aug v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS (40 overs)(at Charterhouse) – WON 93 runs
H Ward 54 1
C Warburton 80
D Hood 53 1
R Lashwayo 1 7 1 28 2
N Troth 49
D Ramjag 7
D Britt 3* 2
A White 3* 5 0 17 1
R Williams DNB 7 1 18 1
R Chibisa DNB 6 0 18 0
A Fleming DNB 8 1 48 4 1
C Oosthuizen – 7 0 34 0
S Phillips – 1
extras 14 18
264-6 171-9
Stand of 101 for the 1st wicket by Harrison Ward and Charlie Warburton
P 5 W 3 D 1 L 1 C 1
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
D Adikhari 2 0 59 29.50 1
J Balcombe DNB 4 0 41 1 41.00 1
M Bhardwaj 1 0 2 2.00
J Binet DNB 3 0 17 0 – 1
D Britt 2 1 3 3.00 3
R Chibisa 3 1 61 30.50 22 1 99 0 – 1
N Cooper 1 1 3 – 12 2 61 0 –
B Copeman 1 0 10 10.00 8 0 33 0 –
E Cronin 1 0 81 81.00 4 0 33 1 33.00 1
P Edwards 1 0 43 43.00
A Fleming DNB 8 1 48 4 12.00 1
D Ford 1 0 5 5.00 7 1 32 2 16.00
A Foster 1 0 56 56.00 11 2 40 3 13.33
J Hamilton 3 1 51 25.50
T Hastilow 1 0 2 2.00 7 2 19 1 19.00 2
B Hudson 1 1 33 – 12 2 24 3 8.00
D Hood 2 0 111 55.50 2 0 10 0 – 1
W Kriehn 1 0 11 11.00 3 0 18 0 –
R Lashwayo 2 0 1 0.50 10 1 47 3 15.67
F Pass 1 1 4 – 6 0 41 1 41.00
S Phillips 2 0 100 50.00 1
C Oosthuizen 2 1 2 2.00 27.1 2 148 6 24.67
N Randall 3 0 27 9.00 2
G Rouse 1 0 6 6.00 4 0 48 0 – 2
N Troth 4 0 103 25.65 3 0 20 0 – 1
J Wair DNB 22 0 161 9 17.89
C Warburton 2 0 85 42.50
B Ward 2 0 38 19.00 1
H Ward 3 0 75 25.00 11 2 65 0 – 1
A White 1 1 3 – 5 0 17 1 17.00
R Williams DNB 7 1 18 1 18.00
2017
11 Jun v REIGATE PILGRIMS (at Betchworth) – DRAW
Captain for the day John Hamilton won the toss and decided to bat on a warm and sunny day at Betchworth, with a view to using his strong batting line-up to best effect and setting a challenging target to the Pilgrims. Openers Simon Swainson and debutant Jarryd Brown began cautiously on a wicket with some variation in bounce, with the former soon departing caught at square leg off a ball which stopped on him. Ghulam Qadir provided a sprightly 16 in company with Brown before being trapped in front, then senior pro Graham Boxall, fresh from a league 100 the previous day, was soon into his characteristic expansive drives and perfectly timed legside deflections, only to be caught on the boundary when in full flow with the score at 114. Brown in the meantime had completed a well-made half century, but was the next to go, playing round a well pitched up delivery. Givemore Makoni, in company with another debutant, the left handed Marc-Antony Eysele then put on a rapid stand of 79, to go just past 200, and then there were some massive final flourishes from Eysele – exactly what was needed. The captain declared after 37 overs, having himself contributed a stately on driven single.
After tea the Pilgrims response began – albeit very slowly due to tight, probing opening bowlng from John Tudor and Khalid Muhammad. With the score at 19 from 10 overs and 57 from 20, the chase looked very difficult. Nonetheless the openers were not separated until the 26th over with 76 on the board. Eysele and Richard Chibisa had the best spells between them very effectively, taking all 5 wickets that fell. Simon Swainson took two catches, but some other chances were fumbled; arguably, in the end, the difference between a win for the Ramblers and the draw. Apart from a useful hour from the Reigate number three, Hodgson, the home team were never really in the chase and finished 104 behind after 39 overs.
A good day’s cricket rounded off with a pint at the nearby Red Lion. There’s now a gap until mid-July when the midweek games begin,
S Swainson 4 2
J Brown 55
G Qadir 16
G Boxall 37
G Makoni 21
M-A Eysele 84* 11 2 37 2
J Hamilton 1*
R Chibisa DNB 10 3 33 3
J Tudor DNB 10 1 22 0
D Britt DNB
K Muhammad DNB 8 1 24 0
extras 7 8
225-7d 121-5
19 Jul v SUNBURY (at Sunbury) – CANCELLED (Sunbury no team)
20 Jul v NOMADS (at Charterhouse) – WON 8 wkts
A warm day with a little breeze at Charterhouse was the setting for the annual contest with the Nomads. Skipper Simon Swainson won the toss and decided the visitors should bat. Phil Edwards and Simon Oakes opened the bowling – the former accurate and economical, the latter less so, but this was probably due to little cricket this simmer. Nomads proceeded to 101 without loss by the 20th over, dominated by one opener on 70odd and the other barely in double figures – by which time spin had replaced pace in the guise of Tom Hall and Richard Chibisa. It was Chibisa who made the breakthrough in his 4th over, inducing a chip to mid wicket, comfortably accepted by Seb Phillips. The second wicket followed one run later at 116, an excellent catch at long on by Edwards off a steepler; the bowler Hall. He and Chibisa continued to wheel away and each had a further wicket as Nomads reached 200 in the 44th over, Kingsley Brown one wicket and Alan Foster finished the bowling as the score reached 219-5 and a declaration after 48 overs. Catches by Hamilton and Swainson (also a stumping) were neatly executed, but a number of other chances went begging.
After a splendid tea provided by Alan Foster’s mum, the chase began with Ben Hudson and Seb Phillips at the helm. Ben made a stylish 20 before being caught behind with the score on 36. Alan Foster started in positive vein, and continued (with excellent running), giving great support to Seb Phillips who was striking ever more imperiously round the wicket with powerful drives and pulls. When Alan went at 122 in the 22nd over with 18 left, it was over to the pugnacious John Hamilton to accompany Seb, who reached his 100 (first for the Ramblers, 10 x 4s and 2 x 6s) on the road to victory – which was achieved with 1.4 overs to spare. A good day’s cricket, a repeat of last year’s win, rounded off with a pint at The Squirrel
B Hudson 20
S Phillips 114* 1
A Foster 36 3 0 15 0
J Hamilton 42* 1
P Edwards DNB 8 3 15 1 1
S Oakes DNB 5 0 32 0
D Foster DNB
K Brown DNB 8 0 35 1
T Hall DNB 11 0 65 2
S Swainson DNB 1,1st
R Chibisa DNB 13 0 40 2
extras 8 23
220-2 219-5d
26 Jul v HASLEMERE (at Haslemere) – CANCELLED (weather)
9 Aug v EMERITI (at Charterhouse) – CANCELLED (weather)
10 Aug v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS (at Charterhouse) – CANCELLED (weather)
BOLOGNA TOUR 22nd – 28th AUGUST
THE TOUR PARTY (AT PIANORO)
Standing : Julie Whybrow, Jon Whybrow, Kevin Lillis, Rosemary Lillis, Cheyidza Chibisa, Graham Boxall, Shona Chibisa, David Coles, Michael Chitty, Louise Chitty, Terry Boxall, David Powell, Simon Swainson, Rob Ward, John Hamilton, Abbie Whybrow, Maggie Hamilton, Harrison Ward, Jens Wair, Brian Davenport, Steve Andow
Kneeling : Mario Picceri, Richasrd Chibisa, Samantha Chibisa, Lily Chibisa, Louis Boxall, Jo Coles, Gill Mortensen, Ben Ward (Alison Ward not in picture)
The tour party passed it’s first test by all appearing at Heathrow Tertminal 5 at 6.15 am. Check in was quick and easy and the 4 hour flight passed quickly. At Bologna airport the bus was there, and after a short delay to pick up the Whybrow family it was off to the Tre Vecchi hotel in the city centre. The rooms were ready and very soon after the first foray for refreshment was necessary – in practice, just around the corner to the Victoria restaurant for beer and a feed. All Wednesday and Thursday morning was taken up with sightseeing (and eating !) in Bologna, but also further afield for some, to Venice and Florence.
24 Aug v BOLOGNA XI (at Navile)(20/20) – LOST 6 wkts
Trying to get some shade !
Julie Whybrow, Maggie Hamilton, Abbie Whybrow, Jo Coles, Jon Whybrow, David Powell, Mario Picceri, Terry Boxall, Alison Ward, Gill Mortensen
The first tour match now under the belt – not a successful result, but good to get the cricket underway. The match against a Bologna CC XI was a 20 over affair, where we batted and got 102, with runs for Graham Boxall, Rob Ward and John Hamilton, and the remainder of the batters with room to improve. Despite a fine opening spell from Mario Picceri, Bologna knocked off the runs for 4 wickets in just over 10 overs. Some very tasty snacks and beer, followed by fines (to the amusement of our opponents) completed a nonetheless enjoyable day in the wonderful hot weather.
S Swainson 7 1
G Boxall 23
R Ward 24
J Hamilton 26
J Whybrow 0
R Chibisa 2 2 0 25 0
B Ward 2 3 0 21 1 1
H Ward 0
A Whybrow 2* .2 0 4 0
J Wair 2 1 0 22 0
M Picceri 0 4 0 31 3
extras 14 12
102 105-4
The teams after the match: John Hamilton, Jens Wair, Abbie Whybrow, Richard Chibisa, Graham Boxall, Simon Swainson, Mario Picceri, Rob Ward, Ben Ward, Harrison Ward
26 Aug v KINGS XI (at Spilamberto) (50/50) – WON 16 runs
Match 2 after the 20/20 pipe opener was at Spilamberto, a village near Modena and 30 minutes or so from Bologna and where our opposition was the King’s XI, a local league team. 50 overs a side was the format on a very hot day. John Hamilton, captaining, won the toss and opted to bat. Rob Ward and Graham Boxall set off confidently and got to 55 in 8 overs, but both were out in quick succession : 61-2 from 10. A useful stand by Ben Ward and John Hamilton took the score 120 in the 25th over, but then Ben had to leave the field when the heat and running got a bit much for him. David Coles chipped in with a useful few runs, to be followed by Harrison Ward who flayed the ball in various directions for an hour to reach a robust 50 with 3 sixes and 7 fours, departing lbw at 235 in the 48th over, and being accompanied by his returning brother Ben and the fast, hard running of Jens Wair. Michael Chitty and David Powell added an elegant 6 between them to finish off, so at the end the board showed 241-7.
After an excellent Italian style tea, our hosts addressed the requirement of just under 5 an over on a very quick outfield. 13-3 after 4 overs however did not augur well for them, a wicket to Harrison Ward and two to Mario Picceri in his first over doing the damage. David Powell’s spell too was immediately productive – like Mario, two wickets in his first over, score 69-5 in 12 overs. Despite two more strikes from David in his second over (4-3 at that point), a stand of 128 for the 6th wicket, with the odd chance going down, started to ring alarm bells, until Jens Wair dismissed both batters with flighted leg spin; score 221-9 – but off only 30 overs. The climax came four runs later when a steepling hit to long on off Hraham Boxall was pouched anxiously but safely by the tumbling John Hamilton. A narrow but satisfying victory. Presentations ensued with a rather splendid trophy and plaque coming the Ramblers way, and appropriate and generous words from both captains. Tired but content Ramblers climbed on to the bus, ready for fines back at the hotel, and more wonderful Italian food in a local restaurant.
R Ward 11 1 0 20 0
G Boxall 33 2.5 0 10 1 1
B Ward 31 1 0 20 0
J Hamilton 30 1
D Coles 5 1
H Ward 61 6 0 42 1 1
J Wair 10 3 0 34 2
M Chitty 3* 6 0 47 0
D Powell 3* 4 0 25 4
A Whybrow DNB 1
M Picceri DNB 7 0 42 2
extras 51 26
241-7 225
The match trophies
John Hamilton trying to give his Ramblers hat away
27 Aug v PIANORO (at Pianoro) (40/40) – LOST 4 wkts
Yet another very hot day (too hot said some) for the third tour match at Pianoro CC’s custom built ground a little way South of Bologna – a very attractive setting surrounded by low hills. After the heat of Spilamberto the previous day, skipper Simon Swainson proposed 40 overs a side, rather than the scheduled 50, and this was agreed. Winning the toss, Ramblers batted, and the long established opening pair of Swainson and Hamilton in a measured and careful way took the score to 50 in 10 overs, and thence to 101 in 20 – providing the ideal platform for the second half of the innings. With the score at 137, John Hamilton was the first to depart for a well-made half century, and 3 more wickets then fell for under 20 runs, including Simon Swainson falling just short of his 50. With the score at 155-4 after 32 overs some rapid acceleration was needed, and it came from Harrison Ward, to such effect that 200 was reached in the 37th over. Harrison’s undefeated 50 contained 4 sixes and 5 fours and the close cdame at 217 – a decent total, setting 5.5 an over.
After another excellent tea (where else would you get tiramisu, amongst other Italian goodies ?), Pianoro began their chase but were soon in trouble, two wickets for Harrison Ward bowling at some pace with movement, and one for the wily David Powell, had the scoreboard showing 34-3 after 9 overs. However no further inroads were made until 133 in the 22nd over – meaning 94 needed in the last 18 overs, just under the asking rate. Further wickets continued to be hard to come by – only two in fact, at 162 and 169, the latter in the 32nd over. Whilst containment remained just about possible, Painoro’s number 4, Rana, played a fine knock to see his team through in the 38th over, and the hot and weary Ramblers had to concede in what had been a competitive match played in excellent spirit. The presentations followed with Pianoro skipper Andrea Pizzi being particularly gracious.
S Swainson 46 1
J Hamilton 58
G Boxall 7 8 0 43 2 1
R Ward 3
H Ward 58* 6.1 1 34 2 1
R Chibisa 3 8 1 34 1
D Coles 2 1
J Whybrow 2* 1
J Wair DNB 4 0 42 0
D Powell DNB 5 0 26 1
M Picceri DNB 6 0 37 0
extras 35 24
217-6 221-6
Local press coverage…
Stand of 137 for the 1st wicket by Simon Swainson and John Hamilton
Crowd scene…
Post match presentation; Simon Swainson presenting plaque to Pianoro skipper – and Mario Picceri interpreting again
After returning from Pianoro back to the Tre Vecchi and the final fines session, it was then the tour dinner round the corner at Enzo’s, which was excellent – and especially as the cost per person was substantially reduced by fines money input. Later there was still time to linger outside the restaurant for a beer and relaxed chat.
The final fines session before the tour dinner – Terry Boxall presiding, Louis poised to extract the readies.
Harrison Ward – a Bologna gourmet.
….and finally, one of the tables at the tour dinner; Louis Boxall at the front, Julie Whybrow keeping an eye.
The following morning provided the final opportunity for shopping – presents to take home, mostly of an edible nature, and then it was on to the coach again to the airport, another easy check in, and an early arriving flight to a rather cooler England.
P 5 W 2 D 1 L 2 C 3
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
G Boxall 4 0 100 25.00 10.5 0 53 3 17.67 2
D Britt DNB
J Brown 1 0 55 55.00 –
K Brown DNB 8 0 35 1 35.00
R Chibisa 2 0 5 2.50 33 4 132 6 22.00
M Chitty 1 1 3 – 6 0 47 0 –
D Coles 2 0 7 3.50 – 2
P Edwards DNB 8 3 15 1 15.00 1
M-A Eysele 1 1 84 – 11 2 37 2 18.50
A Foster 1 0 36 36.00 3 0 15 0 –
D Foster DNB –
T Hall DNB 11 0 65 2 32.50
J Hamilton 5 2 157 52.33 – 2
B Hudson 1 0 20 20.00 –
G Makoni 1 0 21 21.00 –
K Muhammad DNB 8 1 24 0 –
S Oakes DNB 5 0 32 0 –
S Phillips 1 1 114 – – 1
M Picceri 1 0 0 0.00 17 0 110 5 22.00
D Powell 1 1 3 3.00 9 0 51 5 10.20
G Qadir 1 0 16 16.00 –
S Swainson 3 0 57 19.00 – 5,1st
J Tudor DNB 10 1 22 0 –
J Wair 2 0 12 6.00 8 0 98 2 49.00
B Ward 2 0 33 16.50 – 1
H Ward 3 1 119 59.50 12.1 1 76 3 25.33 2
R Ward 3 0 38 12.67 1 0 20 0 –
A Whybrow 1 1 2 – .2 0 4 0 – 1
J Whybrow 2 1 2 2.00 – 1
2018
10th JUNE v REIGATE PILGRIMS (at Betchworth) – LOST 5 wkts
HISTORY
This is one of the Ramblers oldest fixtures, first played 70 years ago in 1949, and intermittently since then (including a 30 year gap between 1975 and 2005). Of the 32 matches played (including this year), the Ramblers have won 15, 9 have been drawn, and 9 lost.
Batting first, the Ramblers made a bright start on a warm sunny day at Betchworth and reached 94-4 in 17 overs, with, seemingly, a reasonable and desirable) prospect of reaching 200. Not to be, as the remaining 6 wickets fell for 42 runs, which, considering the potential on show and the time available, was disappointing. That said, Will Oakes, after a return to cricket after two years batted confidently with good technique. The innings lasted just over 30 overs.
After tea, early breakthroughs into the Pilgrims innings (19-3 after 8 overs), raised hope, with tidy spells from Callum McKenzie and Harrison Ward. But catches went down and only two more wickets fell – at 51 and 123, and the match was over with 15 of the last 20 overs still available.
S Swainson 11
N Randall 26
W Oakes 25
Z Burrage 27
H Ward 4 7 3 18 2
G Qadir 6 4 0 23 1 1
B Ward 0
D Ford 4 7 1 34 1 1
T Oakes 16 2.2 0 11 0
R Chibisa 5 5 0 24 0 1
C McKenzie 0* 6 2 16 1
extras 11 13
136 137-5
Tea time at Betchworth : Richard Chibisa, Harrison Ward, Tim Oakes, Dom Ford,
Callum McKenzie, Zach Burrage, Ben Ward, Ghulam Qadir, Simon Swainson
19 JUL v NOMADS (at Charterhouse) – WON 7 wkts
A Ramblers debut on the Maniacs ground at Charterhouse with a scorched, fast outfield, on yet another dry, warm day produced an excellent win. Skipper Simon Swainson won the toss and put the Nomads in, and they started very positively, putting on 40 in the first 7 overs, until two wickets were taken quickly, one each to opening bowlers Alastair Curran and Alan Foster. Further wickets proved harder to come by until Ben Copeman took two quickly, one caught by Alan Foster leaping extravagantly at cover, and the other an LBW. The deserving Sammi Majid with his leg spin eventually got his wicket too, and the Nomads declared on the stroke of 5 o’clock after 43 overs (at nearly 5 an over)
After a delicious tea prepared by Rosemary Foster (Alan’s mum), the chase began, with, as it transpired, 31 overs available. Nick Randall went early, but Seb Phillips and Alastair Curran set sail with some vigour, the former with some sumptuous cover drives. The stylish Curran was caught with the score on 58 after 7 overs – a very healthy run rate. Ben Copeman continued in the same vein for a well made 24, whilst Seb Phillips continued unabated at the other end, hitting boundaries all round the wicket, and at the beginning of the 20 the score stood at 76. He and Jamie Aitken then saw the team home after 24.2 overs (run rate 8.68, with 6 overs to spare). A splendid debut for Jamie, hitting powerfully as he and Seb put on an undefeated 80 for the 4th wicket, and Seb completed his second successive 100 against the Nomads (14 fours and 2 sixes). Thanks are due to Jens Wair for umpiring – although signalling wides proved somewhat problematic ! Then it was on to the Squirrel for a beer to round off a very satisfactory day.
S Phillips 105*
N Randall 0
A Curran 17 5 0 26 1
B Copeman 24 4 0 23 2 1
J Aitken 45* 4 0 29 0
J Tudor DNB 6 1 24 0
A Foster DNB 7 1 15 1 1
R Chibisa DNB 6 0 23 0
T Evans DNB 1
S Majid DNB 11 1 59 1
S Swainson DNB
extras 20 18
211-3 209-5d
Cricket at Charterhouse; every prospect pleases
A hard day in the field for the Ramblers
Centurion Seb Phillips
GUERNSEY & SARK TOUR 26th – 30th JULY
The Ramblers party less Prynnes J & D gathered themselves at Gatwick at an unseemly hour to be advised that their flight had been delayed for two, then three hours, the upside of which was some decent breakfast (helped by a ‘delay’ voucher from Aurigny which bought a coffee). In the meantime the Prynnes had left Southampton on time and began sending inflammatory and unhelpful texts to Gatwick from the poolside at La Collinette – our hotel. After arrival and check in, a drink by the pool in the warm sun was the obvious solution, prior to setting off for the early evening 20/20 at Port Soif.
26 JUL v GUERNSEY ISLAND CC (at Port Soif) 20/20 – LOST 2 wkts
The match duly got under way a few minutes after 6, as the opposition gradually drifted in. Skipper Alan Foster won the toss and decided to bat. Debutant Tom Hartington made an excellent half century, and others chipped in with a few, leaving a target of 7.25 an over. The home team kept in touch having got to 75-2 in 10 overs, then started losing wickets regularly, but reached their target in the last over in what was by then virtual darkness.
R Chibisa 15 3 0 26 2
J Straker 0
D Prynne 17 1.3 0 4 2 1
T Hartington 62
R Ward 15 4 0 26 2
A Foster 10 4 0 27 1
B Ward 0
J Hamilton 9* 1
M Picceri 2* 4 0 27 1
D Powell DNB 3 0 29 0
J Prynne DNB
extras 15 9
145-7 146-8
27 JUL v GUERNSEY LEGENDS (at KG V),32 OVER – WON 8 wkts
Day 2 of the tour took the Ramblers to the well-appointed King George V ground for the match v Guernsey Legends which, for time reasons was arranged to be 32 overs a side, with Richard Chibisa captaining. The legends batted first and got away quickly to 55 in 6 overs, before David Prynne claimed one opener’s wicket. Whilst the other opener batted on to a 50, the others were more modest in output but still reached 221-9 at 6.9 an over in their innings, including significant input from wides. Alan Foster, Rob Ward and Tom Hartington (including a splendid direct hit run out), each took two wickets at reasonable cost.
The pursuit began well with Foster and John Hamilton putting on 145 for the 1st wicket, both getting good 50s in their contrasting styles. Despite a quite heavy shower it was to the credit of the mainly young home players that they stayed outon the field. Tom Hartington with his second successive half century, and David Coles then applied the finishing touches in a stand of 64 to bring home a very convincing victory with overs to spare
A Foster 57 6 0 32 2 1
J Hamilton 64
T Hartington 53* 5 1 26 2 1
D Coles 18*
R Ward DNB 6 1 25 2
R Chibisa DNB 6 0 47 0 2
D Prynne DNB 5 0 57 1
J Prynne DNB
B Ward DNB
M Picceri DNB 1 0 5 0 1
N Hartington DNB 3 0 25 1
extras 33 51
224-2 221-9
Stand of 145 for the 1st wicket by Alan Foster and John Hamilton
Post match beer. Richard Chibisa, Tom Hartington, Mario Picceri
Dinner at Le Nautique
28 JUL v SARK CC (at Sark),30 over – WON 7 wkts
The third day brought the much looked forward to match on Sark, and the arrival of Fred Lowe to the party. After a fairly choppy ride to get there in our hired boat, it was off by tractor and trailer to the Belair pub at the top of the hill, and onwards on foot to the ground. It was agreed with captain for the day Alan Foster that Sark should bat first, and they were soon in trouble, losing 3 wickets for 35 in 6 overs. Subsequently only two batters got to 30 but a respectable 177 was reached – albeit with 5 overs unused. All the Ramblers bowlers were successful, including Fred Lowe with a wicket from the first ball of his only over, and 5 catches were taken – including a mesmerising juggle for one of them by David Coles.
After tea, and the team photo taken, the chase began, Rob Ward was adjudged LBW, but then the Lowe and Chibisa show took over, both scoring fine 50s. After both had departed, Ben Ward hit aggressively and with David Coles finished the match in just 19 overs. Then it was a beer and fines (Rob Ward in charge) at the ground, before wending down the hill to catch the boat home; a calmer crossing. Later that evening, a team curry rounded off a most enjoyable day
R Ward 1
F Lowe 61 1 0 11 1
R Chibisa 55 4 0 22 1 1
B Ward 37* 5 0 31 2
D Coles 2* 2
D Prynne DNB 4.1 0 26 1
A Foster DNB 1 0 6 1
J Hamilton DNB
T Hartington DNB 2 0 11 1 1
D Powell DNB 4 0 44 2
M Picceri DNB 3 0 8 1 1
extras 25 31
178-3 177
Roy Orbison en route to Sark (aka James Straker)
Standing : Jo Coles, Alison Ward, John Hamilton, David Powell, Tom Hartington, Mario Picceri, Fred Lowe, James Straker, David Prynne, John Prynne, Maggie Hamilton, Frank Hird
Sitting : Neil Hartington, David Coles, Brian Davenport, Alan Foster, Rob Ward, Richard Chibisa, Ben Ward
On the boat back from Sark. Tom Hartington, David Coles, Mario Picceri, Alan Foster, Ben Ward, Rob Ward
29 JUL v GUERNSEY ISLAND CC (at College Field) – CANCELLED (weather)
The weather forecast turned out as predicted, heavy rain during the night which continued through the day meant that the final match had to be called off. A pity, because there had been three days good cricket. On the positive side the opportunity was taken for a long and mildly unwise lunch at a splendid restaurant on the St Peter Port waterfront. After a brief respite to gather strength, the tour dinner in the hotel was next on the agenda, including the final fines session under the genial stewardship of John Prynne.
9 AUG v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS (at Charterhouse) – CANCELLED (weather)
15 AUG v EMERITI (at Old Wimbledonians CC) – WON 1 wkt
The Ramblers season reached a fitting climax with an excellent match against long time opponents Emeriti at the Old Wimbledonians ground in Raynes Park, which resulted in a 1 wicket win – the first victory since 2009. Skipper and birthday boy Alan Foster put Emeriti in, who started cautiously and then gathered momentum, reaching 65 in 17 overs before Richard Chibisa bowled one opener. Subsequent wickets were hard to come by despite a number of bowling changes, and it was only Sammi Majid in a good spell yielding a couple of victims who exercised some control. A declaration came at 3.50, which would set a target to be reached after tea in a very reasonable 90 minutes and 20 overs.
A steady start was made, but wickets fell too; at 20 overs 83-4 was the score, and 9 overs later and at the beginning of the last 20 with just under 100 required, 7 were down. One batter who hadn’t fallen however was Steve Richards, and he provided the backbone of the team’s innings and the platform for the run in, with a high grade very positive half century. When he fell at 164, 62 were needed in 12 overs, but only two wickets left. A cameo by the skipper helped things along but he went at 175 – so 51 needed in 11, with number 11 in. At the other end, Sammi Majid had been bustling along, taking any runs on offer, and his infectious approach rubbed off on last man Ally Curran to such an extent that with 4 overs to go, 25 were needed; not easy, but do-able. At the beginning of the 49th and last over 8 were needed. With the first 5 balls yielding 6 runs including a bye, 2 were needed off the last. The solution was a straight 6 from Curran to round off an 11th wicket stand of 55. Great stuff.
D Adikhari 14 1
A Gardner 21
J Aitken 6 2 0 12 0
S Richards 77 5 0 23 1 1
R Chibisa 5 5 0 33 1 1
J Tudor 0 3 0 21 0
R Lashwayo 15 5 0 31 0
T Evans 2
A Foster 10 9 2 46 1
S Majid 26* 10.2 0 38 2 1
A Curran 30* 5 1 12 0
extras 24 13
230-9 225-4d
An unbeaten 11th wicket partnership of 55 by Sammi Majid and Ally Curran; the Ramblers 3rd highest
The winning partnership – Sammi Majid and Ally Curran
Steve Richards
The teams after the match
P 6 W 4 D O L 2 C 2
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
D Adikhari 1 0 14 14.00 1
J Aitken 2 1 51 51.00 6 0 41 0 –
Z Burrage 1 0 27 27.00
R Chibisa 4 0 80 20.00 30 0 175 4 43.75 5
D Coles 2 2 20 – 2
B Copeman 1 0 24 24.00 4 0 23 2 11.50 1
A Curran 2 1 47 47.00 10 1 38 1 38.00
T Evans 1 0 2 2.00 1
D Ford 1 0 4 4.00 7 1 34 34.00 1
A Foster 3 0 77 25.67 27 3 126 6 21.00 2
A Gardner 1 0 21 21.00
J Hamilton 2 1 73 73.00 1
N Hartington DNB 3 0 25 1 25.00
T Hartington 2 1 115 115.00 7 1 37 3 12.33 2
R Lashwayo 1 0 15 15.00 5 0 31 0 –
F Lowe 1 0 61 61.00 1 0 11 1 11.00
S Majid 1 1 26 – 21.2 1 97 3 32.33 1
C McKenzie 1 1 0 – 6 2 16 1 16.00
T Oakes 1 0 16 16.00 2.2 0 11 0 –
W Oakes 1 0 25 25.00
S Phillips 1 1 105 –
M Picceri 1 1 2 – 8 0 40 2 20.00 2
D Powell DNB 7 0 73 2 36.50
D Prynne 1 0 17 17.00 10.4 0 87 4 21.75 1
J Prynne DNB
G Qadir 1 0 6 6.00 4 0 23 1 23.00 1
N Randall 2 0 26 13.00
S Richards 1 0 77 77.00 5 0 23 1 23.00 1
J Straker 1 0 0 0.00
S Swainson 1 0 11 11.00
J Tudor 1 0 0 0.00 9 1 45 0 –
B Ward 3 1 37 18.50 5 0 31 2 15.50
H Ward 1 0 4 4.00 7 3 18 2 9.00
R Ward 2 0 16 8.00 10 1 51 4 12.75
2019
8th JUNE v REIGATE PILGRIMS – LOST BY 2 WKTS
John HAMILTON 18
Nick RANDALL 7 1
Harrison WARD 33 9.1 1 31 1
Simon SWAINSON 0 2
Hugo NEVILLE 0
Cosmo O’REILLY 25* 1
Ben WARD 0
Richard CHIBISA 2 9 1 40 1
Mario PICCERI 6 10 4 10 6
Seb AMOS 8 3 0 15 0
–
extras 15 23
114(-9) 115-8
The Ramblers very nearly pulled off an unlikely win in a low scoring match on a poor track at Betchworth. Highlight of the match was was an outstanding performance with the ball by Mario Picceri.
Skipper Simon Swainson lost the toss and was sked to bat. Nick Randall went early, caught at at slip off a ball which reared off a length, but then John Hamilton and Harrison Ward took the score to 50 after 14 overs, before wickets then fell quickly, so that the 30th over the score was 75-6. In this period, Cosmo O’Reilly was struck on the helmet and received a nasty cut by his right eye; another victim of the poor track. After a few more minor batting flurries, the innings closed on 114, with Cosmo remaining undaunted and undefeated.
After tea, an early breakthrough was made by Richard Chibisa, with opening partner Harrison Ward bowling tightly at the other end for no reward. Succeeding him was Mario Picceri with the score at 53-1 after 13 overs with the situation not looking very promising. He immediately struck with his left arm medium pace swing – and continued to over the next few overs, helped by some good catches, sxo that the ‘michelle’ inevitably arrived. Harrison got an overdue wicket in his second spell and the prospect of a narrow win beckoned; not to be however, and the home team came through with 5 overs to spare and two wickets in hand.
18th JULY v NOMADS – CANCELLED (NOMADS NO TEAM)
NETHERLANDS TOUR, 31st JULY – 5th AUGUST
From various pints the touring party gathered at St Pancras for the Eurostar to Amsterdam (less the Hamiltons and Wards flying over, and Ben Ward failing the cut at all, by contriving to lose his passport before travel). Brochures and polo shirts were issued, and Eurostar was a smooth ride, enlivened by a certain bucolic levity. On arrival, once the intricacies of buying a tram ticket had been overcome, it was then a No 14 to the hotel, and check in. The bar was then attacked with sxome verve, followed by a feed, and all tottered off (some eventually) to bed.
1st AUGUST v SGS – DRAW
A SENIOR OPENING PAIR – DAVID COLES AND JOHN HAMILTON
ROB WARD
John HAMILTON 37rh 1
David COLES 12
Jack PASS 10
Freddie PASS 18
Tom HARTINGTON 3 1
Rob WARD 39* 5 0 18 0 1
Harrison WARD 7 16 2 36 4
Simon SWAINSON 10
Richard CHIBISA 14 7 0 18 0
Jens WAIR 2* 7 0 27 0
Mario PICCERI DNB 11 4 21 2
extras 11 19
163-7d 132-7
On Thursday morning after a good breakfast, with the weather not looking promising, we took a 3 minivan convoy to Amstelveen. A declaration game was agreed with the Ramblers batting first. A methodical start from John Hamilton and David Coles showed 10-0 off 11 overs, the latter than going first at 22. A useful 10 from Jack Pass and a good 18 from brother Jack whilst Hamilton continued – but he eventually had to retire hurt. With Rob Ward batting patiently and sensibly at one end, finishing with 39*, late input from Richard Chibisa and Simon Swainson kept the score moving, and the captain declared after 45 overs at 163-7.
SGS started comfortably, but at 23, Mario Picceri induced an edge comfortably taken at slip by Hamilton. The second wicket came at 28, when Harrison Ward demolished all three stumps. At 38, the sprinklers came on, halting play for 20 minutes – an unusual diversion. 84-2 at 20. Immediately the returning Harrison Ward got an lbw – 89-3. Richard Chibisa and Jens Wair had their spells, and bowled well without luck, as did Rob Ward, but it was Harrison and Mario in their second spells that changed what looked like a home win to certainly a draw and conceivably a win. Mario’s second spell was 5 overs for 3 runs, and Harrison finished withy 4-35 in an SGS total of 132-7 in 46 overs.(btw, ‘SGS’ means ‘still going strong’).
CROWD TROUBLE – JO COLES, GILL MORTENSEN, STEVE ANDOW
Post match it was some splendid Dutch snacks, beer and a plaques exchange before it was time once more to mount the minivans and return to the hotel.
PLAQUES PRESENTATION
2nd AUGUST v ZAMIGOS – CANCELLED (WEATHER)
On Friday the weather was bad – much rain, and an early call to our man in Utrecht indicate that prospects were not good, so after discussing the pros and cons we decided not to travel – so free day for all, for some watching the Edgbaston Test in an Irish bar down town. A pity to lose one of the tour matches, but unavoidable. The following day Saturday was the free day, so a bit of tourism was on the cards – amongst other unrevealed activities (‘Pride’ ?!)
SARTORIAL OUTRAGE – JACK PASS, HARRISON WARD, FREDDIE PASS
THE CAPTAIN – IN A TRULY APPALLING HAT
4th AUGUST v BLOEMENDAAL (30 OVER) – WON 6 WKTS
Sunday looked much better weatherwise so we set off in optimistic mood for Bloemendaal. After the short train journey and walk to the picturesque ground, it was agreed that the local side would bat first in a 30 over match. It wasn’t until Jens Wair replaced opening bowler Harrison Ward that wickets started to fall – in fact he saw off trhe first four batters, and was unlucky not to claim a ‘michelle’ when the last ball of his spell saw a confident lbw appeal turned down. Richard Chibisa bowled a tight spell without luck, but Freddie and Jack Pass took three between them, and the innings concluded with a couple of run outs. The Ramblers held all six catc hes offered.
The target was under three runs an over, so not too challenging; Simon Swainson and Tom Hartington put on 43 to start, Rob and Harrison Ward contributed, and when Simon went, run out, at 75 the job was almost done, and was then completed by David Coles and Richard Chibisa for a 6 wicket win in 21.1 overs.
GIJS DE JONG AND SIMON SWAINSON
Simon SWAINSON 26
Tom HARTINGTON 24
Rob WARD 5 1
Harrison WARD 15 3 1 3 0 1
David COLES 3* 1
Richard CHIBISA 2* 6 3 6 0
Freddie PASS DNB 6 2 17 2 1
John HAMILTON DNB 2
Jack PASS DNB 4 0 17 1
Jens WAIR DNB 6 1 24 4
Mario PICCERI DNB 5 1 16 0
extras 9 15
84-4 83(-9)
IT’S BEEN A LONG DAY – JENS WAIR
RICHARD CHIBISA, JENS WAIR, TOM HARTINGTON, MARIO PICCERI
Standing : GILL MORTENSEN, STEVE ANDOW, MAGGIE HAMILTON, RICHARD CHIBISA, JOHN HAMILTON, ROB WARD, DAVID COLES, JENS WAIR, JACK PASS, BRIAN DAVENPORT, JO COLES, MARIO PICCERI
Kneeling : HARRISON WARD, FREDDIE PASS, SIMON SWAINSON, ALISON WARD, TOM HARTINGTON
Post match there was time for some beers and the traditional exchange of plaques, before we had to set off the station and train back to Amsterdam, in time for the tour dinner at the hotel, enlivened at the end by a masterly fines session conducted in jovial style by Steve Andow.
On Monday morning, it was time for last minute shopping etc, before setting off by tram to the Centraal Station, to catch trhe Thalys train to Brussels, and thence onward by Eurostar to St Pancras. A smooth journey, farewells on the platform, and another enjoyable tour done and dusted.
8th AUGUST v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS – WON 4 WKTS
Simon SWAINSON 28 1st
Delrick ADIKARI 50
Richard CHIBISA 0 10 0 80 0
Dave MITTEN 12
Harrison WARD 21 8 0 20 1
Charlie VINCENT 0 3 0 41 0
David PRYNNE 72* 8 3 24 1
Jens WAIR 16* 9 0 70 2 1
Jez VINCENT DNB
Brian DAVENPORT DNB
Dan WRENN absent
extras 19 11
218-6 217-6d
This match was played at Bentworth CC’s ground near Alton and was a win for the Ramblers with an exciting finish.
The Wayfarers batted first and declared at 217-4 after 38 overs. On a sometimes lively track, wickets were hard to come by, but Jens Wair took 2-70 with his leg spin, and Harrison Ward and David Prynne one each. A challenging target was therefore set.
After tea skipper Simon Swainson and fellow opener Delrick Adikhari put on 79 before the latter went for a fine half century. Swainson finished with an encouraging 29, and then Harrison Ward hit a brisk 21 with three substantial 6s, but it was the partnership of 91 between David Prynne and Jens Wair that saw the team home. With two overs to go, 25 were needed; in the first 11 were scored, and in 5 balls of the last, 14. David finished with 72* (5 sixes) and Jens 16* in the total of 218-6. Great stuff !
PS : BD, making an enforced comeback did absolutely nothing in the field and was very pleased to leave the ground unscathed.
13th AUGUST v EMERITI – LOST 24 RUNS
Delrick ADIKHARI 59
Brendan McCABE 76
Andrew WIJI 2
Richard CHIBISA 13 8 0 41 0
Jens WAIR 3 11 3 63 3 1
Felix JEFFREY 4 12 0 64 2
Harrison WARD 28 7 1 40 0
Charlie TOPLEY 0 2 0 27 0
Will CHAPPELL 8*
Trevor EVANS 4 2st
–
not known 1
extras 17 8
215(-9) 239-6d
Stand of 130 for the 1st wicket by Delrick Adikhari and Brendan McCabe
18th AUGUST v CHERTSEY – CANCELLED (NO TEAM)
P 5 W 2 D 1 L 2 C 3
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
D Adikhari 2 0 109 54.50
S Amos 1 1 8 8.00 3 0 15 0 –
W Chappell 1 1 8 –
R Chibisa 5 1 31 7.75 40 4 165 1 165.00
D Coles 2 1 15 15.00 1
B Davenport DNB
T Evans 1 0 4 4.00 2st
J Hamilton 2 1 55 55.00 3
F Jeffrey 1 0 4 4.00 12 0 64 2 32.00
T Hartington 2 0 27 13.50 1
B McCabe 1 0 76 76.00
D Mitten 1 0 12 12.00
H Neville 1 0 0 0.00
F Pass 1 0 18 18.00 6 2 17 2 8.50 1
J Pass 1 0 12 12.00 4 0 17 1 17.00
C O’Reilly 1 1 25 – 1
M Picceri 1 0 6 6.00 26 9 47 8 5.88
D Prynne 1 1 72 – 8 3 24 1 24.00
N Randall 1 0 7 7.00 1
S Swainson 4 0 64 16.00 2,1st
C Topley 1 0 1 1.00 2 0 27 0
C Vincent 1 0 0 0.00 3 0 41 0 –
J Vincent DNB
J Wair 3 2 21 21.00 33 5 184 9 20.44 2
B Ward 1 0 0 0.00
H Ward 5 0 104 20.80 43.1 5 130 6 21.67 1
R Ward 2 1 44 44.00 5 0 18 0 – 2
A Wiji 1 0 2 2.00
not known 1
2020
12th AUGUST v EMERITI – 40 overs – LOST 129 RUNS
Graham Boxall 0 7 0 56 0 1
Delrick Adikhari 0
Alex Peters 19 3 0 8 1 1
Raymond Lashwayo 0 4 0 43 1 1
Harrison Ward 4 7 0 38 1
Richard Chibisa 12 4 0 14 1
Jens Wair 43 4 1 34 0
Even de Silva 0 1
Simon Swainson 25
Alex Serrano 33* 4 0 24 1 1
Mario Picceri 7 7 0 42 1
extras 9 22
152 281-6
At last the season got underway with a well established Ramblers fixture; 40 overs per side was agreed and Emeriti took first strike. At 86-3 after after 18 overs honours were probably even, despite a catch or two going down – but after that matters rather got away from us, with the result that a challenging total of 281 at 7 an over was set.
After tea the Ramblers set off to chase – unfortunately very badly, with 4 down for 12, so what was difficult became almost impossible. Some honour was restored however by the lower order with an 8th wicket stand of 51 by Jens Wair and skipper Simon Swainson, and then a lusty not out from Alex Serrano.
Nonetheless, with time for a beer or two afterwards, a pleasant day at Raynes Park.
13th AUGUST v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS – 35 overs – MATCH ABANDONED after 24 overs
Delrick Adikhari 95*
Jamie Aitken 26
Graham Boxall 30rh
Jens Wair 27*
Rhodri Williams
Matt Bisset
Richard Chibisa
Ben Ward dnb
David Prynne
Harrison Ward
Mario Picceri
extras 32
210-1
A match where the weather was unquestionably the winner. 35 overs a side was agreed on, and the Ramblers made an immediate impact with a very fast start with the bat, hitting 52 in 5 overs, before Jamie Aitken got bowled after a fluent 26. Graham Boxall joined Delrick Adikhari as he flayed the bowling to all parts to end up very close to his century, played elegantly as always but then had to retire with a longstanding knee injury. Jens Wair, promoted after his knock at Emeriti the day before, continued in good form until after a number of breaks for rain, a total deluge finally brought proceedings to a halt with 11 overs left. A great pity – Bentworth is an attractive ground, but there was absolutely no prospect of getting on the field again, so a convoy set off to the excellent Sun pub for some socially distanced refreshment.
RAIN STOPPED PLAY !
18TH AUGUST v NOMADS – LOST 94 RUNS
Seb Phillips 0
John Hamilton 9
Nick Randall 14
Delrick Adikhari 33
Jon Whybrow 9 2 1 5 2
Richard Chibisa 13 11 2 56 4 1
Jens Wair 4 4 0 27 0 2
Alan Foster 0 9 2 39 2 1
Simon Swainson 2 1
James Thompson 1* 11 2 39 2
Mario Picceri 0 6 0 28 0
extras 20 9
105 199
Not a great day for us in the third and final match of our season. A time match was decided on, and Nomads batted first but were kept under good control by the bowling attack, so that after 33 overs were at 143-8. The last two wickets however rather unreasonably put on 56, leaving a still gettable target with plenty of time. Special mention to Richie Chibisa and James Thompson for their fine spells with the ball – supported at the end by Jon Whybrow with a late and cheap brace, and all backed up by decent catching.
What on paper seemed to be a strong batting line-up didn’t come off – apart from the ever reliable Delrick Adikhari, and the final total was very disappointing. But at least we played, and can draw the veil over the strange summer that has been 2020.
AVERAGES
Delrick Adikhari 3 1 128 64.00
Jamie Aitken 1 0 26 26.00
Matt Bisset DNB
Graham Boxall 2 1 30 30.00 7 0 56 0 – 1
Richard Chibisa 2 0 25 12.50 15 2 70 5 14.00 1
Alan Foster 1 0 0 0.00 9 2 39 2 19.50
John Hamilton 1 0 9 9.00
Raymond Latchwayo 1 0 0 0.00 1
Alex Peters 1 0 19 19.00 3 0 8 1 8.00 1
Seb Phillips 1 0 0 0.00
Mario Picceri 2 0 7 3.50 13 0 70 1 70.00
David Prynne DNB
Nick Randall 1 0 14 14.00
Alex Serrano 1 1 33 – 4 0 24 1 24.00 1
Evan de Silva 1 0 0 0.00 1
Simon Swainson 2 0 27 13.50 1
James Thompson 1 1 1 – 11 2 39 2 19.50
Jens Wair 3 1 74 37.00 8 1 61 0 – 2
Harrison Ward 1 0 4 4.00 7 0 38 1 38.00
Ben Ward DNB
Jon Whybrow 1 0 9 9.00 2 1 5 2 2.50
Rhodri Williams DNB
2021
6th JUNE v REIGATE PILGRIMS – DRAW
Jamie Aitken 3
John Hamilton 41
Nick Randall 0
Rob Ward 7
Ben Ward 15
Harrison Ward 5 4 0 12 0
Richard Chibisa 19 9 1 24 1
Alan Foster 24* 8 0 42 0
Simon Swainson 5*
Jens Wair DNB 9 0 53 1
Mario Picceri DNB 12 2 50 2
extras 9 9
128-7 190-4d
Captain Simon Swainson won the toss and decided to field in this ‘time’ game. The Pilgrims scored steadily and reached 30-0 in 10 overs, but then two later, Richard Chibisa bowled one opener. The home eam however continued to score relatively easily – 65-1 at 20 overs. Jens Wair with his mixture of mainly googlies leavened with leggies had the next breakthrough, inducing a catch to mid off comfortably held by Harrison Ward. There was to be no further success until two late wickets by the persevering Mario Picceri, by which time 150 was on the board, and which then led to a declaration at 190 after 42 overs.
A strong positive start was needed to the testing but achievable target, but this was not to be; 7-2 after 6 overs. Against decent bowling the innings never really got going after that, despite brief flurries from Ben Ward, Richard Chibisa, the not out Alan Foster, and the imperturbable John Hamilton staying for 137 minutes but never really able to break free. In the end, the Ramblers held on comfortably enough. What was the difference between the two sides ? The home team scored at 4.5 runs an over, ran well, sided by sometimes average ground fielding, and the Ramblers never got near the rate required (just under 5 an over); a big score from at least one if not two batters was needed.
Nonetheless the season is underway, a draw was achieved, and afterwards the beers and the food in the Red Lion exceeded expectations. We must now wait until August for match no 2.
JOHN HAMILTON DEMONSTRATING HOW TO PUT ON BATTING GLOVES
10th AUGUST v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS (40 over) – WON 6 Wkts
Simon Swainson 19
Rob Ward 32 1
Nohan Behzadnia 68* 8 0 42 1
Fred Lowe 2 1
Ben Ward 24
John Hamilton 12* 6 0 27 0
Nick Randall DNB 1
Jens Wair DNB 8 1 36 1 2
Cainan O’Keeffe DNB 7 0 42 2
Aron Smith DNB 4 0 21 2 1
Mario Picceri DNB 7 0 17 0
extras 39 25
194-4 193-6
In marked contrast to last year when a torrential downpour brought the game to an end before half time (see pic in 2020 reports), this year the contest took place in pleasant weather. 40 overs a side was agreed and skipper Simon Swainson took the Ramblers in to the field. The Wayfarers began comfortably reaching 50 without loss in 12 overs before Jens Wair claimed a wicket. At the other end a tactically astute decision by the captain brought on John Hamilton for his first Ramblers bowl since 2010 – and his spell helped contain the opposition when they might otherwise have got away. The other bowlers worked hard and had their share of success, including the deserving Cianan O’Keeffe with two in his second spell, and later on Behzadnia and Smith with one and two respectively. Without a wicket, but equally effective, was Mario Picceri’s very economical input giving away just 17 in his 7 overs. Catching was particularly sound, all six wickets being pouched with ap0lomb. Nonetheless a target of 193 at 4.8 an over looked challenging, albeit on a slow wicket.
The experienced opening pair of Simon Swainson and Rob Ward gave the chase a good platform with a firmly struck 36 in 8 overs. Behzadnia at 3 settled in quickly, and continued with wristy well-timed strokeplay – and the required rate well under control. After a regrettably brief cameo from Fred Lowe, Ben Ward struck positively, varying his ‘go to shot’ between fine leg and mid on to great effect, until he went at 141 with the end in sight and plenty of overs left. John Hamilton joined Nohan who was by now flaying the Wayfarers bowling to all parts – including 4 towering 6s, and the pair continued until the end came with 4,4 overs to spare, in a stand of 53. A fine win by 6 wickets. All then repaired to the splendid Sun pub for a beer and post-match rumination and banter.
TACTICAL DISCUSSION BEFORE THE CHASE; SIMON SWAINSON, NICK RANDALL, BEN WARD (rear view), ROB WARD, JENS WAIR
11th AUGUST v EMERITI – CANCELLED (weather)
17th AUGUST v NOMADS – LOST 107 RUNS
Alan Foster 6
Jamie Aitken 4
Toby Patrick 0 4 1 20 0
Ben Ward 14
Delrick Adikhari 53* 2
Nohan Behzadnia 7 10 1 33 1
Richard Chibisa 8 4 0 36 2
Rugare Margarira 0 12 0 46 3 1
Simon Swainson 0
Kyran O’Keeffe 7 5 0 27 0
Cianan O’Keeffe 0 7 1 48 0
extras 9 12
109 216-6d
England’s batters perhaps set an unfortunate example at Lord’s the day before this last match of the Ramblers season at Old Wimbledonians – which they pretty much managed to emulate. With some late chnges to the planned team, eleven nonetheless worthies took to the field to start. Nomads got away quickly with some lusty aerial blows from one opener so that the board showed 88 at 15 overs before the first wicket fell to Zimbabwean firs class player Magarira*, who went on to claim two more wickets cat relatively low cost. Nomads however continued to score relatively freely, constrained only by a wicket for the hardworking Behzadnia, and two late in the innings by Richard Chibisa. Delrick Adikhari kept wicket very neatly throughout, and the visitors declared, leaving the Ramblers a fair target (39 overs as it transpired)
After a very fine tea (nice to be able to have that after recent restrictions) the Ramblers set off in pursuit; but a stuttering start ensued, the first three contributing only ten runs between them. Ben Ward struck forcefully in a useful cameo, but it was left to Adikhari to show what was possible with good judgement and clean striking, whilst others about him could make no progress, and ended with a fine unbeaten half century. Everyone tried their best, but a bad day at the office. Roll on 2022 !
* – See Archive, first class cricketers
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
Delrick Adikhari 1 1 53 – 2
Jamie Aitken 2 0 7 3.50
Nohan Behznadia 2 1 75 75.00 18 2 75 2 37.50
Richard Chibisa 2 0 27 13.50 13 1 60 3 20.00
Alan Foster 2 1 30 30.00 8 0 42 0 –
John Hamilton 2 1 53 53.00 6 0 27 0 –
Fred Lowe 1 0 2 2.00 1
Rugare Margarira 1 0 0 0.00 12 0 46 3 15.33 1
Cianan O’Keeffe 1 0 0 0.00 14 1 90 2 45.00
Kyran O’Keeffe 1 0 7 7.00 5 0 27 0 –
Toby Patrick 1 0 0 0.00 4 1 20 0 –
Mario Picceri DNB 19 2 67 2 33.50
Nick Randall 1 0 0 0.00 1
Aron Smith DNB 4 0 21 2 10.50 1
Simon Swainson 3 1 24 12.00
Jens Wair DNB 17 1 89 2 44.50 2
Ben Ward 3 0 53 17.67
Harrison Ward 1 0 5 5.00 4 0 12 0 – 1
Rob Ward 2 0 39 19.50 1
2022
5th JUNE v REIGATE PILGRIMS – Cancelled
21st – 25th JULY, PARIS TOUR
The tour party gathered at St Pancras, more or less on time, and then were off, arriving at Gare du Nord in good time to negotiate the Metro and the tricky business of buying tickets. 16 stops later we were at Edgar Quinet and the hotel was a few yards away. All checked in and then the search for a suitable watering hole was under way, duly found with a ‘happy hour’, and it was all downhill bonding after that. Where some of the group got to later is anyone’s guess and should probably stay that way
THE TOUR BROCHURE
22nd JULY v STANDARD ATHLETIC CLUB – LOST 22 RUNS
A 30 minute ride in our smart black limos took us from Hotel Odessa to the Standard Athletic Club set attractively in the woods at Meudon la Foret to be met by our host Henry Colborn. A cloudy sky as SAC batted first, and despite losing two early wickets soon made their intentions clear with much clean hitting and it was 97 in the 12th over before the third wicket went down. In the remaining overs and the falling rain the total mounted to become a challenging target. After a 30 minute delay due to rain, Ramblers started their reply with a Duckworth/Lewis calculation asking 148 to be reached in 12 overs; a pretty stiff task. Carleon Brome and Dillon Stewart set off scoring quickly, reaching 57 in only 4 overs and continued in the same vein until 117 in the 10th before some accurate bowling stifled the final assault. Nonetheless a great effort.
Carleon Brome 67* 1
Dillon Stewart 40* 1 0 13 0
Richard Chibisa 1
Alan Foster 1
Raymond Lashwayo 4 0 24 1
Alex Lane DNB 2 0 34 0
Harry Coe 3 0 26 1
Quinn Titmus 3 0 43 1
Simon Swainson 1
Chris Coe 3 0 26 2
Mario Picceri 4 0 31 1
extras 17 0
126-0 197-6
THE OPPO GEARING UP IN THEIR PYJAMAS
23rd JULY v STANDARD ATHLETIC CLUB – DRAW
A misty morning for the all-day match and Ramblers batted first. Richard Chibisa set the tone with a robust 21 whilst Alan Foster was more circumspect. After Richard went caught, Raymond Lashwayo missed a straight one, and Carleon took over and with Alan put on 114 for the 3rd wicket, both in due course reaching excellent half centuries. 127-2 at l, where steak and chips were avidly consumed in the club house. A strongly hit 34 from Alex Lane later on, aided by a couple of cameos closed the innings on 208 from 43 overs.
Lashwayo took an early SAC wicket inn what was now glorious sunshine, well supported by Harry Coe with an economical spell of 8 overs, but it was Mario Picceri and Carleon Brome who broke through, sharing 5 wickets whilst only 30 runs were scored. A final wicket came from Dillon Stewart’s first ball, but nos 8 and 9 of SAC held out for the draw – very much a ‘winning’ for the Ramblers it is fair to say. Then it was back to the club for beer and fines, the latter ably dispensed by Richard Chibisa and his team.
Richard Chibisa 21 3 2 4 0
Alan Foster 56
Raymond Lashwayo 1 8 1 34 1 2
Carleon Brome 66 8 0 23 3 1
Dillon Stewart 0 3 1 7 1
Alex Lane 34
Harry Coe 5 8 0 20 0
Quinn Titmus 1
Simon Swainson 1 1
Chris Coe 0
Mario Picceri 0* 8 0 28 2 1
extras 16 2
208 118-7
MULLING OVER THE OPTIONS
CHRIS COE, CARLEON BROME, RICHASRD CHIBISA, HARRY COE, QUINN TITMUS,
MARIO PICCERI, ALAN FOSTER
24th JULY v STANDARD ATHLETIC CLUB – LOST 8 wkts
The third and final match, in a third format – limited overs, started with yet again, Ramblers batting first. Openers Simon Swainson and Carleon Brome did not unfortunately last long, with both gone before 20 on the board. Alex Lane and Raymond Lashwayo made some good progress, with Dillon Stewart adding an elegant 28, and the score stood at 90-5 after 20 overs. Apart from Alan Foster and Quinn Titmus with helpful knocks, the rest weren’t able to contribute a great deal in the final 15 overs, so the total was somewhat under par.
It would take a very successful bowling effort and dynamic fielding to defend this total, and all worked really hard, but it proved too difficult a task, and SAC reached their target in only 17 overs.
Nothing for it therefore but to head for the club for beer and fines, this time led by Alex Lane. The opportunity was also taken foir a few words and presentations – a Ramblers plaque for SAC, an SAC shirt for Carleon Brome, and club ties for other worthies.
Simon Swainson 5
Carleon Brome 9
Alex Lane 24
Raymond Lashwayo 13
Dillon Stewart 28 1
Richard Chibisa 6
Harry Coe 3 4 0 31 0
Alan Foster 15 6 0 37 2 1
Quinn Titmus 9 3 0 24 0
Chris Coe 6*
Mario Picceri 0 4 0 37 0
extras 14 4
132 133-2
THE TOUR PARTY
Standing : CARLEON BROME, CHRIS COE, HARRY COE, DILLON STEWART, ALEX LANE, QUINN TITMUS, MARIO PICCERI, ALAN FOSTER
Sitting : RAYMOND LASHWAYO, BRIAN DAVENPORT, SIMON SWAINSON, RICHARD CHIBISA
THE TWO TEAMS TOGETHER
That evening the tour dinner was at a local Indian/Pakistani restaurant a short distance from the hotel. Once it had been established that poppadums and dipping sauces were an essential preliminary for an ‘English Indian’, the Cobras and the rose flowed well alongside a very tasty selection of dishes, and in depth conversations, mostly about cricket (of course !)
There was time the following morning for last minute shopping and serious lingering over coffee before the time came to head back to Gare du Nord for the journey home. All fairly uneventful until the captain, having got there, discovered he’d left his passport at the hotel; rapid exit and return but not in time to be on the train with the rest of the group., He followed later but not before incurring some discouraging comments on the team ‘Whats App’ group.
Back at St Pancras it was time for goodbyes and dispersal. A thoroughly enjoyable tour with decent cricket and nice people.The next tour : if, when, and where !
9th AUGUST v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS – Cancelled
10th AUGUST v EMERITI – Cancelled
16th AUGUST v NOMADS – Cancelled
AVERAGES
Batting Bowling Ca/St
Carleon Brome 3 1 142 71.00 8 2 22 3 7.33 2
Richard Chibisa 2 0 27 13.50 3 2 4 0 – 1
Chris Coe 2 1 6 6.00 3 0 26 2 13.00
Harry Coe 2 0 8 4.00 15 0 77 1 77.00
Alan Foster 2 0 71 35.50 6 0 37 2 18.50 1
Alex Lane 2 0 58 29.00 2 0 34 0 –
Raymond Lashwayo 2 0 14 7.00 12 1 58 2 29.00 3
Mario Picceri 2 1 0 0.00 16 0 96 3 31.00 1
Dillon Stewart 3 1 68 34.00 4 1 20 1 20.00
Simon Swainson 2 0 13 6.50 2
Quinn Titmus 2 0 10 5.00 6 0 67 1 67.00
not known 1
2023
4th June v REIGATE PILGRIMS – CANCELLED
3rd August v HAMPSHIRE WAYFARERS – CANCELLED (pitch unfit)
10th – 14th August – BRUSSELS TOUR
Standing: Raymond Lashwayo, Raj Sharma, Ben Moulton, Freddie Bell, Benji Arengo-Jones, Olly Arengo-Jones, Harry Coe, Jens Wair, Mario Picceri
Sitting: Carleon Brome, Brian Davenport, Richard Chibisa, John Hamilton, Chris Coe
The tour party gathered together more or less on time at St Pancras for the 1104 Eurostar train and we sped quickly to Brussels in two hours. Then it was on the Metro to Bourse and short walk across the square to the hotel and check in, before sallying forth for a meeting with Stella in the sunshine at a nearby cafe. Whilst bonding ensued (Hamilton and Davenport also getting outside huge portions of moules et frites), the balance of the party arrived in the form of Richie, Egbe, and Mario. Time then for a short break to gather strength and off for dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Good food, nice wine and intense conversations over matters far and wide – but mostly cricket, and then all staggered back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
11th AUGUST v ROYAL BRUSSELS CRICKET CLUB, 20/20, LOST BY 6 RUNS
A somewhat sluggish start to the day after the night before; Chris Coe and the young went to look at the Atomium, others breakfasted around and about, and then took the morning and afternoon easily before the wheels arrived to go to the cricket. With some driver uncertainty, a winding journey to Lasne ensued. The match got under way eventually at 6.15 – with subsequent light issues later. The locals batted first and despite losing a couple of early wickets proceeded at a rapid rate. Ramblers bowling was generally steady with Jens Wair the standout from his four overs. Carleon Brome and Raj Sharma began the chase and put on 70 in 8 overs – well up with the required rate. Good contributions from Richard Chibisa, Ollie Arengo-Jones and Raymond Lashwayo kept us in the hunt but for the last few overs it was virtually dark and we did very well to get within 6 runs of the target. So it was back to the hotel and then a feed – for most at Le Cirio virtually next door. The more senior members retired to their scratchers and the young moved further afield – some apparently not returning until 4 am.
Carleon Brome 45
Raj Sharma 19 2 0 26 0 1
Richard Chibisa 24
Ollie Arengo-Jones 32* 2 0 21 0
Raymond Lashwayo 8*
Harry Coe 4 0 24 1 2
Jens Wair 4 0 28 2
Ben Moulton 4 0 36 1
Benji Arengo-Jones 4 0 20 1
Freddie Bell
John Hamilton
extras 31 34
159-3 165-6
FATHER AND SON – HARRY AND CHRIS COE
12th AUGUST v ROYAL BRUSSELS CRICKET CLUB, 40o – WON BY 6 WKTS
Chris Coe’s turn to skipper in this longer format match, with the hosts again taking first strike. They were however soon reduced to 26-5 by excellent spells from Benji Arengo-Jones and Mario Picceri – which included a smart slip catch by John Hamilton. Then followed a stand of 60 for the 6th wicket, but a wicket apiece in tight contributions from Olly Arengo-Jones and Harry Coe kept the total to 102-7 in 37 overs – not a challenging target.
And so it proved; Raymond Lashwayo, opening, was undefeated, and in turn was ably supported by Ben Moulton (including a huge 6), and Carleon Brome with a rapid 34 in 18 minutes. Jens Wair hit the winning boundary to secure the win in the 25th over
John Hamilton 3 1
Raymond Lashwayo 34* 1
Ben Moulton 12
Carleon Brome 34 5 0 20 0
Richard Chibisa 4
Jens Wair 7* 8 2 20 0
Harry Coe 5.2 1 15 2 1
Chris Coe
Ollie Arengo-Jones 7 2 13 1
Benji Arengo-Jones 7 0 20 3 1
Mario Picceri 5 2 7 2
extras 11 19
105-4 102-8
BEN MOULTON, RAJ SHARMA, FREDDIE BELL, OLLIE ARENGO-JONES, BENJI ARENGO-JONES
13th AUGUST v SHAPE XI, 20/20 – WON BY 92 RUNS
Captaincy passed from father to son for this the third outing, but the first of two on the day, as Harry Coe took charge. Taking the opportunity to bat first, 33 was reached in 6 overs, but for the loss of 2 wickets. A useful cameo from Benji Arengo-Jones precluded a splendid undefeated stand of 90 by the captain and Jens Wair, with the former recording his first ever half century.
Over 7 an over proved too much for SHAPE – who lost it (only one batter getting to double figures). More early victims for Mario Picceri in his four overs, backed up, amongst others, by Chris Coe with his tour wicket, and by Freddie Bell who contrived to take 2-3, despite starting with 3 consecutive wides. A mention too for Jens Wair, keeping wicket, who took a brilliant one handed legside catch. So, a handsome winning margin.
Carleon Brome 24
Ollie Arengo-Jones 3 1
Freddie Bell 3 1.1 0 3 2
Harry Coe 53* 2
Benji Arengo-Jones 14 3 0 10 1
Jens Wair 40* 2
Ben Moulton 4 1 12 1
Raj Sharma 3 1 8 1 1
Raymond Lashwayo 1
Chris Coe 2 1 3 1
Mario Picceri 4 0 18 3
extras 10 31
146-4 54-9
‘THE UNI BOYS’ – FREDDIE BELL, BEN MOULTON, HARRY COE, BENJI ORENGO-JONES
13th AUGUST v ROYAL BRUSSELS CRICKET CLUB, 20/20 – WON BY 65 RUNS
The second match of the day and last of the tour began at 4 o’clock with the Ramblers once more batting first under Richard’s captaincy. he and Carleon Brome set off positively – to such an extent that they had 85 on the board in 10 overs before Richard made way for the boldly striking Ben Moulton. Carleon in the meantime reached his 50 with a 6 before retiring (out). With Mario Picceri having contributed an elegant 3, the innings closed on a respectable 20 over total
Bowling success was not long coming – Carleon turning his hand to off spin captured two wickets early on and after that it was rather a procession with the pick of the bowling from Mario Picceri (comfortably making him the leading tour bowler), and Raymond Lashwayo economically taking one wicket for none.
So, time for a beer, fines led by Richard, and the presentation of a Ramblers plaque to our hosts, before returning to Brussels.
Carleon Brome 55 4 0 16 2 2
Richard Chibisa 32 4 1 14 0
Ben Moulton 26*
Raj Sharma 5 4 1 6 1
Mario Picceri 3* 4 0 19 3
Freddie Bell 2 0 14 0
Raymond Lashwayo 2 2 0 1
Harry Coe
Chris Coe
Benji Arengo-Jones
Jens Wair 1st
extras 18 16
139-3 74-8
