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Please let us know if your address, phone number(s) or e-mail address(es) have changed? On The Field Diary - 2001 APRIL The excitement of a new 1st XI Captaincy team (Neil Garrett and Neal Stevens) was dampened when Foot and Mouth restrictions threatened access to the ground and the start of the season and April brought yet more wet weather. The first 4 scheduled matches were lost to the incessant rain that plagued us throughout the Winter. Thank you, April. MAY Neal Stevens started his (and our) season brightly with an unbeaten 161 in the first match (a League Cup win against Crockham Hill) but the very next day recent successful runs in the National Village Championship were not repeated - a premature exit in the 1st Round against Elstead was our fate. The 1st XI won 2 of their 3 League Cup Group Matches but defeat by eventual winners Eynsford left us one point from qualification from the final. The Jolly Rogers Cook and Waller began the 2nd XI campaign with a defeat in a friendly against Stonewall Park. Wins in the first League matches for both 1st and 2nd XIs augured well for the coming weeks, Neal Stevens notching his second century of the month. The Sunday XI, under new Captain John Thompson, ably supported by that most experienced of Sunday Vice-Captains, Steve East, also began their campaign in May, winning 1 (an excellent win against Sanderstead), losing 1 and drawing 2. JUNE It became apparent by the end of June that the start to our 1st XI competitive season was somewhat below par. The first 6 (of 15) League matches had brought 3 wins and 2 defeats with 1 game abandoned. Suddenly we were 5th, 22 points adrift. The 2nd XI, boosted by a Roger Vicars century (113) against St Lawrence, were also 5th (won 3, lost 1) at the end of the month but with at least one game in hand over the teams above. The middle of June subsequently proved to be a turning point for the Sunday XI. After losing to Ockley 17 June, their season went from strength to strength. End of June record: won 1; lost 1; drawn 1. JULY July brought us an excellent President’s Day to remember - for many reasons (!) - including a century for Neil Garrett, a plague of flying ants that called a premature halt to the cricket, allowing the President’s cricketing honour to remain intact, and the Archbishop's magnificent BBQ. 2 wins out of 4 for the 1st XI - Ian Milton takes 5 wickets against Bidborough but an abandoned match against a weak Crockham Hill and what proved to be a critical defeat against eventual League winners Eynsford meant that hopes were fading (4th place, 34 points adrift). 3 defeats and an abandoned match was a disappointing month for the 2nd XI. Roger Vicars ruptured his Achilles Tendon and they plummeted to 8th, 61 points behind the leaders - now there's a challenge. Meanwhile, the Sunday XI are unbeaten in July (2 wins and a draw), Tommy Cilliers takes 5 wickets against the Village XI. AUGUST August was the time of the pilgrimage to Dean for the cricket match to celebrate the Golden Wedding of Frank and Margaret Nicklin. Another excellent day, but youthful ability in the opposition, ageing and aged ability on our side, superb food and great hospitality ensured that we were delightfully ‘stuffed’ both on and off the field of play. Our thanks to the Nicklin XI - and the Rilton Hotel. The 1st XI, boosted by Eynsford losing twice and the other top teams also losing matches, suddenly started to march up the table. 2 wins, a defeat against Leigh (that would have been a victory if pursuit of maximum bonus points had not been the overriding goal) and yet another abandoned match (when what was surely a winning target of 250 had been posted against Hadlow) meant that Eynsford had to lose their last match. 2nd place, 12 points behind. The Sooper Toos were unbeaten in August. They were given an early boost against Pembury by a temporary change of captaincy team (McLeod and Martin) who motivated Phil Stubbs to take 5 wickets and Richard Norris to bag his first ever century. Despite a return to the helmsmanship of Cook and Waller an abandoned match was followed by a win against Leigh in what turned out to be the 2nd XI's last match of the season. Only 2 matches for the Sunday XI in August (1 win, 1 draw). Danny Hall scores an unbeaten century and Quentin Mare takes 5 wickets - both on debut - against Bank of England. Andy Cook blasts 121 against Jack Frost. SEPTEMBER As expected, Eynsford 1st XI won their last match but resounding victory in our last match, against Flimwell, secured the runners-up spot in the League Table (for the 3rd successive year) for the 1st XI. They finished only 11 points behind winners Eynsford. By the high standards the 1st XI choose to set themselves they will feel disappointed. Roger Cook’s 2nd XI season came to a premature end when Flimwell were unable to raise a team. They have not had one of their best years in finishing 6th but the regular reports by correspondent and Vice-Captain ‘Shakes’ Waller suggest it has clearly been an enjoyable one. Eynsford 2nd XI completed the double. The Sunday XI began with 3 straight wins but finished September with a heavy defeat against Speldhurst. Eynsford 1st XI completed the treble by winning the League Cup Final. OCTOBER Our solitary planned match in October was a damp affair at Newenden. An hour's play, mainly in the rain, enabled us to witness a guest appearance and half-century for Richard Tedder and the return to good health and the white coat for Ken Bolitho. Our cricket is finally over for another year. OSBW "YOU LUCKY PEOPLE!" A former Chairman of Fulham Football Club had a catch-phrase, "You lucky people". It is probable that he didn’t have Outwood Cricket Club specifically in mind when he coined it – but it equally applies to all of us Members of Outwood Cricket Club. This season, like so many before, has seen much derring-do on the field of play. Maiden centuries; big undefeated innings; five-wicket hauls; amazing catches; spectacular fielding and even heroic actions in the face of much adversity, including flying ants! Herculean tasks them all. And so it’s been off the field. For those of you privileged with e-mail you will have been bombarded with acres of reports – some factual; some with their own degree of poetic licence. Facts, figures, statistics and yes, the current status of the Fantasy Teams and their combatants. Then there is the ground. We’re still awaiting the result of the Surrey best Kept Village Cricket Ground competition, and we must be in the frame. The pitch doesn’t prepare itself, or the Bar stock itself; nor the pavilion kept maintained, or the accounts managed, or the teas prepared, or the scores kept, or the teams picked, or the Supper arranged or even the matches adjudicated. Tasks equally Herculean. Yes, we are "lucky people" not only to have such a lovely ground, but also such a hardworking backroom team. Even after 114 years we still have areas upon which we can improve. I hope you can continue to play your part. Oh, and that Chairman? Well it wasn’t Jimmy Hill or Mohamed Fayed. It was in fact Tommy Trinder, but that’s going back a bit and we must look forward. Tony Reason
From the Sedan or Arm …… take your pick Well the end of yet another season, and this time I have actually made the deadline for the Newsletter. I will start with some words of thanks. To John Thompson for taking up the reins of the Sunday side and doing a fantastic job. I naturally include Steve East in this as John's skipper of vice. I still believe that it is important that Sunday cricket is played at Outwood and this year results have been excellent and spirits high. To Neil Garrett and Neal Stevens for achieving 2nd spot in the league (third year running). Inconsistent weather and form denied Outwood that elusive 1st place. To Roger Cook for his stylish management of the "Soops". With Roger Waller as vice, it could be said that when you are picked for this team you may suffer a jolly good rogering. To the committee for their efforts and fortitude whilst serving under a pompous old chairman. My thanks to Tony Reason in his first year as president for keeping us honest in committee and for keeping us up to speed with local thinking. His relationship with the indigenous insect population is rather spooky, since they came out to bat for him in the president's game. Martin Cass is rumoured to have contacted Scully and Mulder ! To our communications officer, "Hold the Front Page" Christie. R@bbits and the Newsletter were accompanied this year by Outwood's own version of Fantasy Cricket. In the past this was somewhat gaseous and found in the vicinity of the Bar, but Mr Christie made the word flesh, well e-mail and hard copy actually, and brought interest to hundreds (tens?) with a sparkling competition. To Adrian Young and his lovely bride and confidante Jo for their efforts with the bar. To Bernard Wright for his sterling efforts in providing good cricket wickets. To umpires and scorers for their impartiality and accuracy. Finally to all club members whether playing or watching for supporting the club. Moving on: The finances of the club remain sound, with control passing from HTFP Christie to Honest Ian, (the Archbishop) Brothwood. We have spent a considerable amount this year on ground equipment, improved showers and reorganising the bar. This could not have been achieved without prudent management of revenues and the support of the membership by paying the subs and match fees and buying the beer. Other bonuses for us have been: The continued support from the Environment Agency with their "East meets West" game. A pleasure for us to host and enjoyed greatly by the protagonists. Many thanks to Steve East for this event. The now annual clash of LA Fitness and Business Essentials. Heart stopping drama at every turn. Much thanks to Roger Cook for his generous support of the club. Sponsorship for the first time from LA Fitness. Jeremy Taylor we thank you. New faces have been seen on the playing front and a number of these have come from within the village, which is really good news. My last comments relate to the club. As members we have a wonderful asset in the club with its ground, pavilion and in the main really good spirit. We must not lose sight of the fact that it takes work and effort to maintain these. We must provide help and support to keep these elements up to scratch. This need not always be of a physical nature in doing the very necessary chores that go with running the club. Equally important is embracing new members and guiding them in the ways of the club, as is reminding existing members of the way we would like things done. In this way both playing and non-playing members will feel welcome and part of the team. Then it must be hoped that more willing volunteers will be available to deal with the chores. Here endeth "thought for the day" (Right Reverend Tom Butler eat your heart out). Outwood one day, Radio 4's Today Programme the next ?? Let's Winter well, come to the working parties when they are announced, enjoy the supper, win the 6-a-side indoor league (i/c young Peter Murray) and thrill at the drama of the AGM. Your "lumpily" upholstered chair John Mills With an OCC work party planning to put the pavilion to bed for the winter shortly it falls to me to make a few comments in this subject area. The new showers, installed for the start of the season have proved to be both reliable and operationally successful. The new extractor fan, installed to remove the mould from the shower room ceiling, has ensured that the problem has at least not got any worse, however as part of our general maintenance before next season we will be carrying out limited redecoration in this area. The bar improvements have also worked out well. We now have a larger counter to the rear which enables us to get in small barrels of real ale when demand warrants it, such as on President’s Day this season. The two chillers were secured for nothing (which is my excuse for only managing to get one operational this year!) and these have helped greatly in the move over to bottled beer. The fault in the other has now been identified and operational efficiency should be doubled for the start of next season. It is, of course necessary to carry out the usual repairs to the roof. However, I am pleased to report that despite Steve East’s late season attempt to buy more wickets than usual in search of fantasy points, the damage is not as bad as it was this time last year. Some external timber is need of replacement and we seem to have had a localized attack of woodworm which will require treatment during the winter. There has been some recent vandalism to toilet windows. We will be replacing the glass and installing external shutters as an additional safety measure before next season. As the committee member responsible for pavilion matters, I can say that I generally receive very few complaints about the building. This year has been an exception in that there have been a number of complaints on the issue of cleanliness, particularly in relation to rubbish removal and the state of the toilets in general. I would genuinely welcome any suggestions on how the situation can be improved, but believe that as members of the club we all have a responsibility to discharge in this area. George Beach
Skip's Corner - The 1st XI in 2001 I remember that ... the season of 2001. What a surprise !! We finished second in the league again, do I not like that (VC, take a memo to come up with plan to finish 1st or 3rd next year, people are calling us predictable). Well it's all a bit of a blur (due to President's Day), but I think it went something like this: The Games Crockham Hill - League Cup, Skip and VC open with 164, no worries. Elstead - National Village, true to our word, lost to concentrate on the league, all going to plan. Eynsford - League Cup, lost again, excellent, focus firmly on league. St. Lawrence - League, lost due to new plan hatched by VC to focus on President's Day trophy. Penshurst Park - Entire team guilty of accepting bribes to ensure Waller endures another year of embarrassment. Various - Rain denied Outwood glory. Leigh - Skip blew season as last ball is missed. But team voted Dindo to blame for shirking tea duty again. Three years in a row constitutes barred membership. Presidents Day - Champagne at 11.00, Muzza declared traitor, canopy erection, fantastic lunch, bloody hot, toss won, Muzza gutted, one of the moments of season as "the money" Taylor (venerable sponsor) reverse swept the Swords finest, world class courage, Butcher bashed and triggered, Skip 18 ball second fifty (I thank you), retired, Barham upset, principles of cricket compromised again, never in his day, Roffey still not in the 100 club, Cass puffed, declaration, pink hats, another pro triggered, Cass struggled against Stevens, game called off as Cass sweat leads to Outwood hosting world's first flying ant conference, presentations, triple scotch, ouch, beer flows, Waller talks, beer flows, Waller talks, still my nomination for mayor, rugby in the dark, sight screens for goalposts, more beer, spoof, flaming Sambuca, Pet in trouble, sleep in pavilion, Butcher's four poster, Stevens selfishness, no bed for Skip, pads for pillows, Pet still in trouble, dawn, breakfast in Dodgeville, bloody hot, lets have a President's Day every week.
The Players VC - Runs galore, sober or not, unbelievably took wickets, embarrassingly never lost as Skip, full time next year?? Loves to be p***** on in showers. Muzza - What a season, made the opening slot his own, pleasure to play with, the "oracle". Macca - Bats and Pavilions took beating after beating, sweeps like a god. Roffey - When will we see 3 figures? Just a matter of time. Looking remarkably fit, narrowly missed out on top shower pairing. Park Lane - Fantastic when he played, Porsche survived intact for another year. Pretty Boy - Formed one half of top shower pairing, still King of Catches. Cassmeister - Bowled better than ever, especially when angry, Four Elms found out to their cost. Skip - Responsible for no silverware. Needs to improve. Alton - Bowled well with not enough reward for his efforts, now picked solely on his dog's ability to find balls. A.C. - Who will ever forget the late cut? Old Git - Kershaw never loses it, has worryingly taken to wearing a hat that houses condoms. Matty - Mellow activity continued in the gully area - get in the nets, you slacker! Barham - Too much input into Skips tactics. Now known just as Beard. John Taylor - Much fabled character did exist. Stevens finally rewarded for his fantasy team pick. South Africans - Too much lip at Aussies beating Lions. Will never be selected again.
And finally......... Next season's focus remains firmly on President's Day, we look forward to Roffey and Lasty tying the knot. It was a pleasure.
Neil Garrett 2nd XI MEMORANDUM To: All members of Outwood Cricket Club (except Cass)CC: No one else – strictly P & C – restricted access. For your eyes only. From: The Soops V.C. Re: Soops Season, including the much awaited result of the League Tea of the Season Award O.K., guys and gals …. a bit of imagination, please. Some of you may be able to remember the Radio One show on a Sunday afternoon with Alan "Fluff" Freeman, who would give the top ten records in reverse order. He used that v.distinctive theme music. Well, here goes……………………………. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc…….(think theme music. Go on you know you can) … "Comin’ in at number seven, pop pickers, we have………….wait for it …………… Cranbrook. No team, no tea, no chance. RELEGATED from the Tea League sine die. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. Pop pickers …… a surprise at number six ……….. Sissinghurst. Tea ok but a long walk from the Pavvy to get it and when you are our age that ain’t good. If memory serves me well, the tea ladies weren’t too hot either. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. Slipping in at number five are ………………… Four Elms. Nice cuppa, food acceptable and the tea ladies …….. well, maybe after a few. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. Straight in at number four with their first release are ………………. Bidborough. Gruesome tea lady BUT fresh sarnies and home made cakes. Decent cuppa. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. OK pop pickers we’re up to the top three and at number three we have……………………………. Groombridge. It was the home made scones with strawberry jam that just swung it for them and the tea ladies were alright. Pity about their cricket team. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. AND at number two we have ………………….. Leigh. OK, I’m biased. I know the tea lady and her husband and their youngest son. Nice family. It’s my competition and if you don’t like it start your own. See if I care. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. Da da da da da da da da da da doo doo doo der doo etc etc……. And the inaugural winners of the Soops League Tea of the Year Award goes to (slight delay while Top Totty Helen Stubbs helping your correspondent with the awards fumbles with the envelope)………………. LIMPSFIELD CHART. Tea was average but the tea lady was an absolute sweetheart. What form, what brains what I wouldn’t give………………………………………………………………… But that’s another story. As for the season itself it was always a question of who would turn up on a Saturday after the Biggles Friday midnight call to Cap’n Cook. On a number of occasions we had less than eleven and certainly less than the minimum four regular bowlers each team really needs. This can’t be right when the Wunnerfuls have sometimes got eight or nine bowlers in the side, three or four of whom will not get a bowl. Still, we struggled on and there were some highlights: Roger Vicars' 113 proving that class is permanent; Norris making regular comebacks, bowling very well and getting a quick-fire ton against Crockham Hill; Roger Cook NOT bowling himself enough and not batting at six or seven where he should; David Rose doing nothing wrong all season with both bat and ball; McLeod proving the exception to the rule that class is permanent, albeit in his case he’s managed to fool people for the last sixty plus years; Ian Brothwood, for giving spiritual guidance and sharing his knowledge of the English vernacular – quite extraordinary! Stubbsy oozes class and should be available for more games next year. His in-laws are always welcome. You know about Mrs Stubbs and if you don’t then look up her web site at www.topstubbstotty.com.Old lags like Hemming, Kane, Martin Snr and Colin Clark (scorer extraordinaire and champion tightener of screws in the score box) all stepped into the breach when asked. We blooded some newcomers who we look forward to welcoming back next year. Fred Potter, Geoff Pride, Steve Whitlam are just three in that category. David Baldry and Steve Case-Green, local boys both, also helped out when they could. Adrian Young was always a joy to play with which probably explains why he got married (a report on that wedding is under construction and will feature piccies probably/hopefully to the extreme embarrassment of both bride and groom. Cassie – downloading piccies can take time so I will ask the Rabbits editor NOT to send you a copy of the report). IF we had beaten Groombridge, Eynsford and Bidborough well who knows. I know why we lost to the last two and in this regard I refer you to the first para. Bowlers win matches and we didn’t hav’em. It was good fun, though. Pre-match briefings must be the coming thing. I urge the Wunns to adopt the Soops' approach and get a couple inside you to calm the nerves. Last, I look forward to playing a tad more often with the Saga twins next year. Let’s face it, they’re both over the top agewise and, in Christie’s case, about five stone overweight. Through the medium of R@bbits I plead with our sponsors to get that man membership of one of their gyms and get him sorted. We nearly had a nasty incident on Saturday when Christie clumped the umpire at his end round the ear because he can no longer get his arm above a position parallel to the ground. He bowled four overs and was begging to be taken off. Pathetic! 'Shakes' Waller Sundays Go >From Strength To Strength
It may come as a surprise to you, because it certainly does to us, that the Sunday Team have been arguably (and no doubt the Wunnerfuls and Soops will argue – flat track bullies the lot of them!) the most successful in the club this year. The record reads - Played 17, Won 8, Drawn 6 and Lost just 3. So what has brought about this turnaround in fortune, you may ask? Was it not only last season that games were being called off, due to the fact that the Sunday side could only raise 6 men, 2 boys and a tea urn? Well yes! However this year, thanks to the efforts of Skipper John Thompson (the Wise One), a huge squad of 38 players has been utilised and resulted in full teams being fielded most weeks. At times we had even had some strength in depth, such as having more than half a dozen people who can bat a bit and 4 or more bowlers. In addition, some of the players have actually been younger than 30. Amazing!!! Another contributory factor could also have been that, due to our early National Village Championship exit (thanks, Wunnerfuls), we have been able to have a full season of fixtures and develop what can only be described a "team spirit". So what happened? The season began with a draw against Glynde and a defeat by Footscray (it was Footscray Keith!). This average start was followed by a win, a draw and another win against Sanderstead, Falconhurst and RNVR respectively, the latter including a fine 92no by Andy Cook. Following a defeat by Ockley (best passed over to avoid embarrassment of all involved) there followed an unbeaten run of 9 games starting with a creditable draw against Horley, requiring the Captain and Vice to bat for 7 overs for the last wicket, with all the opposition around the bat. Wins followed against Capel and the Village, with Tommy Cilliers taking 5 for 32, to save our pride against the residents. A good draw with Strollers, was followed by another against the Bank of England, with Danny Hall making a fine 103no on debut. This was followed by a great win against Jack Frosts’ with Andy Cook again the star with the bat, with a maiden century, scoring 121. Wins against Lingfield and Old Purleians with the Vice at last getting 5 (for 31) ensured a great run, that continued with a win against Lindfield where Danny Hall scored 92 and Jibran Khan (I think the 5th member of this excitable family to play over the years?) taking 5 for 49. The success ended with a defeat against Speldhurst. The annual Christmas fixture in France (Newenden) was a short, very damp draw. A number of players from the 38 used were "regulars" and in no particular order, worthy of individual mention. Tommy Cilliers had a good season taking wickets and also getting a few runs. He might now claim to be a genuine all–rounder, as would Andy Cook who also did well with bat, ball and fielding (everything, basically). Paul Slaughter was a welcome addition both behind and in front of the stumps (a bit quiet, though, compared to recent keepers!). Sam Waller added to the bar takings and contributed when he could be bothered to turn-up (words with Pater to follow, I fear). Rick Bennett added depth to the batting, as well as being a rather decent bloke. Adrian Young played quite a lot, then got married and we never saw him again. Jake Endersby finally started to score runs, having found original ways to get out early on in the season, both with and without the assistance of the umpires. Richard Norris now assumes senior professional status in the side and enjoyed himself between stays in hospital. No Sunday side would be complete with (I assume you meant "without", Steve!) George Beach, who caught the mood of optimism (although not much else!) in the camp and invested in some new headgear. With sundry South Africans such as Henny Groenewald adding youth and Afrikaans to our eclectic mix, and the occasional appearance by locals such as Tony Cheverall and Steve Case-Green, we progressed. A bowler who played late on and who might get a game next season was Steve Whitlam, who added to our opening attack. The Skipper and Vice occasionally saw eye to eye and between them managed to offer astute leadership in every game. Along with numerous "guests" from the Wunnerfuls and Soops, plus the odd geezer who played once never to return, we were at times in danger of looking like a cricket team. Also, many thanks of course to Keith for being there, our small but loyal group of supporters and Ken for umpiring before he nearly pegged it. So there you have it. Not a bad year all in all. Of course the challenge will be to keep it going in 2002 but with luck, the inspiration of the Wise One plus copious supplies of Stella and Spitfire we can be confident that we have a chance. Winter well. Steve East Sunday Vice.
AFTER 10 YEARS, WILL WE EVER WIN THE KENT VILLAGE 1st XI LEAGUE? It was in the 1990 season that 8 Clubs (Bidborough, Hadlow, Cranbrook, Leigh, Crockham Hill, St Lawrence, Four Elms and Sissinghurst) came together to form the Kent Village League. Subsequently, Outwood, Flimwell, Groombridge and Plaxtol joined in 1992, Penshurst Park in 1993, Eynsford in 1995, Limpsfield Chart in 1995 and, finally, it was Pembury who made up the current complement of Clubs in 1996. Although the 1st XI has not yet won the League title we have actually won more matches than any other Club during our 10 years of Kent Village League cricket. We have always finished in the top half, 7th spot being our lowest, but the last 6 years have been our best. In the '96, '97 and '98 seasons we finished 3rd followed by 2nd spot ever since (1999- 2001). So, why have we never won the title? There is no single or simple answer to this but there are a number of possible contributory factors. There has been some inconsistency of performance this year, but this has not only applied to Outwood. Never before 2001 has a Club won the 1st XI League having suffered 4 defeats as Eynsford (and Outwood and 3rd placed Leigh) did this year. When your main opposition loses an unprecedented 4 matches it represents a golden opportunity. Had we won against Leigh (which we surely would have done had the pursuit of bonus points not been paramount) we would have lost less matches than Eynsford but still finished 2nd - because of the disparity regarding cancelled and abandoned matches. Cancelled and abandoned matches have certainly worked against us. In 1999 (the year of the infamous Penshurst Park cancellation) and 2001 (when we had 2 more abandoned & cancelled matches than winners Eynsford) we have been disadvantaged compared with our nearest rivals. In both cases we could have ended up League winners if the basis of the League table was that all abandoned or cancelled matches were ignored and the average points gained per completed determined the League positions. Regular availability of key players has often been a problem area. Extended runs in the National Village Championship in recent years have also stretched resources in an era when playing twice at the weekend is a rare occurrence. This year an exit in the 1st Round of the NVC did not provide the benefit to Saturday League cricket availability we might have hoped for. 31 different players represented the 1st XI in their competitive League, League Cup and NVC matches. This, of course, cascades down to the 2nd XI who were represented by 33 different players in their League matches. A larger number represented the Sunday XI this year. So much for theories affecting the past. How are we likely to fare in 2002? An array of potential new 1st XI talent appeared late in the season and, if available regularly next year, augurs well for the future. Managing the expectations of a regularly available, larger 1st XI squad will be an interesting challenge. Another extended run in the NVC may, of course, stretch resources again. However, if availability runs in our favour, the 2nd XI should be boosted next year by what should be spare 1st XI talent and as a result they should undoubtedly be serious challengers for the 2nd XI League Title. By contrast, the inability of some Club 2nd XIs to field teams every week is an increasing concern for the League. It seems that 2 (maybe 3) Clubs may withdraw from the 2nd XI League before next season but plans are afoot to ensure that there will be enough 2nd XI League fixtures in 2002. Having finished 3rd in 1996-8 and 2nd each year since then, perhaps the 1st XI can look forward to 3 league titles in a row starting in 2002? Availability - and the weather! - almost certainly hold the key to our hopes of matching Eynsford's 2001 treble feat. One final point ……… the skipper should bowl himself earlier! OSBW Tribute to Peter Marchant (1932-2001)It is with sadness that we report the death of Peter Marchant in September this year. Peter, a redhead quick bowler who had a trial for Sussex in the early 1950s, played 127 matches for the Club between 1969 and 1977, taking 327 wickets at 12.47 and scoring 1,370 runs at 16.91. He was one of the key players in the successful NVC runs we had in the 1970s. (Thanks to Geoff Last for this and all other statistical information supplied with this Newsletter) Why Not Award Yourself A New Club Cap For 2002? Martin Cass has offered to source club caps for the 2002 season. They will be baseball style with the windmill and motto on the front. The plan is for dark blue caps with a white logo, and they will cost c £10-15 dependent on demand. However, we need confirmed orders for at least 30 to secure this price before we can take the plunge. To date we have 16 solid yes votes from those of you on e-mail, so we need a few more takers. Don't rely on others to respond - if you don't respond personally there will probably be no club caps - Please reply to Martin by November 1st so then we can take a view on whether we want to proceed. E-mail: martin.cass@carat.co.uk 0207 430 6207The new Club shirts, sponsored by LA Fitness, have almost sold out this year but there are still one or two left in Large and Extra Large sizes. Cost: £15 (or £27.50 if you wish to buy 2). Contact Roger Waller: Tel: 01342 312628 E-mail: rogerwaller@tinyworld.co.ukAre You Likely To Be Interested In A Club Tour In 2002? Let’s Have Your Feedback. Please read, complete and forward the enclosed questionnaire as soon as possible. Our Club Web Site Lack of time has meant a fallow season for the web site. The Winter may provide more time. If you have any photographs worthy of consideration, whether they be formal or amusing or any anecdotes or memories you may care to share with the world? Enjoy the benefits of e-mail
Editor: Adrian Christie adrian.christie@outwoodcricketclub.co.uk Tel: 01342 712358
Rabbits FANTASY - SUMMER 2001
COMPETITION - FINAL RESULTS
At long last our inaugural Fantasy Competition
is over. Thanks to all of you who participated and helped us to raise £125
for the Club. All prize winners have kindly donated their winnings to the
Club. We thank them all. The final Table is below.
Team Winners Gold Medal - Ashley Mackenzie Silver Medal - Tony Hemming Bronze Medal - Adrian Christie The winning Team Total of 17,084 compared favourably with the best possible team score of 18,901. Winter Competitions A free to enter Competition covering the England v Zimbabwe Series is currently on-going and, as advertised (on e-mail), only those who entered are being updated with results so far. There will be at least 1 further (free to enter) Competition during the Winter covering the England Series against India (commencing December) and New Zealand (commencing February). Anyone can enter but, for reasons of ease of communication, it is likely to be more practical for those of you on e-mail (or with access to someone who is on e-mail).
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Outwood Cricket
Club 
