2009 - NEWS

28/09/2009

Match reports for the remainder of this year's matches received today. Click here to view..

16/06/2009

Ramblers v. Hampshire Hogs - May 24th

Match report received. To view click here. The fixture v. Reigate Pilgrims had to be cancelled as we apparently could not raise a side.

02/06/2009

Ramblings 2009  - Received from John Hamilton

The 2008 Season

The morning of our opening game at Warnford versus the Hampshire Hogs dawned so wet and miserable that cricket seemed impossible. However, we managed to start only 50 minutes late and, by the end, glorious evening sunshine bathed this beautiful setting. Our 200/7 (John Hamilton 79, John Prynne 47) was not enough, despite a fine long spell by Simon Miller (2/60) and we were beaten by 5 wickets with a couple of overs to spare, a brace of dropped catches proving crucial. At Reigate, against the Pilgrims, we were in deep trouble at 42/4 off 20 overs, but a fine 53 by Simon Butler and a good, unbeaten stand of 33 for the 9th wicket by David Prynne and Alan Hardy enabled us to reach 168/8. Excellent spells by Olly Selway (3/20) and Simon Wilson (4/24) reduced Reigate to 42/6 and then 100/9; however, their last pair managed to hold on for the draw.

Blackheath in Kent saw a superb opening stand of 135 from Jim Walters (71) and Alexis Fuller Cl 02) in a 45 overs match. Tim Oakes bowled beautifully to keep Blackheath to 19/1 off their first 12 overs and Richie Chibisa picked up a couple of wickets, but our hosts paced their innings well to get home in the 43rd with 6 wickets down. Heavy rain brought the game to an end at the halfway stage at the Hampshire Maniacs (216/6) with Graham Boxall distinguishing himself with 10-1-29-2. The fixture with Brook was a 9-a-side affair won by Brook's last pair, despite Richie Chibisa scoring 51 and taking 4/45 and Brian Davenport snaring 2/10.

With August reaching monsoon conditions the two all day games managed to escape the washout, but both were lost. Jim Walters made 53 out of 118 all out which the Emeriti knocked off with 3 wickets down, and then the Stoics successfully chased 235/9 (Alexis Fuller 56, Es van Wyk 55, Tim Copeman 52) losing five wickets in the process.

All in all, plenty of fun had but results not so hot in 2008.

Easter Tour 2009

An enjoyable few days were spent in Malta but unfortunately the early season creakings were obvious and we lost all three games, although each was progressively close. As ever, the hospitality was amiable and plenty of craic was had off the pitch; Maltese food and wine remained very palatable as those who made the tours there in 2000 and 2005 might recall. Once again we were all indebted to Brian Davenport who organized the whole venture with his customary efficiency and good humour. The Ramblers, since 1990, have made 17 overseas tours and Brian has organized the lot. The Club has many players, past and present, who owe Brian a great debt of gratitude for his hard work on their behalf; everyone gets to the right airport at the right time, buses arrive to transport us to the hotel and the ground, restaurants for evening meals are booked and, off the pitch at any rate (!), everything works smoothly as if by magic. It is, of course, not magic, but BD's efficient hard work. There are murmurings already that a return to Portugal, last visited in 2001, might be on the cards for 2011.

The 2009 Season

There are some very attractive fixtures this year and it is important that we perform well in them. Please support the Match Managers by volunteering to play without waiting to be asked. Even if at the last minute, your application to play may be very welcome to the Match Managers. Good luck and have a great season. Where possible please wear Club Colours when representing the Club; caps, playing (and polo) shirts and sweaters are available from the Secretary.

Brian Davenport

I would just like to pay tribute to Brian for his phenomenal efforts as Secretary over the past decade. He has kept the Club vibrant and efficiently-run, and all Ramblers owe him a debt. The Club's smart apparel is down to his drive and he continues to sort the printing of the card, collection of balls etc etc. Thank you, BD, and good luck with the 100 wickets!

08/05/2009

Malta Tour report received. Click here to view.

02/04/2009

The Ramblers at Riverside

Nic Harper, whose 70th birthday is on Saturday 11th April stands with Hugh and Michael Gauntlett in the Members Lounge at Durham CCC for the Cricket Society - Durham & North East Branch's Annual Dinner. Nic had, unfortunately, undergone a 'nose-job' the day before, but was able to enjoy a pleasant evening at which an audience of 120 were addressed by the Guest Speaker, Sir Tim Rice.

31/01/2009