2007 - Match Results and Reports - Index
Stoics - August 21st - cancelled
Hampshire Maniacs - August 12th
Blackheath (Kent) - August 2nd
Chiddingfold - June 24th - cancelled due to bad weather
Hampshire Hogs - May 27th - cancelled due to bad weather.
GIBRALTAR TOUR - April 5th - 10th
The touring party gathered at a very busy pre Easter Gatwick for the two hours and a bit flight to Gibraltar. Messrs Keir and Manley positioned themselves cunningly at the rear of the aircraft to solicit extra drink from the cabin staff, and Graham Boxall secured the last beer on the plane; a good start. Having arrived and checked in at the Bristol Hotel, a subsequent search for food only elicited peanuts, crisps and loads of ale at a nearby pub (this is known on Ramblers’ tours as a ‘bonding session’).
The first game on Good Friday produced a limited overs tie (that’s two in the last three Ramblers games) against fellow tourists, the Sussex over 50s, who amongst their number, although not playing, was one Andy Meads – a Rambler of some time ago. Immediately in the runs were John Hamilton, and David Simcock, with his first club half century. The tie was secured by a Sussex batter being bowled off the last ball. Back at the hotel it was the first session of fines and thence onwards to the excellent Gatsby’s for dinner; very good food, unending supplies of very quaffable local (Spanish) reds and whites, and voluptuous waitresses.
Saturday brought the first game against local opposition, who batted first on a chilly day of only occasional sunshine. Because of the vagaries of the sandy/gritty outfield and consequent reluctance of the fielders to dive about, the usual Europa Point high score resulted, despite all the bowlers doing their best - having learned to pitch the ball up. A poor start with the bat put us on the back foot, but the careful Andy Lemmey and flamboyant Jon Ashworth got up to the required rate, but when the latter went, it was only the skipper, John Hamilton, who made any sort of a score, aided by a Sam Keir cameo, and we were well short at the end. There was nothing for it then apart for more unreasonable fines and a return trip to Gatsby’s where with another convivial evening, the day’s travails were quickly forgotten.
Sunday was the ‘free’ day; late rising and some tourism – which consisted mainly of going up in the cable car to see the apes and St Michael’s cave, followed by repairing to local hostelries with Sky TV to watch England take on Australia in the World Cup. The family Terry showing much more form, spent the day in Cadiz.
Monday and match 3 and the Ramblers were invited to bat first. A cautious start – wanting to build a reasonable platform, resulted in some loss of scoring momentum, so at the end of our overs we were probably around 40 runs short of a safely dependable total. Graham Boxall, John Hamilton and David Simcock however all contributed significantly. A first ball wicket from Alex Manley was an immediate encouragement, but despite taking wickets reasonably regularly, the opposition could never quite be pinned down enough. After the final session of fines at the hotel it was off to the tour dinner at the Waterfront restaurant, for an excellent meal and apposite speech from the skipper, reinforcing the Ramblers ethos and with toasts to absent friends and the club.
Tuesday was free all day until gathering for the flight home in the early evening, and tourists did their thing in the time available (the Captain and Secretary lunching well but not necessarily wisely at the marina). Arrival at Gatwick was around 11 o’clock and the party dispersed, after an enjoyable 16th tour where we had debutant tourists, where everyone got on well, had fun, and played a bit of cricket. Where next ?
6 - Sussex Over 50s - Europa Point
7 - Gibraltar C.A. Chairman's XI - Europa Point
9 - Gibraltar Cricket Association XI - Europa Point
Standing : Jonathan Terry David Simcock Alex Manley Sam Keir Andy Lemmey Jonathan Ashworth David Coles James Terry
Sitting : Steve Andow Brian Davenport John Hamilton Christopher Terry Graham Boxall
‘THE WAGS’ – Joanna Coughlan Maggie Hamilton Annie Ashworth Terry Boxall