OXFORD DOWNS 

at Standlake , Tuesday 3rd July . Lost by 6 wickets.

 

Carrying on the family tradition, debut match manager Richard Gauntlett presided over a day's cricket at Standlake which produced 611 runs for 7 wickets. In very hot, sticky weather the Ramblers, batting first, made 305-3 declared in just 45 overs - the main feature being a Ramblers' record stand for any wicket of 274  by openers Ryan Jacobs (this year's Brook professional from Durban) who made 155, a personal best and the 6th highest score ever for the Club, and 118 from Matt Lee. The Ramblers' total equalled that made against Brook in 1996 as the 6th highest in the Club's history. This was also easily the highest total made in a match lost.

Oxford Downs took on the daunting total positively, and thanks mainly to splendid innings from Ted Sandbach (126),  Luke List (79), and Hugo Thurston (56*) got to the target for 4 wickets in the 58th over (with one to spare). For the Ramblers, Brian Davenport took an unlikely 3-74. The Downs' total surpassed the previous highest against the Ramblers (297-8 dec. by South Hants Touring Club at Brook in 1973). This was an excellent and enjoyable contest gilded by the Downs' splendid hospitality.

Footnote: Downs reached the last 16 in the 'Cricketer' National Village Championship, the furthest in their history, before going out to the eventual winners.

RECORD FIRST WICKET PARTNERSHIP

Ryan Jacobs and Matthew Lee

Ramblers Innings: