The Oratory - 1986 - Letter from Chris Terry, Hon.Secretary

"Brook/Ramblers

Advice of an additional fixture

One bright feature of a depressing weekend in which one Winchester match was cancelled and the other abandoned, followed by Sydenhurst's match at Haslemere being cancelled, was an invitation from Sean Daverin to take a side to the Oratory, on Sat. 21st June. Normally acceptance would have been out of the question. Co-incidentally, the 21st is the one gap in the Brook fixture card and after discussion with Simon Kitching, it was decided to accept the invitation.

Will any Brook or Ramblers players wanting to play in this match either contact Simon Kitching on:-

01-493-6040 Office

01-385-6395 Home

or Christopher Terry on:-

0768-64218 Office

01-723-9405 Friday evenings

0252-703124 Week-end

Those who would normally be playing against the Nomads that Saturday should not apply, or it could make Alan Hardy's recruitment difficult.

A word about the Oratory may be helpful to those who don't know it. Situated near Reading, and easily approached by motorway, the Oratory is what Eton used to be - "a school for Catholic gentlemen". Its wicket is better than Eton's and its magnificently kept outfield is 6 square yards larger than Lord's - where incidentally, the Oratory has historically played a match a year. The Oratory has produced such notable Patrons of international cricket as the late Duke of Norfolk. Set in the grounds of an imposing mansion, the facilities for players, families and friends are exceptional and freely available on the day - these include indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis etc.

The match will start at 1.30 am and lunch will be provided for the players. Friends and families are invited to bring picnics.

Sean Daverin, himself an ex-Middlesex cricketer, will pick a side to match our strength on the day - to ensure an even contest. If this proves a popular event, the invitation will be repeated annually under a Brook/Ramblers banner."

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Sadly the records for the 1980s are still not to hand. Does anyone know whether the game was played?