The 3rd Ramblers' tour to the West Midlands in August was badly affected by rain. However in the 3 (of 5 games on the card) that went ahead, two Club records were achieved which stand to this day.
Martin Crossley, a friend known to some Ramblers - including Michael Gauntlett with whom he had played at Southport & Birkdale CC, agreed to raise a side against the Club on their way north on Monday 13th at the old RAF ground at Heritage, Berkshire.
Ramblers won the toss and batted, Nick Harper and Tony Wood putting on 98 for the 1st wicket. Harper made his fifty in 35 minutes and was caught and bowled on 80. David Childs (44) helped the score along, but 181-5 became 204 all out. Gordon Batchelor, guesting for the opposition bowled his off-breaks to good effect finishing with 5-34.
Crossley's XI started well and reached 62 for the loss of only one wicket. Roger Scott, also guesting, made 36 before he was caught by Peter Hodges off Brian Nuttall.
Gerry Cogger had opened the bowling for the Ramblers and his first 8 overs of fast medium cutters yielded 12 runs with 5 consecutive maidens - but no wickets. He was rested for 8 overs.
When he returned, he conceded 1 run from his 9th over, but then struck with a vengeance, securing 7 wickets in 16 balls - 5 bowled, one lbw, one caught - INCLUDING 2 HAT-TRICKS.
Crossley's team were all out for 102 and both sides repaired to his pub - The Bull, at Streatley to celebrate.
On the Tuesday, having reported in the night before at the Tour HQ, The Black Boy, at Bewdley, the Ramblers proceeded to Knowle & Dorridge CC for their first visit to a pleasant, well appointed ground which is used by Warwickshire 2nd XI. Knowle batted first and were severely tested by some good bowling and fielding. Six catches were held and Cogger (4-47) and Adrian Stephenson (4-30) were the bowlers.
Rain struck after tea and only 15 overs could be bowled before play was called-off at 6.10pm. Ramblers were 74-1 and coasting.
On Wednesday 14th, Ramblers batted first in an all-day game v. Gentlemen of Worcestershire at Kidderminster CC. They lost Tony Wood off the 3rd ball of the first over and David Childs joined Nick Harper at the wicket. They were still together at lunch just under 2 hours later with the 150 mark passed. Thereafter Childs went to his 100 in 135 minutes (including 14 fours, 1 six) and was undefeated when Ramblers declared on 250-2. Nick Harper made 102 (10 fours). The pair put on 218 for the second wicket, the highest for the Club and the second highest for any wicket.
Cogger (4-48) and Chris Terry (4-52) bowled almost unchanged throughout to dismiss the Gentlemen for 146 to record a 104 run victory.
Sadly the Thursday at Claverley and Friday at Everdon Hall were lost to the weather.