Uppingham Rovers Cricket Club Handbook 2024

UPPINGHAM ROVERS CRICKET CLUB

(Founded 1863)

Handbook 2024

“Solvitur Ambulando”

Uppingham Rovers Cricket Club

Committee

Officers

President:

H.S. Stroud

1 Main Road, Uffington, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 4SN (H) 01780 592504 (M) 07860 676724 hedley.stroud@btinternet.com

Hon. Secretary:

C.R.J. Timm

21 Tantree Way, Holcot Road, Brixworth, Northants. NN6 9UQ (H) 01604 882591 (M) 07718 628985 christimm_24@hotmail.com

Hon. Treasurer:

R.G. Hargreaves 14 Winterbrook Road, London, SE24 9JA (M) 07979 958369 robin.hargreaves@gmail.com

Keeper of the Books:

D.A. Ashworth

34 Hillbrow, Richmond Hill, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6BY (M) 07785 775077 david.ashworth34@btinternet.com

Hon. Match Secretary

Tom Kennedy (M) 07515 705223

tjhkennedy@gmail.com uppinghamroverscc@gmail.com

Cricketer Cup Captain

Henry Hughes (M) 07825 160908 hhughes@behrens.co.uk

Cricketer Cup Manager

Chris Bennett Baggs (M) 07780 728736

Ordinary Members

E.R. Fowler M. Bird

A.G.W. Lewin O. Esse

J.N. Beaumont H. Glatman

S.W.Peters C. Symes F. Tucker

Matches Played 1864-2023

Played Won Drawn Tied Lost 1114 469 363 6 276

Rovers ties can be obtained direct from the Hon Secretary.

Teamwear is available from Masuri: https://teamwear.nxt-sports.com/shop/ uppingham-rovers-cc

uppinghamrovers.play-cricket.com

UPPINGHAM ROVERS 2023

Played 5 Won 2 lost 3

Match v School 09.6.22 – Lost by 19 runs

Uppingham School 217 for 7 (L Tew 51, H Peppiatt 43, W Henson 31, H Funnell 3-52)

Uppingham Rovers 198 all out (F Tucker 66, E Lewis 60, A Sizer 5-21, A Maloney 2-30)

Cricketer Cup 1st Round v Rugby Meteors 11.6.23 – Won by 6 wickets

Rugby Meteors 154 all out (J Bethell 40, H Funnell 2-20, W Marriage 2-26, B Harris 2-37)

Uppingham Rovers 155 for 4 (H Funnell 90, W Rogers 34, E Robinson 3-34)

Cricketer Cup 2nd Round v Old Cliftonians 25.6.22 – Lost by 10 runs

Old Cliftonians 242 all out (O Meadows 76, Ben Figueiredo 51, B Harris 3-38, H Funnell 2-40, W Marriage 2-55)

Uppingham Rovers 232 all out (C Sale 78, W Rogers 42, J Barber 3-30)

OTHER

FIXTURES

Saturday 24th June v The Guards CC – Won by 9 wickets

The Guards CC 90 all out (G Cazalet 24, H Hamilton 3-30, W Barrow 2-7)

Uppingham Rovers 95 for 1 (T Kennedy 47, J Maxwell 35)

Thursday 13th July v I Zingari Australia – Lost by 55 runs

I Zingari Australia 262 for 6 (G Lovell 72, D Apps 54, T Regis 3-40)

Uppingham Rovers 207 all out (A Stroud 68, H Glatman 41, E Watson 33, N Gibb 4-43, J Manzie 3-15)

Please could all members check that the contact details shown in the Handbook are correct. It is especially important for all playing members to check that their mobile phone numbers and e-mail addresses are up to date. Please contact the Secretary with any up-to-date information.

Introduction to The Handbook 2024

I thought I’d wait until I had had a chance to visit the refurbished Upper pavilion before penning a few words for our handbook. I was fortunate to be able to visit towards the end of February and it is a truly significant capital project for Uppingham cricket. It not only restores, and indeed enhances, the pavilion that was built 101 years ago but it underlines the school’s commitment to the playing of cricket by boys and girls for many years to come. I’m sure all Rovers will be keen to come and enjoy the new Sir David Samworth Pavilion and perhaps sit on the new balcony with its fantastic vista of the ground and beyond. Sir David was a very supportive Rover and it’s fantastic to see that his own interest in cricket and the generosity of the Samworth family has ensured that the project has been completed so brilliantly.

The school’s commitment to cricket has been clear for all to see for a few years by the emphasis that the Headmaster, Richard Maloney, has given to the sport at Uppingham which as Rovers and OUs we are delighted to see. The appointment of Rob Taylor as the Director of Cricket last year will more than ensure that many young and aspiring cricketers will be able to enjoy and progress in the sport we all love. He will, of course, have Trevor Ward alongside him, who celebrates his 20th year at the school and who many Rovers remember fondly as their coach in their formative years!

As a Club the Rovers will, of course, benefit from the inflow of talented players and we must look

to engage with all our members by providing even more opportunities for us to play, watch and generally support each other on the Upper and the other lovely cricket grounds where we play.

Our focus this year is threefold – firstly, to celebrate the re-opening of the pavilion with a weekend of cricket in Uppingham over the Bank Holiday at the end of May. On the Friday we will play against what we expect will be a strong school side and alongside this there will be various social events which are being finalised at the time of writing. On the Saturday we are running an inter-club, short-sided competition and nominated captains/managers will be putting together their teams. Then on the Sunday we are playing the Rugby Meteors in what is intended to be a Cricketer Cup practice match prior to our first round visit to Haileybury a fortnight later.

Henry Hughes again captains our Cricketer Cup team and he is focussed on getting a squad together to ensure we give ourselves every chance to have a good run in the competition – unfortunately we can’t be back on the Upper until the semi-final (unless it rains on a prescribed date) but we definitely have the players to make a really good fist of it. Please give Henry all your support and let us hope we will have a massive gathering of Rovers for the final at Arundel on August 11th.

Last but not least we very much look forward to our other matches starting with another visit to Burton Court in Central London to play The Guards on June 29th – a fantastic venue and location. Then we move to Charterhouse for 2 days on Friday and Saturday July 5th /6th followed by a game against The Frogs on the Sunday. Tom Kennedy has worked tirelessly to get this weekend off the ground so please contact him and commit to some highly enjoyable cricket.

‘Floreat the Rovers’.

Hedley Stroud, President

Upper Pavilion Renovation

As reported in last year’s Handbook and referred to in Hedley’s introduction, the Upper pavilion has been refurbished at considerable cost. The final result is incredibly impressive, as the images displayed here demonstrate. There is some detailed restoration of original features alongside the addition of very welcome, contemporary fixtures and fittings, especially in terms of changing and toilet facilities.

The official re-opening takes place on Friday 24th May, the first day of our ‘Uppingham Weekend’, during the Rovers match versus The School. This will be performed by The Headmaster between innings, along with the announcement of new Rovers from the current batch of leavers.

After play we’ll host a champagne reception and the School will lay on a BBQ on The Upper.

We’d love to see as many Rovers this weekend as possible. A great opportunity to re-connect with fellow members, with further Rovers cricket taking place on the Saturday and Sunday.

Friday 24th May – Drinks and BBQ

To give us an idea on numbers, if you haven’t already done so, and you’d like to attend, please confirm numbers to Chris Timm – contact details on P2.

Naming Opportunities at The Pavilion

For those Rovers who missed the recent newsletter outlining our plans for the 2024 season, the following piece provides more details about an opportunity to support the ongoing fundraising efforts.

The Pavilion renovation is completed, and the renewed space looks fantastic – a new thatched roof, a restored balcony, a full internal and external refurbishment, and newly installed utilities. It’s an amazing transformation.

We are still fundraising for the project and are working on a donor board for those who have donated over £1000. In addition, there are 20 benches on the newly laid terrace which can also be named with plaques for £500 each. This is your chance to have your name immortalised in Uppingham’s rich cricketing history! Let’s try to add some more Rover’s names to this much cherished building.

If you are interested in naming opportunities please e-mail Helen on hw2@uppingham.co.uk or click on the following QR code to donate:

Uppingham

Cricket

2023

It is with great pleasure that I get to write this review of the 2023 season at Uppingham School having taken up the role in September. I must first thank Andy Siddall for the excellent work he put into the school programme during his time at the school. I feel very fortunate to have inherited a strong boys programme and a growing Girls’ cricket section. Naturally there are some areas that I am keen to grow and build on, but I begin my role with cricket in a good place. Along with Trevor Ward and the rest of the cricket staff, we will continue to drive cricket forward and build on past successes. Looking back, 2023 was a good year for Uppingham cricket, reflected by being nominated in The Cricketer Top 100 schools. It was a season of 2 halves for the 1st XI who won 1 game in April and May and then had an unbeaten June to finish with a complete season of played 16, won 9, drew 1, lost 6. There were some comprehensive wins and some close games that went the wrong way for us, and had we been able to get ourselves over the line in those, it would have been an extremely successful season.

In the 1st XI there were 4 centuries scored last summer. These were shared with 2 a piece for Ollie Dring and Arush Buchake, including Ollie scoring 156* against the MCC in a 9 wicket win and a second wicket partnership of 151 with Arush Buchake. Ollie and Arush both finished the season with 100s against Shrewsbury as the first XI won the 2 day fixture by 101 runs. Ollie amassed 830 runs in the season at an average of 55.33. With the ball, it was captain Liam Tew who led from the front with 31 wickets including 2 6fers and a 5fer against Repton, Shrewsbury and The Gentlemen of Leicestershire respectively.

Will Macdonald was a well deserving winner of The Ballance Cup for his performances and commitment to school cricket through the year. He continued show excellent leadership within his age group as well as within the 1st team environment. He amassed 430 runs with a top score of 104. He also took 17 wickets at an average economy of 3.65rpo as well as 8 catches and a run out.

Elsewhere in the programme there was much to be excited about and celebrate. Thanks to the effort and skill of Charlie Welch our intake at 4th form was another successful one. The u14s, led by Thomas Welch won the County U14 cup, which has automatically qualified them for the national U15s competition in 2024. This is the second year in the row that the School U14s have won this competition. We also had numerous players representing counties at various stages of the pathway: Leicestershire: Oliver Dring, Liam Tew, Jack Gray, William Macdonald, Thomas Welch.

Lincolnshire: Matthew Key Northamptonshire: Arush Buchake (including playing for the 2nd XI)

Suffolk: Henry Brown.

Girls’ cricket at Uppingham is growing with energy and speed with more Girls playing than ever before. Summer 2024 will see us field 3 Girls’ teams (1s, U15s & U14s) as well as couple of 2nd XI fixtures. We have also entered the 1st XI and U15’s into cup competitions for the first time. Katie Gray and Verity Lilly join the school in the 4th form as well as Charlotte Hull in the L6th as cricket scholars. Our Girls’ programme is gaining more access to our specialist coaches in the school with Charlie Esson taking over the Girls’ 1st XI for 2024.

As a school we played no cricket on The Upper in 2023 due to the redevelopment of the Upper Pavilion, so this meant we didn’t host any county fixtures as we have done in previous years. However, with the completion of The Upper pavilion in early 2024, we are delighted to be able to host Leicestershire CCC 1st XI in a T20 game before their T20 Blast campaign, 2 Leicestershire CCC academy fixtures as well as 2 Leicestershire CCC Women’s fixtures.

We can be incredibly proud of the quality of our pitches on The Middle last year, and my thanks must go to our ground staff for their hard work in producing pitches for more cricket on one less square last summer. I am pleased to say that we have added to our ground staff team, including securing the services of Gary Barwell on a consultancy basis through the winter months. Gary is one of the best groundsmen in the country, as head groundsman of Edgbaston. He has helped recruit Callum Bristow into the school, who has experience at Edgbaston and Desert Springs, in Spain. Between the two of them and with Gav and Keith, we have a group of ground staff who I know will produce the best pitches they can for everyone to play on at Uppingham.

In the short time in have been in post I must pass my thanks and appreciation to Trevor Ward. He has been an enormous help to me settling into my role. He has and continues to have a massive impact on the players within the school. His knowledge of the game and of school cricket specifically is of the highest level. He understands the players he is working with, when to challenge and when to support. We are fortunate that we have a mix of quality experienced coaches as well as some enthusiastic young coaches in the school. Kieron Knott and James Clifton have both brought a real energy to the school and continue to do so in both boys & girl’s cricket as well as analysis.

It goes without saying that we look forward to hosting The Rovers in June, we wish you well in The Cricketer Cup, and gladly welcome your support at any matches you might be able to drop in to.

Rob Taylor Director of Cricket

School 1st XI Fixtures 2024:

OLD BOYS MATCH

The Middle, June 9th 2023

The long-standing tradition of Rovers vs the School had a few changes from the norm this year. Firstly, it no longer took place on Speech Day, as the Headmaster has moved this into a weekend’s festival of celebration at the end of the year, tying in with the Ball.

Secondly, the ongoing renovations at the Upper meant that fixtures were to be played on The Middle (the highest point as the crow flies all the way to the Ural Mountain range in Russia) for the first time since goodness knows when. With Tucker making his debut

as skipper, his first task was to organise an XI for this mighty fixture. With it being a Friday and on The Middle there were a few groans from the old guard (Collins et al) when they discovered we weren’t playing on the Upper’s hallowed turf. Luckily Peters wasn’t told until he was halfway along the A14! One thing is for sure - they had all forgotten that the Middle is an absolute road!

The toss brought more unexpected change and drama. Collo and Peters had their pads on, rather presumptuously… meanwhile Trev had all his lads bowling and practising fielding. The reason being that historically the Rovers would always bat first. In fact, the Rovers hadn’t batted second since the famous Barnett/Barton gate toss at which DJK, spotting they were

both up for Speech Day prizes, decided to bowl first knowing they wouldn’t be able to make it back in time to bat.

Our skipper on this occasion wanted to let everyone know he had arrived. Tucks had taken inspiration from Bazball’s great chases and without hesitation put the youngsters in. The schoolboys made a strong start even while Trev was still pacing the boundary allowing his heart rate to drop below 100 and still chuntering away at the toss. Mr Dring off the back of 150+* vs MCC that week (enjoy your day at Lords), looked in fine touch. However the Rovers had their Joker card in the team and he was no match for the big man Fuzz, who effortlessly glided in, bowling 80 mph rockets and ending up with 3 key wickets in the game. His second was a young, talented no.3 who roams the county circuit along with Dring. This was a strong school XI, with the majority being L6th… We look forward to welcoming them into our Cup side in a few years!

Other notable bowling performances came from recent leavers - Will “KP” Harris and Will “work horse” Marriage. The latter clearly had his porridge that morning, as he pumped his legs like a steam train for 8 overs, taking 1 wicket in the process. The former, unlike his doppelgänger from the 2005 Ashes, shaped it away nicely with his blonde ratstail blowing behind him on the notoriously windy Middle.

Pedro and TK played their usual part in tying up an end with consistent darts, which schoolboys always seem to struggle with. Peters never really looked like taking a wicket, but as self-appointed vice captain, he refused to come off. The sun was shining, and the Rovers needed wickets. Who was Tucks to look to?

The old reliable Packo had a lovely economy, but to no avail. There were 2 debutants within the ranks. Mr Jamie Maxwell, was a schoolboy all-round prodigy, but similarly to most when moving to London, forgot about his love of the red ball and became instead a seasoned LMS (Last Man Stands) veteran. This showed; with no breakthrough from Jamie but he was

happy at least to keep his economy under the normal 20 an over. Mr Ed “the farmer” Shires, delivered some lovely dibbly dobblies, one even fooled the opponent and the batsman was as shocked as Ed when he took the final wicket before the School declared.

217 was the total that needed to be chased down by the Rovers. A generous declaration and one that, with our stellar line up, everyone was confident about chasing down, as we enjoyed the ever present coronation chicken. It was Collo’s time to shine after his ‘Annus Horribilis’ the year before. It’s hard to keep the highest average of any Rover when your focus is on marriage and kids. He put the pads back on and trotted out with Ed Lewis. Alas, it didn’t last long for Collo, trapped LBW and triggered second ball for ‘0’. We’d love to say it wasn’t plumb, but the livecam caught it perfectly for all to see. “Rock ‘n’ Roll that umps, you can stick with your original decision, that is out!”

Tucks, in sooner than he expected and fearing that decision at the toss may have been his last as captain, realised he had to dig in. Luckily for him, Lewis up the other end was a proper opening batsman - a joy to watch. Together they put on a century partnership, with both passing 60, to get us into a strong position.

We were looking good at 140-1, especially with the talent sat in the hutch. However, little did we know that one of the all-time great Rovers’ collapses was ahead of us. The Rovers batting order didn’t lack any quality, or depth; it was common sense and patience that was missing. TK, Maxwell and Fuzz all made promising starts, before trying to send the ball into Highfield. Despite the best efforts of “KP” (Harris) and “The Workhorse” (Marriage), we fell 20 short, with a handful of overs remaining. A village end to what had been a great match. Next year the Rovers are

going to have to make sure they win, especially with it being the first game back on the Upper post the renovation. The questions is whether Freddie ‘Baz ball’ Tucker has done enough to keep his spot as captain...only time will tell.

Various OUs joined the team at the Falcon for evening dinner and refreshments to celebrate the Upper refurbishments. A big thank you must go to the school for hosting us. Uppingham cricket is going to have an important year and next year’s game promises to be a biggun!

Uppingham School

Uppingham Rovers

THE CRICKETER CUP 2023

1st Round v Rugby Meteors

The Close, June 11th 2023

On a glorious summer’s day, the Rovers travelled to Rugby to take on the Meteors.

Uppingham’s Captain Hughes elected to bowl first on a used wicket. Harry Funnell took the new ball and struck early in the second over, bringing England under 19s captain and Warwickshire player, Jacob Bethell, to the crease. The classy left hander started well, despatching Sprott for consecutive fours and it looked like he wanted to get on with

it when he charged Funnel in the next over, despatching him for a massive six straight over the sight screen.

An expensive Sprott was whipped out of the attack after just three overs and replaced by the enthusiastic Marriage making his cricketer cup debut. It was an inspired early change as Marriage delivered a beauty that pitched middle and took off stump to remove the dangerous Bethell. Even the Rugby faithful who had come out to watch seemed a little deflated as Bethel dragged himself off the park.

In truth, Rugby never really kicked on from their promising start as they then committed suicide with two run outs in quick succession. The first was a very sharp piece of fielding by Funnel which was followed by an even better bit of fielding at point by Wallis to run out Rugby’s opener Ed Beard for 26.

The runs dried up as both Uppingham spinners, Harris and Charlton, came on and rattled through the overs. Rugby struggled to break the shackles and wickets continued to tumble as Harris rushed, annoyed and occasionally bamboozled Rugby’s batters with a mixture of liquorice allsorts. Harris removed Rugby captain Wedgewood, who proved to be their last recognised batsman, as they limped to 154 all out in 38.3 overs.

It was always going to be a nervy chase on a turning deck. Uppingham sent out the experience of BB to accompany Stroud who it was good to see back playing after returning from a long-term knee injury.

Rugby started with the left arm spin of Robinson, who struck early by dismissing Stroud just before tea. BB and Funnel started to nudge the score along in tricky spinning conditions before a brain fade from BB had him running past the turning ball, leaving the score at 41-2 and the match finely balanced shortly after the tea break.

Rugby Meteors

E Beard run out Sam Wallis 26

P Clarke ct A Stroud

S Choudhary

C Wedgwood b Harris

E Robinson ct Bennett-Baggs b Funnell 16

F Fowler ct A Stroud b Rogers 15

O Phillips not out 5

Z Aulakh ct Bennett-Baggs b Marriage

This brought captain Hughes to the crease, clearly intent on keep the score moving along with Funnel who seemed to be growing in confidence. Hughes was then caught for 8 in the deep, with Rodgers the next man in. The partnership that followed proved vital as Funnel began to play some glorious straight drives against the pace of Rugby’s promising young fast bowler Freddie Fowler, son of Uppingham’s Ed, who watched on with split allegiances.

Funnel was well supported by Rodgers who manipulated spin very well with a variety of sweeps and paddles. Funnel was now in full aggression mode and Rugby’s heads began to drop as the target got closer. In the end it was a comfortable 6-wicket win for the Rovers. Funnel fell for an excellent and match winning 90 just before Harris arrived at the crease to smash the wining boundary, leaving Rodgers at the non-striker’s end for a well-played 34 not out.

A good job, well done, left The Rovers looking forward to a home tie in the second round.

Uppingham Rovers

C

THE CRICKETER CUP 2023

2nd Round v Old Cliftonians

The Middle, June 25th

Fresh from Round 1 success, we looked forward to a home tie against a largely unknown Old Cliftonians side on The Middle. The last time we were drawn against each other, Rovers won without bowling a ball. With both scheduled dates rained off, DJK was in charge of the coin toss, conducted over the phone. Sadly for Clifton, their skipper called incorrectly.

The nucleus of the team that defeated Rugby Meteors was re-assembled. One notable absentee was skipper Hughes – Henry managing to injure his back the previous day. BB stepped up to lead a team that still had a very strong appearance to it. Prospects looked even more promising at the scheduled start of play, as only 8 Cliftonians were present due to various rail issues out of London.

Unsurprisingly, having won the toss on this occasion, Clifton chose to bat. Their openers enjoyed themselves on a very decent looking wicket, in glorious sunshine and a stiff breeze blowing down the ground. That said, this was a ‘serious’ Rovers opening attack comprising Pip Jackson and Harry Funnell. Great to see these two operating in tandem. It was tough, however, as the first wicket put on 69 in quick time, before Funnell dismissed Yates, smartly caught by Will Rogers.

Will Marriage joined the attack and soon trapped their No 3 lbw for a duck. Another half century stand followed for the 3rd wicket before Jackson dismissed Clifton’s opener for an impressive 76 off 67 balls. Otto Esse and Ben Harris came together and did a great job

to stem the flow of runs, taking a wicket each in quick succession. Will Rogers completed our spin triumvirate in what was actually an incredibly well balanced Rovers attack.

A stubborn 6th wicket partnership frustrated Rovers’ progress, but the run rate now, at least, felt under control. Once Will Marriage had bowled Clifton’s captain for 51, the rest of the innings saw wickets fall at regular intervals for a final total of 242 off 47 overs. Ben Harris was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 38 off 8 overs. Otto also bowled very tidily and wickets were spread amongst all the bowlers.

The feeling during the interval was certainly positive given our batting, the nature of the wicket and a quick outfield. 243 to win felt very gettable, all things considered. But we’ve been here before….

We got exactly the start we wanted and needed – a steady half century between Charlie Sale and Sam ‘Turbo’ Smith, before Sam was bowled for 25 by Clifton’s wily old pro –Rupert Sweetman. Funnell and Jackson never really got going, both dismissed in frustrating fashion. However, Rogers came in and looked very assured as Charlie continued to nudge and nurdle and chip away at Clifton’s total. All was looking very comfortable as these two added 69 together, until Will inexplicably chipped

an innocuous delivery behind square for a simple catch. One of those ‘what have I done’ moments for sure, although there was still plenty of batting to come. 78 needed with 6 wickets in hand. Ben Harris then fell to another catch attempting a hit over the top. But no need to panic as the evergreen BB strode to the crease to join Charlie Sale who continued to look untroubled.

Sensing Rovers still had the upper hand, Clifton’s captain turned to his opening bowler, Ballard, to ‘make something happen’. And that he did, with a match winning spell that ripped the heart out of the rest of our innings. Charlie Sale was bowled for a really well constructed 78, having looked in very little trouble until that point. Otto then quickly followed –somewhat unfortunate to be given out LBW for 2 but we still had BB and while he was there, we were in with a shout.

Then Barber struck again with Rovers still 11 shy of our target, bowling BB for 28. Sadly Jamie Maxwell, making his cricketer cup debut, couldn’t get us over the line. Our last two wickets only added another run between them as we were bowled out for 232 with 8 balls remaining.

And so we ended up 10 runs short. Unbelievably frustrating and very definitely a game we should have won with the firepower at our disposal against a Clifton side appearing to be carrying a couple of passengers at least.

On the positive side, the Middle did us proud; it looked a picture and played extremely well. And we have the makings of a very competitive Cricketer Cup team/squad which we can hopefully keep together and indeed add to, with some excellent cricketers coming out of the school over the coming years.

OTHER FIXTURES 2023

Uppingham Rovers v The Guards CC

At Burton Court, June 24th 2023

On a sunny London morning, cricket enthusiasts and fervent supporters of Uppingham Rovers and The Guards CC eagerly gathered at the picturesque Burton Court. The air was charged with anticipation as both sides geared up for a riveting encounter that promised a display of skill, strategy, and unwavering sportsmanship. The historic grounds of Burton Court set behind the Chelsea Barracks, SW1 is an incredible stage for a cricket match, with both sets of players ready to showcase their prowess and determination in pursuit of victory.

Amidst the disciplined ranks of trained army soldiers, the cricket field transforms into a battlefield of a different kind, where strategic

minds and precision meet. Seeing the challenge and athleticism of the opposition, skipper and match manager for the day Chris BennettBaggs strategically decided to bowl first. Seeing the sun ablaze, light on bowling and a stacked bar, he figured the afternoon session would be much more enjoyable from the boundary rope.

The Guards CC innings unfolded with early setbacks as wickets tumbled in quick succession. S. Whait was the first casualty, departing with the score at 7 bowled by the young and talented Rover, William Marriage whose personality was in keeping with the wartime and spy theme of the day. Whait’s departure made way for M. Khan to join E. Tait at the crease. The pair couldn’t withstand the Rovers bowling for long, as our guest for the day, Charlie Gibson, removed Khan’s off stump, sending fragments of bails to the boundary.

E Tait and O Grenville stuck around for a little time, bedding-in on the front line, as the skipper Baggs made some tactical changes quickly, bringing his big game players, Will Barrow and Chris Timm into the fold, hoping for some cobwebs from two rust rifles. Alas, The Guards CC order continued to crumble as

the Rovers metronome, Chris Timm, struck once and Will Barrow twice, removing O. Grenville, Muazzam Khan, and E. Tait – reducing The Guards to 37-5.

Looking at the lunchtime spread, The Rovers really didn’t want to rush proceedings, and just like Edmund Blackadder, the onfield committee, looking to secure the fixture for a second year at Burton Court, hatched a cunning plan.

With the more than capable Guards CC skipper and fellow Rover, George Cazlet (Meadhurst 03) at the crease, it was time for some crafted and respectful puppeteering. Unfortunately for Henry Hamilton’s loopy offspin, it meant he was the most uneconomical bowler of the day, being dispatched to all corners of Chelsea. Cazlet hitting 5 fours, and G Barnes 2. Thankfully, as with every sacrificial offering the Gods listened and rewarded Hamilton with not 2, but 3 key wickets, removing Barnes, Cazlet and Wetacott in successive overs. 78-8, and the cunning plan was again falling apart. T Bennett and J Coles, took the Guards CC score to 90 all out from just 24.1 overs. Ben Kennedy and Rob Barrow getting the last few overs in for The Rovers.

Lunch was truly incredible. No ration packs here at all. The food spread laid on by the Guards CC and their caterers was exceptional

and a clear reflection as to why corporate day fixtures at Burton Court go for a pricey sum. Supporters of both sides were out in force and for the Rovers reading this report, the fixture is in the diary for 2024 on Saturday 24th of June. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to bring boundary picnics to enjoy the day.

Once the Umpires had their fill of scones, cream and jam, and knowing they were on a day rate not an hourly one, they were quick to get both sides ready to go and back out to battle.

The Rovers opened with Ed Lewis and Jamie Maxwell, with clear instructions from the match managers on both sides to ‘play the game’, conscious of securing the ground and fixture in 2024. Like most Rovers, both Lewis and Maxwell (and TK) failed to read the exam question and knowing that the Rovers had a bar tab to use at the Thomas Cubitt that evening, were keen to get on with things.

Lewis showed some great restraint as he planted his foot and played straight before succumbing to the bowling of O Grenville, who caught him on the crease for 7 runs from 9 balls, LBW.

Without discussion and after some of the easier Rovers runs on offer ‘for the book’, Tom Kennedy joined Jamie Maxwell in the middle of this fantastic ground and proceeded to let loose on the attack. Without drawing comparison to war zones, TK and Maxwell dismantled the bowling of the Guards CC, who had a tiny total to defend. Maxwell hit the winning runs, taking The Rovers past the total of 90, from 17.5 overs and in doing so, winning the fixture by 9 wickets.

This was the first fixture vs The Guards CC that the Rovers has played. It was a brilliant day and we look forward to making this an annual occasion and a London gathering for the Rovers.

& bowled

Uppingham Rovers v I Zingari (Australia)

At The Memorial Ground, Eastbourne College, July 13th

On a dry and windy day in Eastbourne, an Australian Captain won their nation’s first and only toss of the summer and elected to bat on what looked like a hard and slow pitch. Glatman’s Rovers side were an eclectic mix, filled for once with considerably more bowling than batting. The new ball was thrown Regis’s way for his first bowl on the south coast since last summer where he was hauled out of the attack by the same skipper having got the ‘yips’ during a 14 ball over on College Field.

This would be a very different over, finding some inwards movement third ball and pinging the poor opener on the front pad, who now had nothing more than a 21 hour flight home the next day to think about after his dismissal.

The fantastic start for the Rovers was a false dawn. The IZ top order proceeded to take apart an inconsistent and bizarrely weary Rovers attack, adding 50 for the second wicket, when eventually Charlton turned one past the inside edge and the pillaging Gibb was stumped by a gleeful Glatman.

The Australians’ third wicket partnership was fruitful, adding 130 at close to a run a ball. This partnership was helped by no less than 6 dropped catches by a wasteful and weary looking Rovers side. The mature Lovell, who had clearly played a strong standard of cricket before the turn of the millennium, looked at home as he cut and pulled the wayward and youthful attack. He was ably supported by Apps at number 4 who looked comfortable on the slow track with a run a ball 50.

Finally the breakthrough came, with Stroud, who undoubtably was the pick of the Rovers’ bowlers seeing a length ball plinked to Debenham who was patrolling the infield and eventually a catch was taken.

Regius returned to finish his spell and picked up two quick wickets to briefly shift the momentum, but the IZ kept going thanks to a quickfire, undefeated 37 from match day captain, Hardy, who would struggle to look more like a stereotypical Australian if he tried. The IZ continued to pillage and plunder the young Rovers bowlers, eventually setting a daunting total of 262 from their 40 overs. Debenham managed to burgle his wicket, bowling the 40th over, which was a relief for his travelling fans.

The Rovers’ trusty south coast opening pair of Glatman and Watson were met by the IZ tour captain Hodge who was bowling some crafty leg spin. The opening pair struggled to get into their stride with the spin from one end and canny medium pace from the other causing problems on the sticky track. The 50-partnership was bought up in the 12th over. The gears started to shift and boundaries flowed until the momentum was stalled when Glatman flicked a leg stump half volley straight to deep backward square leg who intercepted the ball over his head before it crossed the boundary.

Watson followed shortly after, with the score on 80, when he missed a straight one and was LBW. Stroud at number 3 showed strong resistance with a gutsy and powerful 68 at better than a run a ball but could not find the support from the other end, and was eventually dismissed with the score on 183, and the required rate touching 11 runs per over. Charlton was dismissed cheaply, with Coulson and Wheeler in the middle order finding starts but nothing significant. Shires’s more agricultural technique saw a boundary struck through square leg before he was well caught, as the game started to slip away. Hoppo’s heroics from years gone by were not to be seen today sadly.

There was a lusty blow from Regis in the dying embers, but the Rovers’ pursuit of the tricky total on the sticky pitch came to a rather disappointing end, all out for 207. It was very much a day of what could have been. Multiple dropped catches, batsmen getting starts and not going on to get big runs, and wayward bowling all contributing to a mediocre Rovers performance. Many congratulations to the IZ on a successful tour – a joy to play, competitive and ruthless. Hopefully we will have more scraps on the south coast in the future, but for now its g’day.

I Zingari Australia

W

Uppingham Rovers

Charterhouse Cricket Festival

At Charterhouse 14th,15th July

Over the years there have been a number of different methods that Cricket has used to decide the match outcome when conventional play is not possible. So it was somewhat inevitable that the new ‘tour’ format, based at Charterhouse, was ultimately thwarted by adverse weather and soggy wicket ends!

Our glorious leader, TK, had worked hard over the Winter to find opposition who were keen to carry on the traditions of this wonderful form of cricket. After all, we get to play on great pitches in magnificent surroundings that make it so worthwhile. The Eastbourne Tour has very sadly but understandably run its course as other schools have struggled for a while to get teams together and it has largely been left to the Rovers to seek a new model.

We set off to Godalming, excited at the prospect of a four-way festival, only to find that it was the Rovers v Charterhouse in T20 and then 40 over formats as the two other teams (who will remain nameless) had dropped out! It was a great frustration that the rain decided to ruin the fun, rendering the whole cricket programme a washout.

Never daunted by such disappointment, the two teams decided that any competitive bragging rights should still be settled one way or another. Charterhouse’s footballing history meant a kick about would not be fair and an ice hockey match was deemed too dangerous, so a number of lanes at the local bowling alley were hastily booked and the battle was on.

Singles, teams and the bowling equivalent of foursomes were arranged in a Ryder Cup style format and the competitive pride of representing your former school quickly rose to the surface. The Rovers got off to an excellent start in the singles, with plenty of

high fives and excited celebrations that opened up a healthy lead. This was shorted lived as Charterhouse clawed their way back into contention. In the final analysis it was clear that the Rovers had peaked a little early!

The author has no idea who performed with any note or, more likely, with no distinction at all. Suffice to say the fact that the golf ball was in play probably didn’t help as the games went on!

With no cricket to report on this year, this is the best that can be offered for the two days. However, there is a really exciting new formula for the future with Charterhouse (and the Jolly Farmer) offering a very good base for a weekend of cricket. Charterhouse are also keen and hopefully two other teams can be persuaded to join in. Like anything it takes commitment and TK needs our support to keep our great traditions going.

Andrew Lewin.

Floreat and solvitur ambulando

Current Player Statistics

AGW Lewin 143 34 4990 45.78 168

DJ Kennedy 142 19 4105 33.37 10

ER Fowler 101 15 3567 41.48 36

BP Aspell 82 16 1872 28.36 93

C Bennett Baggs 79 11 2391 35.16 2

SD Smith 71 11 1368 22.80 9

SW Peters 58 8 1253 25.06 12

CRJ Timm 56 23 452 13.70 150

SC Debenham 47 21 576 22.15 154

TJ Kennedy 47 7 1509 37.73 37

JN Beaumont 44 3 1126 27.46 2

AP Collins 31 5 1102 42.38 4

DC Wood 25 4 496 23.62 54

M Bird 25 6 307 16.16 56

O Esse 25 2 467 20.30 42

WG Hodson 24 7 299 17.59 64

H Hughes 23 0 700 30.43 0

C Paxton 21 5 230 14.38 30

B Kennedy 17 3 399 28.50 5

CC Stevens 17 3 271 19.36 0

J Barnett 16 0 473 29.56 3

C Symes 15 3 161 13.42 19

AJ Stroud 15 0 212 14.13 13

S Charlton 14 1 153 11.77 25

B Harris 13 1 285 23.75 17

R Perkins 12 3 106 11.78 19

F Tucker 11 2 349 38.78 0

W Rogers 10 0 261 26.10 14

H Barton 9 0 200 22.22 1

R Barrow 9 3 88 14.67 8

W Barrow 9 0 57 6.33 6

E Prior 9 4 36 7.20 22

H Glatman 9 0 321 35.67 0

J Hopkins 9 2 73 10.43 6

B Crowder 8 1 176 25.14 10

H Preston 8 0 106 13.25 3

Uppingham Rovers Cricket Club

Fixtures and Events 2024

Uppingham Weekend

Friday 24th May v Uppingham School (Upper)

Match/Event Manager

Freddie Tucker 07907 447826

Saturday 25th May Uppingham Rovers LMS Tournament (Middle) Freddie Tucker 07907 447826

Sunday 26th May v Rugby Meteors (Upper)

The Nicholson Cricketer Cup

Sunday 9th June v Haileybury Hermits (Away)

Sunday 30th June v Old Cranleighans or Marlborough Blues (Away)

Sunday 14th July 3rd Round (Away)

Sunday 28th July Semi Final (Home)

Sunday 11th August Final at Arundel

Other Fixtures

Saturday 29th June v The Guards CC at Burton Court

Friday 5th July

Saturday 6th July

Henry Hughes 07825 160908

Henry Hughes 07825 160908

Chris Bennett-Baggs 07780 728736

Charterhouse Cricket Festival at Charterhouse Tom Kennedy 07515 705223

Charterhouse Cricket Festival at Charterhouse Tom Kennedy

Sunday 7th July v The Frogs – Venue TBC Tom Kennedy

Golf Match

Thursday 6th June v OUGS at Luffenham Heath

Anthony Howeson 07879 818574

Please contact the match/event manager with your availability for any of the above.