Old Cliftonian Cricket Club – 2014
The Old Cliftonian cricket season started with the first round of the Cricketer Cup against Harrow
Wanderers, on The Close. The OCs won the toss and with a strong batting side elected to bat first.
Nick Stovold (33), Ben Figueirido (39) and George Kinsey (45) set a great platform for a good total
and although none could progress to a big score it allowed James Williams to play freely towards the
end of the innings, adding a quick 53. At the half way point the Old Cliftonians had amassed 245
which certainly gave the bowlers something to bowl at. The lack of bowling available was the most
likely downfall of the second innings with The OCs unable to make a break through until 95 runs had
been added to the scoreboard. With the 5 bowlers giving it their all they could only contain Harrow
until the 43rd over where they reached 248 and had won the match. A valiant effort and thank you to
all those who made themselves available this year.
The end of the school term, and usually the onset of torrential rain, spells the arrival of cricket week.
This year we were blessed with great weather again ensuring that we completed all 5 fixtures again.
The OCs welcomed the Clifton Badgers for their annual 20/20 evening game on the Monday. The
Badgers batted first and the OCs contained them very well to 108. The OCs response was a one man
show from Ben Figueirido however with 14 needed off the last over the pressure was on!! Ben hit
the first 4 balls for 4 runs each and ended up scoring a tremendous 91 of the 108 off just 67 balls!
After the thrills of Monday night, both on and off the field, Steve Scott brought his All Star XI to the
Close. The visitors batted first and although ex Gloucestershire Captain Tony Wright scored a classy
hundred the All Stars could only reach 171. George Harris was the pick of the bowling with 3-28 but
was well supported by J Davies and J Dilley with 2-38. When both the openers were out cheaply this
might well have been enough. Will Rudge, having defected to the opposition, managed to bowl
some unplayable deliveries in what were humid and overcast conditions. A short delay for rain
ensured we had a true run chase to decide this game with the OCs needing 128 off 22 overs. The
passing of the showers put an end to the swing that the bowlers were utilising well and Ben
Figueirido (58*) and Rupert Swetman (85) frustrated the All Star attack and their partnership of 131
took the game away from the visitors. A great game of cricket was followed up by a wonderful BBQ.
Thanks to Pipers Farm once again for their superb spread. It was also great to see many of the Bristol
Branch of the Old Cliftonians Society.
Wednesday saw the arrival of the Bedouins and the OCs in a position of two wins from two. Once
again this fixture brought controversy with the Bedouins electing to bat first and scored 210 off 54
overs. Ross Miller led with the ball with 3-50. This late declaration meant that the OCs only received
44 overs to chase down this total. A superb effort saw the OCs reach a commendable 184 with
Christian Walters smashing 85* and Will Greig, the villain of the week, chipping in with 53. A draw:
however a game we could have won if given the opportunity.
The annual visit of the Gloucester Gypsies is always welcomed. Availability of the OCs was low for
the Thursday after the week’s festivities. The Gypsies batted first and reached 249-7 in good time. H
Greenbury took 3-55. The OCs could only reach 144 unfortunately with Adam Fielder the highlight,
scoring 43 of these runs.
The OCs were delighted to entertain the Free Forresters again after the fixture against the School
had ceased to exist. Thanks to OC Babs Oduwole for arranging the rebirth of this fixture which has
certainly added to the week. The OCs decided batting first was the right option after drowning their
sorrows the previous evening. William Rudge and John Davies opened the batting and had the job of
setting a good platform. After Will was caught behind the OCs were in trouble at 4 for 2. Rupert
Swetman and guest G Botha set about a revival of the innings and their 105 partnership set the
platform for the middle order to play aggressively. The Forresters could not recover from 49 for 4
and with Will Rudge (3-11) and John Davies (3-19) bowling out of their skins the Forresters were
bowled out for 140.
All in all a very enjoyable week and it was great to see some old faces and some old cricket kit!! I feel
this year we saw more OCs than ever before and we would like to continue this trend. It was also
encouraging that some new school leavers were involved and this bodes well for The Cricketer Cup
which we must start to improve our performance in, this will be easier with an increase in
availability. Thanks again to John Davies and Will Greig for their organisation of cricket week and
their year round management of the club. Thanks also to Simon and Lucy for all their help in making
everything run smoothly.