The Official Newsletter of Ewell Ruxley Cricket Club

Issue No. 12 – June 2002

In the immortal words of Edmund Blackadder, “Do you know what irony is Baldrick?”

“Yes, it’s the same as goldy and bronzey, only made of iron”

Despite, Baldrick’s rather confused response, the essence of irony lies in the way that events unfold to produce an ironic conclusion; let me put it another way.

This is the story of a cricket team who have a strong and lengthy tradition in Surrey club cricket; a team who have enjoyed success, failure, eviction from their spiritual home and lived to tell the tale; a team who are currently financially secure; a team who, to date this season have won every game they have played, 6 out of 6 in the league and 4 out of 4 on Sundays, high days and holidays.

Yet this is also the Club for whom extinction is possibly only a season away; a Club who has increasingly had to cancel fixtures against long standing opponents; a team struggling to get 11 players on the pitch. It doesn’t make sense does it? Sounds familiar?

This is the stark reality of our current situation. This truncated issue of the Roar! is a special issue. It is all about us, about the future of our Club. Paul Goodall has laid out the salient points in his article. I urge you all to read it, digest it and agree the best way forward.

In my time as a self appointed Editor of the Roar!, I have always stressed that this is your Club, whether trying to cajole people on to the Committee or urge people to play. Now really is the time to stand up and be counted. Furthermore, I cannot stress strongly enough how important Club unity is at this time.

If the tragic deaths earlier this year of Ben Hollioake and Umar Rashid taught us anything, other than to reinforce our own mortality, it was to live for the now, to live for today. The situation today insists that we act rapidly or face extinction; it is that simple.

But back to irony...the irony of this, some would say inevitable situation, will not be lost on anyone with a long association with Ewell Ruxley Cricket Club. The solution presented to us all could find us playing our cricket back at Ruxley Lane. Isn’t it ironic?

From the Chair

Many of you will be aware that we have been struggling to field a full team on a number of occasions already this season. Adverts for players have been placed at libraries, Kingston University and local newspapers without a single enquiry. This has resulted in cancelling games at Wallington and Ottershaw, and finishing a league game with only eight players. After this game, against Deando, the possibility of a merger was discussed amongst some of our players. I took it upon myself to contact Neville Rainford, a Deando player and Secretary of the Kookaburra Fordham Surrey Cricket League. His initial reaction was very positive and he suggested that we meet up for a beer later in the week, along with Dave Bliss the Hon. Gen. Sec. of Deando CC.

We met and spent two hours discussing the possibility of a merger between the two clubs. Throughout our discussion, they were both very enthusiastic about the prospect, emphasising that they saw it as a step forward for both clubs. We discussed both the pitfalls and positive aspects. I left the meeting with the feeling that a merger could become a reality.

The way forward is as follows; Deando have a Committee meeting in the next few days, and our Committee will meet in early July. It has been suggested that three or four members from each Committee will then meet for a discussion about all the issues that have arisen. If both Committees still felt a merger was in the best interests of their clubs, then EGM's (Extraordinary General Meetings) would be called.

Please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Frank Ford if you would like to discuss any points, or have any questions you feel the Committee should raise with Deando. I have already indicated that we would want a new name signifying the two merged clubs. They currently run two Saturday and two Sunday teams and would welcome the chance to keep the University ground at Tolworth Court, if possible. They still have pitch problems at Ruxley Lane and a 'strained' relationship with Old Haileybarians. They have a one year rolling lease, but are trying to negotiate a seven year lease to give them security, which would result in money being spent to improve playing conditions at Ruxley Lane.

Obviously these are very early days, but I feel a merger would be a positive step, and would enable our members to continue playing together in the same club. I don't think Ewell Ruxley can survive much longer without an influx of players, and this does not seem likely. Deando is a likeable club which is run in a similar way to our days back at Ruxley Lane. They have invited us to enter a team in their annual six a side tournament on 10th July. Everyone is welcome and this will give us an excellent chance to reacquaint ourselves with the ground and facilities. Hopefully we will have a good turnout and I'm looking forward to this and the discussions that will follow in the coming months.

Paul Goodall

In The News ………....

Six a side competition at Deando

As the Paul mentioned in his article, we have entered a team in to the Deando six a side competition on the 10th July, a team which I believe is good enough to win the competition. Why not take a half days holiday and come down to Ruxley Lane to support the boys. The bar is open all day and for those who do not know Ruxley Lane, it will be a chance to see the ground and for those who do know the ground, a chance to renew old acquaintances.

A warm welcome back to the fold to Darryl Mundy after an absence of 15 years. Daryl, via a circuitous route returned to the Club recently and one of his first tasks was to hit the winning runs in a top victory over Old Tens, always a sweet victory.

Last Sunday saw the 10th win in Ruxley’s unbeaten season with a comfortable 5 wicket win over much fancied and very youthful Hampton Wick Royal. After Phil Hales put them in, Hampton made a painstaking and painful 138 all out in a massive 52.1 overs with all our bowlers putting in a great effort. Phil Woolston saw us home with 61* and plenty of overs to spare.

Letters

Dear Frank

Having played for Ewell Ruxley CC for almost 25 years, I find this letter very hard to write but I suppose it had to happen eventually.

Moving to Reading (60 miles for a home game), having my two wonderful children, and all the demands that go with an international jet set lifestyle have finally taken their toll on the old Malandrone “joire de vivre” (I think he means “joie de vivre”. Ed)

It is therefore with great regret that I must announce to all my old chums and playing members that after much deliberation, I have had all my hair cut off. I am afraid there will be no more Billy Connelly jokes or cries of “Behold the Messiah” from the opposition, no more fun and games in the shower with enormous Mohican hair styles being made with the aid of shampoo, no more Francis Debinden impressions and no more holding my hair over the more folically challenged in our ranks to remind them of days long gone. I have of course kept the lopped locks and they will shortly be available in a special presentation gift pack. However, stocks are limited as a big anonymous order has already been received from the Isle of Wight, and also Phil Woolston is having a special new chest wig made. So, as I say, best be quick with those orders.

Deb thinks I look like David Essex, Mark Ridout thinks David Hasselhof, I will leave you to make up your own minds, but one thing I beg of you all, just please recognise me unlike my Mother who called the Police when I went round to her house and let myself in the other day. Happy New Ears.

Mallers

P.S. Barry’s letter in the Christmas Roar! did make me chortle; has he been composing that since the Roar began?

Dear Frank,

Thanks for the fixture card. It always reminds me how much I miss it all. I would like to think that I will get over to watch a couple of games, but it never seems to happen for one reason or another.

I hope to get down on Tour for at least a couple of days.

I couldn’t manage without my copy of the Roar! So please find enclosed my social subs.

See you soon,

Best regards,

Bob Carey

And Finally ………....

This won’t be the final issue of The Roar! but the number of articles letters etc. coming through has been remarkably thin. You have proved in the past that there are wordsmiths out there apart from Mallers, the Chair and Phil Hales so get writing! See you on the 10th July for a beer at Ruxley Lane.

Frank Ford

Editor

The Official Newsletter of Ewell Ruxley Cricket Club

Issue No. 2 – 13th August , 1998

Well, it seems you can’t argue with results and by all accounts, my humble little offering was well received, one distinguished member being moved to say what a pleasure it was to come home and find the Roar waiting there on the doormat. In this issue we will be dealing with various items of interest including the first letter to the Editor, a first hundred for one long standing member and a catch of quite breathtaking brilliance by the Sunday Skip!

Also, in the recent issue of ACU&S magazine (Association of Cricket Umpires & Scorers) called very imaginatively “How’s That?” there was an article called Popular Misconceptions which 1 have photocopied ( Xeroxed for you Pete - Ed). I am sure that you will all find this article very interesting and would personally refer the Sunday Skip to point 13.

IN THE NEWS ………....

Congratulations are due to Barry Churchhouse for his maiden century for the club against Valley End on 2nd August, no less impressive due to the fact that it was achieved in the presence of Royalty; well a member of Queen was there to witness it.

I wasn’t privileged to be there myself but by all accounts the acceptance speech and banter afterwards in the bar was worthy of Richard Attenborough’s famous speech after receiving an Oscar for Ghandi! Reliable sources close to our valiant centurion revealed that during the epic knock, on wandering down the wicket for a chat between overs, expecting words of wisdom and tactical nouse from Barrington, was greeted in the middle with the immortal words “Have you seen The Sunday Sport today?” Oh well , plus ca change... .

Most of you by now will be thinking that I have been at the G&T’s by writing about a stunning catch by the Sunday Skip last Sunday against Old Latymerians; well this time I was there when Phil (Jonty) Hales took off at short extra cover and plucked the ball one handed out of the air to send their opener back to the pavilion with his tail between his legs.

Congratulations to Phil Woolston on his first ton of the season against Isleworthians in the League last Saturday. Phil and big Mike Halsall saw us home with an unbroken stand of 153, Phil ending on 111* and Mike on 44* (jug avoidance).

It was a good weekend for Ruxley starting with a win over the old enemy Chessington on Friday, the last day of their cricket week. The day was concluded with a splendid BBQ reviving memories for all of us of our own BBQ’s at Ruxley Lane, but the day belonged to Peter Boyle who bowled unchanged for 23 overs, taking 6-26 . Good to see the Chairman behind the stumps again claiming a couple of victims. Watch that back, Chair.

Saturday, as already mentioned, was a win against Isleworthians and Sunday gave us our third win out of three against Latymerians, Tony Alldis with 58 and the Chairman with 47* seeing us home chasing 169.

SURREY FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP?

With all the euphoria surrounding England’s excellent victory over South Africa let us not forget that Surrey are currently topping the Championship and propping up the 40 over AXA league. Too many of us have witnessed far too many false dawns to believe that Surrey will eventually lift the trophy for the first time since John Edrich’s side of 1971, but the portents are certainly good and in Saqlain Mustaq, Surrey undoubtedly have the best spinner in the Championship. If you fancy a day out at the cricket to see Surrey play, don’t forget that the Club has 5 free tickets available to Ruxley members. See me for more details.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear E.R.C.C Folk ,

Firstly, thank you for all your kind words, cards and fab flowers on the birth of Frankie Mailers. I could tell that he liked them because he filled his nappy when l showed them to him. Fatherhood can be thoroughly recommended, although my availability may suffer as a result, quality days, trips to the farm etc. you know how it is. I have drawn up a Fantasy Ruxley XI for the year 2013 and it looks quite strong maybe we should look for a fixture against a Surrey Championship side that weekend.

• Goodall

• Alldis

• Drake

• Greig

• Malandrone

• Summers

• Young

• Skates

• Boyle

• Young

plus any one from

Goodall

Greig

Summers

Young

Much love.

Mailers, Deb and Frankie

Dear Mailers, Deb and Frankie

In my official capacity as Secretary of Ewell Ruxley as well as self-appointed Editor of this august journal, may I take this opportunity to congratulate you and Deb on the arrival of Frankie (great name!) and to wish all of you every success in the future.

Yours,

The Editor

EXTRAS

Congratulations go to Eddie Drake on the inclusion of his father Ted Drake in the 100 top players of all time in the Football League, selected by sports writers in England.

Still no further news on the subject of the ground at Tolworth Court. Have any of the Dons followers in the Ruxley ranks heard anything on the grapevine?

With regard to Tour next year, it is as you were for 1999. The fixtures will be as they were this year with one last chance being given to Hurnbridge who let us down at the last minute this year.

On the subject of Tour, can any member help us clear up when the first tour to Bournemouth took place. I would like to know out of personal interest and also it would be a shame to miss any milestones, (25th, 30th year etc.) When last 1 spoke to Charlie Sime, our man in Istanbul, I recall that Charlie felt the first tour to Bournemouth was in the early 70’s which if this is the case, a 30th Anniversary Tour is not far away. Let me know if you have any details and a fixture list for that first tour would be interesting as well.

Anyone concerned about the health of Paul Philips, our man in Dar Es Salam, in the aftermath of the recent bombing there, need not be concerned. Paul, Angie and the kids were in the West country at the time, visiting the in-laws.

AND FINALLY……...

Mailers and Skatesy are interested in doing a Blues Brothers and putting the band back together. Details are sketchy as yet, but it is likely be at Decca’s late in the season. Watch this space.

So another issue comes to an end and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have compiling it. I will probably look to put out an end of season / early Autumn issue so get those letters coming. In particular, 1want to hear from our overseas players; what’s happening in Antwerp? And a word from our Welsh correspondent wouldn’t go amiss.

Frank Ford

Issue No. 1 - June, 1998

This is the first edition of what hopefully will become a regular feature during the year, a method of keeping in touch, communicating events and occasions to all Ruxley members wherever they are. How regular this becomes will depend on many factors, not least being the amount of time1can devote to it, the interest shown by the members and most importantly, the contribution from the members. What I envisage is a newsletter, a bulletin board, a short two sided affair put out three maybe four times a year. In time, we may develop something more complex and involve colour and visuals, but for the time being this proto-type will suffice and judging on the response, take it from there. I want to encourage articles and comments from all members, including our overseas contingent, specifically but not exclusively on cricket in general and Ewell Ruxley Cricket Club.

THREE STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT……

The fixture against Xxxxxxxxx is against their 2nd XI and not their 1st XI as was originally scheduled. Nothing is simple where Xxxxxxxxx C.C. is concerned. Having cancelled the game against us last year due to a lame excuse concerning the state of their pitch, they did the same this year due to the fact that their 1st XI play in the Evening Standard knockout competition for senior clubs within the M25 and they won their first round game. So, instead of playing their 1st XI we now have a fixture against their 2nd XI on the 7th June starting at 14.00 at their ground. I got a call from the skipper of their 2’s who was slightly miffed to be trekking across London for a fixture with their home ground vacant, due to their 1st XI playing away, and we got the call.

On the subject of fixtures, the Windlesham fixture which was rained off at the beginning of the season has been rescheduled for Sunday 23rd August at their ground, 14.00 start.

Thank you to all the eagle eyes who spotted my deliberate (?) error on the fixture cards this season. The August Bank Holiday is in fact the 31st this year and not the 24th as per the card. The real / revised schedule should read as follows:

Saturday 22nd August    Beddington Village  Home   14.00

Sunday 23rd August  Windlesham             Away   14.00

Monday 31st August Normandy                Away   14.00

SURREY CRICKET BOARD

Under the new cricket regime in England and Wales, The Surrey Cricket Association has been replaced by the Surrey Cricket Board and in line with this, Ewell Ruxley are members. The most notable benefit amongst many of being a member of the Surrey Cricket Board is that we get 5 tickets for the Oval to see any Surrey 1st XI County Championship or AXA 40 over game during the season (with a couple of day/night exceptions).

These tickets are available to any Ruxley member so if you want to support Surrey cricket, see me and I’ll let you have the tickets. Alas these tickets cannot be used for any of the knock-out competitions nor for the Test Match.

ON THE MOVE?

Rumours abound as to the future of Tolworth Court, our home ground that we rent from Kingston University. From our very first dealings with the Poly (well it was a Polytechnic when I was there! Ed.) they have made it very clear that they would sell it for development if they could, as the usage by the students, certainly during the summer months was minimal. It now appears that the latest threat comes from none other than Wimbledon Football Club who are looking at purchasing Tolworth Court and turning it in to a centre of excellence for youth development. I spoke with Roy the groundsman who said that off the record, the Dons were very keen to sign the deal, but nothing was certain as yet. The ramifications as far as we are concerned are obvious. To play league cricket we need a home ground, and next year would be the 3rd year of our 2nd three year tenure there. Reading between the lines and taking in to account a recent phone call from the University asking about our agreement, I feel that it is more than speculation, and as the saying goes there is no smoke without fire. So we need to be aware of two things, firstly that we may have to find a new home ground for the 2000 season, and secondly ask any Dons members in the Club to keep their ears to the ground.

EXTRAS

Congratulations to our Chairman for winning the Clubman of the year Award at the recent AGM and for being recognised by the newly named Kookaburra / Fordham League for his contribution to the League over the years in the form of an article on his career. Copies of the League handbook are still available. See Paul or myself.

Mallers is doing a top job as Team Sec. Please remember to help him by thinking ahead and letting him know your availability for forthcoming games. Equally important, please let both Pete and myself know if you change address, home/work phone number etc. it makes keeping in touch a lot easier.

I have been approached by the Epsom and Ewell local paper to file a report on our games over the weekend. The report only has to be 150 words but needs to be faxed through to their offices by Tuesday. Any volunteers? You would need access to a fax machine.

We will be looking to do our winter get together again this year. It is obviously some way off, but if you know of anywhere that would suit, let me know.

The world wide web has plenty to offer the cricket lover. The best web site I have found (cricket web site that is) is www.cricket.org

So that’s it for issue number 1. Hopefully there will be more, but I stress that this will depend on the response, so don’t let apathy find a home in your heart and contribute to issue number 2 of the Ruxley Roar!

Frank Ford    Editor 1st June, 1998