Rhubarb 2021

ST EDWARD’S

MARTYRS v CRYPTICS On Sunday 18th July the Martyrs enjoyed their first ‘friendly’ fixture for over two years against one of their traditional ‘Cricket Week’ opponents, the Cryptics Cricket Club. On a glorious summer’s day, a strong Martyrs XI won the toss and elected to bat. Following the early loss of Martyrs CC (and Cryptics CC) stalwart Ed Montague (D, 1987-92) for just 2, Archie Blanchard and Ben Jacobs put on 57 for the second wicket. Following Blanchard’s departure, Jacobs was joined by Martyrs debutant and 2021 Leaver Eliot Hyman (H, 2019-21), who together put on a run-a-ball 69 partnership. Jacobs was eventually dismissed for a fine 76 (off 79 balls), which triggered an all too familiar Martyrs batting collapse, with the score going from 134-2 to 153-6 inside 6 overs.Thankfully Will Bull, with able support from the tail, steadied the ship with 45 and helped guide the Martyrs to an imposing 267-8 declared. In reply, the Cryptics, thanks in part to some rather erratic bowling from Chris Asembo (H, 2008-13), got off to an excellent start – putting on a 75-run opening partnership. However, with the loss of their openers, to Charlie Shipperley and the impressive Tom Powell (H, 2013-18), within 9 balls of one another, the Cryptics run-chase slowed significantly, before grinding to almost a complete halt. Wickets were shared around, but despite some very generous(!) bowling from Tom Leeson and some attacking field placements, the Cryptics successfully batted out for the draw, eventually reaching 144-7. The Martyrs hope to be able to return to a more extensive list of fixtures next season, including a tour to Brighton in late May and participation in the HarrowWanderers T20 tournament, in addition to those reported above. If you would like to be kept informed of future events and fixtures and added to the Martyrs Cricket mailing list, please contact the OSE Office (ose @ stedwardsoxford.org) . RuairiWillis (F, 2008-13) Martyrs Cricket Representative OSE XI v UPPINGHAM ‘OLD BOYS’ XI On Saturday 24th July I was lucky enough to return to Teddies and, in particular, to Upper 1 to captain an OSE XI (consisting largely of 2010 Leavers) in a 20-over fixture against a predominantly Uppingham ‘old boys’ XI. Sadly, in posting a total of 216, the Uppingham ‘old boys’ XI (with two 50+ scores from their two non-Uppingham old boys!), were too strong for the OSE XI as we battled to a valiant 178-4 at the close. Another enjoyable day on Upper 1 and great to have so many recent Leavers among our ranks.

the pink off the one-day ball, with a good supporting slog of 36 from Jonathan Grant (H, 2005-10).

It was brilliant to be back at the School and see the remarkable building developments in both the Quad and on Field Side.Thank you to Head of Cricket, Rob Craze, Peter Swainson (F, 1995-00) and the OSE Office for helping to facilitate the game and to Bob Bowerman and his team for preparing Upper 1 so beautifully!

Will Calder (G, 2005-10)

MARTYRS

JOHNWOODCOCK MEMORIAL JohnWoodcock (G, 1940-45) was a huge Kneeling: Sam McGirr (H, 2005-10), Ben Addoo (A, 2005-10),William Calder (G, 2005-10), Non-OSE, Josh Richardson (A, 2005-2010), Non-OSE, Alex Niblett (current pupil), Non-OSE Standing: Peter O’Sullivan (A, 2004-09), Johnny Grant (H, 2005-10), Johnny Ratcliffe (G, 2005-10),Tom Harding (F, 2005-10), All others Non-OSE, except Tom Niblett (current pupil), second in from the right

supporter of the Martyrs Cricket Club, playing for the Club for many years after he left St Edward’s in 1945, helping to facilitate our entry to the Cricketer Cup in 1969 and acting as President from 1969 to 2012 He supported the Cricketer Cup side (along with his great friend Derek Henderson (A, 1939-44) with a glass in hand well into his late 80s.

The Club plans to celebrate John’s life and particularly his contribution to Martyrs Cricket by arranging a memorial Cricket match on Upper 1 over a weekend in May / June next year. The details have yet to be finalised, but if you would like to be involved as a player or spectator, please email the OSE Office at ose @ stedwardsoxford.org to register your interest.

Pete O’Sullivan (A, 2007-09) was the pick of the OSE XI scoring 68 runs across two(!) innings and knocking most of

Gideon Hudson (B, 1958-63) President, Martyrs Cricket Club

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