It was wonderful to welcome Old Westbournians and their wonderful supporters to the OW Cricket. Our youngest OWs included six fab cricketers who left last year, and others came from the 2010, 2000, 1990 and 1980 vintages. We even welcomed back one Old Westbournian who currently lives in Dubai (a very happy coincidence that he was visiting family over the weekend)!
We played an exciting 100 ball match with mixed teams headed up by Sam Tod and Cameron Franks. The mixed team made for very fun game play with many great catches, gripping moments, fast bowling and a lot of balls heading off into the Boundaries. We think the 1st XI pitch might have felt smaller than it did back in the day! The crowd (and players) particularly enjoyed Anoushka Gadsby nipping one back off the seam to take out Henry Adair caught behind and Murray Carter reverse sweeping for 6 to set up a grand stand finish. One was needed off the last ball, and Emily Stewart duly struck the winning run for Sam's team.
Players and spectators enjoyed delicious Pimm's, strawberries and cream and some great reminiscing.
We plan to make this an annual Old Westbournian event so do come and join us next year - all standard and ages welcome.
In the meantime, any keen cricketers please email Sam Tod - old.westbournian@westbournehouse.org. Sam helps organise a few 40 + over touring games for Old Westbourne / Shopwyke Strollers team each year.
