A week earlier it was looking rather grim because after all the spring rain the ground was pretty soggy and the grass was very long! But some good drying weather during the week, and some heroic efforts by groundsman Adrian Wykes turned the Schuman Farm garden and the Oval cricket ground into a perfect venue for a splendid family gathering of the Oxford and Cambridge friendly foes!
I now unashamedly crib from Adrian’s splendid Luxembourg Cricket Federation Junior Blog about the event:
“Sun! 22 players! Cricket!
Many juniors and dads were involved in the Oxford versus Cambridge match at Évrange on Saturday 9th June, which was graced with a gloriously sunny afternoon. Over thirty spectators saw Oxford just pip Cambridge in the last over to level the series following Cambridge’s win last year. But the main aim was to have fun, and that was certainly achieved, thanks, not least, to the pre-match Pimms and barbecue enjoyed in the Schuman farm gardens next door.
Cambridge scored 101-4 in their 15 overs (Chris Brealey 25*, Peter Welch 12, Lydie Wykes 17*, Simon Norcross 14, Angus Macrae 1-17, Roderick Dunnett 1-17, Peter Brealey 0-11). In reply Oxford could boast three retired players (Peter Brealey 20, Angus Macrae 25, and Tim Upton 23) while the Wykes family monopolised the wickets (Lydie 2-6, Stella 2-8, and Adrian 2-13).Cambridge skipper Norcross was surprised to see the non-appearance of numbers 10 and 11 (they get the Johnson-Bullingdon Award) which allowed opposition skipper Angus Macrae back in to hit the winning runs* despite Rebecca Welch’s spirited efforts. But all ended amicably, and many said they were already looking forward to next year!
A champagne moment; Andrée Upton catches Hervé Hansen off Lydie Wykes – a cracker!”
(* Was it not Tim Upton who swept the winning six over the leg-side boundary? -Ed.)
Once again thanks to our hosts, the Wykes’ family, for allowing us to trample over their splendid domaine. It is an extraordinary place for us to have such fun!!
