Anthony Nolan Trust - Victor Stairmand End of Season Fundraiser Match

Anthony Nolan Trust - Victor Stairmand End of Season fundraiser match

There were two great games of cricket on a perfect day at Woollams last Sunday. The event was held as a fundraiser for the Anthony Nolan Trust who are supporting our very own Victor Stairmand as he stays strong in battling cancer, something he is facing far too young.

The girls from OACC Panthers started proceedings with an excellent intra-club match on the main square. There were a number of great performances but none more so than Penelope Ketchin, who was playing her first ever hard ball game and batted beautifully in partnership with her sister Daphne. The future of girl’s cricket at OACC looks very bright. Thanks again to all the girls for playing.

The second match was a highly anticipated inaugural local derby between OACC and Marshalswicket CC (MWCC). Like Victor himself, many players on both sides represent both clubs so there was a great atmosphere during the game. We were also pleased to welcome back lots of familiar faces to Woollams for the game, many playing for the first time in some years.

OACC stalwart Sam Pullan was captaining MWCC (it was that kind of day), won the toss and choose to bat, as one would if one had Tim Smith to open. Tim showed his class throughout his excellent innings, although the highlight was the superb spell that Jayden Naik (U12) bowled at him, which challenged him as few bowlers do. The overall highlight of the MWCC innings though was a brilliant and brutal 50 from Johnny Dennis, who turned the game with some effortlessly powerful strokes, he took an especial liking to the bowling of OACC legend Perry Hall, one fears it may be a further 7 years before we can persuade Perry back onto the pitch. Riley Pullan also batted well as MWCC posted a very competitive 158 from 25 overs.

After a quick curry at tea (it was that kind of day) OAs set off in pursuit of victory. David Hughes led the chase batting with uncharacteristic vigour up top and Simon Wakling scored an excellent 50 batting in partnership with his son Evan Love (U12), who showed he also has what it takes to succeed in senior cricket. The future of all junior cricket looks very bright.

The target proved too much for OACC despite some excellent late contributions from Chris Dobson, James Barwick and Josh Goodier. MWCC fully deserved their victory and duly became the first holders of the “Postcode” trophy. OAs will be out to take it off them next summer.

I am very pleased to say that the efforts of both clubs event have raised over £2000 so far, thank you all so much (any further donations can be made here:(https://www.justgiving.com/page/oacc-mwcc-1692293238951?utm_term=6XwAEm3Q5). This just shows the affection and support there is for Victor across OACC and MWCC and it was great that he got the chance to talk to many participants on a live link from Dublin during the afternoon.



A special thank yous to Simon Bates and David Goodier for their tireless and patient negotiations with Woollams, which made the whole event possible and for Alpesh Naik and his family for the amazing raffle.