Letters

19/01/07

Isn't good to see Ravinder Bopara called up to the England one day squad ? I actually taught Ravinder at Brampton Manor School in East Ham & he came to the Rec. to play our U16 team in a Matchplay fixture when playing for Hainault & Clayhall.

I seem to remember Ross Poulton bowling him out very cheaply.

I'm pretty sure A .Cook also played at the Rec. possibly for Camul in the 6 a side competition. Does anyone else remember ???

Dear all at Stanford. A belated message from up here in Norfolk. We've only recently started using electricity, which explains the delayed response to the fantastic news. I am very proud of you all as a club and my congratulations go to both the First and Second XI for gaining promotion and those in the lower teams that have supported them throughout the season. It's a truly brilliant achievement that has been gained through hard work at all levels but, in particular, as a result of the courage to bring youngsters through over the past few years, something of which everyone should be proud. I think you are a real credit to the older guys that are playing in that you've showed a maturity (on the field at least.....) surpassing your years and have truly pulled together as a team to achieve this success. I am very jealous to have missed out on the celebrations that undoubtedly came as a result of this. We've all had some pretty lean times achievement-wise at the club in recent years, but the spirit has always remained in a 'blooded but unbowed' manner no matter what the club has gone through and I think, speaking from experience, playing under Michael in the first eleven with the current crop of guys, win or lose, was the most fun I've had an a cricket pitch. I believe this has been a major factor in the club's success this time around and that the spirit has filtered down through the club over the past few seasons. I sincerely hope that the timing of my departure and the consequent level of success were a mere coincidence, but given my lack of contribution in recent seasons, I'm not so sure. I bet nobody bought the Independent this year though, and I've yet to see a shoulder dance that compares to mine. But I am seriously envious at missing out and I wish that we could have enjoyed some more success in my last few seasons. It's been strange not to play this year, the first season for 18 years that I've not turned out for Stanford. I've just been looking at the remnants of the tea hut on the website and it filled me emotion at all the special memories I have. You guys are all seriously missed, even Ross and that Aussie bloke who is still looking for his Ashes (I think you might find them over the next few months...). Anyway, just to reiterate my praise. I am so pleased for the club and for you all as individuals and more importantly as a team. I hope the guys in the Threes and Fours continue to plug away and take a look up at some of the younger guys who have broken through to the 1st and 2nd XI's over the past few years with ambitions to emulate them in the coming season. If you do, I'm sure you will secure Stanford's future for a long, long time to come. Might see you on the 3rd for some shoulder sway. Take care all and well done.

To SLHCC players,

Congrats to all the guys at the club for the tremendous effort in gaining promotion in both first and second grade, it's great news, well done!!!

Nice to see a few familar faces on the web, it must be especially sweet for everyone, but in particular those guys who have been around the club for a while and lived all the low times.

I'm sure you partied hard, you deserved it.

Best wishes

Darren McDonald 98'01

p.s is anyone coming out this summer with our ashes?