News & Updates

Lashings - June 2024

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:50:10 GMT

Friday June 28th 2024

A Day to Remember

Friday 28th June 2024 will go down in the history books as a magical day. If ever there was perfection to an event then this was it.

The World famous Lashings XI strolled into town and through the gates of Woollams to a colourful, bright, sunny, welcoming ground.

The current squad includes the likes of Sir Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Ryan Sidebottom, and as well as the all-star lineup, the match will be commentated on by legendary broadcaster Henry Blofeld.

A spokesperson for the club said: “It’s something we’ve been working on for quite some time and after many background meetings over the last few months we are delighted that we will be hosting such a prestigious event for the local community, businesses and wider cricket family.”

The touring Lashings squad will be at Woollam Playing Fields on Harpenden Road for the whole day, starting in the morning with some coaching and training session with some local youngsters. A large marquee will host a three-course lunch with complimentary wine alongside Lashings players and wrapped up with a live auction.

Following this will be the main event, a Twenty20 match between an Old Albanian XI and the Lashings XI featuring world famous cricketers. This will be supported by a food court and pitch-side bars and entertainment.

Further details will be announced soon, but to register your interest in sponsorship packages, table packages, spectator details and event news, please get in touch with OACC_Team_Sec@hotmail.com

And that's a wrap...

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 22:33:06 GMT

The end of a season, but boy what a season end...

And that's a wrap!

Often heard at the conclusion of filming an epic movie...

I couldn't think of a better way to start this update due to the movie style ending that was seen on Saturday, at Woollams, with most teams back and watching the 3rd team. The very last three balls of the season for the 3rd team were bowled by a player with over 500 games under his belt for the club and all three balls took a wicket. Tom Preest will start next season where his first ball will be for four wickets in a row. Take a bow.

More on this in the 3s match report below.

What an end to the season

So, thats it for 2023.

The club Chairman (David Goodier) and I (Team Sec) would like to send a HUGE thanks to every single member of OACC.

What an absolute pleasure to have you all follow us and support us on this journey, especially with a couple of radical changes that have been made and introduced. Thank you for sticking with us and believing in us.

Many people come up to us and tell us how pleased and proud they are of the club at the moment and how much they are already looking forward to next season and they are enjoying their cricket. This for us is all we ever wanted and in our opinion it is only the start, the first season of a new era.

Results, season awards, dates for your diary......

RESULTS - 3 wins out of 5
1st XI -OACC, 126-10 from 33.5 v Boxmoor, 130-4 from 23.4 - Finished 5th in division
2nd XI - Southgate Compton, 81-10 from 24 v OACC, 83-4 from 27. Finished 10th in division
3rd XI - OACC, 151-10 from 36 v Harpenden V, 141-9 from 40. Finished 4th in division
4th XI - OACC, 151-8 from 39 v Bayford & Hertford II, 152-8 from 38.1. Finished 6th in division
5th XI - OACC, 178-5 from 35 v Leverstock Green V, 103-10 from 28.3.

June 28th 2024 - Lashings Internation XI v Old Albanian CC - Save the date !

MATCH REPORTS FROM SATURDAY

1st XI
We arrived at "the oval" .., aka Boxmoor, knowing that regardless of the result we would finish a very solid 5th this season. However, after having received two send offs during our innings the tone of the day changed slightly. Thanks to Ben Scott's 40, Ansar Ahmad 25 and Riley Pullan 21* we crept to 126 all out. Fueled by a slight anger at some interesting umpiring and the oppositions actions we went out to field with a renewed hunger. Harrison Smith and Samed Ullah opened up very well with Samed taking his first 1stteam wicket very well deserved and Thomas Yerbury giving us the other highlight of the innings as the youngster bowled a lovely inswinger to claim his first (of many) 1st team wickets as well. However, Boxmoor cruised to our total for the loss of just 4 wickets. However, todays cricket couldn't put a dampener on what has been a marvellous season for the 1st XI. We finished 5th in the division with 8 wins and 6 losses but more importantly we built a brilliant young squad that are only going to get better. See you all again next year!

2nd XI
With not many wins this season the 2nd XI stepped up and put away the opposition at Woollams to end the season on a high and to show what the side is capable of next year. Congratulations to an impressive line up and next season will be one to have a massive bounce back. While the scores were low each week the teams enthusiasm and spirit was never dented and everyone should be proud of what was achieved. Looking forward to next season already.

3rd XI
In a local derby you can expect nothing else but determination, high spirit and above all else, always expect something special..... and so it was delivered. I won't write too much about the game as the ending was so special that I will write a little about this instead. OA's were put into bat and Dad Dalwood and Son Dalwood walked to the crease with enthusiasm and smiles. Unfortunately one returned only a couple of overs later with just a small phrase in his head.... You didn't listen to what I was teaching you in the garden son.... Yes, unfortunately Kian Dalwood was out after showing some promising signs of a good innings. Another OA wicket fell shortly after which left Tony Dalwood and club stalwart (504 games for the club) Tom Preest to consolidate and then start to score some runs freely, making it look effortless against a decent bowling attack. A 70 partnership was scored with Dalwood T (32) and Preest T (54). the rest of the runs were shared and a total of 151 was set.

Harpenden started well but were restricted by some good opening bowling. Then runs started to flow and to be honest the tension in the field started to tighten. Then came the magic moment, but first, the scene. All first team players had returned and all showed brilliant support on the boundary along with parents and partners from the on field 3s players. The 2s game had ended and they had also joined the now large gallery of spectators and supporters. This crowd were feeling the tension but acted very well as the 12th man with some great chants, cheers and encouragement. So a large crowd now adding to the onfield growing tension on the field.

3 overs to go and Harpenden were only 17 runs from victory and two very set batsmen. Two overs to go and only 14 runs requires. This was very tense and not looking great. Then captain Bates stepped up to remove the younger batter who was going well with an extremely good catch by Kian Dalwood. One over to go and only 11 required...... Step up the very very very experienced Thomas Preest, and you could not have asked for a better ending to a season..... Ball one, 1 run, nobody panic. Ball two, dot, ball three, 1 run. The oppo require a boundary. Silence fell on the field and off..... 4th ball of the over... WICKET, batsman stumped swiftly by Rick Coope as he charged down the wicket. Loud cheers on the boundary... 5th ball of the over... WICKET, bowled. The batsman played on the wrong line of a Preest special turning ball (not many move so unlucky batsman)... Can it be.... will he do it.. rumbles in the crowd. Capt and Preest decide to keep the same field. Chants on the boundary.... 6th and final ball of the innings..... Caught WICKET.... Kian Dalwood takes a magnificent one handed grab in the slips of a nick from the bat. Hat trick completed. Pitch invasion commences, celebrations all round. Could not of happened in a more spectacular moment nor to a more worthy clubman. Take a bow Thomas Preest !!! From the captain himself, "wow! what a special special moment, I feel like I have just completed cricket".

4th XI
The 4s finished the season with a tough match v league runners up Bayford and Hertford. Although the 4s lost, they took the game to the wire with 6 juniors again demonstrating how much young talent is coming through at the moment.

The 4s were all out for 151 in the 39th over. Isaac Gow led the way with a superb 63 displaying all the shots that won him 4s batter of the season. There were also useful contributions from Gordon Black (18), Rich Pitts (17) William Linger (15*) and Tom Gow (11).

In reply they managed to take 8 wickets but Bayford won the game in the 38th over. Rich Pitts (3 wickets) and Rowan Black (2 wickets) were both superb and would have had more on another day. Arthur Pitts and Faisan Nisar bowled well and kept the runs down. Anil Virji, bowler of the season, took a wicket, as did William Linger taking his 20th wicket. William has had a fantastic campaign and was Junior of the Season for the club and 4s.

An excellent season for the 4s, half the players were juniors and several older players making fine come backs in their first season for the club. The future looks very promising for OACC.

5th XI
I just wanted to express the sheer delight to even write the title (5th XI) on this report. Last week of the season and 5 teams taking the field. Unbelievable achievement and everyone should be proud. A short report this one. We won.... runs were shared and wickets were too apart from one stand out which we should mention.... Mike Fetters, his first season at the club, 7-0-17-5. Congratulations Mike on your 5 for, not many of these around so what a great performance. Well done.

CLUB AWARDS
The club awards were held after the games and a good crowd attended to watch as they were all handed out. Here are the winners for each award presented.

First saw 26 juniors take to the pavillion steps to receive a club cap. This represented every junior that has played for a senior side this season that started in our junior section. An amazing achievement for all involved.

4th XI - Best bowler - Anil Virji
4th XI - Best batter - Isaac Gow
4th XI - Junior award - William Linger

3rd XI - Best bowler - Karl Turner
3rd XI - Best batter - Matthew Barwick
3rd XI - Junior award - Jake Oliver

2nd XI - Best bowler - Matthew Niel
2nd XI - Best batter - Andy Kemp
2nd XI - junior award - Thomas Yerbury

1st XI - Best bowler - Likith Reddy
1st XI - Best batter - Haseeb Fariad
1st XI - Junior award - Harrison Smith

John Josling Award - fastest 50 1st team - James Barwick (32 balls)
Tyson Bruce Award - highest league batter score in the season - Matthew Barwick (105* - 3s v Shenley)
Most Improved Player Award - Riley Pullan
Mike Thomas Award - best bowling figures - Arshad Iqbal (3s v Wheathamsted)
Maurice Wiggs Award - calculated from season runs, wickets, catches, stumpings - James Barwick
Best Junior Award - William Linger
Best Fielder Award - Matthew Barwick
Club player of the season Award - James Barwick

Ellis Cup - special award to those that go above and beyond behind the scenes of the club - Anil Virji
John Norman Trophy - special chairmans award, handed to a member that has consistently given to the club, achieved many things with the club and always supported and shown great spirit to the club. A very special award indeed. - Tariq Hassan

Here ends the awards and the season.... good bye all, speak soon, watch this space for various items. A new website and app coming soon, plus all the dates for you to put in your diary below.

Saturday 9th Sept - END OF SEASON DISCO - Yes thats right. We are bringing in local DJ sensation, DJ Duane Flames to be on the decks and all requests are welcome. An email will go out shortly after this one but all are welcome - £5 entry for all. Drink, dance, boogy, twist, drink more and sing ya head off.

OCTOBER - TBC - Meet the committee. presentation evening to all members, parents, followers, everyone. Come to the club, express your opinions both good and bad and tell us what we can do more of or what you want to see. We will tell you our plans, finances and what the future looks like to us.

Friday 28th June 2024 - Yes thats right, its nearly a year away !!! However, as was exclusively announced at the quiz. Old Albanian Cricket Club have been chosen to host the International Lashings squad next year at Woollams. Courtney Walsh, Sir Curtley Ambrose, Ryan Sidebottom, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Devon Malcolm but to name a few! More details again will follow but it will be a huge spectacle and big event for the club.

Thank you and goodnight!

OACC Team Secretary

OACC Partner with Local Charity

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 09:45:46 GMT

Exciting announcement - OACC partner with local charity

It's not often the team sec gets to reveal some exciting and serious news, but there are a lot of things happening behind the scenes at OACC as our committee continue to work hard to help the club move forward. So here is the latest announcement which we are very proud of and we hope as members you will be too.

The first official event to support the below announcement is Friday from 5pm at Woollams for the junior end of season presentation evening. Please all feel free to pop along. Its a Friday after all!

OACC are proud to announce that we have decided to support local St. Albans based charity Youth Talk. Youth Talk provides free, confidential counselling to 13-25 year olds in St Albans and surrounding areas.

At OACC we recognise and appreciate that the health of the young is not just physical but can also be mental. Our rapidly expanding youth section is now approaching 400 members and whilst we aim to maximise the benefits that participating in team sports and playing outdoors bring young cricketers, we also realise that sometimes this may not be enough, and we want to make sure our members and their families are aware of this wonderful local service.

To show our commitment we have partnered with Youth Talk to help increase awareness and support, and assist where we can in raising much needed funds.

Over the last couple of years all our lives have changed. Young people in particular have faced greater demands, disruptions, and uncertainties. This has led to the demand for Youth Talk's services hitting unprecedented heights. As a result, the charity have launched a new five-year strategy with a goal of doubling the service. OACC feel this strategy is aligned with our own goals and that the partnership will enable the Club to work closely with the Charity on their journey and help more local young people.

David Goodier, OACC Chairman, said: "We are really excited to announce this new long term working relationship with Youth Talk, a charity that does some fantastic work in our local community. With over 325 boys and 50 girls in our set up and still growing we feel that the partnership is one close to our hearts and we will do all we can to help and assist in raising both funds and awareness.
"We hope that our fundraising efforts enable the charity to continue to do great things to help local young people, and we're looking forward to seeing the support that we know our members and supporters will give to Youth Talk.

David Barker, CEO of Youth Talk, commented: "We are thrilled to be Old Albanian Cricket's Charity Partner and excited to work with the club over the coming years. We know this partnership will be valuable in many ways. The recent rise in demand for our services in the context of significant national economic challenges means that OACC's support is coming at a critical time. We really appreciate them helping to raise the profile of our work and vital funds."

Anthony Nolan Trust - Victor Stairmand End of Season Fundraiser Match

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:31:52 GMT

Fundraiser Match for the Anthony Nolan Trust

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.

Example Match Report - Junior Report

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 21:10:48 GMT

Reporters can login and submit their match reports here...

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