England Tour

The 2005 CPCC Tour of England may have officially come to an end with most tourists now back home in Oz and looking forward to the coming domestic season however the experience will burn bright and long. No doubt all involved would agree that the tour was an experience beyond our wildest dreams with each day somehow managing to equal, if not beat the spectacular results of the day before. This was in no small part due to John Jackson's vision, Dean Storey's organisation and Toby Horstead's immaculate planning. Added to this was the brilliant reception and hospitality from our English hosts and the boundless enthusiasm of the CPCC tourists to celebrate every aspect of touring cricket.

On the field the results were good, with the record 5 wins, 6 losses, a tie and a washout. Our opposition were always competitive with some sides fielding players of exceptional quality - a challenge which only added to the rewarding experience of the tourists, win, lose or tie. If every ground & wicket was cricket paradise for the green grass starved Aussies, the clubhouse facilities were nirvana!

The highlights flowed for the tourists like Boddingtons from the tap at the White Lion. Whether it be the Sunflower Garden at Singapore Airport, Brannigans in Manchester, Hooters in Nottingham, watching the Aussies get thrashed at Headingley, broken sluice gates in the Castlefield canal, playing in front of hundreds of people in Sherwood Forest, scoreboards that you sat in, scoreboards operated by remote control from afar, castles on the side of the ground, ex CPCC players in the opposition, Queensland Bulls & Pakistani A teamers in the lineup against us, watching Glenn McGrath rip through the English top order, watching Doug McGrath threaten to do likewise, watching the Blues thrash the Maroons, meeting Andy Gregory at The Willows, meeting Dickie Byrd at Hucknall, epic boat races etc etc, no day went by unheralded.

Apart from the endless stories, photos & memories the Club now has a wealth of gifts and tour memorabilia, a valuable and cherished network of international contacts, stronger Club bonds and a new zest for building a lasting legacy at the Plateau for the future. All tourists look forward eagerly to the coming season and spreading our enthusiasm to other clubmates. We also look forward anxiously to returning the favour of hosting any or all of our English cricket comrades should they find their way to Australia.

Day 1

Sydney - Singapore - Manchester - Walkabout Hotel - Tied One-dayer - Salford Reds


Sydney Airport	CPCC Express - 747 in Club colours!	Stopover in Singapore - still relatively fresh	Sunflower garden - Singapore	18 hrs into flight - cabin fever. note Ben Ireland with lifejacket on.


Arrival at Manchester	Home for the week - Manchester YHA	Mike Walker's coach	Tourists meet Andy Gregory @ 'The Willows' - home of the Salford Reds	Hour 28: Walkabout hotel - Tied 1 dayer Aus v Eng

Day 2 - Game 1

Frank Huxley makes international debut

Club stalwart and foundation member Frank Huxley has bowled the ceremonial first ball in match 1 of CPCC's first ever international tour. Taking their lead from Australias's first XI, the tourists were overpowered in the 35th over of their first match by Westleigh CC.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Westleigh
3 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	9	190	40
Westleigh	5	193	35
Result	Westleigh won match

Match Report: 3 July 05

CPCC v Westleigh

CPCC's first match abroad was a tough challenge. Westleigh were victorious after reaching the Tourist's total of 190 in the 35th over. Sent into bat on a typically low, slow English wicket, CPCC recovered from the loss of an early wicket to be 3-72 at the drinks brea

k (Huxley 34, Minnett 23). Henriksen and Horstead stepped up the scoring with a valuable 42 run partnership before Horstead was out LBW for 34. Henriksen stayed almost to the end scoring 73 in an impressive start to the tour. CPCC's total of 190 looked competitive.

After Foundation Member Frank Huxley bowled the ceremonial first ball overseas for CPCC, McGrath and Scholtens opened the attack. Westleigh made the most of opportunities to score early as the Plateau bowlers acclimatised to the conditions. Westleigh opener Bernard Blood knocked up 50 in quick time before Doug McGrath took CPCCs first international wicket, caught by Ian North at square leg. Westleigh continued to punish anything short or wide and at drinks were 2 for 113. Pete Henriksen came on to try and stem the flow of runs and within the space of a few overs almost turned the game back in the tourists favour. Pete ripped through the Westleigh top order taking 3 wickets in an over, all bowled. It was not enough however and the locals courtesy of a 50 to N Sykes won in the 35th over with loss of 5 wickets.

The day was a learning experience for CPCC. Whilst the game was certainly competitive, it will take the tourists a little time to adjust to the different conditions. A good crowd was on hand to watch the match and a terrific post-match function was held in the clubhouse. CPCC express their sincere thanks to Westleigh as we could not have wished for a better start to our tour.

Day 3 - Game 2

Flint starts off with a 6!

Bruce Flint, on loan from the Manly Breakers batted his way to a top score of 47 not out in the second match of the CPCC tour against Earby CC. Rain brought an end to the competition at the wicket and took it inside the club house where the Plateau was able to demonstrate where their talents truly lay.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Earby
5 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	1	62	10
Earby	0	0	0
Result	Game washed out

Match Report: 5th July 05

CPCC v Earby

Weather threatened CPCC's second tour match against Earby CC at Earby. Grey skies soon turned to showers however this didn't prevent play from commencing at Earby's pretty cricket ground in the Pennines.

Andy Cameron got his first runs of the tour in the first over with a nice shot turned for four behind square. In the second over Bruce Flint provided the cricket highlight of the day with his first ball faced in England going for six over square leg and out of the ground. Despite Cameron being dismissed soon after, Flint continued the barrage with several sixes in his score of 47 not out. Unfortunately the rain increased and the game was abandoned with CPCC 1 for 62 after 10 overs.

The players retired to Earby's more than comfortable clubhouse facilities. The locals won the pool however CPCC took out the Boat Race with a solid victory to remain unbeaten so far.

Once again the generous hospitality and warm welcome from the locals provided a wonderful day for the Tourists. CPCC would like to sincerely thank Earby CC and wish them all the best for their season.

Day 4

CPCC sightings at Headingley.

There were a number of reported sightings of the CPCC boys (& Jo) at the Australia v England one day match at Headingley on Thursday. The team looked very smart in their uniform of CPCC baggy cap, t-shirt and vests. At the end of the 6th over there was a fantastic shot of the group which led to the commentator making mention that it appeared that there was 'another team in, not more super subs surely!' Perhaps the Australian selectors should have been watching Fox Sports. There were a number of other sightings throughout the match most notably James Scholtens filling the screen as he madly waved the Australian flag, nevertheless one must ask where was the CPCC flag? In light of these sightings CPCC Juniors Secretary Vicki Carden who is running the Club in the absence of the rest of the executive committee, has recommended a number of fines be imposed on behalf of the viewing public at home. The fines relate to the dress code and are as follows:

Name	Infringement
Robert Minnett	No hat
Greg Luckman	Wearing hat backwards
James Scholtens	Wearing wrong hat

Please note: After consideration, Vicki is of the opinion that James' infringement could be considered nullified by the fact that he proudly displayed to the international cricketing fraternity the ever mighty water tower!

Congratulations are extended to Clay Denoon and Brendon Ball for their commendable flag-waving performance. We hope that the rest of the team is able to duplicate your efforts at the CPCC fixtures. It is hoped that Luke was a little warmer after donning his vest, however, it must be noted that he almost received an infringement for the tardiness with which he replaced his hat. Last but not least, the binoculars that Ben and Colin were wielding would have given them a birds-eye view of the match. We trust that their binoculars were well and truly focused on the match, rather than on any of the "birds" off field.

Day 5 - Game 3

Scholtens & Denoon strike decisive blow in CPCC first win on tour.

Buoyed by the stunning victory of the NSW Blues over Queensland in the Origin decider in Brisbane, CPCC recorded their first victory of the tour with a decisive win over Marple CC.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Marple
6 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	9	133	33
Marple	4	134	?
Result	CPCC won match by 6 wickets

Match Report: 6th July 05

CPCC v Marple
Game 3 of the tour saw the CPCC head to Marple CC south east of Manchester. The tourists were immediately impressed with the facilities and settled into the clubhouse to watch the Blues demolish Queensland in the State of Origin decider.

Under grey skies and even for the locals, freezing conditions, CPCC fielded. Success was immediate with James Scholtens claiming a wicket on the first ball of the match. Clay Denoon followed up quickly with 2 from the other end and Marple were in a spot of bother at 3 for 0. The homeside steadied the ship courtesy of 30 to M Booth and a slashing 34 to G Cash. CPCC tightened their bowling and dismissed Marple for 133 in the 33rd over. Best of the bowlers was Luke Ireland with 3 for 28, Toby Horstead with 3 for 43. Scholtens (1 for 2 off 5) and Denoon's 2 for 14 off 5 gave the tourists a tremendous start.

CPCC started the run chase smartly with Huxley and Flint putting on 30. Flint 10, Huxley 29 and Minnett 25 all fell at 30 run intervals before Jackson hit 47 including 11 fours to allow Luckman to hit in CPCC's first winning runs overseas. Rob Minnett notched up the first pavilion hit on tour with a sweet shot over midwicket and onto the roof of the stately structure.

Once again the host club provided a very enjoyable post match function with CPCC remaining undefeated in the boat races. CPCC congratulates Marple on their performance and our sincere thanks for the hospitality.

Day 6 - Game 4

Roe Green Win Powers Trophy!

Roe Green may have won the inaugural Powers Trophy, however, the CPCC boys have managed to remain gloriously undefeated in the highly competitive 'post match' game of boat races.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Roe Green
8 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	6	176	40
Roe Green	7	279	40
Result	Roe Green won match

Match Report: 8th July 05

CPCC v Roe Green

Impressive performances by several young Aussies helped Roe Green win the Powers Ashes Trophy. Kindly donated and arranged by CPCC's Glen Powers (ex Roe Green), a competitive match was played in clear conditions at the gorgeous Roe Green ground. Roe Green were quick to jump on some wayward CPCC bowling and the scoring rate soared. CPCC hung in there taking some good catches however a big hundred to T Scott guaranteed a big total. Roe Green finished with 279 off 40 overs. Best of the bowlers for CPCC was Luke Ireland with 3 wickets including the prized scalp of Queensland Bull Aaron Nye for 1.

Bruce Flint got CPCC off to another good start with a blazing 39. CPCC continued to build their total however the scoring rate never kept pace. Clay Denoon 34 and David Lang 24 chipped in with starts and the Plateau finished with 6 for 176 off their 40 overs. Greg Luckman hit the second pavillon on tour so far with a fine clip over backward square onto the roof of the bar.

CPCC levelled the score in the alternative ashes by thrashing Roe Green in the 8 man boat race thereby remaining undefeated so far.

CPCC wish to thank Glen Powers for arranging the fixture and trophies and Roe Green for the wonderful day at their magnificent ground.

Day 8 - Game 5

Minnett scores CPCC's first International century!

The honour of scoring the first ever International century has gone to CPCC Secretary and club stalwart Rob Minnett with an impressive 135 off 118 balls. Rob is the record holder for the most number of runs scored in the clubs history and with his 8 centuries scored in the MWCA competition, he trails record holder Pete Henriksen by only 1 century. Rob now moves into the International Centurian Club, the question is how many more will join him by the end of the tour?

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Edwinstowe
10 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC		249	49.9
Edwinstowe	9	335	50
Result	Edwinstowe won match

Match Report: 10th July 05

CPCC v Edwinstowe

Rob Minnett provided the highlight of the day for the tourists with a smashing 135 off 118 balls at Edwinstowe's Sherwood Forest ground yesterday. Watched by a big crowd estimated between 200 to 300 hundred people, Rob's grand innings was still not enough to give CPCC victory after the home team posted a massive total of 9 for 335 off 50 overs. This included a knock of 158 by the resident professional, Pakistan A Team player Asif Zhakir.

CPCC fielded first under very warm to hot conditions. A fine start by Pete Henriksen with a wicket with his first ball soon turned sour as he was forced to leave the field in his 3rd over with a torn muscle in his arm. Once again CPCC paid dearly for loose bowling as the tourists struggled to come to grips with the low, slow conditions. The highlights of the long day in the field were 3 wickets to Scholtens and Huxley, some great catching by Ian North down in front of the packed hill and a 160 run partnership breaking wicket to birthday boy Dave Lang.

Undaunted, Andrew Cameron and Rob Minnett started the run chase. Only Rob was able to keep pace with the situation however his lone hand which included 5 booming sixes kept the total climbing. A big six onto the crowded hill in front of the pavillon to bring up his hundred was a memorable moment. CPCC finished the day a very respectable 249 off 49.5 overs.

Once again CPCC were dominant in the boatrace and the team is settling in nicely. Our sincere thanks to Edwinstowe CC and crowd for a great day.

Day 9 - Game 6

Clay Cross CC deliver CPCC's 4th loss on tour!

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Clay Cross
12 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	6	196	40
Clay Cross	7	197	31
Result	Clay Cross won match

Match Report: 12th July 05

CPCC v Clay Cross

This long anticipated clash ended with a win to the Clay Cross CC. Spurred on by local legend Johnny Bravo, Clay Cross fielded first restricting CPCC to 6-196 off their 40 overs in warm to hot conditions. Pete Henriksen 53 and Bruce Flint 45 continued their good tour form with the bat for the Tourists. Local pro, Indian Sunny Bhatt, made the most of the fast outfield scoring 63 before being brilliantly caught by Andy Cameron. Clay Cross's fast scoring rate meant that despite the loss of some late wickets, they always had CPCC's total in sight. Brendan Ball bowled well taking 3 for 43. Clay Cross passed CPCC's total in the 31st over. CPCC needed just 2 more wickets for victory.

The post match hospitality was again magnificent with the locals putting in a strong challenge in the Boat Race. CPCC however kept their unbeaten record in tact.

Once again a brilliant day's cricket. The afternoon tea was great although the chocolate cake seemed to disappear before the tourists had a chance to eat!!

Day 10 - Game 7

Dean Storey leads CPCC to victory.

A combination of sound play with bat and ball has given CPCC a well earned victory on the estate more commonly known to Jane Austen fans as Pemberley!

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Baslow
13 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	8	189	40
Baslow	5	180	40
Result	CPCC won match

Match Report: 13th July 05

CPCC v Baslow

CPCC travelled to the edge of Chatsworth Estate for their fixture against the village of Baslow.

CPCC batted first on the gorgeous ground and enjoyed the splendid batting conditions. Whilst non-players wandered into the stone village or up to Chatsworth House (home of the Duke of Devonshire), the CPCC batsmen put on 8-189 off their 40 overs. R Beresford was the best of the Baslow bowlers with 4 for 67. Clay Denoon 47, Rob Minnett 42 and Luke Ireland were the top scorers for CPCC.

Baslow got off to a great start with the bat courtesy of a slashing 59 to M Ryalls. Captain Dean Storey then put in a great spell of bowling to tie down the locals ending with the figures of 2 for 17. An exciting last few overs saw Baslow fall short by 9 runs ending with 5 for 180 off their 40 overs

Once again our bus had to leave far too soon as CPCC and Baslow celebrated the match in the wonderful clubhouse facilities. A sound win to the CPCC boat race.

Day 12 - Game 8

Flint joins Minnett in International Centurians Club

Bruce Flint has capped off a spectacular tour with the bat with a stylish century against The Follow on XI. Not wishing to have his thunder stolen Minnett also did some damage, the most impressive of which was a six hit right over the sight board and through the back window of a citroen.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v The Follow On XI
14 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC		289	40
The Follow on XI	9	252	40
Result	CPCC won match

Match Report: 14th July 05

CPCC v The Follow On XI

CPCC travelled to the Kimberely Cricket ground for their match against The Follow On XI. The tourists were amazed at their first glance of the Kimberley ground with the field rising sharply up to the clubhouse. It was soon discovered that it would be a quality fixture.

CPCC batted first on the flat track. Openers Huxley and Flint soon found conditions to their liking despite a fiery opening attack. The two put on 155 off only 20 overs before Huxley was dismissed for 45. Flint notched up his first international ton and the second CPCC century for the tour. He was out soon after for 100. The consistent Minnett added 62 including a straight hit over the sight board and through the back window of a parked Citroen. A. Stovell was the best of The Follow On XI's bowlers and owner of the Citroen. CPCC finished with a big total of 289 off their 40 overs.

The locals (a 'Barbarian' team made up of players from local clubs recruited through 'The Follow On' website), batted at a steady pace. Some strong hitting was not enough to chase down the tourists big total as the locals finished at 9 for 252. Storey with 2 for 34 and Rohanek 2 for 51 took key wickets.

The customary boat race was one of the closest yet on tour with CPCC pushed all the way to a split second victory. Several CPCC members then went on to the Rolls Royce facility at Hucknall to enjoy a night with the legendary umpire Dickie Byrd. A great way to finish a tremendous day. Our sincere thanks to Alan Rowley from the Follow On and the Kimberley CC.

Day 14 - Game 9

Denoon impressive with bat and ball.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v The Occasionals
16 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	3	157	40
The Occasionals	9	156	40
Result	CPCC won match

Match Report: 16th July 05

CPCC v The Occasionals

CPCC notched up their fourth tour victory with a comfortable win over The Occasionals.

Chasing the locals 9 for 156 (P Bridle 36, D Storey 2 for 14, C Denoon 2 for 11) the tourists had little trouble finishing with 3 for 157. Luke Ireland notched up his first 50 for the tour and Clay Denoon capped off a great game with 49 runs.

Day 15 - Game 10

Current and former CPCC A1 Captains adversaries in epic battle.

See match report below.

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Stony Stratford
17 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	6	226	40
Stony Stratford	10	226	40
Result	Game Tied

Match Report: 17th July 05

CPCC v Stony Stratford

The long drive to Milton Keynes and the village of Stony Stratford was soon forgotten as the locals warmly welcomed CPCC. The locals included ex-CPCC A1 skipper Mike Smith. A carnival atmosphere surrounded the match with a great crowd on hand and match comentary by a DJ. Huxley won the toss and had no hesitation batting on the flat, slow looking track. Flint and Minnett continued their great form with both scoring 50s. Brendan Ball added 35 and CPCC finished with 6 for 226 off their 40 overs (P Harmen 3 for 36).

Stony Stratford's innings ebbed and flowed and the match was set up for a tremendous finish. The locals needed 6 off the last over and scored 4 of them before Huxley took a wicket. 2 runs remained for victory off the last ball however a single scored resulted in the match being an exciting tie.

A fitting result to a great contest and thoroughly enjoyable day. Thanks to Mike Smith and all at Stony Stratford CC.

Day 16 - Game 11

Warlingham Smoke CPCC

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Warlingham
18 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	9	260	57
Warlingham	3	260	30
Result	Warlingham won 7 wkts

Match Report: 18th July 05

CPCC v Warlingham

CPCC's only declaration game and the tourists grafted out one of their higher totals on tour declaring at 9/260. Peter Henriksen scored his highest total on tour with 85 being unfortunately given out LBW. Toby Horstead and Luke Ireland both chipped in with fifties. The locals made up for the tourists sluggish batting by smashing 10 and over for the first 10 overs and then cruising in reaching the target only 3 down in the 31st over. E Springer scored an impressive 106.

Once again, the result for the tourists mattered less and less as the hospitality of the hosts and the quality of their facilities was enjoyed well into the night.

Day 17 - Game 12

Knebworth Rock CPCC

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Knebworth CC
19 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	10	128	38
Knebworth	5	126	31
Result	Knebworth won by 5 wkts

Match Report: 19th July 05

CPCC v Knebworth

The famous grounds of Knebworth have hosted the likes of Pink Floyd, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams and as of 19th July 2005, the Collaroy Plateau Cricket Club. The fixture against Knebworth CC was eagerly anticipated for reasons other than treading on similar soil to the worlds greatest rock bands. It is the home club of Tom Hemmingway and Ed Wright, cricketers who spent last summer with CPCC playing for John Jackson's B2s before returning home.

The postcard perfect ground suggested a big score was needed, if the 350+ innings total left on the scoreboard from a recent fixture didn't. Batting first, CPCC lost Flint (run out) early however runs came steadily. The loss of Huxley, Minnett and Ball quickly left the batting line up vulnerable. John Jackson and Ben Ireland restored some respectability to the total however 128 all out spelt trouble for the visitors.

Knebworth scored easily despite some wonderful bowling by evergreen Doug McGrath. A great spell of bowling by Dave Lang eventually brought some interest back into the fixture. CPCC managed to hold Knebworth off until about the 31st over when the locals passed the target with 5 wickets in hand.

Another brilliant day with CPCC winning the boat race but losing the stump race. The Game Keepers performance of old Colonial favourites such as Waltzing Matilda on the squeeze box as the sun set over the Castle will not soon be forgotten. Luke's effort at downing the birthday boy yardglass will be. Thankyou Knebworth for another memorable day to add to our Tour experience.

Day 18 - Game 13

CPCC Win Final Game at 'The Cradle of Cricket'

T O U R S C O R E B O A R D
CPCC v Bat & Ball XI
20 July 05	Wkts	Runs	Overs
CPCC	9	239	40
Bat & Ball	10	161	38
Result	CPCC won

Match Report: 20th July 05

CPCC v Bat & Ball XI

The last game of the tour saw CPCC make the long drive down to Surrey and the village of Hambledon. Known as the cradle of the modern game, the location was a fitting end to a remarkable three weeks for the jaded tourists. The field on Broadhalfpenny Down, together with the adjacent Bat & Ball Pub housing the Hambledon CC, has seen cricket played for centuries with the Hambledon club being the greatest cricket team in the world until the advent of international teams late in the 18th Century.

The atmosphere was soaked up before travelling a mile down the road to The Mercury, the ground for our fixture against a mixed side of Old Hambledonians and our old pals, The Manly Waratahs. Julian Cevaal (North Manly CC), Brad Cameron aka 'The Snake' (Harbord CC) Adrien Capp(Belrose RLCC) and John Fisher (Manly Waratahs CC) represented our fellow tourists.

Rain made the deck a little slick on top and the home side sent CPCC in to bat. Luckman and Huxley got the tourists away well until Huxley played a beamer onto the stumps. Minnett (64) got stuck in one more time and together with Ball (29) got the score well and truly moving. Henriksen came in for a late cameo and promptly smashed 25 not out in less balls. CPCC ended with a solid 236off 40 overs.

Opening bowlers Ian North & James Scholtens got the Towers off to a solid start with the ball however it wasn't long before the Plateau's old nemesis, Julian Cevaal became comfortable. Jules scored a solid fifty however Dean Storey was plugging away with a tight spell at the other end and picked up vital wickets. When Luke Ireland caught and bowled Cevaal for 62, CPCC had the game under control with the Bat & Ball reaching 161. Greg Luckman took a terrific running catch at mid wicket. The teams retired back to the pub for a great evening and a fitting final fixture for CPCC's tour.

The England Tour message board is now up and running. If you care to add any messages, posts or comments (nice ones please) click on this link

Check out the CPCC Tour reviews & our opposition by clicking on the Host Clubs name in the Itinerary table. Looks like CPCC will be the biggest hit in the UK since the Beatles!

The tour squad are now several weeks into their pre-tour work out schedule. Tuesday nights have seen most tourists working hard in the nets at the NSW Blues Indoor complex, adjacent to the SCG. All club members are welcome to join in the training sessions, held from 7pm each Tuesday night until departure in June.

The tour party had their first trial game at Acron Oval, St Ives on Sunday 6th of March. Led by the two tour captains respectively, the Huxley XI and Storey XI included a number of Manly Breakers players (in addition to the 3 players who have joined CPCC for the tour) to boost the numbers.

The conditions on the turf wicket at Acron were ideal reflecting the low slow wickets the party are likely to encounter come July.

It's official. CPCC's 2005 tourists to England experienced their first event as a touring party at the 50th Anniversary dinner on Saturday night, 26th of Feb. Club legend Bob Williams presented each tourist with their cap before the large audience. All systems are now go for the party to leave Sydney on Friday afternoon, July 1st.

CPCC 50th Anniversary Season England Tour - I T I N E R A R Y
Week 1 - Manchester	3 July	4 July	5 July	6 July	7 July	8 July
Fixture	Westleigh		Earby	Marple		Roe Green
Week 2 - Nottingham	9 July	10 July	11 July	12 July	13 July	14 July
Fixture		Edwinstowe		Clay Cross	Baslow	Follow On X1
Week 3 - London	15 July	16 July	17 July	18 July	19 July	20 July
Fixture		The Occasionals	Stony Stratford	Warlingham	Knebworth Park	Waratahs

	Col Huxley aka: El Presidente Club President and a tour captain. Allrounder on his second England Tour. Likely to be found batting at the top of the order, bowling into the wind due to lack of wind resistance, under a pile of icepacks, or in the bar late at night behind a pall of cigar smoke.
	Dean Storey Tour Committee member and a tour captain. Deano paid the highest price to go on tour having to fork out for a diamond engagement ring. Sneaky left armer who could be in his element in the damp English conditions. On the field, his bowling could be tricky.
	Ben Ireland aka: Brown Winner of the coveted 04/05 Warwick Armstrong Trophy with 19 catches behind the stumps, this gloveman refutes claims he dropped more than he caught. Odds on favourite to rack up first fine for being late for the bus.
	Luke Ireland aka: Bruce Shearer Trophy winner for 04/05 would say it all if the moustache didn't. Working on a pair of lamb chops to go with the 'Big Merv' retro look. The look should be enough to put the wind up the Poms before he bowls a ball (left armed at pace of course).
	Andy Cameron aka: Camo One of the club's professionals (it's always good to have a solicitor around), Camo's been tapping into the 48' Invincibles for guidance & wisdom.
	Toby Horstead aka: Tobes Club treasurer and bowling allrounder. State Rail has ground to a halt whilst Tobes has been busy spending his time preparing Gant Charts of our tour schedule instead of plans for repairing the crumbling rail pylons at Circular Quay.
	Ian North aka: Northy Ringer from Manly Breakers and right arm fast bowler. If Luke's 'Big Merv' moustache doesn't scare the bejesus out of the Poms, Northy's DK Lillee sweatbands will bring back nightmares of the 72 Tour.
	Brendan Ball aka: Brendo What better way to spend your honeymoon than on a CPCC cricket tour of England. Will provide interesting twist to the old saying "what goes on Tour, stays on Tour!" Right hand self titled cowboy with the bat and honest medium toiler.
	Clay Denoon aka: Boof Runner up for the 05 Shearer to his B3 team mate by the narrowest of margins, Clay will be making his first trip north of the equator. Right arm swing bowler and aggressive bat.
	Michael Rohanek aka: Rock n' Roll Aspirant to the title of CPCC's 'King of Swing'. Creditials so far are more musical than anything with his skill on the keyboards unquestionable. Working on an away swinger to go with the stock in-dipper, he is looking good to open the CPCC attack on foreign shores. Lucky to be touring after walking away from the smoking wreck of his Toyota after being recently cleaned up by a neg driver.
	Robert Minnett aka: Robes or Bor CPCC's leading run scorer with 6573 runs, Bor can think of nothing better than adding an international ton against the Soap Dodgers to the 8 he already has for the club. One wicket in 20 years sums up his bowling. No need to give clues on how to spot him, you'll hear him well before we come into view!
	Frank Huxley aka: Hux Tour Patron & official. Life & foundation member playing in CPCC's first game back in 1954/55. 330 wickets for the club with the potential to make in 331 as he's slated to send down the first ball to Westleigh on July 3.
	Sid Robinson aka: Shep Tour official taking on the umpiring duties. May have trouble with the LBW rule as tour batsmen are assuring Sid the rule is different to what the bowlers are telling him!
	David Lang aka: Langy Not only is he a Manly Breaker's ringer, but he's their President! On his fifth tour of England which answers the question about his marital status. Right arm beguiler employing ancient Jedi techniques to deceive the batsman. Bats left-handed but some say he'd go better right-handed.
	Bruce Flint Last of the Breaker Boys. Has the most mysterious occupation of the tourists - forensic accountant! It might take the CSI team to work out what Bruce actually does but we'll find out by the end of the tour. Punishing right handed batsman.
	Joanne Eddington Jo gets a medal for bravery before the Tour has even started. Will have a unique set of honeymoon photos to show the family upon return. Handy with a pencil, eraser and scorebook.
	John Jackson aka: Jacko CPCC Vice President and one of two members of the Club's Celebrity X1 on tour. Jacko is hugely popular in the Punjab for smashing the fat, despised son of the local Raj out of the ground for six on one of his many cricketing jaunts around the globe. The Queen Mary gets up to speed and turns around quicker than Jacko but don't let that fool you - he still packs a wallop with the bat.
	Pete Henriksen Class player and another experienced tourist with cricketing journeys to South America, West Indies, USA and England all ready under his belt. True to his Danish/Viking heritage, Pete can cause destruction on the field sending stumps and balls flying. He doesn't always take bad decisions this way and is usually quite happy after scoring plenty of runs and taking a bag of wickets. Second favourite to rack up first fine for missing the bus.
	Doug McGrath aka: Dougy Evergreen right arm swing bowler will be moving them miles in the English conditions. Another member of CPCC's Celebrity X1 due to his role as heartthrob Doctor Duncan Love in the 1970s hit TV series 'The Young Doctors'. Unfortunately these days it is Doug in need of the Doctor, not screaming teenagers, as the calves, elbows, knees etc are decidedly dodgy despite the epic warm up routine. Would be a good pick for most wickets on tour otherwise.
	James Scholtens aka: Scholts Bolter for the CPCC Celebrity X1 after his appearances on ABC Saturday Rugby as the man with the whistle. Scholts will take the new rock on most occasions. As a teacher at a Catholic boys school, his selection of the Radiators most famous hit "Give Me H..." as his tour song is of some concern.
	Greg Luckman aka: The Predator, Eggory Late inclusion to the tour squad. Responsible for initiating the famous 'river swim' in Yosemite National Park on the 1997 Waratah's Tour, Greg is also the keeper with a disturbing susceptibility to 'falcons'.