Far From The MCC

~ Est. in 1998 ~

 

 

Past Players

 

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Name:

James Blann

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

32

BB:

2 - 23

 

Every inch a cricketer, James played 9 games for The Jude, taking 7 wickets at 30.00 and scoring 96 runs at 10.67 with a high of 32 against The Baldons in 1999. Unusually fielding close, he had a habit of taking athletic catches. His brother Richard also played 3 times for The Jude.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Simon Brandon

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

86

BB:

-

 

Although playing only 5 times for The Jude, Simon made a huge impact with the bat, scoring 210 runs at 42.00 with a high score of 86. When he left the team, Simon was missed almost as much as his voluptuous girlfriend. Ah. What was her name again? Simon’s brother Michael also played twice for The Jude.

 

 

 

 

Name:

GRAHAM BRIDGES

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

16*

BB:

-

 

A keen athlete who loved running, Graham made 16 appearances for the Mad spread over the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Always enthusiastic in the field (where he could run a lot), Graham would often be seen bored in the field wishing he was running instead of playing cricket.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Andy Cavanagh

 

Nickname(s):

QC,  Goose Man

Origin:

-

Description:

Middle order bat

 

Pie chucker

Type:

RHB

HS:

15

BB:

0 - 10

Hero:

Oliver Reed

Fav’ Drink:

Anything with alcohol in it

Fav’ Song:

Flight of the valkries

 

Andy Cav’s laconic drawl and wry wit made him an amusing member of the Mad. After an uncertain start in 2006, hardly knowing when to appeal and when not to, Andy soon got the hang of it and for several games the cry of “Howzat!” could be heard from point just about every delivery, until that guy from OUP got sick of it and wrapped his bat round Andy’s head.

 

Andy began shakily at the crease, but found his feet towards the end, and looked positively batsman-like during his high score of 15. He took 5 catches in all. Just a shame that 2 of them were subbing for the University Offices.

 

Andy used to live in an orange house.

 

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Name:

Petr Cech

 

Nickname(s):

Petr,  Czech Boy

Origin:

-

Description:

Petr never understood cricket

 

 

Type:

RHB

HS:

2

BB:

-

Hero:

Anyone from Czechoslovakia

Fav’ Drink:

Czech lager

Fav’ Song:

Some offbeat Czech crap

 

It was with great sadness that the Mad said goodbye to Petr when he left this island for New Zealand in the fall of 2007. During his brief spell with the FFTMCC, he amused all with his dry wit and his child-like enthusiasm for a game he simply couldn’t comprehend. Thankfully his name is etched in the scorebook forever after he carved a couple through slips at Jordan Hill.

 

So long Petr, we hope we see you again one day.

 

Petr is good in bed apparently.

 

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Name:

Lee Davie

 

Nickname(s):

Accrington

Origin:

-

Description:

Solid opening bat

 

Tidy medium pacer

Type:

RHB

HS:

97*

BB:

2 - 3

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

-

 

A fine player whose stint in the 2003 No-Mad team was kept to just one game by a horrific plastering injury. Lee has played 13 matches for Jude and the Mad, taking 12 wickets with his left-arm bowling, but it is with the bat he is the true star. His top score of 97* against South Oxford Social Club at Horspath in 2001 is still one of the highest Mad scores, and over the years Lee has managed to average well over 50 for the club. He is also very quick behind the stumps and in the field. A true all-rounder who won the coveted Player of the Year shield in 2001.

 

Lee returned to the Mad ranks at the start of 2005 and once again demonstrated his ability with bat and ball, but his appearances were all too brief. The club hope he can be persuaded to don the whites a few more times in future.

 

Lee is dodgy with a knife in his hand.

 

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Name:

Simon Dickens

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

17*

BB:

6 - 24

 

A regular with Stanton St. John Willows and long-time close friend of Lee Davie, Simon Dickens played only twice for The Jude, but in doing so took 9 wickets at 9.44. Against Marcham in 1999 he went so far as to register the figures of 6-24 which is still one of the best hauls ever for the Mad.

 

Simon was a ringer.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Paul Drake

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

22

BB:

1 - 8

 

A veteran of 10 games for Jude and Mad, Paul was last seen heading off the field after the 2002 Bodleian game at Pembroke in a heavy sweat, and next day was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. Sorry Paul, we shouldn’t have begged you to play. Paul was an occasional bowler, and a useful batsman who top-scored with 22 and averaged 10.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Steve Hebbes

 

Nickname(s):

Oops,  Fennel Jr,  Asterix

Origin:

Probably Cheeseville

Description:

Handy lower order swisher

 

Nagging medium pacer

Type:

RHB

HS:

33

BB:

4 - 7

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

-

 

Steve, brother of Nick, and the second half of a complete fennel. He is the inventor of the now infamous skidding delivery characterised by a complete lack of bounce. The Hebbes 'skidder', which tends to leave the batsman bamboozled and Out, is always accompanied by the embarrassed cry of “Oops!” Experienced observers of the game of cricket have long theorised that the Oops ball is most easily perfected by the vertically challenged.

 

A handy lower order bat, and a regular wicket taker, Steve was particularly impressive in 2003 when he bagged 19 victims. The Mad now miss his all round game after he relocated to Newcastle and then London, and then somewhere else, and somewhere after that. Occasionally Steve guests for us when time allows.

 

Steve has an unhealthy obsession with fines.

 

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Name:

Neil Howarth

 

Nickname(s):

Harold,  Teach

Origin:

Another shithole up north

Description:

Handy lower order bat

 

Superb fast bowler back in the day

Type:

RHB

HS:

14

BB:

0 - 13

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

Real ale,  cheap red wine

Fav’ Song:

-

 

Neil has only managed 1 game for the Mad, though he has done his stints at umpiring over recent years. Father of Ian, his nickname refers to his fiery bowling of yesteryear where he plied his trade in the Lancashire cricket leagues - his style likened to that of the infamous ‘Bodyline’ exponent Harold Larwood. A fine player in his pomp, he is now happily retired in Cornwall.

 

Neil likes a good old moan.

 

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Name:

Martin Hurley

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

20

BB:

-

 

Martin returned home to Ireland in 2001 after a stint working in Germany, but before that played 14 games for The Jude. Martin’s unconventional batting style, influenced by his education in the sport of hurling, yielded 106 runs at 7.57 with a high score of 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

Dylan Jones

 

Nickname(s):

Drag’ On!,  Dyl,  Cob Boy

Origin:

-

Description:

Lower order slogger

 

Medium pacer

Type:

RHB

HS:

14

BB:

4 - 17

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

-

 

Welsh import Dylan Jones played over 20 games for the Mad after his debut in 2002. Erratic, but handy medium pace bowling accompanied a fine penchant for throwing a cob. Dylan could always be found muttering under his breath or sulking about the then captain J. Hoskin’s many decisions both on and off the field.

 

Dylan likes to sulk.

 

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Name:

Howard Jones

 

Nickname(s):

Howie

Origin:

-

Description:

Heavy hitting top order bat

 

Medium pacer,  occasional off spin

Type:

RHB

HS:

78*

BB:

5 - 9

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

Anything by Howard Jones

 

No, not the 80s pop star, what on earth were you thinking? Howard, who actually preferred Joy Division, was a Jude stalwart of 30 games up until the beginning of 2002, and also made a few cameo appearances in 2004. A dashing batsmen and fine pace bowler prone to occasional lapses in concentration at the crease and in the field, he was Player of the Year in 1999 and overall averaged 24 with the bat. Although he twice took 5 for 9, his most impressive spell came against The Team With No Name at Horspath in 2000, when in a rain-ruined match he destroyed the opposition top order with 3-3 in 3 unplayable overs. He also holds the record for Most Catches In An Innings (4), against South Oxford Social Club in 2001. Howie has now relocated to Wales.

 

Howie is paranoid of drainage covers.

 

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Name:

Chris Legg

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

49

BB:

3 - 16

 

One-time manager of Jude The Obscure in Walton Street, Chris was a founding player who was heard at the 2000 AGM to exclaim ‘I’m not playing under that f*cking Aussie!’ (who could he have meant?), thus casting the team elections into chaos and recriminations. An opening bowler and batsman, he took 16 wickets at 22.81 and scored 198 runs at 16.50 with a high of 49 against Isis at Cuttleslowe in 1999. Chris married an extremely beautiful nurse and buggered off up north to manage a sports store.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Eddie Lester

 

Nickname(s):

Scissor Hands,  Steady

Origin:

-

Description:

Middle order bat

 

Slow chocolate truffles

Type:

RHB

HS:

33*

BB:

3 - 13

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

-

 

As a founding member of the team (under a different name) and past Captain, Eddie brought a wealth of experience to the team as an eminent hypnotherapist, although none of his teammates really need hypnotising to get pissed. Eddies best performance in 2003 was a remarkable 666*, against a team of imaginary fielders, hitting an imaginary cricket ball during an imaginary match. Eddies tour organising prowess is legendary among tour organisers, and his ability to collect tour deposit money from recalcitrant players has come to the attention of local Mafia groups wishing to hire him as a debt collector. Alas, Eddie has now left us and plies his trade in New Zealand.

 

Eddie does not like the lbw law (particular at his level of cricket).

 

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Name:

Ben Mander

 

Nickname(s):

Iron Hands

Origin:

-

Description:

Lower order slogger

 

Leg spin

Type:

RHB

HS:

29

BB:

4 - 31

Hero:

-

Fav’ Drink:

-

Fav’ Song:

-

 

Ben has been an integral member of the Mad since it’s early days; sometimes even contributing to the team performance. One of Ben’s more famous efforts was steering the side to victory against the Marlborough in 2003 with a fine 28*. An enthusiastic presence, Ben always gives it is all in the bar afterwards.

 

Ben returned for a few games in 2008, and looked every inch the cricketer in his chino trousers. His batting was maybe questionable, but he did try to knock the opposition out with some swirling beamers.

 

Ben is a noted skittles player.

 

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Name:

James Mander

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

32

BB:

2 - 23

 

Another Mander, is there no end to them? Ben’s cousin James played 6 games for the Jude during the 2001 season before getting sick of England and going back to Australia. Once opted out of an important Jude fixture at noon on Sunday in order to ‘go and get a haircut’. A useful all-round athlete who underachieved in scoring 23 runs at 4.6 and taking 3 wickets at 28.67.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Antony Mann

 

Nickname(s):

The Ant,  Blocker,  Mangle

Origin:

Down under

Description:

Handy lower order bat

 

Left-arm swing bowler

Type:

RHB

HS:

58

BB:

5 - 25

Hero:

Steve Waugh  /  Nelson Mandela

Fav’ Drink:

Highland Park  (single malt)

Fav’ Song:

Another Green World  (Eno)

 

What more can be said about THE Ant that hasn’t already been scribed over the numerous pages of this website. One of only two remaining members of the inaugural side back in 1998, now he sadly isn’t. Ant once again topped the bowling averages in his last term for the Mad, his 21 wickets at next to nothing masking over the fact he looked more like a geriatric in the field.

 

It was indeed an epochal event when Ant left a Dark Harbour for the shores of his homeland at the start of 2009. Some believe it is a cunning ploy to claim Lord Lucan’s club record of Longest Interval Between Appearances (2,185 days, 99 Matches). Some say he’s returned to report his personal study of English MADmen and lagerlouts to his fellow countrymen. Some say he’s just fleeing to avoid the shitty weather, but all are agreed, he will be sorely missed.

 

Ant likes a good fight at his book launches.

 

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Name:

Clare Norris

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

8*

BB:

-

 

The Jude’s only regular female player, and not a lesbian. Clare was an Oxford Blue with a classical batting style who scored 25 runs in 15 games at an average of 2.5. Clare married Julian and went to Australia with Buzz and Lucy. We miss you too, Clare.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Leo Phillips

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

44*

BB:

-

 

The team captain of the 2001 season who fled the country after a disappointing season with the bat. A talented professional violinist and true raconteur, Leo top-scored with 44 not out and in 13 matches compiled 209 runs for Jude and Mad at an average of 19. Leo is sorely missed. Come home soon, Leo….

 

 

 

 

Name:

Sam Pollard

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

9

BB:

2 - 17

 

A Judester who played 10 games before not playing any more. He once hit 9 not out against someone. Sam ran the bookshop on Walton Street, then suddenly, one day, he didn’t. He now lives off the Cowley Road. That, or he doesn’t.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Noel Reilly

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

3

BB:

-

 

Noel was landlord at Jude the Obscure in Walton Street until 2001 and co-founder of the original team. A constant source of spiritual inspiration for both Jude and Mad, Noel’s generosity towards the team in both its incarnations has been unwavering. Played 3 times for the Jude, scoring 3 runs at an average of 1.00. His most impressive display came perhaps against The Beehive in Swindon in 2000, when his exertions in scoring a single proved so telling that he when he finally left the field of play it was on a stretcher.

 

Noel sadly passed away in 2008. He will be remembered.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Nigel Sawyer

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

1*

BB:

-

 

Bon vivant friend to Noel Reilly and Eddie Lester. Nigel accidentally played for the Mad on the 2002 tour to Cornwall, scoring 1 not out against the surly opposition, but is better known for hosting the Jude tours to Weymouth in 1999 and 2000, which thanks in large part to his efforts turned out to be the memorable weekends they were. Unlike the trip to Cornwall. Which was shit.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Adie Small

 

Nickname(s):

Mr. Small  (in fact any Mr. Men)

Origin:

Cartoon Land

Description:

Lower order bat

 

Long distance medium pacer

Type:

RHB

HS:

10

BB:

2 - 23

Hero:

Any of the Mr. Men characters

Fav’ Drink:

He preferred eating (everything)

Fav’ Song:

-

 

Nothing can knock the unbridled enthusiasm and optimism that Adie brings to the pitch. Winning the 2007 Best Effort award pays testament to that fact. And nothing matches the sheer joy that is displayed during Adie’s wicket celebrations which are oft mentioned in post match talks and let’s face it, if a celebration gets mentioned in a Match Report then he is a player worth having – why else is Monty Panesar playing for England? Adie also has a reputation amongst the opposing team’s wives who always prepare an extra fifty percent of portions for the tea when they hear he is on the team sheet. Some say he eats so much at tea to fuel his extraordinary long run-ups while bowling, whilst others believe he needs the energy to ride home as he always arrives by bike. Nobody knows where he lives. He’s a mysterious character, as are all Mr Men.

 

Adie is far too happy.

 

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Name:

Vicki Stone / Howarth

 

Nickname(s):

L’il Dennis

Origin:

-

Description:

Lower order bat

 

Girly throws

Type:

RHB

HS:

0

BB:

-

Hero:

Michael Buffer

Fav’ Drink:

Kronenberg

Fav’ Song:

Starting over  (John Lennon)

 

Vicki gets all the perks and advantages that you would expect from being skipper Ian’s better half: washing his cricket whites, massaging his bunion, listening to his post-match blatherings about what a great game he had and how fantastic his captaincy skills are. But there’s more to Vicki than someone who cooks Ian’s tea for him and cleans the toilet with his toothbrush when he’s not looking. Vicki is also a budding writer of what women call erotic fiction and men call porn. So when Vicki is using a Thesaurus these days, she tends to look up words like ‘rigid’, ‘throbbing’, ‘purple’, ‘velvety’ and ‘moist’. But then, don’t we all?

 

Vicki doesn’t actually play for the Mad anymore, but she is sometimes seen behind the boundary rope slagging off the team for their inane posturing and funny white shirts with idiotic nicknames on the back? Watch out, Vick. If you’re not careful, we’re going to hit you with an ASBO.

 

Vicki prefers football.

 

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Name:

Mike Thorburn

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

44

BB:

2 - 17

 

A veteran of 17 games up until the end of 2001, Mike started shakily with many scores under 1 (somewhat less than his professed youthful average) until finding his feet and finishing with a high score of 44 and an average of 10.56. Mike was often completely pissed before, during and after games, which, while seeming to help his own performance, was not very good for anyone else’s. Mike was also a useful change bowler who could land the ball on a length, especially when pissed. Someone once saw Mike not pissed somewhere, but then it turned out to be someone else. He took 14 wickets at 21.71 before heading up to Manchester with his girlfriend to get pissed.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Greg Le Tocq

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

21*

BB:

4 - 9

 

A precocious young quickie who was young and quick, but not as quick as he thought he was, and hence, not so precocious. He found it hard to take batting seriously, but took 18 wickets in 11 matches at 13.39 with best figures of 4-9 against The Brewers XI in Weymouth, 2000. Greg went away to university in Nottingham.

 

 

 

 

Name:

Fred Townsend

Stats:

Type:

RHB

HS:

4

BB:

5 - 24

 

Founding member of the Jude, Fred was an imposing spin bowler who was usually to be found at mid-on hoiking his cricket pants up to his neck. A mainstay of the team for 12 games – too few – Fred averaged a disappointing 2.56 with his batting, but was an important partnership-breaking bowler and took 10 wickets at 36.10, with a best of 5-24 against The Beehive in 1998. Fred’s son James also played twice for The Jude. Fred is currently living in Witney.

 

 

 

 

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