It was a delight to welcome the enthusiastic and friendly Warwick University squad to UCC yesterday. The ground looked resplendent under sunny skies and the day unwound most enjoyably. The home side passed Warwick's total of 194 with a couple of overs remaining. There were a number of outstanding performances by the hosts. Luca di Stefano and Alex Jones both claimed a couple of wickets and there were sensational catches by Prav Singh, Gavin Byrom, Dave Williams and Ben Cant. The tone was set early on as the experienced Brian Shenton's superb one handed diving pick up led to the run out of one of the Warwick dangermen. Full marks too to Dom Potter for a miserly spell of seam bowling.

After losing a couple of early wickets, Upton began chasing the runs in some style. Ben Cant and James Williams both retired after making quick half centuries. An expansive knock by Matt Smith with the steady support of Harry Cross took Upton to the verge of victory. It seemed appropriate that Chairman of Tour Match Selection Alex Jones was at the wicket as the winning runs were made. The efforts he put in in the run up to the match typified the approach of all involved in the tour fixture. It was another day in which we could take pride in the many unique and wonderful features of our club.

There was a steady flow of custom at the bar and it was lovely to see so many local supporters in attendance as well as a sizeable tour party from Warwick. At times like these it is almost inevitable that someone deserving profuse thanks will be forgotten. So I will try my best to pass on my thanks to everyone involved, with particular mentions to Michael Kynaston and Daniel Goodyear from Warwick for organising the fixture. Special thanks as ever to Les Atwell, John Lamb and their team of helpers who had the ground looking absolutely superb. Rob Chapman, Paul Radcliffe and Ian Sharrock also worked tirelessly behind the bar to keep the visitors, players and Upton supporters refreshed. Sue Smith and Dave Smith provided loyal support and organised several timely drinks breaks. Charlie Ward umpired with great authority and consistency in the heat and was also very much involved in "après cricket" events, organising a broom handle race and various other challenges. Ben Cant did an excellent job of captaining the side on the field. He took this onto an even higher level off the field, making every effort to ensure that our visitors were looked after and made to feel welcome. Although he has only been at Upton for a short time, Ben has clearly fully embraced the spirit of the club and its friendly ethos.

After enjoying so many tour games in far flung places, it was lovely to host one for the first time in a while. At Upton we are well aware of the great enjoyment such matches can provide. As our visitors head off to Manchester for the second part of their tour, we wish them well for their next series of challenges. They have clearly had a wonderful time on Merseyside with games at Prescot and Odyssey, Northern and Caldy before their day at Upton yesterday. I hope their day with us will live long in the memory. It was a real privilege to show some first time visitors our splendid club.