After several days of uncertainty, trepidation and last-minute preparation, we are delighted to report the success of all UCC participants in last Saturday’s Park Run. Not only did all eight runners complete the 5k course successfully, they all came in well inside the forty minute target we set ourselves. Faz led the team home on his big day and the rest of the team finished just seconds behind. It must be seen as a great tactical success as Gary Dixon used his many years of experience as a marathon pacer on various continents to keep the group together. This wasn’t always the easiest task as some of the younger runners found it hard to keep to the slow, gentle but rhythmical pace set by the some of the older athletes. Fortunately the musical accompaniment Gary provided from greats like Tony Christie, Ricky Astley, Elvis and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself meant that this fine group was never hard to find.

Following the successful conclusion of the run, the focus turned to the afternoon’s events. Some of us returned to more leisurely pursuits but there was no let up for Phil Wood. After a couple of hours sleep he was soon bowling ten overs for the 4th XI, which he followed by striking a blistering ton. Faz was also in action for the 3rd XI, entertaining a growing crowd with a solid second innings knock. During all this excitement we managed to raise a wonderful £144.80 in cash donations from people at Upton Cricket Club, including those who attended the splendid buffet lunch on Sunday, to supplement the generous online donations we have also received.

Saturday July 20th was a magnificent day. Although the results on the pitch were not what we might have wished for, we were able to see the huge strength the club has in so many other ways. The Ladies Day was eagerly anticipated and judging by the beaming faces in the grandstand and the clubhouse later on, it seems that everybody involved enjoyed the event hugely. Our running team was the traditional blend of youth and experience with two members of the 500 club, a parent of two young players plus a recent youthful addition to the Sunday side joining Faz and some rather longer-established members of the Sunday squad. It says a lot about us as a club that people with so many different connections to it have been so willing to participate and donate. The fund to help Faz with his tuition fees will still be open for donations up to August 12th via the following link:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/runningtohelpfazahmed

The team was made up of the following runners: Brian Shenton, Gary Dixon, Claire Scudder, Faz Ahmed, Richard Lee, Sean Lynch, Phil Wood and John Winder. Expert technical and photographic support was also provided by Faz’s fiancé Katrina and by Stuart Lee. Thanks to everybody who contributed to making this such a special occasion.