News

Horspath legend Max Eason dies aged 76

Max Eason, an SOA member, but better known as the leading figure at Horspath Cricket Club, died suddenly on Saturday March 2nd aged 76 while on a walk near the village of Brill where he lived.

A big man in stature and heart, he was a colossus at Horspath. In an association spanning nearly 60 years, he was a player, 1st & 2nd XI captain, chairman, secretary, fixture secretary, welfare officer, groundsman, youth cricket manager and bar manager. Above that he was a welcoming figure to anybody who appeared on the ground.

An opening batsman, whose trademark shot was a flashing square cut, Max played for the SOA in the 1970s and 1980s and managed a number of games.

He was a great advocate of young players being integrated into senior club cricket. Among those youngsters were his three sons, Alex, Robbie and Will, the latter two playing for Oxfordshire and the SOA.

Last September, his work for Horspath was recognised by the Oxfordshire Cricket Board with a life time achievement award.

Educated at Lord Williams Thame, he was also a noted second row forward for Chinnor Rugby Club, and was proud to have been named in their all-time best XV.

SOA Wanderers

In case it may amuse perusers of the SOA website here’s a picture to remind everyone that the players of yesteryear are still out and about on regular walks, this time in February sunshine among the hills near Stonor. L to R Tony Lurcock, Andrew Moss and Michael Knox.

Sam Shrouder

Members will be sorry to learn that Sam Shrouder, a fine cricketer and excellent companion died in November.

Sam made a number of appearances for SOA when his commitments with the Apollo Group allowed. He was Chief Executive of the group, leading the management of 26 venues including the New Theatre in Oxford. 

Remembered by Richard Allan as an extremely useful player and by Andrew Moss as the most genial of companions with a laugh that could rattle the rafters of any pavilion, Sam invariably made an impact on the game. In his obituary in The Stage magazine it was said that he would have preferred to be a professional cricketer than a theatre manager. 

His sporting interests ranged beyond cricket and he was Life President of Southport Football Club, where a stand is named after him. One of their directors said on his death: “Sam was the most wonderful person anybody could wish to meet.”


Annual Dinner 2023

After a four-year absence, the Club Dinner returned thanks to the energy and drive of our President. Nearly 50 members, including 18 former Presidents, and guests attended the Cotswold Lodge Hotel in Oxford for a most enjoyable evening.

Nick Bishop reviewed the year in an amusing speech before handing over the SOA presidential blazer to his successor Ed Phillips. Another 'Marvellous' night!

SOA Treasure Unearthed In Essex

It appears a rare 'pair' of SOA Report Booklets (covering the years 1939 - 1952) has been stored for an unknown period in a cardboard box in Essex alongside other cricket books. These treasures were unearthed during a house clearance and passed to Richard Clapp, an SOA member and native of that county, by a long standing cricket acquaintance.  

Richard, a self confessed cricket bibliophile, perused the contents of the box hoping to find something of interest - perhaps even a rarity - and was amazed to find booklets of SOA match reports dating back almost 90 years. 

Richard has very generously donated these booklets to the SOA and is also seeking further information regarding their provenance. In due course we will be looking at ways to make their contents available for members to peruse. I am aware of only one other set of these reports (now safely stored in the SOA Archives in the Oxfordshire History Centre) however perhaps more may come to light as we continue our trawl through the rich collection of SOA archive materials that the club is amassing.

This is also a timely reminder for match managers; drafting match reports can sometimes feel a chore, but it is your reports that write the history, create the memories and remind us of the enjoyment of playing cricket purely for its' pleasure and company. Please continue penning the reports as who knows who will be enjoying them in the next century. 

If anyone comes across similar, perhaps unprepossessing, boxes of 'cricket stuff' - please take a look and get in touch if you hit the jackpot, as Richard did. Hope you enjoy ferreting around your dark corners and lofts. 

Brian Gorton

I’m sad to report that Brian Gorton passed away recently. Brian, who was 86, was President of the SOA in 1995 and was a serial oversea cricket tourist, including with the SOA on the 1997 tour to South Africa and 2004 to Australia.

Right Brian is batting for Shipton-under-Wychwood against North Oxford in 1976 with fellow SOA members Richard Pineo, Alan Crossley, Tony Lurcock and umpire Gary (thank you to Tony for the photograph).

Bob Boyles

Bob Boyles, a long time SOA member sadly passed away recently. Bob was a long standing manager of the Oxfordshire O50's and a great supporter of cricket in the county, he was also a stalwart of Cumnor CC and will be much missed. 

A note of condolence was sent on behalf of us all to Cumnor CC.

Nigel Furley

Longstanding SOA member Nigel Furley, a retired teacher who had taught at MCS and Bloxham School, sadly passed away on 5 December 2022. Nigel was also a renowned member of Banbury CC who played regularly for SOA in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Club was represented at his funeral by a number of SOA members including Miles Hedges, Tom Moffatt, Ed Phillips & our Pres. Nick Bishop.

Barry Bacon

Whilst the start of another season promises some good times ahead, I also have some very sad news to share of the passing of Barry Bacon a few weeks ago. Barry was one of our longest serving members and was our last link with the original SOA grandees. He first played on the Western Tour as a teenager, where he experienced all their eccentricities and very bachelor ways. I believe he recently celebrated 60 years of touring - a record which, coupled with his fund of anecdotes, further enhanced his standing as an SOA tour legend. An obituary will appear in next year's report however in the meantime I look forward to hearing countless, often seemingly unbelievable, tales of daring do in Devon.

John Phillips

We have also been contacted by David Lea of North Devon Cricket Club to let us know that John Phillips, long-standing NDCC President and member of SOA (so long-standing that his initial standing order subscription was for half a guinea), has died - just a few weeks before his 100th birthday. His funeral took place in Instow Parish Church in March. There will be many SOA tourists who will remember him: until last year he would come along just after tea and sit in his car to watch the end of the match and then join us for a well-earned drink. This link takes you to a lovely article about John as well as a photo of John with a quite famous Aussie Test player who took on the SOA not so long ago. 

https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/sport/north-devon-cricket-club-john-phillips-obituary-7825678

John Carter

We regret to inform members that John W. Carter (SOA President 1991, Honorary Treasurer 1978/1990) sadly passed away on January 20th following a long and at times a very painful illness.

John, born in Oxford in 1935, attended MCS Oxford and became a prolific RH bat and was soon playing for the Oxford City 1st Xl at the age of 18. He represented Oxfordshire in the Minor County Championship on 35 occasions, making his debut in 1953. During the 1959 season John played 7 matches for Leicestershire in the County Championship with a top score of 41. Also he often played many games for the County 2nd X1 and also the Club and Ground X1.

John played SOA cricket for approximately 25 years and was always a regular and popular tourist to the West Country. Batting in the top order John would more often than not be among the leading run scorers in the matches he played.  His only century for the club being scored in what was supposed to be his final match for the club at Westleigh in 1990. The following season in his year as Club President in 1991 he played at short notice in his Presidents match against North Oxford at St. Edwards.

Sadly in recent years, due to his failing health, he was unable to attend SOA matches or attend the annual dinner.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Sally and the many friends who he met through his tremendous love of cricket.

Roger Berryman

We have received many messages from SOA members following Roger's passing which we will be sharing with Judith. The following short tribute penned by George Lamb captures the regard members have expressed for Roger and may be of interest to those who knew him. 

'Roger’s death is indeed a sad day for Judith, his family, his many friends and Oxfordshire cricket.   He epitomised all that is true to the ideals of amateur club cricket and throughout a long career he graced it by his presence.   His off-spin bowling reached a standard of excellence that put him near the top of his craft in the county, and even into his 60s he was still able to enjoy the game he loved and adorned with his sportsmanship and quiet modesty.

Not every cricketer is fortunate enough to be able to immerse himself so completely as a player and administrator but he and Judith were always a team within a team.  To her, Georgina and I send our heartfelt sympathy.  

George Lamb, SOA'

2019 SOA Dinner

An enjoyable Annual Dinner was held at the Cotswold Lodge Hotel on Saturday 9 November with an interesting and engaging presentation from World Cup winner Lydia Greenway. The presidency passed from Tom Scrase to Frankie Crouch and Alex Wildman was announced as the President Elect for 2021.

Oxford Mini Festival of Wandering Clubs 2019

The Oxford mini Festival concluded in sunshine along with a few empty beer casks. We are holding a modest supply of brochures that Andrew Moss collated for the Festival. Please contact Steve Wilson if you would like one.

President's Match 2019

Dear all

I had a fabulous day yesterday. Thank you AJ for putting together a very good team to play the President's XI and thank you Paddy for captaining on field in such an expert fashion. 

There was a lot of cricket talent and experience on show yesterday and it is a privilege to be part of the SOA. 

Thank you all for for playing.  

I also thank everyone who gave up their time to make the day what it was :-

Andrew Moss and Bob Belcher for umpiring,

Sue Moss and Neil Harris for scoring, Dave, Matt and Jon Warner for preparing the ground, Simon Watts for manning the bar and for Kingston Bagpuize cc for giving us access to their ground for the day.

Thanks also to all non playing SOA members and friends and family for coming to support the occasion. 

Finally, much closer to home, I am completely indebted to my wonderful wife Hanne for doing everything on the catering front! 

I am looking forward to the rest of the 2019 season. 

Please notify match managers of your availability for games.

We are also putting together teams for the festival and Devon tour. Please notifyAJ or myself about your availability for these two occasions asap.

With best wishes 

Tom - Pres

Phil Alston

Phil Alston was a talented cricketer and an avid raconteur. During his days as a BOAC pilot, he played most of his cricket for Incogniti CC but, once retired, he had the time to spread his cricketing favours as an outstanding off-spinner, and he played increasingly for SOA. Although he co-organised the Western Tour for a number of years, he will be principally remembered for managing, and organising single-handedly, the first ever SOA overseas tour to South Africa in 1997. For those lucky enough to go, this was a wonderful experience and Phil made his final SOA appearance at the scenic Groot Drankenstein ground, where he was given a tremendous send-off. With his vivacious wife Louise, he then emigrated to Australia where they had many friends from their flying days, and returned to the UK only rarely in his latter golfing years. Phil passed away peacefully on the 28th May 2019 in Wahroonga NSW.

SOA Triumphant in Sandford 6-a-sides

Congratulations to the SOA team that won the Sandford St Martin 6-a-side tournament on Sunday 26 May. This is the first SOA 6 that I can remember since Fish Hoek on the 1997 South African tour. From left to right; Swapnil Kulkarni, Mursaleen Sadiqi, Sajjad, Saqib Muhammad, Maseh Sadiqi (Capt.) Haji Sadiqi.


Bob Hawke

You may have seen that former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, died recently. What you may not know is Bob played several time for the SOA. 

Dr Ian "Doc" McDonald

"TO MCC CRICKET FAMILY

It is with much sadness that we learn of the passing of Dr Ian ‘Doc’ McDonald, who died peacefully last night.

Doc’s broad connection with, and outstanding contribution to, the Melbourne Cricket Club has been honoured in many ways, with the club’s two most prestigious awards - MCC Honorary Life Membership awarded in 2000 and Ebeling Award Winner (1986) – fittingly heading that list.

His Ebeling Award recognised him for his service to Cricket and Hockey where:

Cricket           

Hockey

An MCC member for 79 years, Doc served on the MCC Committee from 1958-1968 and was an MCC Guide.

These ‘stats’, as impressive as they are, only serve to introduce the Doc and can’t possibly do justice to describe his service to, and love of, the Melbourne Cricket Club.

If I’m allowed to indulge in a little editorial licence, may I say how I found the Doc to be an incredibly kind man, with a huge wealth of knowledge that he was willing to share at any time (sometimes unsolicited!), but always with a big smile and friendly warmth. I’m sure many of you have had similar experiences.

Condolences to his children Sue, Jan and Andrew and the extended McDonald family.

Doc, a devoted husband to Dot who he lost in 2014, you will be sadly missed!


Steven McCooke

Club Sport Co-ordinator

Melbourne Cricket Club"


Posted 5 February 2019

SOA Handover

Big thanks to Greg for a super year and looking forward to 2019. And a special thank you to Andrew Moss who introduced me to SOA cricket  and who is now passing treasurer 's duties to Dan Hawes. And finally stop press news - Frankie Crouch is president elect for 2020. 

Tom Scrase

Posted 2 December 2018

News Archive

Oxford Mail Deputy Sports Editor Retires — 01-Oct-2018 14:44:53

A message from the President — 02-Sep-2018 09:59:20

SOA v England Learning Disability XI — 31-Aug-2018 16:25:49

Mid Season SOA News — 26-Jul-2018 08:33:12

SOA President's XI at Sandford St Martin — 26-Jul-2018 08:30:00

Blazers and Hooped Caps — 10-Apr-2018 13:14:17

Devon Seniors Tour to India — 19-Feb-2018 16:52:34

Annual Dinner 2017 — 13-Nov-2017 11:42:09

Richard Merricks — 26-Jul-2017 16:02:03

Sri Lanka Tour Report — 30-Mar-2017 08:52:50

Simon Porter — 13-Feb-2017 17:59:04

SOA Youth Sports Charity — 13-Feb-2017 17:51:59

The SOA 70th Anniversary Special Video is Now Available On-line — 10-Feb-2017 18:02:50

Ron Jennings — 20-Oct-2016 21:18:36

Wormsley Photos — 14-Oct-2016 11:57:08

SOA Walkers — 07-May-2016 10:04:20

Socks in SOA Colours — 12-Apr-2016 07:49:26

Off duty on the SOA Sri Lanka Tour — 11-Apr-2016 15:58:25

SOA Sri Lanka Tour in a minute — 09-Apr-2016 11:38:00

The President writes once more ..... — 03-Apr-2016 08:27:32

The President writes again ... — 31-Mar-2016 06:25:24

The President writes ... — 31-Mar-2016 06:19:05

Portrait of Malcolm Elwin — 08-Feb-2016 09:13:32

Malcolm Alder Appointed President of Nondescripts, Sydney — 10-Oct-2015 08:55:41

Photographs — 14-Sep-2015 13:03:38

SOA Team at Sidmouth 2015 — 27-Aug-2015 21:19:05

SOA v St Clements Strollers — 22-Jul-2015 10:46:56

SOA v Melbourne XXIX Club — 22-Jul-2015 10:43:12

SOA Team v Magdalen College School 24 June 2015 — 26-Jun-2015 15:49:03

SOA v Nomads, Thursday 25 June — 25-Jun-2015 07:13:33

SOA v Gentlemen of Worcestershire — 13-Jun-2015 16:26:15

Geoff Smith — 18-Mar-2015 13:38:39

Sylvia Edwards — 12-Jan-2015 19:13:50

Malcolm Alder in Sydney — 09-Sep-2014 10:38:40

North Devon — 26-Aug-2014 19:12:16

SOA Sea Fishing — 25-Aug-2014 17:03:58

Chulmleigh — 25-Aug-2014 16:32:41

Marlow Park — 02-Aug-2014 13:07:18

SOA Victorious Over SOA at Ascot Park — 22-Jul-2014 22:30:01

Defeat to the Queries at Radley — 16-Jul-2014 21:19:35

SOA Win Against St Edward's Martyrs — 16-Jul-2014 21:09:01

Defeat to Old Waynfletes — 16-Jul-2014 20:57:23

Defeat Against Old Bloxhamists — 08-Jul-2014 07:47:37

Exciting Draw at Pangbourne College — 03-Jul-2014 08:38:42

SOA v Tiddington T20 on Thursday 3 July — 30-Jun-2014 13:17:02

SOA Beat Gipsies in Topsy Turvy Game at Bourton Vale — 26-Jun-2014 08:48:10

SOA Win at Cokethorpe School — 26-Jun-2014 08:45:50

SOA Beat Gentlemen of Worcestershire by 7 Wickets — 12-Jun-2014 21:29:17

SOA Draw at Witney Mills — 11-Jun-2014 05:57:13

Ray Hawes and Nigel Cassidy Remembered — 29-May-2014 16:44:35

Cricket Crossword — 28-May-2014 16:25:57

Gentlemen of Leicestershire Fixture Off — 28-May-2014 11:15:22

SOA v Radley Abandoned — 22-May-2014 15:14:26

SOA Win at Oxford in T20 — 19-May-2014 14:16:25

SOA Win T20 Match at the Defence Academy — 14-May-2014 21:49:09

Chris Hutton's Email Address — 08-May-2014 16:20:18

Letter from Dr Ian MacDonald — 28-Apr-2014 13:53:41

SOA on Social Media — 14-Jan-2014 12:18:27

Ray Hawes — 26-Nov-2013 13:27:34

SOA Annual Dinner — 08-Oct-2013 11:22:34

SOA in the Press — 08-Sep-2013 08:49:33

President's XI v AFT Lurcock's XI.  Friday 6th Sept, Standlake — 05-Sep-2013 19:49:11

SOA v Horspath, Tuesday 3 September 2013 — 04-Sep-2013 18:12:04

SOA v Warborough & Shillingford, Sunday 1 September 2013 — 02-Sep-2013 07:34:44

SOA Refresher From Down Under — 01-Sep-2013 08:47:04

Second Week of the Western Tour — 30-Aug-2013 10:17:28

SOA Win 4 Out of 5 in First Week of 2013 Western Tour — 20-Aug-2013 12:01:53

SOA v Canterbury, Melbourne, 15 August 2013 — 16-Aug-2013 14:27:45

SOA v Marlow Park, Wednesday 7 August 2013 — 08-Aug-2013 09:14:18

SOA v Bledlow, Thursday 1 August 2013 — 08-Aug-2013 08:07:48

SOA v Little Marlow, Wednesday 24 July 2013 — 30-Jul-2013 08:42:10

SOA v Abingdon Vale, 6 August 2013 — 17-Jul-2013 07:28:35

SOA v Stowe Templars, Sunday 14 July 2013 — 15-Jul-2013 13:12:21

SOA v St Edward's Martyrs, Wednesday 10 July 2013 — 15-Jul-2013 13:06:10

SOA v Melbourne XXIX Club, Friday 12 July 2013 — 14-Jul-2013 14:49:41

SOA v Hampshire Hogs, Tuesday 9 July 2013 — 10-Jul-2013 07:10:58

SOA V Pangbourne College, Wednesday 3 July 2013 — 04-Jul-2013 10:28:59

SOA v Gloucester Gipsies, Wednesday 26 June — 28-Jun-2013 11:15:39

SOA v Old Bloxhamists, Monday 8 July — 25-Jun-2013 21:26:01

SOA v Tiddington, Thursday 4 July — 24-Jun-2013 10:34:04

SOA v Abingdon School, Wednesday 19 June 2013 — 23-Jun-2013 16:19:28

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 12 — 23-Jun-2013 16:12:37

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 11 — 23-Jun-2013 16:10:47

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 10 — 19-Jun-2013 21:33:57

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 9 — 18-Jun-2013 21:06:35

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 7 — 17-Jun-2013 14:06:31

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride Day 6 — 16-Jun-2013 11:10:40

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride - Day 5 — 14-Jun-2013 13:43:48

SOA v Gentlemen of Worcestershire 13 June 2013 — 13-Jun-2013 07:08:25

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride - Day 3 — 13-Jun-2013 07:04:56

AJ Smith's Epic Bike Ride - Day 1 — 10-Jun-2013 21:10:02

Gentlemen, Gypsies and Jesters — 10-Jun-2013 16:09:09

SOA in the Oxford Times — 03-Jun-2013 17:04:06

SOA V Buxton Strugglers Wednesday 29 May 2013 — 29-May-2013 17:33:44

SOA v Gentlemen of Leicestershire, Thursday 30 May — 13-May-2013 20:06:01

SOA v Radley College, Thursday 23 May 2013 — 13-May-2013 20:00:59

SOA v Warwickshire Imps, Tuesday 14 May 2013 — 13-May-2013 19:55:48

SOA v Oxford (T20), Thursday 16 May 2013 (Rained off) — 13-May-2013 13:10:03

SOA v Lord Williams's School Thame, 8 May 2013 — 09-May-2013 07:01:55

SOA v Cokethorpe School 1 May 2013 — 02-May-2013 08:06:47

SOA v Defence Academy 24 April 2013 — 25-Apr-2013 08:21:50

SOA Team to Play Oxford University Authentics — 19-Apr-2013 16:07:59

SOA in Print — 15-Apr-2013 08:52:03

Bike Ride Raises Cash for SOA Charity — 29-Jan-2013 08:12:25

Youth Cricket Sports Charity Trustees' Report — 29-Jan-2013 08:06:32

SOA on Twitter — 27-Jan-2013 16:15:33

Steve Wilson Takes Over as President — 26-Jan-2013 20:47:10

Pictures From Shobrooke and Sidmouth — 09-Sep-2012 22:12:00

SOA President's XI v Warborough & Shillingford — 02-Sep-2012 21:42:55

Pictures From Shobrooke — 26-Aug-2012 08:46:56

SOA v Bledlow Village 15 August 2012 — 16-Aug-2012 21:26:55

At Last - Cricket — 17-Jul-2012 19:44:24

SOA Player in T20 Action — 23-Jun-2012 07:49:45

SOA on top against the Authentics — 03-Jun-2012 11:18:03

New Shirts — 17-May-2012 07:07:30

Last Ball Victory at Shiplake — 16-May-2012 21:50:37

Cokethorpe School Fixture Rained Off — 03-May-2012 16:16:46

Sylvia Edwards — 15-Apr-2012 20:23:49

75 Years of the SOA — 24-Feb-2012 19:02:37

More of Mossy's travels (with an SOA connection) — 18-Oct-2011 21:38:19

Devon Tour Photographs and Scoresheets — 21-Aug-2011 20:11:43

Feedback from Malcolm Alder in Australia — 21-Aug-2011 20:08:00

Exciting Draw Against Marlow Park — 07-Aug-2011 16:05:36

Technological First for SOA at Bloxham — 04-Aug-2011 20:36:45

Witney Mills — 12-Jun-2011 21:50:44

Photos Available From Radley Fixture — 27-May-2011 11:13:19

Shiplake Game Abandoned Due To Rain — 18-May-2011 19:32:42

SOA v Hampshire Wayfarers   Fri 20th May 11:30am at Challow — 13-May-2011 18:39:08

Season Opener at the Defence Academy — 29-Apr-2011 11:11:32

SOA Members Cheer on England — 22-Jan-2011 11:00:07

2010 President's Game — 12-Oct-2010 16:09:47

Photographs from the 2010 Devon Tour in Gallery — 27-Aug-2010 20:22:00

Chulmleigh hang on for draw — 23-Aug-2010 20:50:05

SOA send the Wayfarers packing — 16-May-2010 17:39:24

Wrong End of a Draw with Cokethorpe — 05-May-2010 20:29:02

Opening Fixture Victory — 21-Apr-2010 21:24:41

Cricket Society Review of "Seventy Five Years of the SOA" — 28-Feb-2010 15:56:42