Tour 2006 - visiting ivor's brokeback passage

On a mission that tested the masculinity of many a Ranger, we embarked this year on the Brokeback Passage tour, resplendent in Pink. For a few it all began, as it always does, on Stinchcombe Hill. “Good touring” is the cry as the golfers set off in the early morning mist to enjoy the wonderful views of the Severn Valley. From there, its down to Frocester for a spot of lunch and a bit of a hit on Frocester’s postage stamp. All jolly good fun for the Chairman who took it upon himself to record his first century for many years. David “One Day Wonder” Harding Smith followed up with some lusty blows and we declared with a healthy total. Frocester youngsters were never really in the hunt but boyfully clung on for a draw.

At Ombersley there were two further centuries from Wolfie and Mitch Power. Fair to say Richmond were deep in the poo at not many for 2 before the Wolf and the Oz took over and put on well over 200 for the 3rd wicket. Ombersley put up a game reply but fell short with Clint Thrust producing a decent haul of wickets on his return to bowling.

Wednesday saw local resident, Captain Coops, bereft of players for a 2.30 start against the Bards and not very happy. Why ? Because the morning golf had over run again !!! Consequently he chucked Terry Woram the ball and challenged the Bards to overhaul our modest target. This they did but not before Terry had once again proved that he is master of flight and guile – or at least that’s how I thought he described himself later on in the bar after 4 bottles of Zimbabwean White (or a Smithy as its commonly called).

At Exhall it was former Chairman Spud’s turn to record a ton, although it has to be said in relatively slow time by tour standards. Richmond’s healthy score seemed untouchable until one of the oppo decided to con us into a false sense of security. Having done so, he proceeded to knock off the runs comfortably and thus snatch an unlikely victory. All of this was too much for Wolfie who consequently failed to win his bet that he could consume 4 bottles of Pinot Grigio before the end of the game, failing by just a mouthful to do so.

Friday and Bourton Vale. Thankfully the Vale are not as strong as they used to be and so the cabbages of Richmond were able to see them off – something that seemed unlikely whilst the 2nd XI Captain was acquainting himself with the Ladies toilet (some might say there was some poetic jutsice in that !) whilst waiting to go in at number 3.

Off the field we were as usual impeccably behaved !! Even Gorey managed to keep his nose clean. On Thursday, we were joined by Mrs Cooper’s birthday crew and a jolly good time was had by all. “Who was that masked man?” many cried and the mystery lingers on to that day although the birthday girl swears that she will recognise him next time. It must run in the family genes.

Our thanks to Trailer for excellent Tour Management, the Lygon for looking after us all (even if we do all need a crash course on Czech, Slovak and Latvian before next August) and all the tourists for making it another memorable year.