Oxford

Oxford is a city that we were able to visit for a short time when the team was playing Oxfordshire. The car was parked in Magdalene Street, near Broad Street and Broad Street was the main area that we were able to explore.

Bicycles are a major means of transport in this university city.

There is a wide variety of architecture to be seen on Broad Street.

The Sheldonian Theatre is next to the Museum for History of Science. Commencement of the building the theatre began in 1664. It was designed by Christopher Wren.

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and is part of Oxford University. A number of buildings form this library including a building specifically for undergrads.

There are a number of university colleges in Broad Street, all with interesting architecture.

Wherever you look there are interesting archaeological features and skylines.

A stone set in the wall of Balliol College provides information about the three martyrs burned to death in the ditch outside the city walls in 1556.

The Martyrs' Memorial is located near the corner of Magdalene and Broad streets.

Game 7 - against Oxfordshire at Oxford

On 17 June we travelled the one and a half hour drive to Aston Rowant in Oxfordshire.

This cricket club is definitely situated in a rural setting and was established in 1881.

On arrival the team members did their warm up.

Views from the second ground next door to the main ground affirm the rural setting.

On one side of the main ground is a wheat field in which the ball was hit on a number of occasions. No doubt a number of balls are found at harvest time.

After winning the toss Australia elected to bat and scored 4 for 249 off their 45 overs. Ian Petherick scored 52 and Phil Drescher hit 51 runs.

Murray Harrison and James Martin both took 3 wickets while Robin contributed by bowling 9 overs including 1 maiden with 1 wicket for 32. However poor fielding let the Australian side down and when the opening batsman who had earlier retired returned to the crease with one over to go he added the 17 runs required for Oxfordshire to win the match by one run scored on the last ball of the innings. It was an exciting game.