THIS year Old Down CC toured over two weekends to Stafford and Henley and thoroughly enjoyed themselves both on and off the field.

The first match against Staffordshire Moorlands was a fantastic spectacle, with a crowd of around 300 there (due to the Leek-based club having a family fun day) to witness a rare tied game.

Old Down batted first and posted 197 off their 30 overs. The run-rate was always high although Old Down lost wickets regularly, and when Greg Welsher got to the middle he played a superstar innings, smashing 55 off 17 balls. He seemed to revel in the spotlight.

Staffs Moorlands' reply got off to a great start with 115 being added for the first wicket at well above the required run-rate. Gary Warren (5-1-27-4) then ripped through the top order to set up an interesting finish.

It was always going to be close and Staffs Moorlands needed 17 off the final Steve Clarke over for victory. He seemed to have it all wrapped up when he bowled three dot-balls, but somehow managed to let it slip and the match was tied with two runs coming off the last ball.

Monday was the setting for another big-scoring match at the picturesque Oulton.

The home side got off to a good start adding 138 for the first wicket from 25 overs, with Couglan retiring on 101.

After a steady, controlled start Addyman then came in to boost the score by making 58 off 29 balls.

Wickets were hard to come by for Old Down, and Oulton finished with 264-5 off their allotted 40 overs.

Old Down's reply didn't get off to a great start with both openers, Fleming and new recruit Mike Peters, failing to score a run. But Matt Snell and Russ Knight then steadied the ship with a partnership of 138.

It wasn't enough however to set up a close finish, with the required run-rate always climbing and captain Knight ending with 56 and Snell falling just five short of a deserved century. It seems Snell has an Indian sign over him this season.

The next weekend Old Down travelled overnight to Henley for a match against Cardkey in Newbury.

Old Down batted first and got off to a shaky start, and at 26-3 looked to be in a bit of trouble. However, Paul Clare knuckled down to produce a fantastic rebuilding job, and alongside Barry Reeves (66) put on 119 to set a competitive total of 207 off their 36 overs.

Cardkey's reply was also slow starting as Ollie Fleming ripped through the top order, finishing with 5-0-36-3.

The score kept ticking along to keep Cardkey in with a shout with a late onslaught, and 48 was required off the last five overs. However Knight cleaned up the tail to finish with 2.2-0-16-4. Cardkey were all out for 191, 16 short of their target.

Another year and another interesting tour both on and off the field. The tour committee would like to express their sincere thanks to all the sponsors for their assistance in making both weekends so successful and enjoyable and to umpire John Welsher for his stamina.