A day of cricket, camaraderie, and remembering a much‑loved friend
The much‑loved Rupert Hill Memorial Cricket Match returned for its second year on Sunday 19th July, once again bringing together friends, family, Old Dovorians, and the Folkestone cricketing community to celebrate a man who gave us laughter, kindness, and an infectious love of the game. Rupert may no longer be with us, but the joy he shared, on the pitch, in the clubhouse, and everywhere in between continues to unite people in the most wonderful way.
This year’s fixture saw the Old Dovorian Cricket Club travel to Folkestone Cricket Club to compete once more for the coveted GRH Memorial Shield. After last year’s defeat, the ODCC arrived with determination (and perhaps a touch of mischief) in their eyes, ready to honour Rupert in the best way possible: by playing hard, laughing often, and enjoying every moment.
The day was blessed with sunshine, a lively crowd, and the unmistakable sense that Rupert would have absolutely loved it.
A huge thank you goes to Folkestone Cricket Club, especially Matthew Jay and Chris Jay, whose organisation, hospitality, and good humour ensured the day ran seamlessly. From the pitch preparation to the legendary cricket tea, everything was spot‑on. Your support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful.
Folkestone CC won the toss and elected to bat on a surface flatter than a pancake and an outfield baked to lightning speed by the relentless summer heat.
Their opening pair, Wallis (46) and Bray (52), got Folkestone off to a blistering start. The scoreboard ticked along merrily, perhaps a little too merrily for ODCC tastes until the ever‑crafty Mr Hearn arrived. Known affectionately as “the old fox”, he removed Wallis and then picked up two more wickets in quick succession, finishing with superb figures of 3 for 26 from 7 overs.
But the real destruction came from Henry Roberts, who produced a spell that can only be described as ruthless. Roberts tore through the Folkestone middle order, taking 6 wickets for just 7 runs in 3 overs, ripping the heart out of the innings. Folkestone never fully recovered and were bowled out for 197.
A competitive total, but chaseable.
After a traditional cricket tea (which, as always, was taken very seriously), the Old Dovorians strode out to begin their chase.
Unfortunately, the start was… less than ideal.
The OD top order collapsed faster than a deckchair in a gale. The skipper, Mr Dependable, and the third opener all fell cheaply, leaving ODCC wobbling at 23 for 3. The target of 198 suddenly looked a long way away, possibly somewhere near France.
But then came Ingleston, joined shortly after by Roberts, fresh from his bowling heroics. Together they rebuilt the innings with calm heads and classy strokes, putting on a partnership of over 100 runs and dragging ODCC back into contention.
The middle order chipped away at the remaining target, though not without drama. Wickets fell at an alarming rate thanks to tight, disciplined bowling from Bashir and Burchett, who kept Folkestone firmly in the fight.
And so it came down to the final act.
Enter Mr Hearn, the intrepid number 11 — known in cricketing circles simply as “Jack”. With nerves of steel and a bat that suddenly found the middle with astonishing regularity, he smashed a quick‑fire 15 runs, sending the ball to all corners of the ground and guiding ODCC home for the narrowest, most hard‑earned of victories.
Revenge achieved. Rupert would have been roaring with laughter.
After the match, Mr Edward Lewis, newly elected Chairman of the Old Dovorian Club, presented the Man of the Match awards:
- Henry Roberts (ODCC) – for his devastating 6‑for spell
- Max Burchett (Folkestone CC) – for superb, disciplined bowling under pressure
Both thoroughly deserved their honours.
With this memorable victory, the ODCC season is almost complete. It has been a hugely successful year:
- Inaugural T20 campaign: 2 wins from 3
- Long format fixtures: 2 wins from 2
- Folkestone CC T10 Festival: Coming this September
We hope to field a strong side for the T10 Festival and would love to see our supporters, friends, and families join us. Keep an eye out for details, it promises to be a brilliant finale to an excellent season.
Finally, a massive thank you to Folkestone Cricket Club, and especially to our Club Captain Mat Jay, whose efforts throughout the season have been immense. And to all our players, supporters, and friends: thank you for turning up, cheering us on, and keeping the OD cricketing spirit alive.
Rupert would be proud.
TO STAY CONNECTED
Subscribe to get the latest updates on events and news from the Old Dovorian Club, and to receive the electronic version of the Dovorian News. Register your details using the secure link provided.
Old Dovorian Club Registered Address – HMS Wellington, Temple Stairs | Victoria Embankment | London WC2R 2PN