AP TOURIST Lite
2 May 2015
It’s almost upon us!
Unbelievably, the AP Tour countdown clock is now showing just 99 days to the best
and longest standing tour in world club cricket!
Make sure you book your place on the
MagnAParka tour. The history books
don’t tell you that in a field very close to the one at Runnymede where King John
signed the Magna Carta under the watchful eyes of the barons, another deal was
done. The King, who was a bit of a soothsayer in his spare time, looked to the future
and decided he loved cricket. Moreover a number of Kentish barons had travelled to
that quiet field near the River Thames with the sole intention of ensuring that the AP
Kent Tour would be established 706 years into the future (1921) and would continue
till the end of time. And so, the MagnAParka was signed!
This year, exactly 100 years after that momentous event (and that other slightly less
important charter) it seems highly appropriate to celebrate the early dreams which
King John and the Kentish barons had for the finest club cricket tour on earth.
“Has he signalled a four or a six?”
If you read the first and second editions of AP TOURIST Lite you will know the dates
already, but just in case you haven’t, here they are. . .
9th to 15th August 2015
If you haven’t already done so, get your holiday dates booked now to avoid
disappointment later.
Cost for the 2015 tour will be the same as last year: Full Tour £330; first half
£165; second half £170.
If you need any advice on tour financial matters, please contact John Freestone
[email protected] or Anthony Shaw [email protected] from our
financial department.
Bank details
For tourists who pay by direct debit or standing order, please note that our bank
details are now as follows:Sort code 40-03-04; Account number 32126281
Incidentally, this is an excellent way to budget for your tour. Contact John or Toine to
find out the best direct debit or standing order plan to enable you to cover your tour
costs and spending money.
ALL OUR YESTERDAYS. . .
. . . a trip in the AP Tardis back to TOUR 2010 and an extract from AP TOURIST
2011 . . .
Using every ounce of his tour and map-reading experience, ATM Eyetiss manages
to navigate the tour party to the rural Kentish backwater of Eyethorne (which rumour
has it was named after one of his ancestors who had reputedly pricked his thumb
with a thorn while fielding). These days, the Tilmanstone Welfare ground in this
delightful village is the venue for our Tuesday fixture.
A quick survey of the opposition reveals a number of the old Dover club members
who used to face us on Tour Tuesday at the historic old Crabble ground, including
old foe Graham Mart, whose hard-hitting batting and accurate medium pace
regularly thwarted many an AP victory march. The Rangers bat first and look well
settled on 58 without loss. Rail and Googers (on his favourite track) fail to make any
impression on the stumps, but plenty on the bats. It is another R. Reid (not the
Reverend) who is the first wicket to fall – secured by Pervers’ deceptive swing.
Mangrove is also bowling well at this point and runs are hard to come by off his
bowling. When our hosts have taken their score to 77 in the 19th over Mangrove
takes the second wicket. The home team bat steadily on and are 99 when Lummox
removes another batsman. Within 4 balls another wicket falls – this time to
Flintstone Jnr. Unfortunately, that is the extent of our wicket-taking and the Rangers
bat on with a flourish, hitting 81 in 11 overs before making another fine declaration
(after ours yesterday) on 182-5. Pick of our bowling is Mangrove (1-11 in 6.2, inc 4
maidens) ad Pervers (1 for 18 in 4).
For the second day in succession, the side batting second can expect more overs
than their opponents following sensible declarations. Today, however, his will lead to
a tight and exciting match. Despite losing 2 wickets in 7 overs and only 26 on the
board, the Tourists dig in and The Rev and Beaver take the score to 53 before
Beaver goes for a resolute 15. The Rev is joined by Mangrove and they put on a
further 39 before our chaplain is bowled. Benson then walks to the crease with
determination written all over him. He finds time to wash the lettering off before
joining Mangrove in an assault on the Dover bowling. They add 72 in 12 overs of fine
stroke play, leaving AP in sight of victory with 22 needed in 4 overs, with 7 wickets in
hand. Sadly, Benson is clean bowled and Bix follows 1 run later. The equation is
now 20 required with 27 balls left and 4 wickets remaining. The biggest blow to our
chase comes when Mangrove is dismisse d for a fine 78 with 13 balls left and 7
needed. With 3 wickets left we are still very much in the driving seat, but with only 4
runs added in the final 2 overs and Rail run out going for glory, we have to settle for
a draw – just 3 short of victory – and the distinct feeling of having snatched a draw
from the jaws of victory!
It was a wonderful finish to an excellent match and the post-match rituals lived up to
the match. Another barbecue and more meat and veg devoured by voracious
tourists. The BHM was won by maiden tourist, Mangrove for a fine all-round display
and Flintstone was relieved of the Duck Tie, courtesy of a duck from another maiden
tourist, Bix. Our hosts, Dover Rangers and the fine backroom support from the
Tilmanstone Welfare club made it a wonderful tour day.
. . . . and, finally, returning to the Tardis for a short excursion back to 2013 and the
group photograph at Broadstairs:-
Having read this third edition of AP TOURIST Lite your appetite for the 77th AP
Kent Tour must have whetted to the point of drooling. To help you towards
true satiation the Tour list should go on the pavilion notice today for tourists
to sign, but you could let us know your Tour intentions by posting a note on
the APCC Facebook site, or informing one of the Tour Management
Committee.
So remember . . . . be there, or be a regular shape with four 90 degree angles!