Here we are in our tenth season, and after unanimously agreeing to put the 2018 season behind us, it’s time to take a look at the heroes in the year ahead.
The squad has a familiar air to the previous season’s, in that is pretty much exactly the same squad. But it’s a squad hungry for glory, and a decent tea on a Sunday…
Lucy Brewer | First aider, team photographer & match day reporter, Lucy juggles several roles on a Sunday while never wavering in her support of the team. Even when she’s been given very little to cheer about…
Next milestone: Retaining the Ramblas Cup
Ramblas moment: Pioneering the live match feed on the Ramblas WhatsApp group
Michael Cooper | The Ramblas skipper brings an infectious enthusiasm, occasionally bordering on the delusional. Often seen nervously fidgeting on the sidelines during a chase, and fidgeting nervously when batting.
Next milestone: 1,000 runs (496 needed)
Ramblas moment: Last ball catch to seal a draw vs Chevening
Ian Dacre | Currently out in Seville doing market research on a potential Ramblas franchise in Spain, Ian’s ability to befuddle the batsman and his captain in the same over will hopefully be on show some point in the season.
Next milestone: 1st wicket since September 2017
Ramblas moment: First ever Ramblas 5-for
Alex Danks | Despite being the baby of the Ramblas collective, the youngest Danks has still managed to compile quite the list of achievements for the club. Will be looking to add to his three Ramblas centuries this season.
Next milestone: 2,000 runs (463 needed)
Ramblas moment: Snaring a 6-for and a hat-trick in the same game
Doug Danks | The Ramblas elder statesman and style icon, Doug has been a wicket taking machine since he arrived on the scene. A champion of the Victoria sponge and a harsh critic of the quiche.
Next milestone: 100 wickets (24 needed)
Ramblas moment: Setting the record for most wickets in a season
Tom Danks | A stylish batsman and an expert first slip, Tom will be looking to add a maiden century to his eleven fifties for the Ramblas. His love of a quick single strikes fear into fielders, and batting partners, everywhere.
Next milestone: 1,500 runs (257 needed)
Ramblas moment: Match winning hat-trick vs Petts Wood
Steve Fitch | While his performances often go under the radar, Stitch can always be relied upon whenever his number is called. One game shy of a century of appearances for the Ramblas, which I’m sure he’ll celebrate by getting a round in…
Next milestone: 100 wickets (13 needed)
Ramblas moment: Taking a wicket with his first ball as a Rambla
Sam Ford | A big money signing from Kent Elite back in 2012, Sam has proven to be an excellent addition to the Ramblas family. Sam was last year’s leading run scorer, a title he’ll be looking to retain in 2019.
Next milestone: 3,000 runs (445 needed)
Ramblas moment: Hitting the highest ever score in Ramblas history
Ed Gibbs | Possessed with boundless energy in the field, and a growing fan base off it, last year’s winner of the Skipper’s Player award will be looking to build on an excellent sophomore season for the Ramblas.
Next milestone: 25 wickets (8 needed)
Ramblas moment: Announcing his presence with a hat-trick against Chevening
Dave Green | A batsman from the ‘see ball hit ball’ school of cricket, Dave has thrilled the Ramblas faithful with some quick fire innings. He’ll be aiming to keep the runs flowing and get a first Ramblas fifty.
Next milestone: 500 runs (369 needed)
Ramblas moment: A stunning one handed grab against Royal Challengers
Mark Loughlin | Very much the Jacques Kallis of the Ramblas side, with the ability to score runs/take wickets for fun as well as take catches like he’s picking apples. But it’s his selfless nature that endears him to players & fans alike.
Next milestone: 2,000 runs (113 needed)
Ramblas moment: Claiming his long overdue maiden 5-for last season
Geoff Parrett | The Ramblas original king of spin, Geoff has been bamboozling batsman with his own brand of top spin and breaking the hearts of bowlers with his Jos Buttler-esque big hitting ability.
Next milestone: 100 wickets (20 needed)
Ramblas moment: Scoring the joint fastest Ramblas century off just 45 balls
Matt Rudgyard | Since answering a distress call on Facebook, Matt has proven to be a more than capable wicket keeper & top order batsman. Always a willing participant in a post match pint.
Next milestone: 500 runs (317 needed)
Ramblas moment: Rescuing the scorecard vs Wickham park with a fluent knock
Drew Smith | One of the few people to have played both for and against the Ramblas, Drew endured a fallow season with the bat last season but will be looking to bounce back and pile on the runs this year.
Next milestone: 500 runs (189 needed)
Ramblas moment: His match winning 48* vs Herne
Jonathan Stocks | First ever captain of the Ramblas and an ever dependable opening bat. As a new dad, he’s traded in the leg side tickles for tummy tickles but he’ll still find time between night feeds to take the field this season.
Next milestone: 2,500 (407 needed)
Ramblas moment: Taking the catch to seal the Ramblas first ever win
Chris Thomas |Ramblas’ vice captain, stats man and headband wearer in chief, Thommo’s wicket taking knack, along with his signature leg glance, helped cement his place in the Ramblas pantheon of greats.
Next milestone: Taking his first 5-for
Ramblas moment: A swashbuckling 38* vs Chevening