As anticipation builds towards the first UK Tour since 2015, we thought it’d be a great opportunity to dig through and have a look back at some of our Tours of old. First up - 2015. Enjoy the recount from none other than doyen scribe, A.Cowan.

The 2015 tour to the UK was the latest of SUCC’s international tours outside of University games. More escapade than expedition, it was branded the rebel’s tour by some and comprised of just two 50 over fixtures. Against Oxford and Cambridge Universities, no less. 

The squad was impressive, with first class ring-ins Harry Conway and Alex Keath joined by former club overseas players Chris ‘Ceeeejaaaayyy’ Jones and Paul ‘Vince’ McMahon, alongside SUCC’s own Ryan Carters and Scott Henry. 

“Being a professional unit, the touring party ensured that all were well hydrated throughout the day (as opposed to making use of the net facility that had been arranged) so that performance would be maximised on the morrow. Some in fact chose to extend this doctrine into the evening and the early hours of the morning, which was in retrospect a bold strategy, which did not necessarily yield immediate results but certainly set us up for a successful tour. Suffice to say, the majority of the touring party were tucked up in bed dreaming of dominating the opposition before the sun came up at 5am…”

Also worth mentioning a notable TFC:

“Special mention must go to Josh ‘Reginald Ignatius’ Ryan who toiled hard throughout both games for the tour figures of 0 runs and 0/104 to go with a dropped catch off the Captain’s bowling that resulted in sore a very saw paw. While hilarious, these figures didn’t really do him justice. Still, you can’t argue with results…”

An out and out success, this tour highlighted the club’s strong connections in the UK. It showed that touring should be more frequent than fussy. The camaraderie was strong with the fine hospitality on offer from both opponents extending long past stumps. This allowed for the uni boys to share in traditions of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as affording time to introduce (and attempt to introduce) new cardinals! Here’s to cardinal Faraday for organising a splendid experience.

Party: Mark Faraday, Tom Kierath, Ryan Carters, Scott Henry, Ash Cowan, Ben Trevor-Jones, Henry Clark, Josh Ryan, Paul McMahon, Chris Jones, Harry Conway, Alex Keath, Gary Whitaker

Scoreboard: 1 Win, 1 Loss 

Ash Cowan tour squad rare score: 5/10