The sunny Côte d’Azur was the destination for the 2014 Cadogan Tate tour, as 14 intrepid cricketers travelled to the south of France in late September.
Under the direction of head honcho Simon Waymouth, an eager group of tourists met at Heathrow’s terminal five on a Friday lunchtime eager to showcase their sporting talents abroad.
On arrival at Nice, a journey of around 40 or minutes or so took us to our base for the weekend. Juan-les-Pins, a stone’s throw from the town of Antibes and not a million miles away from the luxury of Cannes, was the perfect location.
Friday evening saw the tourists bond over steak, wine and tiramisu before heading to bed ahead of a big first day of cricket the following morning.
An early start on Saturday saw the group head to Entrecasteaux, a stunning rural location inland from our coastal base. A trip of around an hour and a half left some feeling the worse for wear but on arrival, it was time to get down to business.
The Entrecasteaux Sevens was an incredibly well organised competition, with teams from as far afield as Italy and Holland competing in two groups. Such was the might of the tourists, that Cadogan Tate fielded two teams in the tournament, bolstered by a couple of overseas signings.
The Cadogan Tate tour party split in to two teams of seven. Things started well, with both teams winning their opening two games. But as the A team unravelled, failing to win either of their last two pool stage encounters, things went from strength to strength for the B side. Under the captaincy of Tim Carter, the so-called Cadogan Tate second string were convincing winners in their two opening games of the tournament.
With their batting setting up winning totals, it was left to the bowlers to do their part. Clive Adam and Simon Robbins did just that with some accurate bowling though a place in the final looked to be out of reach for Carter’s men.
Not to be denied, Cadogan Tate’s final pool match saw them rack up an impressive total of 89 from their allotted five overs, Alex Bywater falling just short of a half century by ending the innings 48 not out. It looked like it would be more than enough, but with Australian import Jackson Howson keeping Adam busy at deep backward square, the Dutch side came within two runs of an upset.
It was not enough though and against all the odds, Cadogan Tate were through to the final. Now it was time to get serious.

Finalists – Cadogan Tate B Team

Beausoleil, the only team standing between Cadogan Tate and silverware, were a handy outfit. They put up an impressive total, but one which was not out of reach with the final extended to six overs a side.
In pursuit, Cadogan Tate’s reply got off to the worst possible start when captain Carter was run out by a direct hit going for a third run. The cultured Sye Razvi joined Bywater at the crease but when the latter was caught at long on for 28, the game was in the balance.
Robbins and Razvi kept the scoreboard ticking but it wasn’t enough, as Beausoleil celebrated a 10-run success in exuberant fashion.
Despite falling just short, a superb tournament culminated in an awards ceremony, a succulent homemade Sri Lankan curry and a glass of wine to ease any regrets the team may have had.

Vice Captain Clive Adam with the Runners Up Trophy

Sunday saw yet more cricket, this time in the longer format. Put into bat against Riviera CC on a tricky wicket, things did not start well. Birthday boy Carter was caught for a duck in the first over, Jonathan Enderby played down Picadilly and was bowled on Waterloo while captain Tom Wilson gloved to the wicketkeeper.
It all led to a paltry total. While this wasn’t part of the plan, the Cadogan Tate bowlers like nothing more than a challenge and soon set about the Riviera batting. Veteran seamer Bill Telfer- Smollett kept Riviera honest in the opening overs.
Spin twins Robbins and Stuart Ashe took three wickets apiece and all of a sudden, the visitors were back in the game. In the end though, it was not to be as the home side snuck home by three wickets.
A succulent tea followed and with the prospect of another game, Cadogan Tate were eager for revenge. In a 15-over a side contest, Riviera managed a total of 130, despite impressive figures of two for 10 from Derek Kowalski.
Cadogan Tate’s reply featured some impressive late hitting from Carter and Simon Fleming though when both were dismissed, Riviera were left to celebrate another victory.
With the cricket at an end, all that was left was to return to Juan-les-Pins, dine out on some more succulent French cuisine and return home.
Without exception the touring party had a wonderful trip and were extremely grateful to Paul Haynes the Managing Director of Cadogan Tate Ltd who unfortunately was unable to make this year’s trip.
 
 

Information correct at time of publication