Thursday 30 June 2011

League Weekend 11 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's fixtures -
  • 1sts vs Murrayfield DAFS, away at Roseburn.
  • 2nds vs Morton, away at the Meadows.
  • 3rds vs SMRH 3rds, home at Arbo.
The Rugby Club will be holding a work day at Arbo on Saturday to be followed by a barbecue in the evening. They've very kindly said that anyone who wants to can throw a prawn on their barbie, so feel free to stick a pack of sausages in your cricket bag on Saturday morning.

Thursday double-header -
  • 1sts vs Boroughmuir in the 1st round of the Activcity Trophy, away at Meggetland.
  • McGill's Midweek Men vs Old Contemptibles in a friendly at Arbo.

Cupdates

Rescheduled Activcity Trophy 1st round tie vs Boroughmuir confirmed for Thursday 7th July at Meggetland.

Parks Trophy semi-final will be against Scottish Widows at Arbo. Date to follow.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Come back CA ... All is forgiven...

Parks Trophy QF.

Holy Cross 134-4
S. Pickering 45 (44), C. Ellis 38* (30).

Edinburgh South 123-9
S. Yamjaman 53 (42), A. Pirani 25 (18)
Worsnop 4/0/20/1
Bonfield 4/0/24/1
D. Russell 4/0/20/3
R. Bainbridge 4/0/34/0
P. Lynch 4/0/21/1

"I can see why we've not won this for years"
(R. Bainbridge, 8.37pm, Wednesday June 29th 2011, home changing room (South West corner), Arboretum Sports Ground, Edinburgh).

Here Bimbo succinctly sums up a thoroughly mediocre performance by a (on paper) strong HX 1st team. Probably 20 runs light with the bat, even on a slightly dead track - not enough boundaries smacked. Then a mixture of good batting by the classy Pirani and the hard hitting Yamjaman (with a super-charged piece of willow) and some truly dire f***ing awful HX fielding meant that at 76-3 off 12, ESouth looked like favourites. Dougie bowled the key spell and we took enough wickets (Nozzer taking an important boundary catch to dismiss Pirani) to slow their momentum....just enough. Anyway we won and are through to the semi. But let's not let our STANDARDS slip so far again ... even if CA is absent.

Monday 27 June 2011

KF....on the Twos


[By KF]

Morton (not the Greenock crew) arrived at ‘Fortress Arbo’ sitting proudly atop Division 5 with an unblemished record hoping to slay Nozzer’s New Model Army. With one squint eye looking over their shoulder at the relegation fight, HX, as is often the case, had a decent team on paper and worryingly, spirits were high. In what turned out to be a very even game for the duration, once the dust had settled, a top class innings from King Jon (129 no) proved decisive.

That’s not to say it was a one man show, I thought Andy G (9-3-18-0) and Usama (9-3-47-1) in particular looked handy with the ball, the fielding was thoroughly decent (despite IIRC, three difficult drops; me, Andy G, Usama), an ‘experienced’ 3rd wicket partnership of 91 kept us ahead of a ‘rain result’ before a super smooth Nawaz (30 no) helped JB see us through to maximum pointage.

Canny skipper Webb, who didn’t put a foot wrong all day, drew first blood losing a ‘great toss to lose’ and accepting the request to bowl first. The conditions were perfection for June in Caledonia, dull, muggy, drizzle almost hanging in the air, although the outfield was quicker than appearances suggested. Despite the recent rain, the wicket was in good shape, with some green for the bowlers and enough pace and bounce to keep both clubbers & chuckers happy.

Andy G & Usama opened the bowling against the positive Morton openers (Sehwag impersonator included). Any loose ball was severely punished, Usama particularly harshly dealt with, taking the visitors total along nicely at around 4 an over for the first 10 or so. Their taste for the aerial route was their initial downfall. First to fall was Karthik, pouched with aplomb on the long off boundary by Nawaz. Lancashire at 3 got busy, but with Sehwag (Sannah) sitting on his bat at the non-striker's end, he failed to heed the obvious warning from an aborted quick single the ball before and called again to Badback at midwicket. Hurling the throw directly over the stumps, albeit 8 feet above them, that man Norrie, in a whirl of fluoro pink, had the bails off with Lancashire still at the bus stop on Ferry Road.

Any time the Cross took a wicket, Morton replied in a positive fashion and the teams went head to head, toe to toe, neck and neck, blow by blow (ran out of those now). At one stage the visitors looked good for 260+, then we might have kept them to around 210 as Milly (9-0-53-2) nibbled on their tail and the final 229 was a fair and respectable total from 45 overs. Nathan (64) top scored for Morton. He looked good until around 55 when he injured himself and required a runner. Smudger (7-0-48-2) apparently with his radar signal a bit scrambled & Nawaz (2-0-12-1) were our other bowlers.

Tea was well received, Mandy doing her usual madnificent (sic) stint providing pizza and cans, although skipper Webb ensured his team stayed focussed and positive with rousing one-on-one’s all around the lounge.

Cool-headed PVB and a somewhat out of sorts Nipun began the Cross reply in the increasing gloom. Nipun (6) was triggered by Andy G (keep this one in mind for the Awards night) and just as the rain forced the teams off, PVB (16) was bowled. Not missing a trick, Webb jiggled the order during the rain break, promoting your lame scribe to 4. With heavy skies and a wet pitch and outfield, conditions weren’t ideal for batting. But they were worse for bowlers, enough bad balls slipping from the bowlers' grasp to help us along. While I baseballed one of my beamers for 6 (+1 nb, behind square, leg side, where else?), JB rather comically wore one (in his trademark sunny style) after trying at least twice to play a proper shot at it. It must be said that this was sandwiched between two typically dismissive 4’s. In an innings dripping with power, positivity and class, the highlight was probably a lofted Ferry Road bound maximum which dropped just short of the wall. Any width was clattered and anything full got blootered.

Amusingly, after another beamer was dispatched for 4, Smudger at square leg called no ball, and PVB, oblivious, proclaimed ‘over’ and set off to square leg at the other end. Fortunately it didn’t matter in the end. My share of our 91 partnership was an almost whimpering 27. The consolation being I had the best seat in the ground.

With 3 down, we still required 78 from 72 balls, but Nawaz was able to continue the supporting role I’d assumed for the middle of the innings adding a few really lovely shots of his own. Long before the end, as the gloom dissipated and the sun began, almost surreally, to beat down, the league leaders became resigned to their fate, the wickets we still had in hand stacking the odds in our favour and no end in sight to Psycho’s brutality. Their last hope faded late on when the centurion was dropped, HX strolling home with 13 balls to spare.

An excellent result against a very decent side. I thought their positive attitude while batting was impressive and they’ll surely do well in Div 5 this season. Through green & gold specs, an excellent team performance with what will surely be a season’s best knock by an in-form Jonny (look, I wasn’t going to mention, but he bowled quite well too (9-0-42-1), I thought he got enough of a mention with the bat). All that’s left to say is…

Crosstastic, Crossalicious and Crossmungous!!!

brief report from the Morton perspective here.

Pat's fielding mentor appalled by Lynch's dolly drop

Sunday 26 June 2011

Cross beat the rain...and their opponents as Psycho goes on the rampage!

Div 1 (Grange Loan)

Holy Cross 1st XI 144ao (S. Bonfield 45, C. Ellis 38; H. Aslam 4-26)
Carlton 2s 121 (N. Pietsch 48, Majumder 30).
Worsnop 7-1-20-2
Bonfield 8-1-20-1
Lynch 10-3-22-2
Russell 10-1-18-1
Ellis 6-0-21-2
Bainbridge 6.2-1-15-0

On a tricky wicket we were soon 16-3 as Owais (after starting nicely) played across an straight one and the two Smiths were undone by extra bounce from Mackay. Bonfield and Ellis put together a solid partnership of 62 before (just as he found some fluency against the Carlton spinners) Ellis tried to cut one too close to him. The lower middle order failed to build on this decent platform, with only Dougie (a v nice 18) and Lynch (10) getting past 1. When Bonfield fell for a very handy 45 the innings rather subsided with several ill-advised lofted strokes against Aslam's well-flighted leggies; we were all out in the 44th over about 30 short of a good score.

Carlton also started badly in the face of testing opening bursts from Bonfield & Worsnop. Shannon getting McPherson ct behind for 0 for the 2nd time in 13 days (6 balls in total) and Robin getting Barrett (who was unable to take advantage of a horror drop by Pat in Shannon's 1st over) and then Hunt. But Carlton had depth in batting and Majumder and Duerden played some fine shots as a few looser deliveries were sent down. They put on 48 before Pat had Duerden lbw and this sparked a collapse: from 57-3 to 66-7. Pat was in the middle of a hostile spell: the highlight the bouncer that Well's gloved behind. However our momentum was somewhat checked by the frequent interruptions for rain-thankfully none of the showers lasted too long and the covers kept the pitch and footholds in a playable condition.

Dougie also bowled very nicely, including a fine c & b off Majumber who had seemingly targeted him. However Pietsch (who had scored a good 60-odd in similar conditions/ circumstances at Arbo recently) remained. Bimbo bowled a good late spell to ensure that the required run rate remained high-a late maiden by Shannon also helped in this regard. Only Aslam offered him much support, but once they were 9 down Pietsch found another gear and he put on 24 with Mackay (1*) before a mix up left Pietsch scrambling in the mud just short of his ground (the equation at this point was 24 req of 4). Hardly a perfect performance (as well as a disappointing batting performance, there were 2 v bad drops that might have cost us badly on another day) but a good game to win versus able opponents.

Div 5 (Arboretum)
Morton 229-8 (Nathan 64) lost to Holy Cross 2nds 230-3 (J Bates 129*)

Div 8 (Station Road, St Andrews)
Holy Cross 3rds 122 : Largo 3rds 116.

further details to follow....

Thursday 23 June 2011

Clash of the Titans

Lets hope the weather holds this weekend so Arbo doesn't witness another scene such as this where a fragile old man was forced to arm wrestle a far stronger virile opponent for the amusement of a braying crowd. Disgraceful.


Final ball drama in intra-club game

At Arbo

Coco's XI 106-6 (20 overs)

Vik's XI 110-6 (20 overs)

Shannon hitting the last ball for 4 to secure victory.
more details to follow....

An enjoyable game despite the soggy wicket.
Cheers to Andy G for organising it-and getting 22 players out!!.

League Weekend 10 and the Week Ahead

Saturday -
  • 1sts vs Carlton 2nds, away.
  • 2nds vs Morton, at Arbo.
  • 3rds vs Largo 3rds, (a long way) away at Station Road, St Andrews.
Midweek -
  • Tuesday, friendly vs EU Staff at Peffermill.
  • Wednesday, Parks Trophy quarter final vs Edinburgh South at Arbo.

Presidents Trophy Quarter Final

QF vs Stirling County 2nds confirmed for Sunday 10th July at Arbo.

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Activcity Tonight - OFF

Tonight's Activcity tie vs Boroughmuir is off. New date in due course.

Sunday 19 June 2011

Webbmaster re-writes Wiki script


Norrie 'The Flying Man' Webb took the catch of the day (that's a quick £5 earned!) as Cross dumped Stenhousemuir CC out of this 2nd Round clash at Fortress Arbo.

Fair credit to Stenny who travelled to the Capital whilst still having to put out a side at home against Watsonians in the Scottish Cup. Many a team would have made their excuses and pulled out, especially with being asked to field two teams on a Sunday.

Bonfield & Lynch took the early wickets, leaving the tourists 18-5 in the 11th over.

CJE got in on the action, grabbing a brace - with Lynch picking off another Stenny Man in between.

However, it was Norrie who stole the show taking the final wicket. He burst out from behind the stumps like a Lion eyeing up a Zebra in the Serengeti and dived through the air like a salmon heading upstream to catch the ball! Stenhousemuir finishing 27 All Out.

McGill and Abdul took to the crease putting on a 23 partnership before McGill was caught. Abdul done the honourable thing and hit his next delivery over the boundary to put Cross on course for a Quarter Final tie against the winner of the Dunfermline Wanderers v Stirling County 2nds game.

All the match photos available through Broonster's facebook page

Parks Trophy Date

Parks Quarter Final vs Edinburgh South confirmed for Wednesday 29th June, at Arbo.

Saturday 18 June 2011

Hambledon Memories


Ian Astley has sent me this photo taken on the 50th Anniversary Tour - showing John Brown leading the HX side out at Hambledon.

Washout Woe

....All three Saturday games called off without a ball bowled.

perhaps we'll have better luck tomorrow-Pres trophy vs Stenhousemuir.

Friday 17 June 2011

League Weekend 9 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's fixtures -
  • 1sts vs Carlton 2nds, at Arbo
  • 2nds vs Preston Village, away
  • 3rds vs Kirk Brae 2nds, home at Campbell Park
Sunday -
  • Presidents Trophy 2nd round vs Stenhousemuir 2nds, at Arbo.
Midweek -
  • Tuesday night, Activcity Trophy 2nd round vs Boroughmuir, at Meggetland.

Thursday 16 June 2011

Beer Festival

Ellis Snr has asked me to publicise the Scottish Real Ale Festival: which starts today on Chambers Street. Details here. As a CAMRA member he's volunteered to help....so if he's not at his best on Saturday you'll know why...

Pictures from Cross v Casuals now online!

Usama has an interesting bowling technique!


Pictures from FortressArbo are now available via Broonster's Facebook

Wednesday 15 June 2011

Parks Progress

Parks Trophy 2nd Round (at Arboretum)

Holy Cross 179-3
C. Ellis 58* (25balls), C. A. Smith 42 (32), S. Bonfield 41* (24), E. C. Smith 22 (25)

Casuals 113/9
Logan 29, Crow 18
Worsnop 3 overs/2-4
Bainbridge 3 overs/ 0-11
Millington 3 overs/ 1-21
Russell 3 overs/ 3-17
U. Shazad 4 overs/ 2-33
Webb 2 overs/ 0-17
Bonfield 2 overs/ 1-7

The efforts made in getting out a strong side were rewarded with a good solid win in a highly enjoyable game versus a spirited Casuals side. Efficient dispatching of the bad/ hittable deliveries took us to a good 179-3 on a decent but slightly 'dead' track. Though we shared the bowling around, the very tight opening spells by the two Rob's (14 off the first 6 overs) meant that the HX total was never under threat. Cheers to Casuals for playing the game in a great spirit (even when the ball was disappearing to the boundary fairly regularly)-and also well done for batting so well in the final overs when the light was pretty terrible.

breaking news.... PVB informs me that.....we will play Edinburgh South (at Arbo) in the next round.

Monday 13 June 2011

Activcity Date

1st round of the Activcity Trophy vs Boroughmuir confirmed for Tuesday 21st June at Meggetland.

Sunday 12 June 2011

Bon-on-Fire

Div 1 (Sunday 12th) at Arboretum

Holy Cross 166-9 (50 overs)
C. A. Smith 40, C, Ellis 23, S. Pickering 21
A. Knapman 3/34, S. Azhar 2/16

Eastern Regional Academy 108ao (30 overs)
G. Buchanan Smith 54.
S. Bonfield 5-20, V. Gaware 2/33, C. Ellis 2/9

full scorecard here

On a pitch that had been waterlogged the night before but was merely soft at 1pm*, Cross took advantage of some slightly wayward Academy bowling to reach a healthy 75/2 off 25-heading for a score of 180-200 ish - above par on a v tricky drying surface.

A sticky middle section followed in which the Academy bowlers bowled tighter and the Cross middle order failed to maintain their momentum saw Cross limp to 139/9 off 45. Only some good biffing from Norrie (17* off 15 balls) and 11* from Milly got us up to 166 - a competitive score on a wicket that was unlikely to suit the Academy batsmen- used to covered wickets.

So it proved, as Shannon and Vik reduced the Academy to 1/2, then 5/3 ...and then 31/7 with Cross taking their chances. The Academy batsmen playing some ambitious shots 'on the up' - given the surface. Vik's 1st wicket (lovely ball that took the top of off) was a highlight but Shannon's spell was sheer class - extracting a great deal of assistance from the surface: the Academy batsmen playing and missing 3/4/5 times an over. Crucially we also took our chances...then we stopped doing so: coupled with Buchanan-Smith's good striking (4 sixes in his innings) and some less than brilliant bowling from the bottom end....and the Academy seemed to have a sniff. This was snuffed out as CA took a good catch at long on to get rid of Buchanan-Smith, before Ziggy took another good one (off CA)-including time for a quick 'tit-rub'.

A nice note from Bill Polson: 'Thanks too to all at Holy Cross for their hospitality but particularly to the lady and gentleman who kept the scorers, coach and administrator supplied with very welcome warming tea'. So cheers to Mandy and Michael, plus Colin McGill for scoring - plus our supporters (S. Robertson, A, Quinn, C. Graham and -most boisterously-R. Worsnop).

*The early stages of the game were momentarily interrupted by a nasty accident on Ferry Road (at the junction with Boswell Drive) in which a car flipped over-Paramedics and the Fire-Brigade were quickly on the scene: one hopes that those involved are ok. This is the third nasty accident I've seen at this spot in the last 5 years or so.

John Brown

John's funeral will be held at 3pm on Friday 17 June at Mortonhall

Saturday 11 June 2011

John Brown

John stopped playing a number of years ago so many current Crossers may not have known him well. Those of us who did will remember him as a stolid, if not terribly enterprising, batsman and an avid devotee of the "Dirty Draw", often at the expense of an easy win.

Nonetheless John was ardently committed to Holy Cross and often took on roles as captain and president when times were difficult and other volunteers were lacking. He was especially eager to see that the club was in good shape when he and Chris Kerr stood down from running it and saw Holy Cross through good times and bad to its current healthy state.

John's dry wit and sardonic outlook earned him the nickname "Eeyore", but behind the occasional barbed comment, most often aimed in the direction of Colin McGill, was a mischievous smile which betrayed his true affability. He was always good company.

In spite of his avowed visceral partisanship towards a certain footbal club, John was instrumental in making Holy Cross the tolerant and inclusive club it is today and he was, above all, a very fair man and a sportsman. Holy Cross is fortunate to have had John at its heart for many years and the club is much poorer for his loss.

Shifty

Friday 10 June 2011

John Brown

We are deeply saddened to announce that John Brown, past President, Treasurer, captain and club stalwart passed away on Wednesday evening.

Details of the funeral to follow.

Thursday 9 June 2011

BAF's Cap Found

For all Crossers worried about the whereabouts of Brian's cap, good news. For Pat, eyeing up kit sales, bad news.

The BAF baggy, described as "a wee hat found and looking lost on Arboretum Road", has been handed it in at Holy Cross Primary School. Didn't realise Brian's head was that small.

League Weekend 8 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's games -
  • 1sts away vs Marchmont, at Cavalry Park.
  • 2nds away vs Boroughmuir 2nds, at Meggetland.
  • 3rds home vs Leith FAB 3rds, at Arboretum (sic).

Sunday -
  • 1sts vs Eastern Regional Academy, at Arboretum.

Midweek -
  • Wednesday, Parks Trophy 2nd round vs Causals, at Arboretum.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Saturday night entertainment




I can only imagine it was a very good and late session at Arbo last Saturday as it seems that Pat aided by a quorum of nameless Crossers has been busy hatching plans to hold some "armless" evening entertainment over the next few Saturdays starting this weekend and featuring a number of third team strongmen.


With the thirds at home it would be a great opportunity to see as many Crossers in attendance as possible. I'll be there, arm wrestling left handed so as to protect my bowling arm.


In my opinion KF would make a good bookie* and a tax levied on winnings would help towards contributions for the team minibus.



*obviously only "Cross Groats" will be in use not real currency.


I'll have 10 Groats on JB.



New Kit Order

Whilst Pat's plans for a team minibus are still in development he has got as far as arranging a new kit order, which in itself is highly impressive.

Available are:

Shirts 3/4 length sleeve with emblem - £20
Baggies - Traditional format - £16
Short sleeve pullover in Cross colours with emblem - £22
Long sleeve pullover as per above - £27

All sizes available in Kookaburra (!)Predator style please contact Pat either at Arbo on Sat or via email with your order. I won't post his account number here though.

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Vik's best ever not enough..


midweek friendly (at Arbo-7th June)

Holy Cross 142-6 (18 overs)
V. Gaware 75*

Macabi 143-4 (18 overs)
R. Javed 82

Despite the Thunderstorm 2 hours beforehand, we were able to play an enjoyable match versus Macabi-indeed the final overs were played in pleasant sunshine. Cross started strongly despite CA and cje getting run out (but note, no Matt Prior style tantrum) but it was Vik who dominated the innings with 75-his 2nd midweek 50 of the season-and his BEST EVER score!!. Our bowling was mixed though Dave Sharpe bowled a good opening spell and Matt C bowled some good deliveries. The others tended to find Raja's hitting zones too often and their deliveries threatened only those in the upper deck of the 27 buses! A few missed chances (Johnny almost getting Raja) but Johnny took a nice catch at mid on (but was the dive strictly necessary?).

Sunday 5 June 2011

Another great shot! Broonster's pics from Saturday.


I've now posted the pick of the pics from Saturday's 1's defeat at the hands of Watsonians 2's.

You can find them here on my facebook page.

Initial plan was to head to showcase the talents of the Mighty 3's at Inverleith!


Broonster

Cross 0 -Watsonians 2

Div 1 (Arboretum)

Holy Cross 172-7
S. Pickering 25, S. Bonfield 25, A. Cydzik 25*, D. Russell 24.
A. Learmonth 3-29
M. McLeod 2-22

Watsonian 2's 173-5
A. Learmonth 100*, B. Fox 23.
R. Worsnop 2-34
C. Ellis 2-26

A tale of missed opportunities. We were 50-1 off 11 but only got to 172 thanks to a productive last 4 overs. But in truth-despite a slightly under-prepared pitch and consistent Watsonian bowling- we were at least 50 short of a par score, with far too many quiet overs in the middle part of the innings (though not cut since Tuesday... the outfield was firm enough to give the batsmen good value for their shots-we needed a lot more boundaries!). Then, after Robin got 2 good early wickets, we failed to make another breakthrough for almost twenty overs ...plus the bad miss off Learmonth at 2nd slip was very costly...though he did play well, scoring heavily in his 'zones'. We'll need to play better against an in form Marchmont side this Saturday and against the East Academy on Sunday.

Div 5 (Craiglockhart)
Holy Cross 2nd XI 145 (N Webb 50+, N Shahzad 45*, C Mcfarlane 3 wkts) : Watsonians 3rd XI 146-8 (S Counsell 71, A Borthwick 31).


Div 8
3rd XI could not play because contractors were setting up the Park for the Moonwalk...

Wednesday 1 June 2011

League Weekend 7 and the Week Ahead

Saturday's fixtures -
  • 1sts vs Watsonians 2nds at Arbo.
  • 2nds vs Watsonians 3rds, away at Craiglockhart.
  • 3rds vs Drummond Trinity 2nds, away at Inverleith Park.

Sunday -
  • Scottish Cup 2nd round vs Kelburne, away.

Midweek -
  • Tuesday 7th June, friendly vs Maccabi at Arbo. Contact Colin McGill if interested.

Webb posting



by KF. If you thought I had too much time on my hands with the Safety 1st XI, what about this?!?!?! Listeners to Off the Ball on a Saturday lunchtime (the self proclaimed 'most petty & ill-informed football show on radio') will know that hosts Cosgrove & Cowan often have a dig at TV chef Gordon Ramsay. The foul mouthed one has gained a bit of a reputation for talking himself up and maybe being a bit liberal with the truth, the most famous of his claims being his alleged previous career as a Glasgow Rangers footballer. I can't help but see similarities between Chef Ramsay and tipped-for-the-top Cross youngster, Mr Norberticus Webmaster. Here is a comparison of their respective claims to fame. See if you can pick out the fact from the fiction.

Education
Ramsey was expelled from school on the 2nd day of Primary 1 after learning some cuss words from boys in P2.
Webb was so bright at elite Fettes College that all records of him attending and his stunning achievements have since been destroyed so as not to dishearten subsequent pupils. Preferring to stay incognito, Webb actually ran the UK by proxy for a while around the turn of the century using his former chauffeur at Fettes (A. L. Bliar) until that night in 2003 when Tony won at poker with two Chemical Ali's in his hand (is this one a bit too contrived or obscure?). Norrie says "that Bliar just couldn't be trusted".

Business
Ramsey runs a michelin starred establishment in the heart of London
Webb owns a national car dealership (motto: Any model, any colour). This involves him 'sourcing' cars to order from any part of the UK at bargain basement prices. He will even deliver straight to your door. Say no more eh Norrie;) For further details, see 1st team skipper. Rumours of an escort business with the same motto are purely tabloid tittle-tattle.

Sport
Ramsey once played a reserve game for Rangers.
Webb routinely trounced Stephen Hendry at snooker in his teens, but as soon as he started getting discounted pints in his local boozer, soon lost interest in the green baize hence the disparity since in World titles. If only Norrie wasn't so handsome!!!

Alcohol
Ramsay invented Gin.
Webb claims never to have to pay the actual price of a pint when he visits a pub. Usually there is a discount, but occasionally it can cost more. It all depends on the barmaid serving him of course. But alcohol has no effect on Norrie anyway.

Film
Ramsey co-wrote Mystic Pizza with his half brother Derren Brown.
Webb, after revolutionising boxing with his Rocky series in the 70's, Norrie stayed out of the limelight for a while before winning oscars for writing, directing and starring (in all four leading roles) in 90's cult hit Trainspotting. What a talent.

Internet
Ramsey invented the internet whilst at Stanford taking a year out from Harvard but allowed his then dishwasher Berners-Lee to take the credit.
Webb came up with the name for websites allowing the dropping of a 'B' to save printer ink and overall typing time. A sharp business brain, he ensured he gets 0.01p every time someone uses the term 'website'.

Wealth
Ramsey is 2nd equal on Scotlands rich list alongside Hedge Fund mogul Sir Jonny Bates.
Webb is Scotlands richest man but never tells anyone this. What a guy.

Charity
Ramsey sponsors England opener A Cook.
Webb unlikely as it may seem, is actually A Cook's Daddy.

TV
Ramsey often swaps recipes with Delia Smith
Webb claims Delia's famous tv 'Lets be 'avin ya' rant was a direct on air chat-up for her suave Scottish lothario who was sourcing a nice motor in Norfolk that very night. What a player!!!
Thats enough for now....

more info about this mysterious character can be gleaned from his er...informative blog:
http://norrie-holycrosscricketclubcom.blogspot.com/