Results archive 2007

Wednesday September 12th 2007

In the fourth year of the National 20s competition, organised by Rumsey Travel and directed by Gladstone Small, Dulwich defeated Sherborne in the final. Because of the appalling weather during the summer term, the semi-finals and finals were held at the J.P.Getty ground last week. Previous winners of the competition were Felsted (twice) and Millfield. From 12 schools in the first year, the competition has grown to 52 this year and the organisers hope to reach their maximum of 64 in 2008.

Dulwich defeated Hampton by ten wickets in the semi-final, while Sherborne overcame Repton by eight wickets. In the final, Charles Esson, the Sherborne captain, scored 48 to reach 146 for six. Dulwich in reply were 18 for two after three overs, but Chris Jordan, who has been playing for Surrey CCC 1st XI over the summer and still has another year at school, scored 73 not out and the captain Krishna Sivakumaran 32 to bring Dulwich victory by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

Results (National 20s semi-finals and finals at the J. P. Getty ground)

Semi-finals:

Hampton 131-8, Dulwich 132-0 (D Goodwin 79 not out)
Repton 148-8, Sherborne 149-2

Final:

Sherborne 146-6 (C Esson 48), Dulwich 147-6 (C Jordan 73 not out)

Wednesday July 18th 2007

Test cricketers don?t spring from the ether. Below the apex of this pyramid are thousands who learn to love the game, whether as players or supporters. They are all nurtured and coached from a young age, mostly by dedicated teachers as a service to their beloved sport; usually unpaid.

They are too often poorly supported. Those involved in developing young cricketers have ever-increasing problems. The weather in 2007 has been unusually bad, but the public exam system has for some years made cricket coaching almost impossible. Where until the 1960s public exams were at the very end of July, they now start in May and run for much of the summer term. The ?summer? term has all but disappeared, as much for teaching as anything else, for the top three year-groups.

So serious are the problems that one Master in charge of a successful cricketing school is calling for a national conference to see what can be done before cricket dies in some independent schools, ironically just when ?Chance to Shine?, supported by The Times, is having success in rescuing State schools cricket.

Younger teachers may gasp at the idea that substantial new material (e.g. a new set book for A Level English) used to be taught in the summer term to Years 11 and 13, and that was only 20 years ago. For Year 12, it was during this decade as they had no public exams before 2000.

Fixtures are usually arranged in October, whereas the exam timetable is not published until the spring. Schools used to take their exams almost exclusively with a single Exam Board, but nowadays it is very much Pick and Mix, depending on the preferences of Heads of Department. The result is that there is virtually no correlation of dates. Further, many exams are taken in short modules, thus increasing the number of days when exams take place.

Midweek (afternoon) fixtures thus become possible only with seriously weakened sides. Saturdays available for fixtures are usually fewer than ten in independent schools, in these days of weekend exeats.

The pressure of league tables means that pupils are urged to ?revise? unremittingly throughout the summer term. Some schools allow pupils to have post-exam exeats rather than fulfil a commitment to their team, even on a Saturday. In short, where pupils are less than fully committed to their cricket, they have every opportunity to slink off.

Most recently, there is parent power. One Master i/c recently told me that a parent phoned him on a Saturday morning to report that he was making a ?lifestyle choice? to take his son to the football Cup Final rather than fulfil his commitment to the 1st XI. The son was rightly demoted to scorer for two weeks.

Demoted is not the correct word for those schools who are lucky enough to have a regular, keen, dedicated scorer. Such people are pure gold. Several schools are fortunate to have an adult, usually an Old Boy, who fulfils this vital function. It is a job much harder to do than is often supposed; at least, very hard to do really well.

Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh under Hamish Locke enjoyed another outstanding season, and extended their winning run in schools matches to 54 from 57 in the last five years. They won 13 of 14 matches played, including all Scottish schools and the MCC. They lost to Newcastle Royal Grammar School, despite reducing them at one stage to 28 for five.

Cranleigh enjoyed a second successive undefeated season, with victories including Epsom, Winchester, St Paul?s, Wellington, St John?s Leatherhead and St Peter?s Adelaide. James Halton held the batting together and captain Seren Waters led by example with both bat and ball. Stuart Meaker?s pace was too much for many opposition batsmen, taking 28 wickets at 13.92.

Sherborne had a very successful festival at Marlborough, defeating Marlborough, Cheltenham and Haileybury.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Caterham 162-8 (35 overs), John Fisher 53-0 (rained off)

*Caterham 79 (20 0vers) v Headmaster?s XI (rained off)

Reigate GS 149-6 (30 overs), *Caterham 150-3

Marlborough Festival

Sherborne 250-3 (50 overs)(C Esson 103 not out), *Marlborough 89

Haileybury 135, Cheltenham 136-8

*Marlborough 130 (J Shackleton 6-12), Cheltenham 134-4

Sherborne 209-8 (50 overs), Haileybury 95

Sherborne 189-7 (50 overs), Cheltenham 125

*Marlborough 248 (S Antony 5-31), Haileybury 173

Christ?s Hospital Festival

St Peter’s, York 162, Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 109

Trinity GS, Melbourne 159 (50 overs)(A D Penn 5-42), King’s, Taunton 131 (T O’Donohue 6-16)

Trinity GS, Melbourne 194-5 (40 overs), Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 195-6

King’s, Taunton 265-8 dec, *Christ’s Hospital 207-8

Trinity GS, Melbourne 275 (M Brown 168, D Snook 6-43), St Peter’s, York 110

Wednesday July 11th 2007

Hands up (while still allowed) those who think draws in declaration cricket less exciting than overs games. With skilful captaincy, the declaration game is far superior. MCC, under Stuart Barnes of Gloucestershire CCC, made a challenging declaration at 174 for eight, and it left Monkton Combe needing three to win from the last ball with nine down. They scampered two, thus drawing on level scores.

At Hereford Cathedral School, the very experienced Joe Hiram led a Gloucestershire Gipsies team, and declared at 184 for nine. Fine off-spin bowling from Hereford?s John Terry produced figures of six for 88 in 23 overs. The school were cruising at 102 for one, but a major collapse ensued, with Hereford facing defeat. Needing 26 from the last three overs with nine down, Chris Shaw and Luke Cross held their nerve to leave Hereford needing three from the last ball. The batsman and keeper both missed it and two byes were sneaked, thus also drawing with the scores level and nine down.

A convincing eight wicket victory over a weakened Haberdashers? Aske?s side ended a fine season for Bancroft?s who lost only to their Old Boys (the previous day) in 19 games. During this match, Nishanth Selvakumar for Haberdashers? passed 1000 runs for the season. Promoted from the Under 13s, he scored 70 for the 1st XI. In his own age-group, he averaged 149.71 with a highest score of 202 not out, and scored three further centuries.

The Perse School in Cambridge had another outstanding season, winning 11 of their 13 completed matches. They tied with Eton in the first game of the season and drew with Gresham?s.

Hymers College in Hull won six and drew one, with particularly good victories over Woodhouse Grove, Silcoates and Pocklington. Several key games were lost to the weather with only one match played after half term. They have now escaped the floods with a tour to St Lucia.

Taunton has enjoyed a phenomenal run in recent years and once again won all their matches in the very strong South West circuit. They have lost only once in three years. A talented young team, excellently led by wicket-keeper batsman Jon Todd, they were frustrated to lose eight games to the weather.

Trent, who won all completed matches last year, again finished the season unbeaten. They won 11 of their 12 completed matches, the other being a draw.Their run of wins in 50 overs cricket now extends to 26 matches.

Andrew Mason of Bristol Grammar School swept through Newington, visiting from Australia. He took the first five wickets, all bowled, in seven balls including a hat-trick. His five for nine, though, was not enough to secure victory.

In a match reduced from 50 to 35 overs, Colchester RGS entertained their Old Boys who raced to 220 for eight with 1999 captain Mark Tyler scoring 77 from 27 balls. In the school?s reply, Salman Mohammed, son of the Pakistan Test player Sadiq, wrought havoc on the lower half of the Colchester RGS batting, taking five for two to bowl out the school for 117.

Loughborough Grammar School?s Under 13 side is in its third consecutive final in the National Bunbury Cup, to be played at Oundle on Thursday July 12th. Harrogate Grammar School had battled through floods to play the semi-final against Loughborough, only to be heavily defeated. Shiv Thakor, Loughborough’s star player, recently scored 237 in 35 overs against Nottingham High School.

Owing to the appalling weather, the semi-finals and finals of the National 20s cup have been postponed to September. In the quarter-finals, Repton beat Huddersfield New College, Dulwich beat Wellington (Berks), Sherborne beat Oakham and Hampton beat Oundle.

Results (*denotes home side)

Gloucestershire Gipsies 184-9 dec (J Terry 6-88), *Hereford Cathedral School 184?9 J Bellfield 6-60)

MCC 174-8 dec, *Monkton Combe 174-9

Old Colcestrians 220-8 (35 overs), *Colchester RGS 117

XL Club 63-7 (35 overs), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 64 ?1

XL Club 172-7 dec, *Dauntsey’s 171-5

Middlesex Academy U16 177-7 (40 overs), *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 179-1

MCC 106-8 (35 overs), *Bancroft’s 110-3

Essex Club & Ground 167-8, *Bancroft’s 13-1 (rained off)

Staff and Leavers 110-4 (25 overs), *Bancroft’s 111-7

Forty Club 116, *Bancroft’s 118-1

Old Bancroftians 240-8 dec, *Bancroft’s 179

*Haberdashers? Aske?s 95, Bancroft?s 99-2

Old Peterites 213-7 dec & 130, *St Peter’s, York 193-7 dec & 155-6

Rugby 119 & 50-2, *Marlborough 225 (rained off)

A. J. Palmer’s XI 172-5 v Dauntsey’s (rained off)

*Bristol GS 114 (40 overs), Filton Academy 104

MCC 92-2 v *Bristol GS (rained off)

Newington, Australia 143 (55 overs)(A Mason 5-9), *Bristol GS 113 (N Derewlany 5-20)

Colchester RGS 210-1 (50 overs), *Bedford Modern 172 (M Foakes 6-25)

Wednesday July 5th 2007

On a difficult batting surface at Giggleswick, the home side found themselves in trouble at 15 for four against King Edward VII & Queen Mary School, Lytham. Ross Bousfield steadied the ship with a brisk 31, but 91 never seemed to be enough. KEQMS lost two early wickets but Lewis Wiliams and Kenji King moved them to 69 for two. After the loss of Williams, wickets started to fall with Edward Reid and Tom Davidson both taking two for nine off their nine overs. Nick Thursby then took two wickets in his first over which left KEQMS on 89 for nine. With one wicket or three runs required it was a very tense finish. A full toss from Thursby was despatched by the number 11 batsman to win the game for the visitors.

A strong Watford Grammar School team chose to bat at home against Haberdashers? Aske?s and enjoyed the better conditions. A target of 224 for five was always going to test the visitors and in worsening light (for which, very unusually, the umpires brought the players off) they were reduced to 26 for five. Some respectability was brought to the score before the light deteriorated again and the players were eventually driven from the field by heavy rain, the match abandoned as a draw with Haberdashers? on 66 for six.

They fared rather better against touring King?s, Parramatta, bowling out the Australian school for 56 and winning by eight wickets. Ravi Patel, a 16 year old orthodox slow left armer looks most promising with seven for 45 against Mill Hill. He has been selected for England Under 17 trials.

The two principal Channel Islands schools, Elixabeth College in Guernsey and Victoria College in Jersey have some trouble finding fixtures. They rely for opposition upon touring sides from the UK and elsewhere, and tours themselves to Southern England. In their two local derbies this year, Elizabeth College won both matches against Victoria, the games being dominated by 15 year old Tim Ravenscroft, who plays for the Hampshire Academy and the West of England

Sevenoaks, coached by Chris Tavar?, were away to City of London Freemen’s. Will Wilkin with his slow left arm took seven for 43 in 17 overs, benefiting from the lack of restriction in a declaration game. The other wicket-taker was Pip Marshall, the leg-spinner (three for 43). Sevenoaks had problems at 76 for seven, chasing 159, but Josh Parker (44) and Will Ritchie (44 not out) put on 63 for the eighth wicket. However, with ten still needed, the ninth wicket fell. Ritchie and Marshall squeezed them home by one wicket.

Sam Bennett-King of Framlingham took two wickets with the first two balls of the match against King?s Ely on the way to collecting five for eight.

Caterham, no strangers to extraordinary finishes, once again won a game (against their Old Boys) on the seventh ball of the final over, the sixth being called wide.

The season has already ended for several independent schools, some with fewer than ten matches completed. Coaches are used to a wet May, but a wet June is unusual. September is almost invariably a pleasant cricketing month but the practicalities of combining cricket with other sports usually preclude the possibility of running fixtures at this ideal time of the year. Thus, once again, young cricketers are denied their opportunities and for many years the examination regime has been largely to blame. When public examinations were held in the last two or three weeks in July, there was then a proper summer term. Bringing back the ?summer? term may be a change too far for the new Prime Minister.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Brentwood 123, Perse 126-2

Cheadle Hulme 163-9 (45 overs), *Denstone 164-6

Woodhouse Grove 176-9 (40 overs), *Giggleswick 126

Mill Hill 162-8 dec (R Patel 7-45), *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 107-1 (rained off)

*Harrow 223-5 dec.(G Evans 100 not out), Malvern 25

*Merchiston Castle 122-7 (30 overs), Edinburgh Academy 39

*Watford GS 224-5, Haberdashers’ Aske’s 66-6 (rained off)

Bristol GS 155-6 (20 overs), Clifton 115-8 (Bristol Independent Schools 20/20 final ? neutral ground)

Emeriti CC 182, *Ratcliffe 112-9

Summer Puddings CC 155-4 (20 overs), *Dauntsey’s 111

Wiltshire Queries 225-7 dec, *Dauntsey’s 227-3 (T Foyle 125 not out)

Bedford 37 (G Harper 5-3), *Harrow 39-1

King’s, Parramatta (Sydney) 56, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 60-2

Gentlemen of Leicestershire 176-6 (40 overs), *Ratcliffe 177-3

*Oratory A XI 224-7 (50 overs), Harrow A XI 207

*Clifton 60, Malvern 61-0

Giggleswick 209-5 (40 overs), *Kirkham GS 154

Elizabeth College, Guernsey 212 (C.Whitworth 112), *Victoria College, Jersey 143 (T Ravenscroft 5-68)

Victoria College, Jersey 158-9 (36 overs), *Elizabeth College, Guernsey 159-2

*Giggleswick 91 (45 overs), King Edward VII & Queen Mary 93-9

Sedbergh 228, *St Peter’s,York 229-7 (J M Bairstow 129 not out)

MCC 104, *Merchiston Castle 105-3

*Durham 171-6 (20 overs), Old Dunelmians 154-6

*Durham 70, RGS Newcastle 73-3

Gentlemen of Essex 143, *Colchester RGS 137

*Colchester RGS 245 (50 overs), Reading School 170 (T Husain 5-39)

Aylesbury GS 132-8 (35 overs), *Bancroft’s 133-1

Old Caterhamians 160, *Caterham 161-7

*City of London Freemen?s 159 (W E R Wilkin 7-43), Sevenoaks 162-9

Reigate GS 114 (40 overs), *Sevenoaks 115-5

MCC 201-6 dec., *Canford 120

*Canford 325-8 (45 overs) (T Darby 170), Filton College 69-3 (rained off)

Framlingham 139-6 (34 overs), *Worth 81-6 (rain ? Framlingham won on run rate)

St. Bede?s 128-9 (35 overs), Framlingham 129-7 (Worth festival)

King?s Ely 64 (20 overs)(S. Bennett-King 5-8), *Framlingham 67-0

Kingswood 182-7 (40 overs), *Colston?s Collegiate 107

*Wellingborough 114-5, Oakham 115-6

MCC 168-6, *Wellingborough 169-7

MCC 174-8 dec, *Monkton Combe 174-9

Monkton Combe 159-8, Beechen Cliff 130

Wednesday June 27th 2007

A pub quiz question for the future: how do you win an overs match with ten to score off the last ball? This was the situation facing Caterham at City of London Freemen?s. The visitors were chasing Freemen’s 161 for seven, needing 16 to win in two overs with four wickets in hand. Ross Graham took two wickets to leave Caterham needing 13 from the last over, to be bowled by Paul Ferrett. He conceded only three in five balls. The result seemed a formality. At this point he bowled a no-ball which was hit for four (five with the penalty) by Tim Murphy, the number ten. He also hit the next ball for four to tie the match.

Low-scoring games are often the most exciting. Repton were put in on their own rain-affected pitch, and struggled to reach 121 for nine in 40 overs against the strong Worksop team. Tom Ulyott, the visiting captain, was particularly effective with three for 23, bowling off-spin. In reply, skilful captaincy by Richard Murrall, opening with Under-15 off-spinner Josh Moore (one for 11 from eight overs) and the hostile Ross Whiteley, kept the visitors under pressure and Repton scraped home by five runs.

The Oratory have some fine cricketers in Simon Steel, Danny Housego and Benny Howell. The two latter players have been selected for the England Under-19 World Cup squad, while the Barbadian Steel is selected for the ECB Under-18 squad to play against the Combined Services. Against the touring South African school, Grey High School from Port Elizabeth, Simon Steel scored a magnificent 118 in the 35-over match to give his side a five-run victory.

A young side at Guildford’s Royal Grammar School hosted MCC. The visitors were restricted to 209 for three, with Harry Hooper scoring an unbeaten 123. RGS were comfortably on target at 190 for five with Charlie Homewood at the crease on 112. After his dismissal, however, wickets tumbled and they found themselves 203 for nine. With the scores level, last man Matt Elstrop was bowled by Andy Clarke, who took five wickets for 53 to bring MCC back into the game and force the draw.

Harrow, unbeaten since 2004, lost away to Brighton by 14 runs. The home side started well with 98 for two from 20 overs, but were then pegged back by the excellent Harrow spinners, especially Sam Northeast with three for 27. A lack of urgency in the running gave Brighton a disappointing score of 196 for nine from their 50 overs, despite a solid 53 from Alasdair Wilson.

At 76 for six in reply, Harrow were on the rack, thanks to keen fielding and tight bowling. However, they battled on with 57 for the seventh wicket (Will Spencer scoring 46 not out at number eight) and 29 for the eighth. When they needed only 17 from 18 with two wickets in hand, the Brighton off-spinner Andrew Thornely took the final two wickets, with 14 runs needed and two overs remaining.

Tristan Eysele, opening the bowling for Lord Wandsworth College, took the first five Christ?s Hospital wickets to bowl them out for 93, after his own side had amassed 251 for four declared. Michael Bates, the England Under-15 wicket-keeper in 2006, scored a mature and patient 108 not out, ably supported by Sam Piper with 85.
With convincing wins over Enfield Grammar School and Coopers? Coburn, Bancroft?s have retained their unbeaten record.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Tonbridge 236-9 (55 overs), Wellington 172

MCC 209-3 dec (H Hooper 123 not out), *RGS Guildford 209 (C Homewood 112, A Clarke 5-53)

*Monmouth 184, Clifton 158

Gloucestershire Gipsies 236-6 dec, *Monmouth 238-3 (B Matthews 114)

*Silcoates 138, Hymers 139-6

Felsted 232-6 dec, *Ipswich 99-8

Felsted 252-7 dec, *Brentwood 202-7

MCC 181-7 dec, *Worksop 140-6 (rained off)

Forest Old Boys 255-8 dec, *Forest 181

Eton A XI 159-8 (40 overs), *Forest 155-8

MCC 251-4 dec (M Gouldstone 104),*Denstone 231-0 (L Cheadle 102 not out, C Beech 102 not out)

Clifton Under-17 142-9 (30 overs), *King?s, Taunton Under-17 145-4

*Queen’s, Taunton 143, Taunton 144-3

*Brighton 196-9 (50 overs), Harrow 182

Kingswood 233-5 (40 overs),*Prior Park 196-6

*RGS Guildford 150-5 (25 overs), Ewell Castle 109

*Westminster 128-8 (30 overs), John Lyon 131-8

*Canford 212-7 (35 overs)(C Ridley 105), Budmouth 198-3

*Canford 68 (50 overs), Millfield 69-2

Hurstpierpoint 135-7 (35 overs)(H Walsh 5-39), *Sutton Valence 139-5

*Enfield GS 135 (F Khan 5-28), Bancroft’s 136-5

*KES Bath 142, Monkton Combe 143-7

Old Suttonians 232-9 (M. Coles 7-41), *Sutton Valence 210

*King’s, Canterbury 145-8 (50 overs), Whitgift 146?4

*Wellington , Somerset 201-9 (40 overs), Bristol GS 205-3 (F Currell 100)

Sevenoaks 194 (35 overs), *Eltham 183-9

Bolton 167-4 (50 overs), *Sedbergh 168-6

XL Club 151-8 (50 overs), *Sedbergh 152-4

*King?s, Gloucester 211-6 (35 overs), Dean Close 157

*City of London Freemen ‘s 161-7 (48 overs), Caterham 161-8

Lord Wandsworth 251-4 dec (M Bates 108 not out), *Christ?s Hospital 93 (T Eysele 5-31)

*Bancroft’s 149-3 dec. Mill Hill 86-7

*Glenalmond 193-6 (35 overs), High School of Glasgow 84-9

*Gordonstoun 219-6 dec., High School of Glasgow 125-6

*Christ College, Brecon 58, Monmouth 59-3

*Oratory 240-9 dec (D Housego 123), MCC 94-9

King’s, Bruton 178-9 (50 overs), *Dauntsey’s 160

Bradfield 72 (H MacDonald 5-12), *Marlborough 76-0

Millfield Under 13s 147-8 (35 overs), *Brentwood Under 13s 150-6 (Bunbury Cup semi-final)

Coopers? Coburn 120, *Bancroft’s 121-0

*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 157, Aldenham 110

*Uppingham 122, Stamford 105.

Forest 203-8 dec, *Ipswich 140-6

St Edward’s, Oxford 96 and 19-2, *Stowe 275-7 dec (two-day match, rained off)

*Oratory 218?5 (35 overs)(S Steel 118), Grey High School (RSA) 213-8

Harrow 274-5 (50 overs)(S Northeast 115), Eton 179-8.(at Lord?s)

Bedford Modern 134 (R Lyon 5-25), *Stowe 136-4

*Scarborough College 199-8, St Peter’s,York 117-9

*Kingswood 215-6 (40 overs), Beechen Cliff 159

*Queen Elizabeth’s, Barnet 124, Haberdashers’ Aske’s 25-1 (rained off)

*Trinity, Croydon 183, RGS Guildford 171

*Bancroft’s 186-5 v Brentwood (rained off)

John Lyon 200-8 dec, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 73-3 (rained off)

*Repton 121-9 (40 overs), Worksop 116-8

MCC 137-9 dec, *Woodhouse Grove 12-0 (rained off)

*Woodhouse Grove 202-8 dec, Pocklington 96

*Sevenoaks 77-2 v Caterham (rained off)

Reed?s 131, *Lord Wandsworth 132-4

Bedford 62, *Perse 63-5

*Prior Park 144 (40 overs), Bristol GS 146-3

*Sevenoaks 78-2 v Caterham (rained off)

Wednesday June 20th 2007

A pub quiz question for the future: how do you win an overs match with ten to score off the last ball? This was the situation facing Caterham at City of London Freemen ?s. The visitors were chasing Freemen’s 161 for seven, needing 16 to win in two overs with four wickets in hand. Ross Graham took two wickets to leave Caterham needing 13 from the last over, to be bowled by Paul Ferrett. He conceded only three in five balls. The result seemed a formality. At this point he bowled a no-ball which was hit for four (five with the penalty) by Tim Graham, the number ten. He also hit the next ball for four to tie the match.

Tristan Eysele, opening the bowling for Lord Wandsworth College , took the first five Christ?s Hospital wickets to bowl them out for 93, after his own side had amassed 251 for four declared. Michael Bates, the England Under-15 wicket-keeper in 2006, scored a mature and patient 108 not out, ably supported by Sam Piper with 85.
With a convincing win over Enfield Grammar School , Bancroft?s retained their unbeaten record.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Tonbridge 236-9 (55 overs), Wellington 172

MCC 209-3 dec (H Hooper 123 not out), *RGS Guildford 209 (C Homewood 112, A Clarke 5-53)

*Monmouth 184, Clifton 158

Gloucestershire Gipsies 236-6 dec, *Monmouth 238-3 (B Matthews 114)

*Silcoates 138, Hymers 139-6

Felsted 232-6 dec, *Ipswich 99-8

Felsted 252-7 dec, * Brentwood 202-7

MCC 181-7 dec, *Worksop 140-6 (rained off)

Forest Old Boys 255-8 dec, * Forest 181

Eton A XI 159-8 (40 overs), * Forest 155-8

MCC 251-4 dec (M Gouldstone 104),*Denstone 231-0 (L Cheadle 102 not out, C Beech 102 not out)

Clifton Under-17 142-9 (30 overs), *King?s, Taunton Under-17 145-4

*Queen’s, Taunton 143, Taunton 144-3

* Brighton 196-9 (50 overs), Harrow 182

Kingswood 233-5 (40 overs),* Prior Park 196-6

*RGS Guildford 150-5 (25 overs), Ewell Castle 109

* Westminster 128-8 (30 overs), John Lyon 131-8

*Canford 212-7 (35 overs)(C Ridley 105), Budmouth 198-3

*Canford 68 (50 overs), Millfield 69-2

Hurstpierpoint 135-7 (35 overs)(H Walsh 5-39), *Sutton Valence 139-5

* Enfield GS 135 (F Khan 5-28), Bancroft’s 136-5

*KES Bath 142, Monkton Combe 143-7

Old Suttonians 232-9 (M. Coles 7-41), *Sutton Valence 210

*King’s, Canterbury 145-8 (50 overs), Whitgift 146?4

* Wellington , Somerset 201-9 (40 overs), Bristol GS 205-3 (F Currell 100)

Sevenoaks 194 (35 overs), *Eltham 183-9

Bolton 167-4 (50 overs), *Sedbergh 168-6

XL Club 151-8 (50 overs), *Sedbergh 152-4

*King?s, Gloucester 211-6 (35 overs), Dean Close 157

*City of London Freemen ‘s 161-7 (48 overs), Caterham 161-8

Lord Wandsworth 251-4 dec (M Bates 108 not out), *Christ?s Hospital 93 (T Eysele 5-31)

*Bancroft’s 149-3 dec. Mill Hill 86-7.

*Glenalmond 193-6 (35 overs), High School of Glasgow 84-9

*Gordonstoun 219-6 dec., High School of Glasgow 125-6

* Christ College , Brecon 58, Monmouth 59-3

*Oratory 240-9 dec (D Housego 123), MCC 94-9

King’s, Bruton 178-9 (50 overs), *Dauntsey’s 160

Wednesday June 13th 2007

Ben Hansford of Brighton College took eight wickets for 48, an analysis very difficult to achieve for a medium-pacer nowadays under the (sensible) ECB restrictions. In his ten-over spell, allowed only because the keeper was standing up, he had two stumpings, bowling slow-medium outswingers. He bowled out the strong Whitgift side for 128, and gave his team a six-wicket victory. A classic encounter on July 16th will be between Brighton at home to Harrow, both of whom have won all completed games.

School captains often think leg-spinners too expensive for the limited-overs game. Hayden Walsh, a 14 year old Antiguan at Sutton Valence, handsomely disproved this by taking five for two to bowl out St Edmund?s, Canterbury for 72, though interestingly the visitors won by only four wickets.

There were mixed feelings at the very successful Haberdashers? Aske?s school, third last year in the Wisden table of outstanding seasons. The 1st XI lost on the last ball of the game to St Albans (210 for eight chasing 209), but Nishanth Selvakumar scored 202 not out for their Under 13 side in a total of 309 for one declared after 29 overs, his third century of the season.

Uppingham at home may have regretted their decision to insert Repton. The visitors? captain Richard Murrall (100 not out) and Tom Poynton (105) put on 204 in 33 overs to finish at 262 for four in their 50 overs, a target which the home side couldn?t challenge, reaching 168 all out.

In a hard-fought game, not without umpiring controversies, Canford overcame King?s College, Taunton. Canford were in trouble at 166 for six, but lower order batting steadied the ship to reach 232, a very reachable target on the hard and fast Taunton pitch. The home side lost two early wickets but were still 104 for three after 25 overs. Tight bowling by Canford kept King?s in check, and they were bowled out for 221 on the penultimate ball of the game.

Will Hatfield of Woodhouse Grove, who also plays football for England schoolboys, is now averaging 142 at the age of 15.

Results (*idenotes home side)

Newcastle RGS 208-9 (50 overs), *Merchiston Castle 176

St Benedict?s, Ealing 96, *John Lyon 97-3

*RGS Guildford 263-7 (50 overs), St. George’s 151 (J Aljoe 5-28)

Christ’s Hospital 181, *Reed’s 182-5 (J Raimondo 101*)

King Edward’s, Bath 182-8 (40 overs), *Dauntsey’s 183-5

*Taunton 257, Sherborne 207

*Radley 172-8 (55 overs), Harrow 173-6

Repton 262-4 (50 overs) (T Poynton 105, R Murrall 100 not out), *Uppingham 168

*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 209, St Albans 210-8

*Rugby 201-5 dec, Stowe 202-5

*Pocklington 81, St Peter’s, York 82-0

Ampleforth 148, *Durham 151-4

*Framlingham 233-9 dec, Norwich 178-4

Stockport GS 215-9 dec, *Arnold 170-9

XL Club 187-5 (40 overs), *King?s, Taunton 189-2

Canford 232 (50 overs), *King?s, Taunton 221

*Shrewsbury 210-5 (50 overs) (J Taylor 109 not out), Cheltenham 170-7

Whitgift 128 (50 overs) (B Hansford 8-48), *Brighton 129-4

XL Club 217-7 (40 overs), *Canford 218-7

QEH, Bristol 121 (40 overs), *Queen’s, Taunton 122-1

The Haberdashers’ Company XI 175-9 dec, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 158-7

*Oakham 134-6 (20 overs), Stowe 123-8 (National 20s)

*Glasgow Academy 131-3 (30 overs), Hutcheson’s GS 111-8

*Bishop?s Stortford College 151-7 (40 overs), Perse 155-0

Haileybury 232-9 dec, *Sevenoaks 117

Cranleigh 239?9 (50 overs), *St John?s, Leatherhead 143

QEGS Wakefield 175-7, *Woodhouse Grove 178-3

*Bristol GS 179-8 (40 overs), Kingswood 151

*King’s, Rochester 73 (40 overs), Duke of York?s 74-4

*Caterham 266-2 (40 overs)(R Willson 116 not out), Wallington GS 80

*Hereford Cathedral School 158, Dean Close 98

*City of London Freemen’s 112, John Fisher 115-4

*St. Edmund’s, Canterbury 72 (35 overs) (H Walsh 5-2), Sutton Valence 74-6

Colchester RGS 195-9 dec,*Woodbridge 74 (M Foakes 5-15)

*George Watson’s 207-3 (30 overs)(E Chalmers 102), High School of Glasgow 130?9

*Leys 252-5 dec, Bedford Modern 164-7

*Tiffin 133, Reigate GS 134-2

*Chigwell 161 (50 overs), Westminster 141-8

*Judd GS 97, Cranbrook GS 99-2

Giggleswick 158-9 (40 overs), *Ashville 80

Bromsgrove 157, *Trent 160-8

Wednesday June 6th 2007

There has been a striking change in schools cricket over the last five years. Many now play limited-overs cricket almost exclusively; declaration games are increasingly rare except against MCC or other adult clubs. While there is no doubt that this format has great appeal and indeed merit, forcing positive play, there are certain dangers for the long-term welfare of the game if this is the only kind of cricket played by the young.

Captaincy and bowling can lapse into a tedious formula when there is no need to bowl a side out. Indeed, many captains forget that the best way to stop a prolific batsman from scoring is to remove him. The formula usually involves a succession of medium-pacers with several men guarding the boundary; dreary indeed. Spinners never have the chance of a really long spell (quicker bowlers have been denied this for years under safety rules). Even the skill of slip-catching may fall into disuse. Finally, if young players never learn to appreciate the subtleties of the declaration game, there may well be a declining audience for Test matches.

In the shortest form (so far) of limited-overs cricket, the increasingly popular National 20s competition, two state schools have distinguished themselves by reaching the last 16. Shenfield High School in Essex had an impressive run last year: they started by beating Felsted, winners in 2004 and 2005, but lost in the quarter-finals to John Lyon, who themselves lost to Millfield in the final. They are joined by Hudderfield New (Sixth Form) College. The next round has been arranged geographically before the national quarter-finals require considerable travelling.

Interesting encounters will be Millfield, last year?s winners, against Sherborne. In a rain-reduced normal fixture in 2006 they tied, and the previous year Sherborne defeated them. Oundle and Felsted are also two very strong schools. It will be interesting to see whether Daniel Pheloung, the Felsted leg-spinner and leading wicket-taker in the country for 2005 and 2006, can prove his worth in this very short form of the game.

The competition, arranged by Rumsey Travel and directed by former England cricketer Gladstone Small, is sponsored by WPA Medical Insurance.

National 20s last 16

Repton School v Solihull School
Oakham School v Stowe School
Millfield School v Sherborne School
Oundle School v Felsted School
Wrekin College v Huddersfield New College
Dulwich College v Shenfield High School
Hampton School v Reed’s School
Wellington College v St Benedict’s School

Results (*denotes home side)

*Merchiston Castle 196-9 (50 overs), Gordonstoun 171-9

*High School of Glasgow 91, Dollar Academy 92-7

Cricket society 175-8 dec, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 176-4

Strathallan 151, *Fettes 152-2

*George Heriot?s 133-6 (30 overs), Glasgow Academy 134-5

Wednesday May 30th 2007

One of the very few remaining two-day school fixtures produced some excellent cricket on the first day but was washed out on the second. Bedford, the home side and former school of England’s Alastair Cook , chose to bat. Their captain, England Under-19 player Alex Wakely, scored his third century of the season in making a belligerent 150. Assisted by 15 year old Jack Cook (no relation to Alastair), they took the home side to a declaration of 281 for seven.

Against the hostile openers 14 year old Christian Davis (1-20) and 15 year old Thomas Rhodes (3-48), Tonbridge at 67 for seven were struggling to save the follow-on but a valiant rearguard by Tom Elliott (34 not out) and Will Soutar (35 not out) doubled the score before close of play, though still 46 short of the follow-on target. No further play was possible.

A combination of poor weather, public exams and half-term meant that very little schools cricket was played last week, as shown by the tiny number of results this week.
Harrow at home nearly lost their three year unbeaten record to a strong Dulwich side. Scoring a demanding 272 for three in their 45 overs, led by the opener Gary Ballance with 126, they benefited from the unusual failure of Dulwich?s Dhyan Ranatunga, son of the former Sri Lankan captain, and the quick West Indian bowler Chris Jordan, fourth in last year?s Wisden list of school wicket-takers.

But at 190 for two with 12 overs to score 83, Dulwich were in a strong position, led by Andrew Dodd (95), fresh from a century against Charterhouse, and Daniel Goodwin (61). Wickets then tumbled, and they finished 18 short at 254 for nine.

Results (*denotes home side)

Wickersley 46, *Worksop 47-0

*Bishop Vesey’s GS 83 (T Ullyott 5-24), Worksop 85-0

*Harrow 272-3 (45 overs)(G Ballance 126), Dulwich 254-9.

*Loretto 127 (40 overs), Fettes 130-7

MCC 223-8 dec, *Uppingham 198

Essex Club and Ground 113 (40 overs), * Forest 115-3

Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth 168-5 dec (40 overs), *Ratcliffe 148

Canford 171-9 (35 overs), *Sherborne 172-4

Durham Pilgrims 239-5 dec, * Durham 245-8

* St Paul’s 216 (M Elstrop 5-54), RGS Guildford 39-2 (rained off)

Harrow Wanderers 167 (50 overs), *Harrow 168-2 (S Northeast 101 not out)

Old Uppinghamians 217-7 dec, *Uppingham 220-4 (C Bennett-Baggs 138)

* Bedford 281-7 dec, Tonbridge 135-7 (two-day game, rained off)

Wednesday May 23rd 2007

This column and the results (full version free at timesonline.co.uk/cricket) has space only for Under-19 cricket, boys and girls, with rare exceptions for outstanding performances at younger ages. The same is true of the Schools section of the Wisden Cricketers? Almanack. The excellent ?Chance to Shine? initiative seeks to revive so-called grass-roots cricket in State schools, but in practice the real ?grass roots? lie in the untold story of preparatory schools, who coach pupils from the age of seven to 13. This gap is admirably filled by the Preparatory Schools Cricket Almanac, now in its third year. With space for full details of the season, and spiced with interesting and informative articles (including a hilarious ?XI Things a Young Cricketer?s Mother Needs to Know?), this is a most welcome addition to the cricket publishing scene. Copies may be obtained at 01684-541167.

It was a bowlers? week. Caterham must have felt that 107 was a hard target to defend and aggressively opened with their 16 year old legspinner Robert Willson. He took eight for 36, six of them stumped by Craig Moore, to defeat Worth by 18 runs.

Michael Barnard, son of Shrewsbury?s Master i/c, returned the extraordinary figures of five for six (with five maidens) in bowling out Repton for 50, to record a win by nine wickets. Luke Welch of Ratcliffe also returned identical figures in only four overs, including three wickets in four balls, to skittle out Kimbolton for 44 and win by 98 runs.

Paul Smith performed the astonishing feat of scoring 230 not out in a 35 over game for Kelly College?s Under 14 side against West Buckland, the latter gallantly responding with 201 for eight.

Oundle?s captain Greg Smith scored 324 runs for once out, with centuries against Uppingham, Rugby and Stowe, and is averaging 116 for the season. He also plays for the Leicestershire Academy.

The threat of bad weather reduced The Oratory?s game against Stowe to twenty overs. Simon Steel reached his hundred against a previously unbeaten Stowe side on the last ball of the innings, to win by 41 runs.

Leeds Grammar School must have thought the game won against Hymers when the latter were eight for three, chasing 167 for eight in 35 overs. But a determined partnership of 130 between Adam Greendale (66) and David Mathew (64 not out) got them close to the target until Greendale was out with three overs to go and 18 to win. Tight bowling and fielding by Leeds prevented Hymers from scoring the last runs, and they finished four short.

All opportunities for young players to compete against other schools internationally are welcome, and the Sir Garfield Sobers tournament in Barbados this year celebrates its twentieth anniversary. James Kirtley, the Sussex and England opening bowler, recently announced a new competition for both Under 13s and Under 19s in the early spring of 2008. The event will be held in the quite extraordinary facilities of the United Arab Emirates, and details will be sent to all schools shortly. It should be the perfect pre-season tour.

Results (*denotes home side)

Bryanston 139, *Canford 140-6

*Barnard Castle 181-7 dec, Durham 63-6

Prior Park 81, *Dauntsey’s 85-1

*Leeds GS 167-8 (35 overs), Hymers 163-4

*KCS Wimbledon 149 (P Shears 6-35), RGS Guildford 150-2

*Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 206-5 dec (T Gatzen 101 not out ), St Benedict?s, Ealing 120

*Merchiston Castle 203-4 (50 overs ), Glenalmond 79

Royal Hospital School 171-8 dec, *Framlingham 173-8

Oundle 228 (G Smith 117), *Stowe 199-7

MCC 161, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 143-8

*Bancroft’s 157-3 (38 overs), St.Albans 103

Potters Bar XI 132-3 (30 overs), *Bancroft’s 134-5

*Oratory 181-0 (20 overs)(S Steel 100 not out), Stowe 140

Colston?s 100, *Monkton Combe 101-5

*Wellington, Berks 86 (40 overs), Winchester 87-2

MCC 184, *Dauntsey’s 109

Saints CC 207-1 dec, *St Peter’s,York 208-6 (J Bairstow 112)

*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 136-8 (40 overs), RGS High Wycombe 137-5

Haberdashers’ Aske’s 148-8 (50 overs), *Bedford Modern 149-5

*Forest 154, Wellingborough 106

*Mill Hill 157-6 dec, John Lyon 158-6

*Wellington, Berks 131, Cranleigh 132-1

*Clifton 142, Cheltenham 146-5

Reed?s 184, *Oratory 187-8

*Repton 50 (M Barnard 5-6), Shrewsbury 51-1

*Winchester 139, Harrow 140-3

Harrow 177-2 (G Ballance 101 not out) v *Wellington (rained off)

Ampleforth 254-7 dec (J Blackiston-Houston 122), *St Peter’s, York 184-9

*Taunton 292-8 (50 overs)(R Debenham 125), King’s, Bruton 76

Latymer Upper 121, *Enfield GS 122-7

Wellington, Somerset 113-5 (30 overs), King?s, Taunton 114-3

*Millfield 289-8 (50 overs)(J Fear 117), Sherborne 99

Bishop?s Stortford College 166-5 (40 overs), *Chigwell 169-4

*Queen’s, Taunton 236-5 (B Ackland 119), MCC 134-9

*Kingswood 68 (40 overs), Queen’s, Taunton 70-2

*Sutton Valence 164-7 (35 overs), Sevenoaks 134

*Perse 144-7 (40 overs), Magdalen College School 132

St.George’s, Weybridge 122, *Lord Wandsworth College 123-5

*Ratcliffe 142, Kimbolton 44 (L Welch 5-6)

*Felsted 182, Leys 183-5

West Buckland 143, *Kelly 144-3

*Eltham 149-9 (40 overs), Bancroft’s 154-6

MCC 240, *Gordonstoun 241?8

*Uppingham 261-4 dec (J Barnett 110 not out), Rugby 112-9

Caterham 107, *Worth 89 (R Willson 8-36)

MCC 197-8, *Sutton Valence 198-7

*Wycliffe 61, Monkton Combe 62-5

*Blundell’s 262-9 dec (J Smith 138 not out), MCC 247

Blundell’s 274-6 dec, *Exeter 94

*Solihull 178, Warwick 146

*King Edward VI Birmingham 82, Solihull 86-5

King Henry VIII Coventry 170-3, *Solihull 174-2

Forty Club 75, *Forest 79-4

National 20s first round:

*Stowe 159-5 (20 overs), Shiplake 97 (R Lyon 5-13)

Dauntsey’s 110-8 (20 overs), *Stowe 112-0

*Stowe 165-5 (20 overs), Abingdon 129-9

Shrewsbury 92, *Solihull 94-0

Solihull v *King’s Worcester: Solihull won 1 – 0 on bowl out

Joseph Chamberlain College 122?8 (20 overs), *Solihull 125-1

Wednesday May 16th 2007

Tonbridge at home tied with Whitgift in a thrilling finish. The home side reached 199 for six in their 40 overs, led by Oliver Durell (82) and Chris Trigg (61). Whitgift attacked from the start, with T. Lancefield (50) and J. Roy (69). putting on ?.for the second wicket. They needed only 74 from the last 20 overs with eight wickets in hand. Hugo Snape turned the match with two quick wickets, and the Tonbridge bowling then strangled the run chase. Whitgift needed three from the last over with three wickets in hand, but William Soutar?s inswing conceded only two, leaving the match tied.

The Twenty/ 20 format has captured the imagination of schools, with the National Schools 20s competition, organised by Rumsey Travel, entering its fourth year, and individual schools round the country setting up their own mini-competitions with two or three other local schools. Not only is the format appealing in itself, but young players are forced to play positively. With pressure on school time, a school can play two or three competitive matches in an afternoon and these make a welcome midweek or Sunday addition to the fixture list.

In the National 20s competition, 52 schools are taking part, arranged in 13 regional groups of four. The winners of the group round robins go through to the final 16 (also grouped by regions), the three last places going to the runners-up with the highest run-rate at the first stage. Canford, who hosted a first group round with Sherborne, Filton and Truro , hope to fill one of these places, losing to Sherborne by the narrowest of margins on a rain-reduced target.

Joining Sherborne in the final 16 are Oundle who on their home ground won all their games, defeating Shenfield High School (who came extremely close), St Joseph?s College, Ipswich and King?s School, Ely.

Liverpool College hosted an inaugural 20/20 competition, with Manchester Grammar School , Bolton School and Bury Grammar School . The undoubted highlight was a score of 150 by David Leeming of Manchester Grammar School to defeat Bolton in the well-fought final.

Manchester Grammar fared less well against Worksop. In a rain-reduced game, they slumped from 71 for two to 105 all out. Off spinner Tom Ullyott returned figures of 14-8-13-5 to take him to 92 first team wickets in a little over two seasons. Worksop got home by six wickets with two overs to spare.

In a similar local derby, King Edward and Queen Mary School of Lytham were reduced to 103 all out against Arnold by the medium-paced inswingers of Sam Cole who is in Year 11. He took six for 19 in only nine overs, including a hat-trick. The home side secured victory by three wickets.

James Taylor, who averaged 87.80 last year, continues to score runs for Shrewsbury and he also plays for Worcestershire 2nd XI. So far this season he has scored 550 in six innings, including 159 against King Edward?s, Birmingham and 108 not out last Saturday against Trent .

Leicestershire CCC Academy player Greg Smith of Oundle scored two centuries in the week, with 103 not out against Uppingham and 104 not out against Rugby.

One Master i/c recently lamented that he has been unpleasantly surprised by the behaviour in recent years of some coaches on the boundary blatantly shouting out instructions, such as changing the bowling or field-placings, in the manner of football managers. It used to be understood that, in cricket, coaching beyond the boundary rope was unacceptable, although various coaches over the years have sometimes felt a sudden urge to exercise the right wrist or left arm, and occasionally batsmen seem to go through batting gloves at a surprising rate. In junior matches, the captain has been known to place himself conveniently at square-leg, next to the umpire/ coach. Even the late Bob Woolmer got himself into trouble in 1999 for fixing up a walkie-talkie between himself and his captain on the field. It was ruled as being against the Spirit of the Game.
The HMC cricket committee confirmed recently that coaching during HMC schools matches should be ?discouraged?, but it would be reasonable for coaches to go on to the field at a drinks interval and have a few words with their teams just as they have always done at lunch and tea. Better perhaps in the short term if such conventions were agreed before each match.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Bedford Modern 165 (50 overs), Stamford 120

Reigate GS 190-8 (40 overs), *Eltham 165

*Caterham 183-8 (43 overs), Sutton Valence 186-2 (J Field 122 not out)

*Sutton Valence 131, Band of Brothers 132-6

*King?s, Taunton 161 (50 overs), Sherborne 165-1

*Merchiston Castle 103 (35 overs), George Watson’s 85

*Repton 196-7 dec, Derby Friars 197-6

Cranbrook GS 73-0 (25 overs), *Dartford GS 71-6

*Uppingham 186-6 (40 overs), Oundle 189-2

*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 110-5 v John Lyon (rained off)

XL Club 100-7 v *Ratcliffe (rained off)

* Norwich 166-8 (40 overs), Gresham ‘s 168-4

Perse 228-9 dec, * Norwich 148

* Norwich 205-6 dec, XL Club 207-1

Norwich 181-7 dec, *Culford 171-9 (T Williams 5-42)

MCC 194-4 dec, *Durham 189

* Barnard Castle 169-4 (35 overs), Sedbergh 173-4

*KCS Wimbledon 191?7 dec, Dulwich 192?2 (D Goodwin 115 not out)

Shrewsbury 177-9 (45 overs)(J Taylor 108*), * Trent 88-7

King’s, Canterbury 187-9 dec, *Sevenoaks 133

Radley 148-6 (40 overs), *Stowe 149-7

*Oakham 205-6 dec, Repton 124-2

St Peter’s, York 198, * Leeds GS 165

KEQMS, Lytham 103 (S Cole 6-13), * Arnold 104-7

*Hymers 275-2 (27 overs) (S Latus 102)(A Greendale 102 not out), Lincoln Minster 125-4

Woodhouse Grove 96, *Hymers 97-5

John Fisher 101 (M Elstrop 5-16), *RGS Guildford 105-4

*Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 34-0 v Haberdashers’ Aske’s (rained off)

Lord Wandsworth 119-8 (40 overs), * St John’s , Leatherhead 120-3

Ratcliffe 189-6 (35 overs), *King Henry VIII 190-3

*Culford 148-9 dec, Perse 150-1

* Eastbourne 250-7 (50 overs), Hurstpierpoint 81

*Cranleigh 259-5 dec, St Paul ?s 244

*King’s, Rochester 132-3 (30 overs), St. Lawrence 129
(H Ashdown 5-22)

*Bedford Modern 168-5 (20 overs), Wellingborough 169-5

*Wellingborough 205-6 (35 overs) (J Chopping 106), King?s, Ely 147

*Norwich 175-5 dec, Wymondham 140-5

*Tonbridge 199-6 (40 overs), Whitgift 199-7

Hutchesons’ GS 144-1 (28 overs), * High School of Glasgow 119-6

* St George?s , Weybridge 161-8 (30 overs), Caterham 127-9

Trinity 229-9, * St George?s , Weybridge 210-9

Sussex Martlets 289-7 (N Seager 167), * St George?s , Weybridge 172

Dr Challoner?s GS 159, * St George?s , Weybridge 161-7

*St Benedict?s, Ealing 190, St George?s , Weybridge 171-7

* Glasgow Academy 138-7 (20 overs), Kelvinside 110

Manchester GS 105 (T Ullyott 5-13) *Worksop 106-4

*Kimbolton 67, Bedford Modern 68-4

Bedford 161, *Uppingham 165-6

*Canford 266-8 (50 overs), King Edward’s, Southampton 174

*Sedbergh 195-8 (40 overs), Ampleforth 155-8

Woodhouse Grove 148-5, *Worksop (rained off)

Rugby 180 (T Mayfield 5-50), *Oundle 181-5 (G Smith 104 not out)

National Schools 20s regional round at Oundle:

*Oundle 160-4 (20 overs), Shenfield 154-9

*Oundle 169-4 (20 overs), St Joseph?s, Ipswich 145-5

*Oundle 161-5 (20 overs), King?s, Ely 46

National Schools 20s regional round at Canford:

Sherborne 230-4 (20 overs), Truro 130

*Canford 128-5 (20 overs), Sherborne 125-5
(Sherborne won on a rain-adjusted target)

Sherborne 179-4 (20 overs), Filton College 137-7

Filton 155-3 (20 overs), *Canford 158-3

*Canford 167-3 (16 overs), Truro 115-4

Wednesday September 12th 2007

Wednesday May 9th 2007

Former coach Graham Roope, the England cricketer who sadly died on holiday last year, would have been proud of his team as Woodhouse Grove scored 407 for 2 declared against Silcoates, winning by 234 runs. Gareth Phillips was dismissed for 71 in an opening partnership of 144, but Nick Lindley (173) and Tom Dalton (144 not out) then added 263 in only 23 overs. This is a record for Woodhouse Grove, having scored 300 the previous Saturday against Kirkham Grammar School.

Robert Newton of Framlingham, who averaged 94.70 two years ago aged 15, scored a chanceless 207 not out from 147 balls against the MCC, including 26 fours and six sixes. The school, chasing the demanding total of 293 for three declared, won by seven wickets with eleven overs to spare.

Harrow notched up what is believed to be the highest-ever score on their ground, 378 for seven, led by Rob Taylor (110) who plays for the Northants Academy, and Glen Querl (79), to defeat Bradfield by 268 runs.

There was little dispute at St Peter?s, York over the Man of the Match when Jonathan Bairstow, son of the late Yorkshire and England wicket-keeper David, took seven for 76 in Barnard Castle?s 254 and then hit 168 not out to secure a win by seven wickets. Unfortunately, he rarely plays for his school because he is away with Yorkshire 2nd XI and the county?s Academy.

In an earlier thrilling game on the same ground, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield scored 236 against St Peter?s, thanks largely to a sixth wicket stand between Craig Pickles (80) and John Whittle (38), while the young offspinner Louis Baig took seven for 68. St Peter?s lost early wickets but consolidated well until a late order collapse, led by the QEGS captain Guy Dobson (6-30), reduced them to 217 for nine. Numbers ten and eleven, Sam Hitchenor and Tom Hume, showed admirable courage and good sense in scoring the 20 runs needed.

Batsmen at The Oratory continue to dominate, with five consecutive wins. Oliver Berger (5-13 in only five overs) restricted Magdalen College School to 161 for nine in 50 overs, but an opening partnership of 155 in only 17.2 overs from Ben Howell (72 not out) and Simon Steel (80) made a mockery of the target. The Barbadian Steel opened his account with 43 from his first 15 balls.

RGS Guildford have won every match since April last year except for two which were rained off. Their unbroken sequence of 22 matches came to an end when they lost to Hampton by 51 runs.

Drew Beardsley of Dame Allan’s, son of the former Newcastle and England footballer Peter Beardsley, scored 107 not out against King?s, Tynemouth in a 30 over match, but the latter won by six wickets.

Anand Patel (106 retired hurt) and Arichun Jeyadevan (93 not out) shared an unbroken opening partnership of 185 for Bancroft?s against Ilford County High School in 35 overs reaching a total of 239 for two, and then bowled out the visitors for 170.

Eliot Purdom (King?s, Macclesfield) has now scored 432 in his first four innings of the season.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Glasgow Academy 208-6 (30 overs)(A Crawford 111 not out), Lomond 29 (D Kelso 4-10)

*Hereford Cathedral School 234-4 dec (D Barling 117 not out), King?s, Gloucester 194-9

Hereford Cathedral School 186-8 (40 overs), *King?s, Gloucester 145

*Cheltenham 226-8 dec, Sherborne 228-3

Filton College Academy 162-7 (40 overs), *Blundell’s 164-3

Blundell’s 231-6 (50 overs)(E Sharp 125), *Millfield 2nd XI 220-9

*John Fisher 190-8 (35 overs), Eltham 120

*Cranbrook 121 (J Pearse 5-14), Eltham 124-4

Christ’s Hospital 189-9 (40 overs), *St George’s, Weybridge 192-7

Emeriti CC 256-4 dec (S Phillips 100, D West 103 not out), *St George’s, Weybridge 201-7

MCC 276-6 dec, (B Fransman 105), Bishop’s Stortford College 267-5 (J Bakelmun 118)

Free Foresters 169-7 dec, *Repton 171-4

*St Joseph?s 177-5 dec, Culford 176-8 (T Osborn 109 not out)

Leys 200-6 (50 overs), *Perse 204-3

MCC 198-4 dec, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 199-1

*Wellington, Somerset 111 (40 overs), Blundell’s 113-3

*Denstone 194-8 (40 overs), King?s, Macclesfield 195-2 (E Purdon 117 not out)

*Stowe 215-6 (35 overs), Lord Williams’s, Thame 202-8

Barnard Castle 254 (J M Bairstow 7-76), *St Peter’s, York 256-3 (J M Bairstow 168 not out)

RGS, Guildford 216-9 (40 overs), *City of London Freemen’s 163

MCC 232-8 dec, *Leeds GS 163?5 (H Ryatt 106 not out)

MCC 223 (T Mayfield 5-37), *Oundle 226-9

Huddersfield New College 146, *Woodhouse Grove 147-7

*Cranbrook GS 179-6 (35 overs), Chislehurst & Sidcup GS 69

*Enfield GS 180-9 dec, Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 149-7

MCC 275-5 dec (G Jackson 102), *Ratcliffe 162

*Brentwood 250-9 (35 overs) (A West 128), Eltham 239-8

*Oratory 229 (50 overs), Abingdon 130

MCC 293-3 dec, *Framlingham 297-3 (R Newton 207 not out)

*Bancroft’s 239-2 (35 overs)(A Patel 106 not out), Ilford County HS 170

Nottingham HS 211-4 (40 overs), *Worksop 212-5

Dame Allan’s 213-4 (30 overs)(D Beardsley 107 not out), *King’s, Tynemouth 215-4

Old Boys 229-6 (40 overs), *King’s, Tynemouth 230-3 (O Stedman 124)

Yarm 130-7 (30 overs), *King’s, Tynemouth 96-7

Reed?s 210-3 dec (J Raimondo 114 not out), *Kingston GS 158-8

Leeds GS 135, *Silcoates 139-4

Silcoates 156 (A Brain-England 104 not out), *Bradford GS 157-7

Bournemouth University 117 (20 overs), *Canford 119-2

*Harrow 378-7 (55 overs)(R Taylor 110), Bradfield 110

*Kingswood 115, Wycliffe 69

*Eton 196-9 (50 overs), Wellington, Berks 118

*Winchester 133 (50 overs)(H Y M MacDonald 5-13), Marlborough 134-4

Sherborne172-9 (50 overs), *Bryanston 175-2

*Millfield 245-7 (50 overs), Cardiff Eagles 251-7

Exeter University 265-6 (50 overs), *Millfield 215

QEGS,Wakefield 236, *St Peter’s,York 237-9

*Millfield 257-7 dec, MCC 215

*Christ, Brecon 218-2 (35 overs), Llandovery 41

*Yarm 76-6 (20 overs), Durham 82-1

Magdalen College School 161-9 (50 overs)(O Berger 5-13), *Oratory 163-1

Merchiston Castle 273-2 (40 overs)(C Freese 101 not out),*Dollar 129-9

*UCS Hampstead 74, Mill Hill 77-1

John Lyon 164 (40 overs), *Enfield GS 130 (R Patel 5-19)

Glasgow Academy 60, *High School of Glasgow 61-5

Forest 181-4 (40 overs), *Bancroft?s 182-3

MCC 243-5 dec, *Felsted 215 (T Smith 5-35)

Westminster 96, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 99-0

*Caterham 183-7 dec, Sutton Valence 188-2

Kingswood 178, *King Edward’s, Bath 150

*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 153 (50 overs), Berkhamsted 134-9

Trent 204-6 (50 overs), *Repton 115

Hereford Cathedral School 256-5 (T Austwick 127), *Christ, Brecon 183-9

Cranbrook GS 180-9 (40 overs), *King’s, Rochester 120

St John’s, Leatherhead 284-6 (45 overs) *Hurstpierpoint 143

Hampton 206-9 (50 overs), *RGS, Guildford 155

St Peter’s, York 204, *Bradford GS 210-4

Chigwell 117 (A J Fullarton 5-17), *Perse 121-8 (D Majeed 6-58)

Sedbergh 296-9 dec, *Durham 198-6

King?s, Macclesfield 217-9 (40 overs), *Stockport GS 162 (S Bedi 5-40)

Taunton 288-5 (50 overs), *Blundell’s 171

Epsom 164, *Dulwich 165-3

Prior Park 204-8 (40 overs), *Monkton Combe 196

Forest 181-5 (40 overs), *Bancroft’s 182-3

*Dauntseys 76, Lord Wandsworth 80-3

*Queen’s, Taunton 148-9 (40 overs), Richard Huish 152-2

Wellington, Somerset 105 (50 overs), *Queen’s, Taunton 108-2

*King?s, Taunton 234-6 (40 overs), Filton Academy 143

*King?s, Taunton 161 (50 overs), Sherborne 165-1

Taunton 288-5 (50 overs), *Blundell’s 168

*Christ’s Hospital 191-7 (35 overs), Seaford 95

*Christ’s Hospital 170 (45 overs)(N Pearson 5-24), John Fisher 171-8

Woodhouse Grove 407-2 dec (N Lindley 173, T Dalton 144 not out), *Silcoates 173

*Winchester 94 (50 overs), Cranleigh 95-2

Robert Gordon?s 85 (30 overs)(H Mountain 5-8), *Gordonstoun 86?1

North of Scotland Under 18 186, *Gordonstoun 96

MCC 224-6 dec, *Culford 190 (J Davey 106)

Norwich 181-7 dec, *Culford 171-9

*Downside 139, Cheltenham 142-3

Eastbourne 306-6 (50 overs) (A Stewart 118), *Brighton 307-9 (O Gatting 109)

*Bristol Grammar School 234?7 (50 overs), Clifton 235?4

Princethorpe 106, *Ratcliffe 107-3

Wednesday May 2nd 2007

The hush in the Close was distinctly breathless as Clifton overcame Colston?s Collegiate in a high-scoring afternoon game. Colston?s, coached by Syd Lawrence, set a total of 246 (for six), a daunting challenge in early season even with excellent conditions. Their batting was led by a fine partnership of 131 for the second wicket from Iain Crombie (74) and Chris Roper (59).

However, Clifton ? coached by Syd?s former Glos CCC colleague Paul Romaines – rose to the challenge magnificently and seemed to be coasting home, despite a silly run-out of James Virgo (27), but still needing only nine to win with five wickets and four overs in hand. A brilliant change of bowling brought on Alex King-Sorrell. He took a hat-trick in his first over, the first victim being Zak Watson on 98. Clifton squeezed home with six balls to spare but only two wickets.

Angus Stewart (161) and Charlie Hinchcliffe (124) for Eastbourne rattled up the extraordinary score of 382 for four in 50 overs, to defeat King?s, Canterbury by 222 runs.

Queen?s, Taunton must have thought 278 for three from their 50 overs a match- winning total, with a superb 187 not out from Ben Ackland. Even more so when Monmouth lost a wicket in their first over. After this hiccup, Tom Bevan (109) and Seb Warwick (124) put on over 200 for the third wicket, and Monmouth were home by six wickets.

Stowe at home were invited to bat first and started cautiously against Uppingham. However, aided by Uppingham?s excellent over rate of 20 per hour, Jamie Hirst and Rory Lyon put on 71 for the first wicket, and Lyon went on to score 104 before lunch. He had to retire hurt later, with his score on 122. Stowe had a formidable platform of 222 for two but slipped to 250 for eight thanks to excellent bowling by Harry Polhill (four for 52) before declaring on 262 for eight.

Uppingham began their reply well with Chris Bennet-Baggs making a fine 29 before giving a sharp return catch to Harry Wolrige-Gordonon on the stroke of tea. Uppingham seemed to have reached safety at 145 for six with 12 overs to hold out, Joe Barnet scoring a good half-century, but Tom Wilson then took three wickets in five balls to bowl out Uppingham for 151 with six overs remaining.

Marlborough?s captain George Adair followed up his 114 last week at Eton with another faultless 124, but then the home side looked in trouble right from the start of Wellington?s innings when opener Luc Durandt scored 67 off 27 balls before being caught on the boundary off Adair’s bowling, leaving Wellington on 71-1. Andrew Wilson (five for 46) then went through the middle order with his off spin, bowling Wellington out for 164 in 30 overs.

It?s been a nail-biting time for Dauntsey?s in the PS Bath and District schools league. They sneaked home by one wicket at Monkton Combe when a high full toss went for four byes to seal victory in the final over. At Kingswood, the home side needed two from the last two balls to win the game. 15 year old James Page then produced two perfect yorkers, both of which resulted in a run-out of the non-striker.

Felsted have produced many fine cricketers in recent years, the most famous being Derek Pringle, John Stephenson and Nick Knight. Another who may join this illustrious band could be Matt Surry, who scored 200 against Essex Under 17s and lives in Felsted itself. His double century was scored in only 52 overs and was a magnificent display of straight hitting. Rather surprisingly, he has not yet been considered for the Essex 2nd XI.

There were some other notable performances. Dan Housego made a quite outstanding 179 from only 116 balls for The Oratory against Bradfield; he averaged 94.25 last year. James Taylor made 159 for Shrewsbury against KES Birmingham. Sam Dewes of Monkton Combe, grandson of John Dewes who played in Bradman?s last Test, suffers from a chronic incurable back condition, but it did not prevent him from scoring 112 off 87 balls against Bryanston. James Cain of Arnold School, Blackpool, has hit centuries in both opening games of the season. He has now scored 2650 runs for the school at an average of 40 (all age-groups) and is aiming for the school?s 3000 trophy. Perhaps most astonishing of all, Owen Alsop scored 201 not out for the Under 14 side at Dauntsey?s against Kingswood in only 27 overs.

Jasmine Titmuss bowled exceptionally well with figures of 7-3-5-4.for Wellingborough against Magdalen College School. Chigwell?s Daniel Majeed, who is taking his GCSEs this year, took seven for 42 with his leg-breaks against Colchester Royal Grammar School. Under 15 opening bowler Chris Connolly, in only his second game for King?s, Macclesfield, took six wickets against Bishop Vesey?s, the last three in a single over, all clean bowled.

Results (*denotes home side)

Middlesex Academy 209-6 (50 overs), *Harrow 213-1 (G Ballance 115 not out)

Middlesborough Cricket Academy 248-5 dec, *Durham 201-9 (M Turns 119 not out, M Bell 5-30)

*Merchiston Castle 203-5 (35 overs)(J Hutton 103) , Stewart?s Melville 155

Poole GS 210-7 (30 overs), *Clayesmore 189-6

*Uppingham 140-9 (40 overs), Leicester Beauchamp 133-9

Stowe 272-6 dec, *Reading Blue Coat 188-7 (R Lyon 5-54)

Yorkshire Gents CC 205-5 dec, *St Peter’s, York 206-4

Tiffin 144-7 dec, *Reed?s 149-5

Woodhouse Grove 202, *Ashville 52

Kirkham GS 193 (M Wells 5-60), *Arnold 195-0 (J Cain 107 not out)

MCC 197-7 dec (M Wells 5-52), *Arnold 65-5 (rained off)

XL Club 141-9 dec, *Cranbrook GS 142-5

*Solihull 360-7 (50 overs)(S Gregory 116), Wolverhampton GS 172

Midlands Clubs CC 180 (T Crowley 5-38), *Solihull 160

*KCS Wimbledon 151-9 (40 overs), City of London Freemen’s 153-5

*St Benedict?s, Ealing 227-7 (35 overs) (E Eckersley 86), Latymer 179-9

Solihull 159 (50 overs), *Shrewsbury 160-2

*RGS Worcester 96, Shrewsbury 98-2

Caterham 162, *Bancroft’s 163-6

*St George?s, Weybridge 148, Reading 149-1

Grasshoppers CC 181 (J Bell 5-39), *St George?s, Weybridge 167

Kingston GS 107, *St George?s, Weybridge 111-2

*RGS Guildford 220-7 (50 overs), Whitgift 131

*RGS Guildford 216-5 (40 overs), Southampton University 151

RGS Guildford 283-5 (40 overs)(R Bowles 120 not out), *Emanuel 75

*Oratory 219-6 (35 overs) (B Howell 105), Bloxham 189-9

*Monkton Combe 154-9 (40 overs), Dauntsey’s 140-9
(Dauntsey?s won by one wicket on a rain-reduced target)

*Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 175-7 dec, Highgate 126-4

Oundle 195-7 (40 overs), *Kimbolton 166

Oundle 133-6 (40 overs), *Stamford 81

Colston?s Collegiate 246-5 (40 overs), *Clifton 247?8

*Taunton 268-5 dec (J Cooper 172 not out), XL Club 77

Hertfordshire Under 16 251-7 (50 overs), *St Edward’s, Oxford 252-8

Bradfield 163, *St Edward’s, Oxford 167-6

*Malvern 197-8, Repton 198-3

Arnold School 206-2 dec (J Cain 115 not out), *Rossall 60

*Harrow 293-5 (55 overs), Whitgift 136

*Stowe 262-8 dec (R Lyon 122 retired hurt), Uppingham 151

City of London 81, *Colfe?s 82-4

*Enfield GS 200-7 dec ( K Bacchus-Brown 121), UCS 138 ( A Perera 6-18)

St Albans 139 (40 overs), *Enfield GS 140-6

*Queen Elizabeth?s, Barnet 188-8, Aldenham 190-7 (M Wallace 107)

*Mill Hill 196-8 dec, Haberdashers’ Aske’s 165-7

*University College School 159 (A Husain 5-16), Haberdashers’ Aske’s 160-4

Fettes 139, *Merchiston Castle 140-5

Clayesmore 176-2 dec, *Milton Abbey 168-9

Loughborough GS 213-7 (50 overs), *Denstone 164

Cranleigh 245-5 (50 overs); *Radley 150

Cranleigh 266-5 dec, *Tonbridge 200-5

*Cranleigh 235-7 (50 overs), Epsom 177

*King?s, Taunton 297-7 (45 overs), Budmouth Academy 106

*King?s, Bruton 155-7 (50 overs), King?s, Taunton 158-7

*Dulwich 266?6 dec, (C Jordan 138), Tonbridge 194?7

QEGS,Wakefield 236, St Peter’s, York 237-9

*Marlborough 250-9 (55 overs)(G A Adair 124), Wellington 164 (A R D Wilson 5-46)

Bishop’s Stortford High School 146, *Felsted 149-2

*Felsted 359-3 dec (M Surry 200 not out), Essex U17 XI 219 (D Pheloung 5-57)

Clayesmore 92-9 (20 overs), *Canford 93-0

*Portsmouth GS 313-9 (44 overs), Canford 201

*Cheltenham 226-8 dec, Sherborne 228-3

*Cheltenham 232-6 (40 overs)(J Shackleton 118), Malvern 160-5

*Monkton Combe 241-8 (40 overs)(S Dewes 112), Bryanston 87

MCC 172-6 dec,*KEQMS, Lytham 173-6

*Sedbergh 208, KEQMS, Lytham 140-5

Reigate GS 203-7 (50 overs), *RGS, Guildford 204-4

*Warwick 103 (50 overs), Trent 104-1

Brentwood 308-2 (C Boon 138 not out), *Bishop?s Stortford College 202

Caterham 74 (40 overs), *Lancing 75-2

*Portsmouth GS 314-9 (44 overs), Canford 191

*Worksop 160, Oakham 163-3

Old Worksopians 133 (T Ullyott 5-24), *Worksop 137-7

*Taunton 297-3 (50 overs)(J Todd 125 not out), Bristol GS 189-9

*King’s, Rochester 167-4 (40 overs), Sir Joseph Williamson?s Mathematical School 168-4 (S Edmed 5-17)

*City of London Freemen’s 184-6 dec (R Burns 100 not out), Emanuel 163 (C Burrows 5-28)

*Shrewsbury 277-4 (55 overs)(J Taylor 159), KES Birmingham 86

Woodhouse Grove 202, *Ashville 52

Woodhouse Grove 300-4 dec, *Kirkham GS 191-9

*Prior Park 233-5 (D Holden 106), King Edward’s, Bath 234-3

Mount St Mary’s 66, *Ratcliffe 67-9

Bancroft’s 224-7 dec, *Colfe’s 146-8 (T Kopelman 5-53)

Birkenhead 75, *Manchester GS 79?2

*King?s, Macclesfield 271-6 dec, Bishop Vesey?s GS 178 (C Connolly 6-19)

Christ’s Hospital 189-9 (40 overs), *St.George’s, Weybridge 190-6

*Warwick 103, Trent 104-1

Perse 228-9 dec, *Norwich 148

*Gordonstoun 261-7 (42 overs), RAF Lossiemouth 112

Huntly Highlanders CC 104, *Gordonstoun 108-4

*Wellingborough 220-5 dec, Magdalen College School 135

Oratory 320-3 (50 overs) (D Housego 179), *Bradfield 203

Queen’s, Taunton 195 (35 overs), *Wycliffe 197-7

*Queen’s, Taunton 278-3 (50 overs)(B Ackland 187 not out), Monmouth 279-4 (T Bevan 109, S Warwick 124)

Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 267-8 dec, *St Paul’s 232-6

*Mill Hill 196-8 dec, Haberdashers? Aske?s 165-7

*Mill Hill 150, Highgate 137

St Edmund’s, Canterbury 221-7 dec (M Van Rooyen 106), *Sevenoaks 222-7

MCC 216-5 dec,*Colchester RGS 182-9

Chigwell 211 (A Jabar 106), Colchester RGS 178 (D Majeed 7-42)

Kent Academy 187-9 (50 overs), *Harrow 191-3

*Hereford Cathedral School 234-3 dec (D Barling 113). King?s, Gloucester 194-9

Hereford Cathedral School 186-8, King?s, Gloucester 145 (Chesterton Cup)

*Stamford 155, Nottingham HS 134

*Eastbourne 382-4 (50 overs) (A Stewart 161, C Hinchcliffe 124), King?s, Canterbury 160

*John Fisher 190-8 (35 overs), Eltham 120

*Cranbrook 121 (J Pearse 5-14), Eltham 124-4

Christ’s Hospital 189-9 (40 overs), *St George’s, Weybridge 192-7

Emeriti CC 256-4 dec (S Phillips 100, D West 103 not out), *St George’s, Weybridge 201-7

Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 268-8 dec, *St Paul’s 232-6

*Bedford Modern 145, Haileybury 147-3

*Prior Park 180-5 (35 overs), Dean Close 162-6

*Prior Park 233-4 (40 overs)(D Holden 106), King Edward?s, Bath 237-3

*Reading 137, Lord Wandsworth 139-3

Reading Blue Coat 176-6 dec, *Reed?s 178-1 (J Raimondo 109 not out)

*Monmouth 138-8 (40 overs), Hartridge Cricket Academy 131

Wednesday April 25th 2007

The Perse in Cambridge, last year?s most successful school side in terms of games won, started the 2007 season in dramatic style, tying with Eton in a thrilling 50 overs match. On an Eton pitch and weather conditions normally found in late July, the home side started vigorously, led by the captain Peter Eckersley (37), but three run-outs hampered the fluency of the innings. The Perse bowled and fielded tightly to restrict Eton to 186 all out, left-armer Alex Fullarton being especially mean with only 18 runs from his ten overs.

The visitors were cautious in response but at 68 for two after 21 overs were well placed. Tight bowling by Eton?s spinners thwarted attempts to increase the tempo, and the match was in the balance until the very last ball with The Perse needing three to win. Thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding at third man, they scored only two, with nine wickets down and the scores level.

Almost as thrilling was a fine game at City of London Freemen?s, playing Wimbledon College. After an unpromising start by the home side, 93 for six after 25 overs, eventually the total of 153 for nine was reached in their 35 overs. Wimbledon replied strongly, Danny Murphy scoring 49 to get them to 98 for two after only 17 overs. Spinners Chris Burrows (five for 11) and Rory Burns (three for 23) turned the game around to bowl out the visitors for 148 in the final over, thus winning by five runs.

Simon Barrett of St John?s, Leatherhead continued his prodigious run-scoring of last season with a powerful 158 against Sevenoaks, securing a victory by nearly 200 runs. He will also be playing for a Southern Schools side against Northern Schools, a welcome initiative promoted by the Forty Club, on Sunday April 29th at Oakham School (11.00am start).

There was some debate at a recent HMC schools? cricket committee meeting about the growing number of girls playing in boys? teams. Robin Marlar, formerly President of MCC, once stirred something of a row by suggesting that this was inappropriate and possibly dangerous, but the HMC committee welcomed this development as long as certain safeguards were put in place. Brighton College have long been in the forefront of this change, but were followed more recently by Susie Rowe at Colfe?s and Sophie Le Marchand of King?s Worcester, both of whom came second in their school?s averages in 2005. The latest girl to follow in their footsteps is Jasmine Titmuss who will be in the Wellingborough team for her second season, opening the bowling. She has already played for the England Under 21 (women?s) side. Four other girls play in younger teams at the school.

Felsted toured Australia with rather more success than the Ashes squad, returning with five wins from eight against schools in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. The development tour saw Matthew Surry score over 450 runs, and he returns to captain the side in his fifth season in the XI. Travis Hussain, nephew of the former England captain, was the top wicket taker with 14.

Two very fine coaches have joined schools in Surrey. Keith Medlycott is now at Reed?s, while Chris Stone, formerly of Kent CCC, Tonbridge, Sherborne, Mill Hill and Harrow, has moved to Caterham. David Morrison will retire this year after 34 years of running the cricket so successfully at Chigwell. The school will be hosting a Bunbury celebrity match on Sunday April 29th featuring Jamie Theakston, Frank Skinner, Rory Bremner, Phil Simmons, Chris Lewis, Carlos Remy and Frank Griffith (the current Chigwell coach). Meanwhile, The King’s School in Macclesfield are celebrating the promotion of their Old Boy, Peter Moores, to the top England coaching job.

Results (*denotes home side)

*Eton 186 (50 overs), Perse 186-9

*City of London Freemen?s 153-9 (35 overs), Wimbledon 148 (C.Burrows 5-11)

*St John’s, Leatherhead 284-4 (50 overs)(S Barrett 158), Sevenoaks 97

*Colchester RGS 203-9 dec (S Harper-Horn 5-30), Brentwood 204-3 (A West 107 not out)

MCC 171-9 dec (A Strong 5-45) *St Edward’s, Oxford 172-4

MCC 234-4 dec (D Rowe 97), *Marlborough 181 (R McGregor 4-32)

*Repton 188, Rugby 137

Harrow 317-5 (55 overs), *Charterhouse 120

*King’s, Canterbury 140 (B Blackwell 5-20), Felsted 141-4

Woodhouse Grove 202, *St.Peter’s 203-5

Brentwood 243-3 (40 overs), *Framlingham 244-5

*City of London Freemen’s 236-6 dec (R Burns 101), Reed’s 153

*Highgate 169, John Lyon 171-3

*Merchiston Castle 300 (O Hairs 107), Loretto 157

*Durham 178-5 (40 overs), Ashville 132-9

*Canford 245-8 (30 overs), Wimborne CC 134-6

Dorset Development XI 228 (50 overs), *Canford 230-7

Hampton 145, *Reigate GS 46

Erlestoke CC 133, *Dauntsey?s 137-1

*King?s, Macclesfield 314?5 (40 overs) (E Purdom 179), King?s, Chester 205?7

Middlesex Academy 209-6 (50 overs), *Harrow 213-1

Lloyd?s of London 173, * St John?s, Leatherhead 176-2

St John?s, Leatherhead 210-5 (45 overs), *Eastbourne 213-4 (A Stewart 102)

*Caterham 168-8 (40 overs), Alleyn?s 171-5

*Hymers 224-5 (35 overs), Hull Collegiate 144

Wellington, Somerset 72, *Taunton 76-1

Kelvinside Academy 85, *Glasgow Academy 88-3

Sir Thomas Rich?s 170, *King?s, Gloucester 171-3

*Gordonstoun 116, Aberdeen University 117?7

Glenalmond College 142, *Gordonstoun 145?5

XL Club 215-9, *Gordonstoun 219-3 (C Probert 135 not out)

RGS High Wycombe 104, * Merchant Taylors?, Northwood 105-2

Uppingham 117, *Wellingborough 118-5

Tiffin 250-4 dec, *St.Benedict?s 133 (M Harinath 6-34)

*Tonbridge 224, Sevenoaks 80

*Sevenoaks 183-6 (40 overs), Judd 184-3 (W Marney 107 not out)

*Old Oaks 210 (40 overs), Sevenoaks 211-4

*Shiplake 282-1 (35 overs)(G Braithwaite 155 not out), Pangbourne 244

Manchester GS 291-6 dec (O Wildig 128), * Bradford GS 199-8

Churt CC 222, *Christ’s Hospital 197-6 (M Quest 111 not out)

*Bristol GS 174 (50 overs), King?s, Worcester 177-2

Mattishall CC 219-6 (40 overs),*Norwich 220-4 (H Eades 102 not out)

*Norwich 197 (50 overs), Swardeston CC 199-3

*Epsom College 283-6 (50 overs), Lancing 109

St Edward?s 84, *Dulwich 85-2

*St Albans 104 (S Kelly 5-39), Oakham 105-3

*St Albans 193-7 (35 overs), Watford GS 167-9

*RGS Colchester 203-9 dec (S Harper-Horn 5-30), Brentwood 204-3 (A West 107*)

Royal Hospital School 58, *RGS Colchester 62-0

Queen’s, Taunton 196-9 (50 overs)(B Ackland 120 not out), *Clifton 190

Hampton 155, *Reigate GS 46

*Bradfield 197-9 (50 overs), Wellington, Berks 197-1

Free Foresters 253-5 dec, *Wellington, Berks 254-7 (S Purewal 101)

King?s, Bruton 87, *Sherborne 91-1

*Sherborne 315-9 (50 overs)(E Atkins 106), Sherborne Town CC 126

*Radley 228-8 dec, Cheltenham 171-6

Perse 259-2 dec (A Fullarton 166), *Gresham ?s 173-9 (J Jones 5-31)

*Millfield 239-9 (50 overs)(A Wheater 100), Gloucestershire CCC Under 19 225-9

Woodhouse Grove 202, * St Peter?s, York 205-5 (J Wheatley 5-75)

*Silcoates 71, Worksop 74-2