Wednesday July 9th 2008
Some breathtaking cricket rounded off the schools season. In the Wellington festival, Sedbergh chased Brighton?s 342 for five from 50 overs, and won by five wickets. The following day they posted 390 for five against Oakham, and Jordan Clark (169 and 150) reached 1000 for the season.
Bedford, fresh from defeating Harrow, scored 407 for eight in 55 overs against Mill Hill. Jack Cook (161) and James Kettleborough (117) put on 284 for the first wicket.
Archie Gravell for Ipswich reached 1072 runs for the season at an average of 119.11.
Bancroft’s ended the school season undefeated with a record of played 20, won 16 and drawn four. Woodhouse Grove won 11 matches, losing only once (to Worksop). They had four draws which were mainly due to rain.
Repton won the National 20s competition, defeating the holders Dulwich. The team?s winning of 18 matches altogether formed a fitting end to Mike Kettle?s 30-year career as Repton?s coach.
Rain prematurely ended the Lord’s Taverners Colts trophy final between Oundle and Portsmouth Grammar School. The re-arranged match will be played at Arundel in September.
Results (* denotes home side)
Bedford 407-8 (55 overs) (J Cook 61, J Kettleborough 117), Mill Hill 293-7
Charterhouse 264?8 dec, Free Foresters 210 (J Chandler 8-54)
*Haberdashers? Aske?s Under-16 210-8 (30 overs), Sydney GS (Aus) 117
XL Club 217-9 dec, *Dauntsey’s 220-2
Caterham 172-3 (30 overs),*Reigate GS 112-9
MCC 259-5 dec?(B Naik 103 not out),*Bedford Modern 250-5
Denstone 196-7 (40 overs) (C Beech 100),*Bishop Vesey 170
Denstone 159, *St Edward’s, Oxford 118
*Denstone 236-4 dec, Wirral GS 194 (J Warren 5-44)
Old Denstonians 184-9 (35 overs), *Denstone 185-8
Durham 206-5 (40 overs), *Durham 6th Form College 58
Brighton 342-5 (50 overs), Sedbergh 346-5 (J Clark 169) (Wellington festival)
Sedbergh 390-5?(J Clark 150), Oakham 122 (at Wellington )
Sedbergh 190, *Wellington 132
Fraser Bird XI 189 (S Schusman 6-37), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 169-6
*Manchester GS 71, Woodhouse Grove 72-6
*Woodhouse Grove 217-7 dec, Giggleswick 200 (T Dalton 5-44)
A.J.Palmer’s XI 198, *Dauntsey’s 200-3 (T G Foyle 144 not out)
Abingdon 185-5 (20 overs), St Joseph ?s 149 (Plate final National 20s)
Abingdon 132 (50 overs), UCS Hampstead 122 (Lytham festival)
Birkenhead 152 (50 overs), Abingdon 153-6 (at Lytham)
*KEQMS Lytham 121 (50 overs), Abingdon 122-5
MCC 140, *Bancroft’s 142-2
Essex Club and Ground?231-7 dec, *Bancroft’s 232-7
Staff and Leavers 160, *Bancroft’s 163-7
XL Club 179,?*Bancroft’s 127-1 (A Patel 103 not out) (rain)
Old Bancroftians CC 132, (R Patel 6-57), *Bancroft’s 133-5
Old Peterites 191 and 294-5 dec, *St Peter’s,York 236-4 dec. (J M Bairstow 131 not out) and 250-9
Filton Academy 185-9 dec & 187-5, *Bristol GS 152-8 &175-6
*Bristol GS 161-9 (50 overs), Prince Alfred College, Adelaide (Aus) 28-1 (rain)
*Bedford 209-6 (55 overs), Harrow 180
Old Bedford Modernians 263,?*Bedford Modern 264-6 (A Craig 124 not out)?
Bedford Modern 332-8 (50 overs)(T Turner 108),?*Colchester?RGS 333-5
Bancroft’s 158-5 v Glenwood (Durban, RSA) (rain)
Wednesday July 2nd 2008
Owing to ECB restrictions on overs allowed, it is very difficult for medium-pace bowlers to take a large haul. All credit, then, to 15-year-old Charlie Farrant of Sevenoaks who in only nine overs against City of London Freemen ?s took seven for 32, though it was not enough to save the match. Dominic Snook, left-arm opening bowler, took seven for 30 for St Peter’s, York against Hymers.
Even more impressive figures were recorded by James Chandler of Charterhouse who, though medium-pace, had the benefit of a wicket-keeper standing up, thus exempting him from the restrictions. Defending 264 for eight declared against a strong Free Foresters side, he took eight for 54 from 17 overs to win the match by 44 runs.
Also unresticted, Rajiv Gaglani took seven for 20 with his offspin for Merchant Taylors? (Northwood) against UCS, Hampstead.
The most outstanding all-rounder of the week was Andrew Clarke of Birkenhead . He hit 136 against touring Foyle and Londonderry from Northern Ireland , and then took six for 14, including a hat-trick from the last three balls of the game. Birkenhead have had an outstanding season, winning all 12 games played so far.
The school record for Repton was broken by Hamza Siddique with his 207 not out against Wolverhampton Grammar School . He plays for Derbyshire?s Under-17 Academy and this season has scored 805 runs at an average of 89.44.
Two centuries in two days were recorded by Rory Burns of City of London Freemen ?s School, against the Forty Club and MCC, The partnership of 202 between Burns (120 not out) and Thomas Culhane (81) against the Forty Club was also a school record.
A fine game played at seven runs per over saw Durham overcome The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle . RGS scored 100 from the first 17 overs and eventually reached 264 for four in only 40 overs, Sandy Meikle finishing on 143 not out. Durham lost a wicket first ball, but recovered to overhaul the target with five overs to spare. Captain Will Smith contributed 96 and Andrew Elliott 50.
Results (* denotes home side)
Derby GS 51 (30 overs), Ratcliffe 55-1
*Harrow 374-5 (55 overs)(G Ballance 174), Brighton 168
Nottingham CC 147 (40 overs)(D Sleath 5-31), *Ratcliffe 151-2
Wellingborough 302-7 dec, *Stowe 280
City of London Freemen ?s 160 (C Farrant 7-32), *Sevenoaks 128
*Millfield?293-3 dec (C Ellison 101 not out), Blue Leopards (RSA) 124 (A Norman 5-18)
*Bancroft’s 239-7 (35 overs), Aylesbury GS 101
*Dauntsey’s 250-9 (40 overs)(J Lodwick 105), Kloof HS (RSA) 152
Summer Puddings 121, *Dauntsey’s 122-5
Ratcliffe 90, Emeriti CC 91-8 (T Smith 5-22)
Watford GS 168-6 (40 overs),*Haberdashers? Aske?s 142
*Mill Hill 192-5 dec, Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 195-3
*RGS Newcastle 264-4 (40 overs)(S Meikle 143 not out), Durham 267-8
Clifton 244-9 (50 overs), *Queen’s, Taunton 245-2 (J Lintott 103 not out)
*Queen’s, Taunton 253-5 (50 overs)(B Ackland 137), Bristol GS 159
MCC 197, *Canford 198-3
*Canford 251-6 (50 overs)(B Upton 106 not out), Filton 252-5 (A Miles 107 not out)
*Canford 172 (35 overs), Wellsway 166-8
RGS Worcester 190-8 (50 overs),*Repton 147
*Repton 306-4 (50 overs)(H Siddique 207 not out), Wolverhampton GS 133
*Repton 237-5 (40 overs), KES Birmingham 183
King?s, Taunton 127, *Repton 130-3 (National 20s semi-final)
Gentlemen of Leicestershire 139-9 (40 overs), *Ratcliffe 140-5
Woodhouse Grove 165-2, *Pocklington (rain)
Saints CC 195 (T Dalton 5-46),*Woodhouse Grove 197-5 (D Polius 115 not out)
MCC 141-5 v *Woodhouse Grove (rain)
XL Club 200, *City of London Freemen ‘s 203-1 (R Burns 120 not out)
MCC?209-5 dec, *City of London Freemen ‘s 210-2 (R Burns 131 not out)
*Queen’s, Taunton 191 (50 overs), Kloof HS (RSA) 185-9
Abingdon 126 (20 overs), * Hampton 103 (semi-final National 20s Plate)
Abingdon 133, *Abingdon Vale CC 105 (M Purssell 5-23)
MCC 236-4 dec, *Abingdon 238-9
Blundell’s 211 (50 overs), *Queen’s, Taunton 148
Cranleigh 249-9 (50 overs), *RGS Guildford 202-9
Wiltshire Queries 174, *Dauntsey’s 175-5
Colston’s 104 (50 overs)(V Patel 5-19), “Dauntsey’s 105-5 (Peak Sports League)
Bancroft’s 234-3 dec, *St Dunstan’s 174-9 (A Bothra 6-56)
*Cheltenham 229-9 (50 overs), Rugby 200-8
D. I. Yeabsley’s XI 178 (T Edrich 6-45), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 181-3 (A Soni 103 not out)
* Taunton 196-8 (40 overs), Glenwood (RSA) 152
MCC 228-4 dec, *Caterham 164
*Christ?s Hospital 235-6 dec, Caterham 238-6
Old Caterhamians 87, *Caterham 90-3?
Old Haberdashers’ CC 169, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 170-4
John Fisher 227, *Reed?s 175
XL Club 184-9 dec, *Reed?s 186-4
St. George?s, Weybridge 213, *Reed?s 214-4
Old Reedonians 225-9 dec, *Reed?s 228-7
Monmouth 206-7 (50 overs), King?s, Taunton 176
Hymers 101 (D Snook 7-30) * St Peter’s,York 105-6
Sussex Martlets 200-9 dec, *Christ’s Hospital 137
*Christ’s Hospital 235-6 dec., Caterham 238-6
Ashville 137-8 dec, *Woodhouse Grove 139-2
Echuca College (Aus) 186-7 (45 overs),*Bedford Modern 187-3
Reading 168-9 (50 overs), *RGS Colchester 170-6
Gentlemen of Essex CC 254-7 dec, *RGS Colchester?245-8
*RGS Colchester 153, Prince Alfred College (Aus) 142
*King’s, Rochester 179-8 (35 overs), St.Edmund?s, Canterbury 180-4
*Queen?s, Taunton 253-5 (50 overs)(B Ackland 137), Bristol GS 159
*Oundle 232 (H Ramsden 111), Felsted 142
*Gresham ‘s 251, Oundle 232-9
*Oundle 254-5 (50 overs), Geelong (Aus) 128
Echuca College (Aus) 192 (50 overs),*Oundle 194-8
Oundle Rovers 199-9 (45 overs),*Oundle 200-6
*UCS, Hampstead 138 (RGaglani 7-20), Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 140-2
*Mill Hill 192-5 dec, Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 195-3
*Charterhouse 264?8, Free Foresters 210
Wednesday June 25th 2008
Rarely does a player score 150 not out and finish on the losing side. That was the fate of?Harminder Singh in Hurstpierpoint?s total of 256 for seven declared. Mike Hawkins for St George?s, Weybridge, followed up his century against Tiffin five days earlier with another quick hundred (113), to win by four wickets.
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Batting first, Bradfield lost frequent wickets but recovered from 86 for six to score 176 against Abingdon. Hamza Riazuddin (having played for Hampshire CCC the evening before) scored 96. Nathaniel Watkins, in his fourth season for the 1st XI but only now taking his GCSEs, varied his pace and flight superbly to take five for 33. Sam Fletcher and James Edwards both scored fifties in an opening stand of?96 to make a win for Abingdon most likely, but the middle order were put under pressure by the Bradfield bowlers. With 18 to score from the last two overs, Abingdon fell seven short.
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Josh Parker finished his school career at Sevenoaks with a flourish, taking a hat-trick with his final three balls to defeat the Old Boys.
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Bancroft?s continued their outstanding season with a win against Brentwood. Put in to bat in damp conditions, Bancroft?s struggled to 75 for three from 25 overs but were rescued by 16-year-old Gareth James with 100 (completed off the last ball of the 50 overs) to reach 234 for seven. Brentwood responded positively, making 110 for two from 25 overs, but fine bowling from Shameel Khan and Abhi Bothra ended their hopes and they were bowled out 47 runs short.
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Over 600 runs were scored on an outstanding batting pitch in Edinburgh when George Watson?s played host to Merchiston Castle. The visitors? total of 314 for 5, led by Under-15 Patrick Baker (100) with his maiden century, was formidable. Especially remarkable was the innings of Mark van Heerden who scored 63 not out in eight overs. However, Watson?s came very close indeed to achieving this demanding target, Andrew Chalmers leading the way with a fine 84. Showing great character, they finished only 22 short.
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Results (* denotes home side)
MCC 209-3 dec, *RGS Guildford 183-9 (R Woods 5-58)
*Shrewsbury 118-9 (20 overs), Repton 119-3 (National 20s quarter-final)
*Caterham 156-9 (35 overs), Sevenoaks 132
*City of London Freemen ‘s 206-7 (40 overs)(R Burns 106), Tiffin 191-8
Merchiston Castle 314-3 (50 overs) (P Baker 100), *George Watson’s 292
*Winchester 277-6 (50 overs)(A McKenzie 115), Canford 98
Harrow 293-8 (55 overs), *Tonbridge 147.
*RGS Guildford 260-9 (50 overs), Trinity, Croydon 146
King’s, Taunton 213-8 (50 overs), *Taunton 217-8
Queen Elizabeth?s, Barnet 138-9 (40 overs), *Haberdashers? Aske?s 140-3
John Lyon 150, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 151-4
Bancroft’s 234-7 (50 overs)(G James 100 not out), *Brentwood 187
King Edward VI, Totnes 52, *King?s, Taunton 53-0
Millfield 151-5 (20 overs), *King?s, Taunton 155-2 (National 20?s quarter-final)
*Reed?s 213, Lord Wandsworth 87
Perse 180-7 (40 overs), *Bedford 131
OMT’s 206-8 dec, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 148-8
Kent Academy 161-9 (50 overs), *Harrow 162-8
*Millfield 225-2 (50 overs),?Glamorgan CCC?Academy 196
*Radley 213?6 (50 overs), Abingdon 160
Abingdon 173-4 (20 overs), *King Edward?s, Birmingham 165-9
South Oxford Amateurs 149 (N Watkins 5-39),*Abingdon 150-2
*Bradfield 176 (50 overs)(N Watkins 5-33), Abingdon 169-7
Worth 177-9 (35 overs), *Sevenoaks 181-3
*Caterham 156-9 (35 overs), Sevenoaks 132
*Sevenoaks 175 (40 overs), Old Sennockians 113 (J Parker 5-22)
Old Ratcliffians 196-9 dec (D Cox 6-46), *Ratcliffe 174-8
Sutton Valence 219-5 (35 overs), *King’s, Rochester 206-9
MCC 249-4 dec, *St George?s, Weybridge 180
Hurstpierpoint 256-7 dec (H Singh 150 not out), *St George?s, Weybridge 258-6 (M Hawkins 113)
*St George?s, Weybridge 116 (40 overs), Hampton 118-2
Old Georgians 233-8 dec, *St George?s, Weybridge 154-5
*George Watson?s 127-6 (30 overs), Fettes 128-3
Glenalmond 100 (50 overs), *Fettes 104-1
Ivanhoe GS 101 (40 overs), *Fettes 104-5
Fettes 178-8 (35 overs), *Merchiston?Castle 138 (K Gammell 5-15)
*RGS Colchester 248-2 (45 overs), Felsted 223-9
Old Dauntseians 220-9 (40 overs), *Dauntsey’s 181
Radley 191-8 (40 overs), *Wellington?194-7
Wednesday June 18th 2008
The county town of Taunton boasts three fine cricketing schools. Two of them contested a tight local derby, with Queen?s coming out on top against Taunton School , who have lost only two matches in four years. After a sound start, Taunton were reduced to 79 for five, partly thanks to Ben Ackland?s astute captaincy. Adam Dibble (63) and Ollie Pyne (32)?rebuilt the Taunton innings but both fell in David Bland’s ninth over – a triple wicket maiden. Chasing 189 for nine in 50 overs, Queen?s started disastrously at one for two, but fifteen year old William Tanner (69 not out) then joined Ben Ackland to put on 109 and saw his team home in the face of bowling of great pace and accuracy by Adam Dibble.
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Mike Hawkins of St George?s, Weybridge nearly emulated Sir Garfield Sobers by hitting five sixes off one over. In an innings of 116, his century coming from 69 balls, he hit nine sixes and ten fours, to overhaul Tiffin?s 201 by seven wickets.
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With their win against Eton at Lord?s (see Monday?s report), Harrow not only achieved their fourth successive win in this fixture, but they also won the Cowdrey trophy, a competition involving not only Eton and Harrow but also Radley, Charterhouse, Tonbridge and Wellington.
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Uppingham must have felt confident of an easy victory, having scored 186, when Haileybury were reeling at 84 for nine with 17 overs to bat. The most exciting result in cricket, a draw against all the odds, was achieved by Harry Clabon at number nine with 47 not out and Wyndham Hughes-D’Aeth at number 11 with four not out from 34 balls. Haileybury finished on 128 for nine.
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Left-arm spinner Jacob McLelland took five for 16 in ten overs as Arnold were dismissed for 118. Woodhouse Grove raced to the target in 13.2 overs, to win by nine wickets, with Gareth Phillips scoring 61 not out and the St Lucian Dalton Polius 41 in an opening stand of 114.
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The National Schools 20s competition is nearing the quarter-final stage. To take Wellingborough there with a score of 231 for five, Jack Chopping scored 102 from 47 balls, including ten sixes and six fours, against The Leys who managed a creditable 158.
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Oundle are hoping to reach the final of the Lord?s Taverners Under-15 trophy for the second successive year, having been defeated by Eton in 2007. They play Manchester Grammar School in the semi-finals, having already?overcome Loughborough Grammar School in the Midland Regional Final, while Manchester defeated Sedbergh in the North. The Under-15 side are also in the National Round of the Daily Telegraph 20/20 competition.
Results (* denotes home side)
Tiffin 82, *Reigate GS 83-5
Old Foresters 242, *Forest 226
Eton?206-8 (40 overs), *Forest 106
Durham Pilgrims 170, *Durham 171-5
*Wellingborough 231-5 (20 overs)(J Chopping 102), Leys 158 (A Price 5-19)
*Merchiston Castle 271-3 (50 overs)(M van Heerden 103 not out), Strathallan 111
City of London Freemen ?s 217-9 (40 overs), *Caterham 110
Mill Hill 87. *Bancroft’s 88-4
*Taunton 185-9 (50 overs), Queen’s, Taunton 188-5
*St Peter’s, York 224-9 dec, Ampleforth 165
Tonbridge 129 (50 overs), *Eastbourne 81
Bedford 215-9 dec, *Stowe 219-3 (J Hirst 112)
*Tiffin 201, St George’s , Weybridge 203-3 (M.Hawkins 116)
*King’s, Bruton 160, Dauntsey’s 161-6
*Sevenoaks 262-5 (40 overs), Eltham 162
*Hereford Cathedral School 71, Wrekin 75-0
Clifton 174-6 (50 overs), *King?s, Taunton 176-1 (J Buttler 107 not out)
*RGS Guildford 220-8 (40 overs), Ewell Castle 188
*Lord Wandsworth 211-8 dec., Christ’s Hospital 121 (T Eysele 5-34)
*St. Bede’s 214-9 (50 overs); Brighton 217-3 (A Davies 103 not out)
*Canford 243-8 (50 overs), Millfield 245-6
Chester-le-Street CC Select XI 230-3 (45 overs), *Durham 231-3
Denstone 105,?*Repton 106-4
*Millfield 244-7 (50 overs)(J Lawrence 114), Worcs CCC Academy 183
*Forest 49, Perse 50-1
*Bedford 136, Oundle 140-5
*Oundle 232-5 dec (H Ramsden 111), Felsted 135.
*King’s, Rochester 87 (40 overs), Lancing 88-1
*Uppingham?186,?Haileybury 128-9
RGS Colchester 228 (O Ahmed 121),*St Joseph ‘s 153-6
*Arnold 118 (J McLelland 5-16), Woodhouse Grove 122-1
Bedford County Under-19 148?(45 overs),*Bedford Modern 150-0
*Glenalmond 171?(35 overs), High School of Glasgow 88
*Gordonstoun 212-2 (45?overs), High School of Glasgow 101
Bolton 66, *Sedbergh 67-0
Eton 218-8 (55 overs), Harrow 219-2 (G Ballance 119 not out) (at Lord?s)
*Bishop’s Stortford HS 94, Haberdashers’ Aske’s 95-3
*Shrewsbury 244-1 (20 overs)(J Taylor 156 not out), Culford 95-6
*Monkton Combe 221-6 (40 overs), KES Bath 178
Wednesday June 11th 2008
After the half-term break and a busy exam week, the season resumed with some very close games. Pick of the bunch was the high-scoring encounter between Wellington (Berks) and Tonbridge. Luc Durandt for Wellington scored yet another impressive century (169 not out) to set a target of 307 for two from 55 overs. James Hedges for Tonbridge replied in kind (123) but it was not quite enough, and the visitors fell short by six runs with eight wickets down.
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King?s Taunton made a brisk start with their talented top order, but were reined back by Canford?s Under-15 slow-left-armer Th?o Grainzevelles (who later opened the batting with 55) and Under-16 medium-pacer Rob Graham. 232 for eight from 50 overs began to seem a tall order for Canford after a tight opening spell by the King?s seamers, but Tom Darby (61) accelerated and brought Canford within sight of victory. The middle order perished in trying to hit over the top, and they finished seven runs short with eight wickets down.
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Sevenoaks set Haileybury 162 in 45 overs. They were going comfortably at 87 for one, but then some tight bowling, with wickets for Tom Farrant and Josh Parker, found them slightly struggling on 140 for seven, with eight overs remaining. Bradley Lane and James Oram then put on 21 before the latter was out, but Haileybury won with three balls to spare and eight down.
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Haberdashers? Aske?s were put in in difficult conditions at St Albans, and struggled against some accurate bowling, to be dismissed for 123. St Albans also found it difficult against the Haberdashers? spinners, but fielding errors prevented an unlikely win for the visitors, and St Albans were home by two wickets with two overs to spare.
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Merchiston Castle , who defeated all Scottish schools in 2007 but came unstuck against The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, once again lost to them by a narrow margin. In a 110-over game (draw possible but a limit on first innings), Newcastle batted solidly, though nobody passed 50, to reach 215 for eight in their maximum 56 overs. Merchiston were in trouble at 55 for four, but the damage was repaired by two players with the same name, Kyle M. Smith (59) and Kyle D. Smith (53) who put on 99. Needing only two runs per over from the last ten, the late-order batsmen failed to make it by five runs, while Newcastle held their nerve.
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Sherborne opted to bat first at home against Taunton but were reduced to 43 for six after 17 overs, mainly by 16-year-old Will Gater, who finished with 5-23, and David Reading (2-19). A seventh wicket stand of 40,?together with some poor fielding,?helped Sherborne to 124 all out. Taunton lost two early wickets to Will Peatfield (3-28) and continued to lose them at important times, despite having plenty of overs to score the runs. Sherborne’s spinners, Robin Irving and Jack Hamshaw-Thomas bowled tidily to exert pressure on the batsmen, but Robbie Debenham (34)?played a captain’s innings. Will Gater (35) was dismissed with only?four runs required but Taunton eventually scraped home with a wide, having tied off the last ball on their previous visit two years ago.
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Outstanding performances, other than those above, included Alex Blair of The Edinburgh Academy and brother of Mike, the Scotland rugby captain. Coming in on a hat-trick at four for two, he hit an unbeaten 152 in the Academy?s 265 for three declared. He then opened the bowling with his left-arm-over medium-pace but without success. He later returned with his slow-left-arm to take five for 41 and bowl out Glenalmond for 160. .
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Matthew Swan, the Perse?s opening bowler, took five for 15 in seven overs, including a hat-trick, against Bishop?s Stortford College who managed only 44.
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James Hepworth scored his third century of the season for St Peter?s, York .
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Bancroft?s overcame Enfield Grammar School fairly comfortably to record their eighth win of the season, with their one other game rained off.
Results (* denotes home side)
Durham Sixth Form College 80-8 (20 overs), *Durham 81-8
*High School of Glasgow 89, George Watson’s 92-3
*City of London Freemen’s 180, John Fisher?142
*Ampleforth 121 (N Shaw 6-23), Durham 125-2
King’s, Taunton 232-8 (50 overs),*Canford 225-8
Abingdon 163-6 (20 overs), *Stowe 72
Abingdon 177-8 (50 overs), *RGS High Wycombe 100
*St Peter’s, York 239-9 dec (J Hepworth 102), Pocklington 176
*Newcastle RGS 215-8 (56 overs), Merchiston Castle 210
*Repton 202-9 dec, Uppingham 126
Sevenoaks 162-8 (45 overs), *Haileybury 163-8
*St. George’s, Weynridge 170, RGS Guildford 171-5
Haberdashers’ Aske’s 123, *St Albans 127-8
Dauntsey’s 195-7, *King Edward’s, Bath 196-3
*Wellington, Berkshire 307-2 (55 overs)(L Durandt 169 not out), Tonbridge 301-8 (J Hedges 123)
*Harrow 288-8 (55 overs)(G Ballance 129), Radley 48
Enfield GS 71, *Bancroft’s 72-2
*King?s, Taunton 280-5 (40 overs), XL Club 120-9 (T Barrett 6-36)
Wellington, Somerset 247-4 (40 overs), *Wells Cathedral School 87
*Shrewsbury 165-5 (20 overs), Cheadle Hulme 88 (National 20s)
Shrewsbury 232 (50 overs)(J Leach 115),*Cheltenham 170
Malvern 153, Cheltenham 157-1 (Chesterton Cup Final at Worcs CCC))
Bishop?s Stortford College 44 (40 overs), *Perse 45?0
*QEGS Wakefield 182-8 dec, Woodhouse Grove 169-7
Caterham 183-8 (35 overs)(A Long 100 not out), *Wallington GS 72?(R Willson 6-20)
Reed’s School, Cobham?161, *Christ’s Hospital 121
*Trinity, Croydon 176?7 (35 overs), King?s, Canterbury 177?2
Leys 241-5 dec (D Rice 151 not out), *Bedford Modern 208
Wednesday June 4th 2008
Sedbergh and Wrekin played out a classic draw in wretched conditions. Sedbergh, put in, lost wickets regularly but their innings was held together by Jordan Clark (67), and they frustrated the hosts with an enterprising ninth-wicket stand of over 40 between Sam Stuart and Jack Oughtred. With 53 overs to score 199, Wrekin also lost early wickets but regained some momentum through Richard Oliver (37), James Hammond, Robert Graham and Chris Henshall (all scoring 27).
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Wrekin still needed 50 with four wickets in hand, but both sides pressed for victory despite the soap-like ball. Eventually Wrekin settled for a draw, with the last pair having to survive? five overs, finishing 21 short.
The Sir Garfield Sobers international schools Under-19 cricket tournament in Barbados celebrated its twentieth birthday in 2007. Now Sir Vivian Richards is promoting a similar tournament in Antigua at Easter 2009, though for Under-15 teams. This will be a wonderful opportunity for younger cricketers to experience the game in very different conditions and the warmth, in every sense, of Caribbean hospitality
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The National 20s competition, now in its fifth year, again attracted 52 entries (the maximum is 64), and has reached the last 16 stage. An innovation this year is a Plate competition for the runners-up from the initial round-robin.
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In the main competition, the last 16 are:? Shrewsbury, Cheadle Hulme, Repton, Rugby, Felsted, Framlingham, Wellingborough, The Leys, Sherborne, King?s Taunton, King?s Worcester, Millfield, Whitgift, Dulwich, Wellington (Berks) and Filton. Games are arranged by regions until the semi-finals.
Results (* denotes home side)
XL Club 209-4?dec, *Glasgow Academy 144-6
Denstone 133, *Wrekin 134-6
*Wrekin 180-3 (40 overs)(A.Saunders 5-19), Old Swinford Hospital 110
Sedbergh 199, *Wrekin 178-9
Shropshire Gentlemen 102, *Wrekin 103-4
MCC 165, *Glasgow Academy 70
High School of Glasgow 142-8 (35 overs), *Dollar Academy 143-4
Merchiston Castle 212 (50 overs)(M van Heerden 108), *Gordonstoun 131
Harry Latchman Invitation XI 240-6 dec, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 147-6
*Glasgow Academy?124 (30 overs), George Heriot?s 85-8
Wednesday May 28th 2008
What is a good cricket school? The thought is prompted by two occasions recently when, in a block fixture (all levels), School A won the 1st XI match but School B won all the others. The difference is usually that School A has cricket scholars who may play for four or even five years in the 1st XI, by-passing the younger groups. School B does not have cricket scholars but develops its own players from its normal intake of pupils.
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In recent years this polarisation has become more marked. There are, of course, schools which have a healthy balance of the two. The argument for academic scholars is that they raise the level of intellectual endeavour in the less bright. The argument for cricket scholars is really only that they make your 1st XI consistently strong. We may soon get to the stage where every cricketing school has to offer cricket scholarships because all their competitors do. That has long been true of academic scholarships.
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Bill Frindall was the guest of honour at a ceremony to unveil a new electronic scoreboard at Dauntsey?s. It was dedicated to the memory of Hugo Halkes, a promising cricketer aged 12, who was killed in a road accident earlier in the academic year. Skipper Jon Lodwick marked the occasion by scoring his maiden century (112 not out) to defeat MCC by six wickets.
Bedford and Tonbridge were due to play their traditional two-day fixture, but a poor weather forecast led them to decide on two one-day matches instead. Not a drop of rain fell on either day. Both matches were on fairly comfortably by Tonbridge.
Results (* denotes home side)
Derby Friars 191-4 (40 overs), *Repton 192-2
MCC 268-6 dec, *Gordonstoun 230-8 (T Morris 118)
MCC 260-5 dec, *Uppingham?263-2 (J?Barnett?119)
Prior Park 141-5 (20 overs), * Kingswood 147-2
MCC 250-7 dec, *Dauntsey’s 251-4 (J Lodwick 116 not out)
Taunton 264-7 (45 overs), * Budmouth CA 170-8
*Queen’s, Taunton 228-7 dec, MCC 168-8
Stowe 172-7 (35 overs), *Abingdon 90
*Reading 229-7 dec (A Carson 103), Abingdon 233-6
Abingdon 222-8 dec, *Bloxham 62
*Abingdon 166, St Edward?s 132 (T Deeks 5-38)
*Dauntsey’s 220-7 (40 overs) (O Alsop 116), Monkton Combe 171-9
*Canford 164 (50 overs), St John’s , Leatherhead 140 (B Peters 6-30)
* Merchiston Castle 256-7 (40 overs) (K Smith 103 not out), Merchistonians 171
*RGS Guildford 237-8 (50 overs), St Paul ‘s 171
*Leys 241-9 dec, Felsted 210-4
Ipswich 197, *Felsted 198-8
Stowe Templars 246-2 (40 overs) (L Smart 111 not out), *Stowe 247-3
*Brighton 220 (50 overs), Dulwich 183
*Cheltenham 190, RGS Worcester 89
Gloucestershire Gipsies 151, *Cheltenham 153-4
Hampton 148 (50 overs)(G Ballance 5-37), *Harrow 150-4.
*Harrow 303 (55 overs)(S Northeast 106), Harrow Wanderers 137
*Tonbridge 268-7 (55 overs), Bedford 231
Bedford 165-7 (50 overs), *Tonbridge 167-3
Wednesday May 21st 2008
Ben Duckett scored 204 not out. Not all that surprising these days, except that he is 13 years old. Playing for Winchester House against South Northants Under-13s, he led them to a declaration of 301 for two, and the visitors were bowled out for 90. His first hundred came in 72 balls and the next in 32, all with proper cricket shots. That was the first game of the season.
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On Saturday, the left-handed opener hit 183 against Spratton Hall. The first hundred came off 69 balls and the remaining 83 from 34. He hit 11 sixes and 19 fours. Winchester House declared on 254 for 2 and bowled out Spratton Hall for 96. He will go on to Stowe where his mother teaches.
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The Oratory had two centurions in their innings of 296 for three declared at Reed?s, Cobham. There was crisp hitting from Trevor McGeer (123) and a captain?s knock by Eyan Brock (100 not out) in a 214-run third-wicket partnership. In reply, Sam Brandon led the attack with 119 from 108 balls, and shared a 130 run partnership with Elliott Langham (40) for the fourth wicket. The reply of 271 for seven was just short, but a fine game contrasted with the miserable weather.
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Jos Buttler continued his remarkable season for King?s, Taunton with 134 not out to beat Queen?s, Taunton by ten wickets. He has now scored 743 in eight innings, averaging 185.75. Dennis Breakwell, the old Somerset player and coach at King?s for many years, reckons he?s probably the best schoolboy he?s ever seen.
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Will Tavar?, nephew of former England star Chris, recently scored his maiden century for Bristol Grammar School against King Edward?s, Bath, having narrowly missed that target aginst Prior Park last year.
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Dauntsey?s look set to retain their title as champions of the West Country Peak Sports League, having won their first three games. The 40-over league involves most of the independent schools round the Bath area.
Results (* denotes home side)
Bancroft?s 177-8 (40 overs), *St Albans 168-9
*Durham 115 (J Lloyd?5-25),? Durham CCC Academy 116-3
Derbyshire Under-17 182-6 (40 overs), *Repton 183-4
Gentlemen of Leicestershire 182-7 dec, *Uppingham?187-4?(J Barnett 103 not out)
MCC 90, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood?91-4
MCC 186-9 dec, *Durham 187-3
*Oundle 53 (50 overs)(M Barnard 5-22), Shrewsbury 55-0
*Shrewsbury 202-3 (50 overs), Trent 124
?Free Foresters 98 (50 overs)(M Mckeever 7-24), *Shrewsbury 99-1
?Wrekin 176-8 (50 overs)(R Oliver 102), *Shrewsbury 178-2 (J Taylor 117 not out)
King?s, Grantham 225-8 (35 overs), *Ratcliffe 98
*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 149-9 (40 overs), RGS High Wycombe 152-7
MCC 270-4 dec,*St Peter’s, York 200 (J Hepworth 113)
City of London Freemen?s 254-8 (50 overs)(J Brooks 103),*Reed?s 256-6
*King?s Canterbury 156?5 (20 overs), St Edmund?s 89
*Woodhouse Grove 225-3 (40 overs), St Aidan?s 166
*Felsted 150, Haileybury 151-5
*Bancroft’s 253-5 (35 overs)(A Patel 145), Potters Bar XI 169
*Bancroft’s 119-2 (24.3 overs – rain) v Eltham
Merchiston Castle 241-4 (40 overs), *Glenalmond 102
*RGS Guildford 242-8 (50 overs), KCS Wimbledon 245-6 (D Newton 113 not out)
*Harrow 266-6 (40 overs), MCC 162
Winchester 154 (50 overs)(G Ballance 5-6),*Harrow 155-2
*Oundle 27-1 v Stowe (rain)
*Ampleforth 194-7 dec, St Peter’s, York 195-5
*Cheltenham 290-6 (50 overs), Clifton 138
Bedford Modern 128, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 130-2
Kingswood 277-5 (35 overs)(M Horsley 127), *Wells Cathedral School 142
*Sherborne 63,?Millfield 64-3
*Prior Park 178-8, Dauntsey’s 181-3
*King’s, Bruton 164, Taunton 165-2 (D Reading 105 not out)
Queen?s, Taunton 172-7 (40 overs), *King?s, Taunton 175-0 (J Buttler 134 not out)
Oratory 296-3 dec (T McGeer 123, E Brock 100 not out),*Reed’s 271-7 (S Brandon 119)
Bryanston 80 (50 overs),*Canford 81-2
Mount St Mary’s 62, *Denstone 63-1
*Bradford GS 83-6 (rain) v Woodhouse Grove
St Benedict?s, Ealing?77, *Merchant Taylors’, Northwood?82-1
*KES Witley?92, Christ’s Hospital 95-2
Hurstpierpoint 128, *Christ’s Hospital 131-6
City of London Freemen ‘s?255-8 (50 overs)(J Brooks 103),?*Reed?s 256-6
*Monkton Combe 181-9 (40 overs), Wycliffe 127
*Reigate GS 116, Judd 64
*Durham 106, Barnard Castle 107-4
*Bristol GS 134 (40 overs), Colston?s 114
MCC 210-6 dec, *Fettes 197
Loretto 128 (40 overs), *Fettes 131-3
*Cranleigh 258?4 dec (S Waters 119), Wellington, Berks 169-8
Wednesday May 14th 2008
It is rare for a player to make his first-class debut while still at school, especially in the exam term, but Bradfield?s captain Hamza Riazuddin was called up by Hampshire to face Somerset in their county championship match. He took one for 21 in six overs and in the second innings where Marcus Trescothick scored 151 and Justin Langer 188, his 23 overs with four maidens for only 78 runs was a very respectable return.
MCC must be sick of the sight of Framlingham?s Robert Newton. Last year he scored 207 not out against them, and this year, after being dropped on 70, went on to score 165 not out. The boys won again, by eight wickets, chasing 255 for six declared.
Such fixtures often give schools an opportunity to play against famous players. Trent had the visitors in trouble at 16 for two, but then New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns strode to the wicket and hit 87 from 47 balls, including nine sixes. Together with former Leicestershire player Scott Boswell, who hit 102 not out, they posted 278 for four declared. Trent had a good attempt at the target but finished on 189 for five.??The prestigious club also brought a strong side to Felsted, with several Minor Counties players and, in an exciting finish, the school scampered home off the last ball of the match. They scored 254 for 8, led by Sam Weller?s fine 124 not out. MCC also brought a strong side to Haberdashers? Aske?s, having lost for three years. Chasing 219 for two declared, the school started well but then collapsed. With?eight wickets down,?fourteen year old?Tom Edrich (grandson of Bill) was left to bat out the final 14 overs, with numbers 10 and 11 for partners, to secure a draw.
Wellingborough?s Jack Johnson, aged 16, scored consecutive hundreds against Lord Williams?s (Thame) and King?s School, Ely; he also had 94 against Magdalen College School , Oxford . He is a member of the Northants CCC?Under-16 squad. The school is undefeated so far, after six wins in normal matches, and 20/20 wins over Oakham, Stamford and Wisbech Grammar School in the National 20s competition.
Bancroft?s are also unbeaten in six matches. St Albans came close to defeating them, reaching 168 for nine in 40 overs, chasing the visitors? 177 for eight. Left-arm spinner Jacob McLelland took five for eight in only four overs as Hymers College were dismissed for 68. Woodhouse Grove duly completed their fifth win in six matches.
Two of the finest current schoolboy cricketers were in opposition when Wellington (Berkshire) played Harrow. Neither disappointed. Luc Durandt for Wellington scored 145, but Sam Northeast (121 not out) led Harrow to victory by seven wickets, chasing the visitors? total of 246 for nine from their 50 overs.
In a low-scoring cliff-hanger at Westminster, Aldenham hung on to win by two wickets in the penultimate over, despite five run-outs in their own innings and three in the Westminster total of 131 for nine.
It was a good day for the Nicoll brothers at Highgate, playing at Chigwell?Will, still under 17, took five for 76 including a hat-trick, while Tom not only took four wickets but also scored 130 not out. Both play for the Middlesex Academy in their age groups, and Tom also represented the county?s 2nd XI last year.??Josh Davey (Culford) came in at four for two chasing The Perse?s 230 for five declared and was out when the score was 139 for 7, scoring an outstanding hundred. The Culford innings was finished off for 145 by?seam bowler Harry Picton-Turbervill with a hat-trick.??The National 20s competition, now in its fifth year, enjoyed fine weather for the first round of matches. The first round is contested by four schools at a time in regionalised venues on a Sunday, and then the winners go on to contest the national knockout stages. Some results are printed below, and The Times will follow the competition throughout.
Results (* denotes home side)
Rossall 86 (45 overs), *Arnold 89-4
MCC 189-3 dec, *Arnold 159-5
*Arnold 141 (45 overs), Bolton 144-4
Perse 202 dec, *Chigwell 122-7
*Merchiston Castle 246-3 (40 overs) (C Brome 140 not out), Stewart?s Melville 198-7
King’s, Ely 151-9 (35 overs), Leys 122 (J Turner 5-18)
*Oundle 240 (R.Osmond 109 not out), Kimbolton 0-0 (rain)
Stamford 161, *Oundle 162-5
MCC 225-7 dec, *Oundle 204-9
*Oundle 250-7 dec, Loughborogh GS?214-9 (S Foster?7-51)
*Oundle 53, Shrewsbury 54-0.
*Oundle 157, Uppingham 69.
Barnard Castle 125-5 (20 overs) *Durham 128-5
Chislehurst & Sidcup GS 218-5 dec, Langley Park 94-8 (C.Nash 5-13)
RGS Guildford 151, *Christ’s Hospital 116-9
*Perse 174-7 (35 overs), Hills Road SFC 144-9
*Woodhouse Grove 101, Worksop College 104-3
Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 216-3 (35 overs),*Latymer Upper 153
MCC 191,?* Forest 52 (D Goodman 8-16 )
Denstone 133, *Wrekin 134-6
Reed?s 162-7 dec, * Hampton 115-6
MCC 219-2 dec, *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 150-9
MCC 252-9 dec, *Felsted 253-8 (S Weller 124 not out)
Beechen Cliff 96, *Dauntsey’s 97-1
MCC 278-4 dec (S Boswell 102 not out), *Trent 189-5
Wiltshire Queries 181-9 dec, *Monkton Combe 184-0
MCC 255-6 dec, *Framlingham 256-2 (R Newton 165*)
*Framlingham 261-5 dec (B Gowing 132 not out), Gentlemen of Essex 266-4 (M Surry 147 not out)
*Caterham 175-8 (40 overs), Seaford 101?
*City of London Freemen ‘s 127-5 (20 overs), Sevenoaks131-3
*City of London Freemen ‘s 148-4 (20 overs), KCS Wimbledon 125-8
City of London Freemen’s 91 (50overs), * Reigate GS 92-2
*Merchiston Castle 293-3 (50 overs) (M van Heerden 123 not out), Edinburgh Academy 77-4 (rain)
RGS Newcastle 125 (W Paxton 5-27),?*Durham 129-8
John Fisher 156 (50 overs), *RGS Guildford 157-1
MCC 158 (J Debenham 5-31),?*Taunton 159-7
*Taunton 255-8 (50 overs), Clifton 212-9
Kingswood 236-4 (40 overs)(M Horsley 121 not out), *Monkton Combe 117
*Bancroft’s 171, Chigwell 113
Bancroft’s 177-8 (40 overs), * St Albans 168-9
Merchant Taylors ‘, Northwood 233-7 dec (R Malhotra 110), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 158-7
Leeds GS 206, *St Peter’s,York 178-8
*King?s, Macclesfield 125 (C Winter 5-28), Cheadle Hulme 128-6
*Cheltenham 285-7 (40 overs), Dean Close 195-6?
Malvern 206, * Cheltenham 207-3 (C Butlin 113)
*Epsom 97, Brighton 98-1
*Perse 230-5 dec, Culford 145 (J. Davey 102)
*Repton 186-8 dec, Oakham 94
*Dulwich 160, Harrow 162-1.
Wellington, Berks 246-9 (55 overs)(L Durandt 145), *Harrow 248-3 (S Northeast 121 not out)
*Woodhouse Grove 225-6 dec, Hymers 68 (J McLelland 5-8)
*King’s, Canterbury 247-8 dec (P Mitchell 137), Sevenoaks 144 (O Robinson 6?53)
King’s, Taunton 186-8 (50 overs),?*Millfield 188-3
MCC 185?7 dec, *Leeds GS 186-7 (H Ryatt 103)
*King?s, Taunton 163-9 (35 overs), Filton 164-1
King Henry VIII 202-8 (40 overs), *Ratcliffe 167 ( S Sykes 6-37)
Dr Challoner?s GS 171-7 (40 overs), * St George?s , Weybridge 108-9
St Benedict?s, Ealing 138 (50 overs), * St George?s , Weybridge 140-3
Frogs 204, * St George?s , Weybridge 192-9 (S.Walsh 5-36)
*Brentwood 266-9 dec (M.Shirt 110), Forest 168-3
Kelvinside 47, * Glasgow Academy 48-3
* Rugby 193, Oundle 161-9
Fettes 248-6 dec (C Hunt 100 not out); *Strathallan 251-5
*Chigwell 204 ( W Nicholl 5-76), Highgate 207-1 (T Nicholl 130 not out)
Sedbergh 255-6 dec (J Clark 143), *Ampleforth 69-8
King Edward?s, Bath 194-7 (50 overs), *Bristol GS 195-9 (W Tavar? 126)
Wellingborough 188-8 (40 overs, J Johnson 141), *King?s, Ely 85
*Bedford 169-9 (55 overs),?Uppingham 170-8
*Westminster 130-9 (35 overs), Aldenham 131-8??
*Ipswich 170, RGS Colchester 171-7 (E Pope 5-46)
Framlingham 145-6 dec (C Pandya 5-34), *RGS Colchester 147-5
RGS Colchester 264-5 dec (L Groves 100 not out), *Bishop?s Stortford College 139-7
*Lord Wandsworth 167-6 (40 overs), Dauntsey?s 111
Tiffin 209-3 dec, *Lord Wandsworth 115-6
St John’s, Leatherhead 162 (45 overs), *Lord Wandsworth 165-7
Kingswood 236-5 (40 overs)(M Horsley 121 not out), *Monkton Combe 118
Wellington ( Somerset ) 93; * West Buckland 94-2
*KEQMS Lytham 171, Arnold 131-8
*Dauntsey?s 200-9 (40 overs), Clayesmore 133-8
*Shiplake 130, Reed?s 133-5
Ardingly 151 (20 overs),*Christ’s Hospital 127-8
Old Blues 85 (A Marsh 6-29),*Christ’s Hospital 89-3
Old Blues 151 (20 overs),*Christ’s Hospital 152-4
Gentlemen of Essex? 258-2 dec,? * Forest? 262-4 (J Waller 107 not out)
Bristol GS 43 (50 overs) (Dibble 6-12),* Taunton 44-1
Bristol GS 231-8 (50 overs),* Clifton 178-8
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National 20s competition first round
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King?s, Taunton 211-2 (20 overs) (J Buttler 131 not out), Dauntsey?s 129-9
King?s, Taunton 91 (20 overs), *Millfield 92-3
King?s, Taunton 243-2 (20 overs) (J Buttler 154 not out), Truro 137-9
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*Framlingham 183-6 (20 overs), Leys 184-4 (D Rice 113 not out)
*Framlingham 204-6 (20 overs), Kimbolton 130-9
*Framlingham 216-5 (20 overs) (R Newton 116), St. Joseph?s 137-4
Wednesday May 7th 2008
Early season results show how difficult it is to remain top dog consistently without a steady stream of cricket scholars or other imports. Some of the strongest sides in the country in recent years have suffered defeats in the first three weeks, all to local rivals. The Perse, in Wisden?s list of top schools for two years, lost their 34-match unbeaten record to fellow Cambridge school The Leys, Oakham suffered defeat at the hands of Uppingham, and even the mighty Merchiston Castle (54 wins from 57 school matches in the last five years) were defeated by rival Edinburgh school Fettes.
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One import making his mark was Dalton Polius, a 17 year old St Lucian who scored his first century for Woodhouse Grove against Silcoates in only his fourth game. The innings?included six sixes and ten fours. Polius, a Windward Islands?Under-19 and West Indies Under-15 player, was offered a place at the Grove after scoring 170 for Castries High School against?Woodhouse Grove on their?tour of St Lucia in February 2007. Silcoates must have approached the game with trepidation since last year Woodhouse Grove scored 407 for two against them. Happily, they won the toss and batted, to prevent a repetition.
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There was a thrilling finish at Forest where the visitors Bancroft?s struggled on a wet wicket with only Anand Patel (58), James Taplin (37) and several dropped catches making significant contributions. Forest batted steadily with Joe Hawkes scoring 51, but some excellent catching saw Bancroft?s home by six runs with a ball to spare.
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Sedbergh declared on a challenging 246 for nine, despite a fine bowling performance by Durham ?s 15 year old Lewis Hall (five for 47). He was, however, eclipsed by Jordan Clark who took five for 45 to bowl out the visitors for 121. He had earlier scored a century for Sedbergh against Giggleswick.
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A combination of widespread poor weather and quarter-term exeats meant that little schools cricket was played in the latter part of last week.
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Results (* denotes home side)
*Leys 170-8 (35 overs), Perse 78
*Wellingborough 278-4 (40 overs)(J Johnson 119), Lord Williams?s, Thame 125
*George Watson?s 157-8 (35 overs), Fettes 158-7
*Uppingham?166-4 (38 overs),?Oakham?123
*Merchiston Castle 166-7 (40 overs), Dollar Academy 102
Hampton 168 (50 overs), *RGS Guildford 68
*Merchant Taylors ‘ , Northwood 196-9 dec, Westminster 69 (R Patel 5-21)
City of London Freemen ‘s 127 (40 overs), *Trinity, Croydon 107
Haberdashers’ Aske’s 198-4 (50 overs), *Berkhamsted 141
*St Peter’s, York 205, Bradford GS 208-8
High School of Glasgow 94 (27 overs), *Glasgow Academy 57
Silcoates 145, *Woodhouse Grove 146-3 (D Polius 106 not out)
Felsted 217-7 dec, *Bishop’s Stortford HS 178-8
*Felsted 229-9 dec, Essex Under-17 82-2 (rain)
Uppingham 281-7 dec, *Felsted 223-6
Caterham 125-9 (40 overs), *Sutton Valence 126-5
MCC 172-6 dec, *Millfield 173-6
St George?s, Weybridge 107 (45 overs), *St John’s , Leatherhead 108-2
Sussex Martlets 129 (Wicks 5-42), *St George’s , Weybridge 131-4
*Taunton 262-8 (50 overs), Blundell’s 102
*Wellington , Somerset 134-9 (50 overs), Queen’s, Taunton 135-7
*Sedbergh 246-9 dec (L Hall 5-47), Durham 121 (J Clark 5-45)
Uppingham 281-7 dec, *Felsted 221-6
Denstone 123-9 (35 overs), *King?s, Macclesfield 124-8
*Denstone 237-6 dec, Newcastle RGS 105
*Prior Park 89, Monkton Combe 90-2
Culford 184-8 dec, *Norwich 117-7
Bancroft’s 164-9 (50 overs). *Forest 158 ??*Eastbourne 197-6 (50 overs), Brighton 202-2
*Wellington (Berks) 264 (L Durandt 123), Eton 154
Perse 202-6 dec, *Chigwell 122-7
*Wellington ( Somerset ) 153-7 (40 overs), Exeter 138
*Wellington ( Somerset ) 134-7 (50 overs), Queen’s, Taunton 136-7
*Enfield GS, John Lyon 121?5
King’s, Rochester 183 (40 overs), *Cranbrook 103
Winchester ?127, *Cranleigh 130-8
Eltham 130 (50 overs),*Reigate GS 131-4
?Tonbridge 172, *Charterhouse 175-5.
?Bedford Modern 66, *Stamford 67-6????King?s Taunton Twenty/20 tournament:
*King?s, Taunton 145-8 (20 overs), Taunton 123
Blundell?s 112, *King?s, Taunton 113-4
Wednesday April 30th 2008
In what is probably a record for schools? 50-over cricket, Jos Buttler, captain of King?s College, Taunton, scored 227 from 176 balls in an opening partnership of 340 together with Alex Barrow who scored 95. King?s School, Bruton, understandably shaken by the massive target of 342 for one, were unable to respond in kind and were bowled out for 65.??Jonathan Bairstow (son of the late David) was the first winner of Wisden?s new Young Wisden Schools? Cricketer of the Year trophy, presented by Mike Brearley (President of MCC) at the recent dinner to launch Wisden 2008. He has already started the new season in style, scoring 139 not out for St Peter?s, York, in an unbeaten stand of 219, together with James Hepworth (103 not out) to defeat The Yorkshire Gentlemen. The visitors had set them the formidable early-season target of 265 for three declared, with Tim Peet ?- a recent Old Boy – scoring 123.
Travis Hussain (nephew of Nasser) scored his maiden century for Felsted (127 not out) against The King’s School, Canterbury and captain Sam Weller scored his maiden century (119 not out) in a game that eventually fell foul of the weather. They put on 253 for the 3rd wicket.
After reducing Colfe’s to 41 for nine, Bancroft’s allowed the last wicket partnership to double the score. After a slow start, Bancroft’s openers knocked off the runs in 16 overs. In a remarkable piece of bowling in the under-14 match v Colfe’s, Bancroftian Neville Jacob took 5 wickets for 0 runs.
Brother and sister Adam and Jodie Dibble, of Taunton school, clearly have keen competitive matches in their back garden. Adam took six for 12 to bowl out Bristol Grammar School for a modest 43, while Jodie for the prep school took four for six and three for five in the first two games of the season.
At Chigwell, Omar Ahmed came on first change at medium pace and with excellent line and length had the remarkable figures of five for six from seven overs to bowl out the home side for 83, which Colchester RGS knocked off for two wickets.??Another early-season cliff-hanger at Caterham, where Lancing were struggling at 86 for seven. However, their number nine scored 38 not out to get them to 155 for seven in their 40 overs. As the last over began, Caterham needed only one to win, but took five balls to achieve it.
Results (* denotes home side)
*Felsted 274-2 dec (T Hussain 127 not out, S Weller 119 not out), King’s, Canterbury 92-4 (rain)
*Cheltenham 222-7 dec, Radley 54-2 (rain)
Sutton Valence 177-5 (30 overs), *Eltham 129 (T Griffin 5-24)
Nottingham HS 185-4 (50 overs), *Uppingham?186-7
Wellingborough?240-7 dec (J Dunkely 100 not out), *Uppingham?205-7??
Rugby 100, *Radley 81?
Leicester Beauchamp?132, *Uppingham?133-3
Bedford Modern 190-5 (40 overs), *Bishop?s Stortford HS 68
Free Foresters CC 186-9 dec, *Repton 138-4
Mill Hill 162-4 (40 overs), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 133
Yorkshire Gentlemen CC 265-3 dec (T Peet 123), *St Peter’s, York 270-3 (J Bairstow 139 not out, J Hepworth 103 not out)
Huddersfield New College 128-9 (40 overs), *Woodhouse Grove 129-4
Stowe?173-7 (35 overs), *Abingdon 92??*Durham 257-7 dec (M Turns 105), Catholic University School 182-9 (W Cleaver 6-39)
*Durham 170-8 (30 overs), Middlesbrough Cricket Academy 107-7
Sherborne 130 (35 overs), *Canford 134-4
*Canford 193-9 (50 overs), Portsmouth GS 195-7
*Fettes 245-8 (50 overs), Merchiston Castle 214??*Merchant Taylors ‘, Northwood 217-8 dec, St Paul?s 145 (J Corbett 5-48)
Kimbolton 99, *King’s, Ely 103 – 5
*Haberdashers’ Aske’s 293-8 (50 overs) (K Patel 111), University College School 50
*Reigate 180-9 dec, RGS Guildford 107-5
St Peter’s, York 135,?QEGS Wakefield 92 (L Baig 7-32)??Kingswood 91, *Dauntsey’s 92-3
*King?s, Taunton 342-1 (50 overs) (J Buttler 227 not out), King?s, Bruton 65
*Taunton 262-5 dec, XL Club 66
Bristol GS 43 (A Dibble 6-12), *Taunton 44-1?? *Repton 201-5?(50 overs), Malvern 148
Somerset CCC?X1 284-6 (50 overs), *Millfield 125-5
Somerset CCC X1 296-5 (50 overs), *Millfield 187-6??Gloucestershire CCC Academy 136, *Millfield 137-2
*Millfield 264-8 (50 overs) (J Lawrence 112), Exeter University 267-6
Coopers Coburn 143-8 (35 overs), *Bancroft’s 144-6
Bishop’s Stortford HS 152-5 (40 overs), *Bancroft’s 156-7
*Colfe’s 82 (39 overs), Bancroft’s 85-0
MCC 173-8 dec, *Wrekin 117
Rydal 68, *Wrekin 69-0
St George’s, Weybridge 121-7 (45 overs), *Christ’s Hospital 122-8??*Harrow 242-4 (55 overs), Charterhouse 139 (S Northeast 5-33)
*Harrow 309-3 (40 overs)(S Northeast 119, R Taylor 112), Free Foresters CC 170-7
*Whitgift 179-8 (50 overs), Harrow 180-5
*Harrow 227-5 (40 overs), Middlesex Academy 183-6
*Sherborne 120, Cheltenham 121-6
*Tonbridge 245-8 dec, Dulwich 119
Free Foresters CC 238-6 dec, *Tonbridge 239-7
Norwich 202-8 dec, *Perse 206-2
*Shrewsbury 286-4 (50 overs) (J Taylor 156), RGS Worcester 96-6 (rain)
Shrewsbury 216-6 (50 overs), *KES Birmingham 141 (M Mckeever 5-33)
Ratcliffe 129 (45 overs), *Mount St Mary?s 42
Christ?s College, Finchley 158, *Forest 159 -9
Wycliffe 126-6, *Queen’s, Taunton 129-2
Queen’s, Taunton 182-5 (50 overs), *Monmouth 163-9
*Culford 180-6, St Joseph?s 135-5??Emanuel 121, *City of London Freemen’s 123-8
Sevenoaks 250-4 dec (J Parker 100 not out), *St Edmund?s, Canterbury 84
Reading Blue Coat 131, Reed?s 135-4
Magdalen College School 168 (J Hopping 6-36), Wellingborough 169-2
Stowe?142, *Uppingham?143-6
*Chigwell 83 (Omar Ahmed 5-6), Colchester RGS 84-2
*Lancing 155-7 (40 overs), Caterham 156-9?
Eastbourne 150, *King?s Canterbury 134 (A Saunders 7-36)
*Durham 144, Giggleswick 146-8
*Haileybury 251-2 ( S Billings 129 not out), Bedford Modern 252-9
Dean Close 59, *Clifton 60?3
*St Albans 170 (30 overs), Dr Challoner?s GS 164-5
*St Albans 210-8 (40 overs), Enfield GS 121
*Brentwood 158-6 (30 overs), Framlingham 158-5
*Framlingham 235-9 (40 overs), Ipswich 230-9
*Woodhouse Grove 251-6dec, Kirkham GS 83
*King’s, Rochester 139 (40 overs), Sir Joseph Williamson?s? ?Mathematical School 120
Wednesday April 23rd 2008
HMC schools (Head Masters/Mistresses’ Conference) ? the vast majority of those playing competitive cricket – have taken a bold step towards reviving traditional standards of conduct in the game by issuing a notice to be handed to umpires before each match. In brief, it asks umpires to enforce the provisions of The Spirit of the Game.
The latter is a preamble to the Laws rather than a Law in itself. However, Law 42 states that it is the responsibility of captains to ensure that the game is conducted not only within the Laws but also within The Spirit of the Game. This is the provision which HMC schools are asking all umpires to enforce, at all levels.
Therefore, if a fielding side indulges in the ghastly but relatively recent practice of ?making more noise? or the more ancient one of ?sledging?, then the umpires are asked to intervene. The sanction, after two warnings, is to invite the Master in charge to remove his captain from the field (an umpire has no power to dismiss him under the Laws) for ten minutes, without substitute. This should concentrate the mind, not least among some younger Masters in charge who actually encourage this poor behaviour.
The two Masters in charge discuss arrangements for any match in advance, usually on the day. It would be almost unthinkable for one to propose to follow HMC guidelines and the other to disagree. It has been the absence of any guidelines which has led to the appalling behaviour all too often seen on school cricket fields and has even led to the cancellation of future fixtures.
James Kirtley, the Sussex and England fast bowler, played for Clifton in the Sir Garfield Sobers schools? tournament in Barbados in the early 90s. This inspired him to set up a similar kind of Under-19 schools? tournament as a pre-season event in Dubai , where the facilities are outstanding. The inaugural competition, held in late March, involved Eastbourne College , Wellington College , St Bede?s School and Worth Abbey. After a round-robin (all playing all) section, Eastbourne defeated Wellington in the final. In the final, Max Finzel and Oli Smith narrowly failed to notch what would both have been excellent centuries with scores of 99 and 97 respectively in an Eastbourne total of 233 for three in 40 overs. In reply, Ed Lowe extended an impressive run of batting with a quick-fire 83 before succumbing to the guile of Aaron Saunders. But it was Harry Clarkson-Bennett who ripped the heart out of the Wellington middle order with a fine return of four for 17 from five overs. Schools interested in taking part over Easter 2009 should contact Roger Myall on 07976 685024.
Another fine initiative was by MCC, who took a schools tour to India to promote ?The Spirit of the Game?. A fortunate party of 14, who had all expenses paid by the club, represented the MCC under the supervision of Roger Knight, its former Secretary, Sandy Ross (Master i/c at Caterham), and Paul Atkins as Coach. The party was chosen largely by Peter Deakin of Charterhouse based on recommendations by MCC Match Managers (against schools).??The festival in Chandigarh was in declaration format (hooray!), though with the side batting first having to declare after 55 overs (hooray again).? A record of one loss and two wins ? all played in excellent spirit – made this a memorable pre-season trip, with Will Vanderspar (Eton), Adam Ball and Adam Riley (both Bexley Grammar School), Hugo Snape (Tonbridge), Sam Billings (Haileybury) and Dan Stickels (Homewood) shining individually.
Now in its fourth year of publication, the Preparatory Schools? Cricket Almanac admirably fills a gap which could not possibly be filled by Wisden itself. Each preparatory school, the cricketing cradle of many of the game?s future stars, has a double page spread with very full details of the 2007 season. With a Foreword by David Gower OBE and a variety of other interesting and often quirky articles, this is a most welcome addition to the cricket-lover?s bookshelf. It may be ordered on 01684-541167.
In a low-scoring game, Magdalen College School required two to win against The Perse and one to tie off the last ball. The ball went through to the keeper and the batsman was run out attempting the single. A great game to start the season.
Showing the virtues of pre-season tours, in this case to Spain , Westminster ?s Alex Rankine scored 157 from 149 balls against the Lords and Commons, who managed to hold out for a draw chasing 244 for 8.
After last year?s glorious April sunshine, the weather reverted to its normal pattern of raining heavily on the first day of the schools? season, with few completed matches and many low scores.
Results (* denotes home side)
Malvern 161-8 dec, *Stowe 164-3??Colston?s 101, * St Albans 102-0
*Stowe 175-8 (40 overs), Reading Blue Coat 156-9 ?Stowe won by 10 runs (D/L)
Perse 118-8 (35 overs), * Magdalen College School 117-9
Caterham 120-3 (35 overs), *Epsom 121-4
*Wellingborough 222-5 (45 overs), Bedford Modern 141-7
Southampton Institute 134-7 (35 overs), *RGS Guildford 135-5
*KCS Wimbledon 186, Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 57-0 (rain)
*Merchant Taylors’, Northwood 224-6, Watford GS 102-4 (rain)
? XL Club 107-7 dec (H Philip 5-23), *Fettes 108-3
*Westminster School 244-8 dec (A Rankine 157), Lords & Commons 164-8
*Loretto 85 (40 overs), Merchiston Castle 89-1
*Stowe 212 (R Patel 5-41), Merchant Taylors’ 103-3 (rain)
*Rugby 203-7 dec, Repton 30-1 (rain)
Aldenham 149-6 (40 overs), *Haberdashers’ Aske’s 48-1 (rain)
Woodhouse Grove 209-8 (50 overs), *St Peter’s, York 163
*Chigwell School 206-7dec (S Betts 5-45), Dulwich College 209-3
Grasshoppers CC 189-7 dec, *St George?s , Weybridge 190-6
St John?s , Leatherhead 58, *Sevenoaks 60-1
Judd 51, *Sevenoaks 52-2
*Sevenoaks 171-9 (30 overs), Old Oaks 63
Gresham ?s 79, *Perse 80-3
Edinburgh Academy 165-8 (45 overs), *Fettes 162
Culford 171-6 dec, *Woodbridge 84-3
Nottingham HS 185-4 (50 overs), *Uppingham?186-7
Wellingborough?240-7 dec (J Dunkely 100*), *Uppingham?205-7?
*Canford 260-3 (40 overs)(C Ridley 101 not out), Wimborne 173-4