Cricket Report

Cricket Report

Unfortunately this report is largely one which reflects a disappointing season. The 1st XI lost all of their most important games - by rather narrow margins, but they still lost. The under 15s lost two County semi-finals in one week. The under 14s, who scored more runs than ever before, still lost more games than they should have; and the under 12s failed to win or even draw a game until the last match of the season. The under 13s, although they had a better season than the other junior side, only managed to win five or their twelve games.

The most disappointing aspect is the number of good players that have let themselves, their team, and the School down by taking jobs or failing to turn up after being selected.

Against this rather dismal picture there are, however, many encouraging signs. This year we have had rather more support from parents, who have come to watch the game. A few members of junior sides have been watching most 1st XI's Games, while they themselves have had a number of regular supporters. Much of the cricket played has been most exciting, and there have been many good individual performances to note: particularly Murray's undefeated "ton", Clubbe's 52, Streeter's 80, Fitzgerald's 65, and Sutherland's 50. Murray also turned in a number of good bowling performances for the 1st XI. Wilson, Duffy, Power and Russell all took five wickets for the under 15s.

Ashe bowled for the under 13s with skill and a great deal of thought - proving that anyone who is prepared to throw the ball up will take many wickets in school cricket.

The School cricketers must realise that they are now playing as one of the stronger schools in the County, and so play with much more determination. This means that next year they must pay greater attention to practise, both fielding and batting, and when losing wickets against good bowling, work hard for runs in conditions that may not be easy.

Many people have worked hard so that about 8o boys have been able to play 86 games this season. Thanks are therefore due to the many members of Staff and to parents who have stood umpiring; to the mothers who made tea for the 1st XI, and to the Captains, who have organised their teams.

Finally, congratulations are due to A. Ferry and N. Russell, who have been selected to play for the County sides.

C.F. Tufnell.