Rain overnight meant that we had a late start today. Prior the games we had the boys commemorate Anzac Day with a minutes silence. All wore their blazers with poppies.
The fixtures were T/20s with our squad being divided into Black and White teams led by McKellar and Beckett. Each played two games and three of the four were won.
Black XI 106 (O Macfarlane 29) lost to Cranbrook 1sts 108/2
Black XI 168/8 (Williamson 43, Murray 25) defeated Canbrook 2nds 22 (O Macfarlane and J Leggat both collected 5 wickets)
White XI 199/5 (Blake 46, Jones 43, Kerr 35) defeated Canbrook 2nds 92
White XI 104/8 (I Bird 38, Beckett 35) defeated Cranbrook 1sts 86 (Simpson 2/7, K Thatcher 2/20, Beckett 2/8)
Saturday 25 April 2015
Friday 24 April 2015
24 April - Gray Nicolls Bat Factory and arrival at Cranbrook
The boys certainly enjoyed their time with their billets. Eastbourne have always been terrific hosts and this year was certainly not an exception.
Today we ventured to the Gray Nicolls factory and learned about how bats are made. From one tree 40 bats may be made, while 40000 trees are used per year. A tree takes about 20 years to grow. Many then understood the significance and the cost of their bat. And yes, a number of bats were purchased after the tour.
All are now billeted. Tomorrow we are combining the teams into a Black and White teams and are playing a couple of T/20s against Cranbrook. It should be a fun way to end the tour. Plans for Sunday have been made and we are booked to go to a theme park with massive roller coasters.
Today we ventured to the Gray Nicolls factory and learned about how bats are made. From one tree 40 bats may be made, while 40000 trees are used per year. A tree takes about 20 years to grow. Many then understood the significance and the cost of their bat. And yes, a number of bats were purchased after the tour.
All are now billeted. Tomorrow we are combining the teams into a Black and White teams and are playing a couple of T/20s against Cranbrook. It should be a fun way to end the tour. Plans for Sunday have been made and we are booked to go to a theme park with massive roller coasters.
Thursday 23 April 2015
April 23 - Twin Development Centuries and 1st XI victory off final ball
The boys arrived at Eastbourne this morning all in good spirits after spending a night with billets. The day dawned overcast, but that soon dissipated into another brilliantly sunny day.
The 1st XI game saw College win their first match in three attempts against Eastbourne College. The margin was a mere 4 runs. College won the toss (a rarity) and batted first on a NZ-looking wicket. Williamson and Heselwood continued their good form and positiveness by slaying the opening Eastbourne attack. After 3 overs it was 20/0, but by the end of the 5th it was 26/2 with both openers dismissed. Chamberlain struggled at the start of his innings and was beaten on a number of occasions, but Thatcher (34) was striking at a run per ball. Suddenly Chamberlain (45) hit 16 off an over and a 6 in the next and both were dominating. Thatcher was lost to a leading edge (99/3) in the 17th over after a 74 run partnership in 12 overs. More runs came freely but then Chamberlain was stumped from a part-time spinner (136/4) in the 24th over. Lunch came at the 30th and College had now slowed to 150/4. Beckett (27) and J Bird (18) were about to increase the scoring after lunch but were both dismissed in the exact same manner within two balls of each other (164/6). Our great start had been lost. Freeman-Greene (16) and Kerr (29) then batted with real understanding and skill to add a further 51 in only 8 overs as they almost took a single every ball by hitting into gaps. Their half-century partnership had College 215/6 with 6 overs remaining. With two set batsman in a score of well in excess of 250 was certainly on the cards. The innings had been resurrected. Eight balls later we were dismissed ... for 220 and just under 5 overs remained in the innings. All were very disappointed as it felt as if our chance for victory had been taken from us (again). Eastbourne started slowly but were gaining some ascendency as they reached tea at 80/2 after 20 overs. Chamberlain (2/45) had dismissed both openers. Immediately after tea Kerr (3/44) enticed an edge (85/3) and in combination with Freeman-Greene (2/35) were able to restrict and continue to pick up wickets. Eastbourne, through this bowling pair slumped to 113/6 and later 141/7 after 35 overs. College was on top and in the box seat. A fight back, although initially slow, saw Eastbourne start to launch their comeback and the pressure was mounting on the College fielders and bowlers. A couple of missed catches, an over throw, wides and no-balls, and suddenly Eastboure were in the box seat requiring 28 from 24 balls. Then a wicket to Macfarlane, caught by Beckett, calmed the nerves. Chamberlain and Kerr were left with the job of securing victory in the final three overs. 24 were required from 18 balls, 19 from 12 and 12 from 6. First ball - wide and a bye, now 10 required. Then a two. 8 from 5. A swing and miss. 8 from 4. A single next ball. 7 from 3. A slog to the boundary ... the throw from Heselwood bet the player back for his second. 9 down, 6 required from 2. Then a single ... last ball ... four required for a tie, a six for victory. Kerr bowls a full toss on leg stump, the batsman swings ... and misses. Game over ... a 4 run victory. It was a great game!
Scorecard
Heselwood 8
Williamson 13
Chamberlain 45
Thatcher 34
Beckett 27
J Bird 18
Freeman-Greene 16
Kerr 29
Thomson 3
Leggat 0no
Macfarlane 0
Macfarlane 7-1-29-1
Thomson 4-0-19-0
Chamberlain 10-0-45-2
McKellar 10-0-41-0
Freeman-Greene 10-2-35-2
Kerr 9-0-44-3
Catches: Thatcher, Leggat (2), Heselwood, Beckett, Kerr
The Development XI had a 100+ run win in their 35 over match with Eastbourne 2nd XI. After the initial loss of Blake, Mafarlane and Weeks batted outstandingly in disptaching any loose ball. Weeks was especially aggressive and took advantage of a superb batting surface. He struck 18 boundaries and 5 sixes as he scored 138. He reached his century while Macfarlane was still in the low 40s; such was his domination. Macfarlane then took the initiative and did the same. He brought up his century and continued batting on to carry his bat for the innings in scoring 136no. Dickie (12) and Murray (15no) helped take the total to 319/3. The batting performance was superb and the Macfarane/Weeks partnership of 239 will go down in College's history as one of the higher partnerships! The Eastbourne reply of 200 in itself was very sound but it still led to a heavy defeat. Most were able to have a bowl. Macfarlane was able to cap off his day as he took two wickets in his over.
Scorecard:
Macfarlane 136no
Blake 0
Weeks 138
Dickie 12
Murray 15no
Thatcher 6-1-27-1
Simpson 3-0-15-0
Tempero 5-0-27-0
Raymond 3-0-13-0
Murray 7-1-19-1
Jones 7-0-39-2
Bird 1-0-12-0
Aitken 2-0-23-0
Macfarlane 1-0-10-2
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| Tremendous views of Eastbourne College's main ground |
The 1st XI game saw College win their first match in three attempts against Eastbourne College. The margin was a mere 4 runs. College won the toss (a rarity) and batted first on a NZ-looking wicket. Williamson and Heselwood continued their good form and positiveness by slaying the opening Eastbourne attack. After 3 overs it was 20/0, but by the end of the 5th it was 26/2 with both openers dismissed. Chamberlain struggled at the start of his innings and was beaten on a number of occasions, but Thatcher (34) was striking at a run per ball. Suddenly Chamberlain (45) hit 16 off an over and a 6 in the next and both were dominating. Thatcher was lost to a leading edge (99/3) in the 17th over after a 74 run partnership in 12 overs. More runs came freely but then Chamberlain was stumped from a part-time spinner (136/4) in the 24th over. Lunch came at the 30th and College had now slowed to 150/4. Beckett (27) and J Bird (18) were about to increase the scoring after lunch but were both dismissed in the exact same manner within two balls of each other (164/6). Our great start had been lost. Freeman-Greene (16) and Kerr (29) then batted with real understanding and skill to add a further 51 in only 8 overs as they almost took a single every ball by hitting into gaps. Their half-century partnership had College 215/6 with 6 overs remaining. With two set batsman in a score of well in excess of 250 was certainly on the cards. The innings had been resurrected. Eight balls later we were dismissed ... for 220 and just under 5 overs remained in the innings. All were very disappointed as it felt as if our chance for victory had been taken from us (again). Eastbourne started slowly but were gaining some ascendency as they reached tea at 80/2 after 20 overs. Chamberlain (2/45) had dismissed both openers. Immediately after tea Kerr (3/44) enticed an edge (85/3) and in combination with Freeman-Greene (2/35) were able to restrict and continue to pick up wickets. Eastbourne, through this bowling pair slumped to 113/6 and later 141/7 after 35 overs. College was on top and in the box seat. A fight back, although initially slow, saw Eastbourne start to launch their comeback and the pressure was mounting on the College fielders and bowlers. A couple of missed catches, an over throw, wides and no-balls, and suddenly Eastboure were in the box seat requiring 28 from 24 balls. Then a wicket to Macfarlane, caught by Beckett, calmed the nerves. Chamberlain and Kerr were left with the job of securing victory in the final three overs. 24 were required from 18 balls, 19 from 12 and 12 from 6. First ball - wide and a bye, now 10 required. Then a two. 8 from 5. A swing and miss. 8 from 4. A single next ball. 7 from 3. A slog to the boundary ... the throw from Heselwood bet the player back for his second. 9 down, 6 required from 2. Then a single ... last ball ... four required for a tie, a six for victory. Kerr bowls a full toss on leg stump, the batsman swings ... and misses. Game over ... a 4 run victory. It was a great game!
Scorecard
Heselwood 8
Williamson 13
Chamberlain 45
Thatcher 34
Beckett 27
J Bird 18
Freeman-Greene 16
Kerr 29
Thomson 3
Leggat 0no
Macfarlane 0
Macfarlane 7-1-29-1
Thomson 4-0-19-0
Chamberlain 10-0-45-2
McKellar 10-0-41-0
Freeman-Greene 10-2-35-2
Kerr 9-0-44-3
Catches: Thatcher, Leggat (2), Heselwood, Beckett, Kerr
The Development XI had a 100+ run win in their 35 over match with Eastbourne 2nd XI. After the initial loss of Blake, Mafarlane and Weeks batted outstandingly in disptaching any loose ball. Weeks was especially aggressive and took advantage of a superb batting surface. He struck 18 boundaries and 5 sixes as he scored 138. He reached his century while Macfarlane was still in the low 40s; such was his domination. Macfarlane then took the initiative and did the same. He brought up his century and continued batting on to carry his bat for the innings in scoring 136no. Dickie (12) and Murray (15no) helped take the total to 319/3. The batting performance was superb and the Macfarane/Weeks partnership of 239 will go down in College's history as one of the higher partnerships! The Eastbourne reply of 200 in itself was very sound but it still led to a heavy defeat. Most were able to have a bowl. Macfarlane was able to cap off his day as he took two wickets in his over.
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| Weeks' Century |
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| Weeks and Macfarlane celebrate Weeks' century |
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| Macfarlane's Century |
Scorecard:
Macfarlane 136no
Blake 0
Weeks 138
Dickie 12
Murray 15no
Thatcher 6-1-27-1
Simpson 3-0-15-0
Tempero 5-0-27-0
Raymond 3-0-13-0
Murray 7-1-19-1
Jones 7-0-39-2
Bird 1-0-12-0
Aitken 2-0-23-0
Macfarlane 1-0-10-2
Wednesday 22 April 2015
22 April - Development XI finally beat Wellington, 1st XI in another close run chase
The 1st XI played a much-vaunted Wellington XI at another fabulous school. College again lost the toss and fielded. Our opening was probably the best on the tour. A wicket was taken by Thomson in the second over, but the Wellington batsmen did put away the half volley. The good aspect was that the there were only few of these. However, the #3 for Wellington was an exceptional player (in a the England U19 squad and looking likely to play first class cricket this year). He was able to play himself in and then play beautifully. As he scored at over a run per ball the signs were looking ominous. However, McKellar (2/36) was bowling superbly and was able to deceive the batsmen and secure his wicket by a stumping. A further wicket to McKellar and one to Whyte (1/32) brought College back into the game at 146/4 after 31 overs when lunch was taken. Like yesterday, wickets and runs occurred frequently in the final 19 overs. Wellington did not finish the innings well as they tried to go too hard, and as a result no significant scores were made. Thomson (5/32) was able to prosper and gained his maiden 5 wicket haul. Wellington were dismissed for 248 in the final over. This was a pleasing effort considering there was certainly the prospect of over 300 being easily scored. Facing this target was daunting, but certainly achievable as we had a real understanding about how to chase targets. Williamson (72) and Heselwood (67) took up the challenge immediately and struck the ball with real intent. Together they ran well and were happy to attack. Boundaries flowed, singles were accumulating. After 15 overs the score was 82/0, and at tea 102/0 after 20 overs. The openers had the Wellington attack at their mercy. Both brought up their half-centuries just after the tea break and then they relaunched their attack. However, Williamson's dismissal (141/1 in the 28th over) brought a real change on the game. The next 10 overs saw only 34 runs scored and three wickets lost. Again the scenario was a run per ball off the final 10 overs. Much like the game vs Eton we continued to lose wickets without a batsman really being able to exert his dominance or remain at the crease. Beckett (27) but by the final three overs the team was struggling keep in the game. Wellington bowled 39 overs of spin and one bowler conceded only 19 runs from his final 9 overs ... in the end this was the difference. College finished 228/9, 20 runs short. All were very disappointed as this was certainly a game that got away.
Scorecards:
Macfarlane 6-0-30-0
Thomson 8.2-0-32-5
Kerr 8-0-43-0
Chamberlain 7-0-31-0
McKellar 10-0-36-2
Whyte 4-0-32-1
Freeman-Greene 6-0-36-1
Catches: Leggat 2 (and one stumping), Beckett, Whyte
Williamson 72
Heselwood 67
Chamberlain 3
Thatcher 11
Beckett 27
J Bird 2
Freeman-Greene 14no
Kerr 10
Thomson 0
Leggat 0
McKellar 2no
The Development XI was able to secure a good victory against a a strong Wellington Development XI. Simpson (2/50) opened well with two good wickets (including a boy who had recently scored a century for the 1st XI) and but the Wellington batsmen then prospered. The introduction of Thatcher (2/15) and Jones (2/25) saw both pick up two wickets, while Tempero (2/31) bowled well at the end to ensure the total was kept in check. The score of 203 was a very good score off 35 overs. This 'test' was certainly going to offer a challenge to the batsmen. I Bird (16) and Blake (23) opened aggressively but three wickets were lost before the score was 55. Macfarlane (55no) played an anchor role but Dickie (18), Thatcher (23), Abbot (10), Tempero (25) upped the ante all scoring at a run per ball or better. This wet up the team achieve the total in the 31st over. This was a very good result and the first time College has won this development game.
Scoreboards:
Tempero 7-0-31-2
Simpson 7-0-50-2
Aitken 7-0-35-0
Murray 5-0-43-0
Thatcher 5-0-15-2
Jones 4-0-25-2
I Bird 16
Blake 23
Jones 0
Macfarlane 55no
Dickie 18
Thatcher 23
Abbot 10
Tempero 25
Murray 4no
Scorecards:
Macfarlane 6-0-30-0
Thomson 8.2-0-32-5
Kerr 8-0-43-0
Chamberlain 7-0-31-0
McKellar 10-0-36-2
Whyte 4-0-32-1
Freeman-Greene 6-0-36-1
Catches: Leggat 2 (and one stumping), Beckett, Whyte
Williamson 72
Heselwood 67
Chamberlain 3
Thatcher 11
Beckett 27
J Bird 2
Freeman-Greene 14no
Kerr 10
Thomson 0
Leggat 0
McKellar 2no
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| Heselwood Half Century |
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| Williamson Half Century |
The Development XI was able to secure a good victory against a a strong Wellington Development XI. Simpson (2/50) opened well with two good wickets (including a boy who had recently scored a century for the 1st XI) and but the Wellington batsmen then prospered. The introduction of Thatcher (2/15) and Jones (2/25) saw both pick up two wickets, while Tempero (2/31) bowled well at the end to ensure the total was kept in check. The score of 203 was a very good score off 35 overs. This 'test' was certainly going to offer a challenge to the batsmen. I Bird (16) and Blake (23) opened aggressively but three wickets were lost before the score was 55. Macfarlane (55no) played an anchor role but Dickie (18), Thatcher (23), Abbot (10), Tempero (25) upped the ante all scoring at a run per ball or better. This wet up the team achieve the total in the 31st over. This was a very good result and the first time College has won this development game.
Scoreboards:
Tempero 7-0-31-2
Simpson 7-0-50-2
Aitken 7-0-35-0
Murray 5-0-43-0
Thatcher 5-0-15-2
Jones 4-0-25-2
I Bird 16
Blake 23
Jones 0
Macfarlane 55no
Dickie 18
Thatcher 23
Abbot 10
Tempero 25
Murray 4no
Tuesday 21 April 2015
April 21 - Two Wins over Winchester
Development XI faced a scratch Winchester team made up of boys, teachers and brothers. They had issues! College batted first in the 30 over match. Macfarlane (79) and Dickie (13) opened very slowly as only 29 runs were scored in the first 10 overs. Macfarlane got into his stride and upon reaching 10 only faced 10 further dot balls in his innings. I Bird (25), Blake (15), Murray (13) were all positive but could not go on with their innings. Thatcher entered the innings very late and plundered the bowling in a style approaching that of McCullum. He scored 58 off 27 balls. The final score of 229/7 was impressive, especially the 200 off the final 20 overs. Tempero (1/10) and Simpson (1/12) started well when bowling, but again Aitken (4/15) was the destroyer. Raymond also picked up a wicket as the opposition were dismissed for 85. A number of catches were dropped in this final total. While this fixture was one-sided the expectation is that tomorrow will be a mammoth task. The Development XI has yet to defeat the Wellington equivalent. This will be a test match!
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| Images of the historic wall surrounding the Development XIs field |
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| The final handshakes ... |
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| ... and leaving the ground |
Macfarlane 79
Dickie 13
I Bird 25
Weeks 6
Blake 15
Murray 13
Jones 0
Thatcher 58no
Aitken 1no
Tempero 4-0-10-1
Simpson 4.3-1-12-1
Aitken 6-1-15-4
Murray 4-0-14-0
Raymond 3-0-11-1
I Bird 2-0-21-0
The 1st XI won their fixture by 5 wickets, although victory was only gained in the final over. Jacob Bird was given his debut in the XI after a number of stirling performances in the Development XI. College again lost the toss and fielded first. The wicket was a little slower than most we played on so the run rate was a little under 4 at the 10 over mark. Whyte (1/35) and Kerr (0/18) further slowed the rate, although only 1 wicket had been had taken. The final 15 minutes before lunch saw College lose focus and simply go through the motions. Consequently Winchester scored about 35 runs in 5 overs. At lunch they were 133/1 after 36 overs. We were in a good position, however, there were plenty of wickets in hand for a 230+ score, especially as their captain was undefeated on 70. Runs and a few wickets flowed in the final 14 overs as Winchester reached 213/5. Potentially this should have been more but we had done a good job in the middle stages. The loss of an early wicket, in reply, saw Williamson (33) and Chamberlain (86) combine in a strong 68 run partnership. They both batted positively and had the team in a good position at 79/1 after 20 overs. Williamson was lost just before tea, while Beckett was dismissed in the first over after ... work was now needed. Chamberlain continued batting very attractively. Over the last week he has certainly beginning to show his experience and his pushing for gaps has certainly improved. Debutant Bird joined him and after a tough initiation where he had to work hard, he prospered and was able to aid Chamberlain with strong running and great shots off the back foot. Together they reignited the innings which had now got to requiring more than a run per ball over the final 16 overs. Together they controlled the innings to put on 96 before Chamberlain was strangely given out (191/4 after 46). The pressure was back on. Bird (67no, off only 71 balls) was able to steer the side home with the aid of Freeman-Greene (7) and Kerr (3no). A couple of balls remained, but it did always feel we were in control of the situation. It was a very good batting performance from the three main run-makers. Bird was outstanding in his debut.
Scorecard:
Thomson 8-0-43-1
Macfarlane 4-0-14-0
McKellar 10-1-30-0
Chamberlain 8-1-36-1
Whyte 10-0-35-1
Kerr 5-0-18-0
Freeman-Greene 5-0-32-0
Catches: Beckett, Leggat
Heselwood 6
Williamson 33
Chamberlain 86
Beckett 3
J Bird 67no
Freeman-Greene 7
Kerr 3no
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| The view back to the pavilion |
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| Chamberlain acknowledging his half century |
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| Bird on the drive |
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| Bird reaches his maiden 1st XI 50 |
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| Bird and Chamberlain clapped off after the match |
Players of the Day - Bird (1st XI), Thatcher (Dev XI)
Monday 20 April 2015
April 20 - Wembley ... and Wicked tonight
This blog is written in the afternoon as we are soon off out for dinner in town and then attending 'Wicked'. Some have already been to shows and really enjoyed them so we are hoping we can boost the cultural experience of the others. This morning we went off to Wembley. Our tour took us through the media centre, changing rooms onto the sidelines and then up into the stands to have witness the FA Cup. It was also great entering the field as the interior tunnels were still made up from yesterday's semi-final. We even had the opportunity to witness a game and a couple of great goals while we were there; actually, the game on was a charity game involving the major FA sponsors' employees ... but at least we can say we witnessed England playing (one team was kitted as England Home and one as England Away). An interesting fact. Wembley has the most toilets of any building in the world (2600+).
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| Sam, Ben, Jono at the 'media' conference |
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| Inside the Home dressing room |
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| On the ground |
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| FA Cup |
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| Holding the FA Cup |
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| In the royal box ... we tripled the crowd |
Sunday 19 April 2015
19 April - London
The morning saw us go to Madame Tussuads. The boys all seemed to enjoy the various exhibitions from London, to movie stars, leaders to a 4d movie. After this the boys then ventured to destinations of their own choice. These ranged from movies, to Ripleys Believe it or Not, to the London Eye. This evening some of us went back into town to see the lights.
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| With the little master ... Isaac, Kale, Ben, Ben |
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| Zac, Riley, Kale, Jono, Nic |
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| Doing our bit for international relations with the Spanish |
Tomorrow we are going to a 10.30 Wembley tour and will be back at the hotel by 1pm. The boys are free in the afternoon, but need to be back at the hotel at 4.30pm to then go off to dinner and then to the show. Tomorrow afternoon the boys can go out with parents and it also gives he boys their last opportunity to visit some of the museums we have suggested.
Saturday 18 April 2015
Player achivements
Congratulations to:
Rory Williamson who played his 50th 1st XI match vs Radley College
Daniel Freeman-Greene who played his 50th 1st XI match vs St Edward's Oxford
and
Liam Beckett who played his 50th 1st XI match vs Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School
Rory Williamson who played his 50th 1st XI match vs Radley College
Daniel Freeman-Greene who played his 50th 1st XI match vs St Edward's Oxford
and
Liam Beckett who played his 50th 1st XI match vs Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School
18 April vs Haberdashers - Two Victories
Today we journeyed to North London. It was only 13-15 miles but it still took an hour. Habers is a rural location and it was nice to think we were again in the countryside, although we were still in London. The venue was based around an old homestead on an estate. The school was founded in 1690 and is selective in their intake, meaning they accept only the top academic students. Between 30-40 each year go onto Oxford or Cambridge Universities. The school and site is impressive.
The Development XI completed a large 114 run win. Batting first College found the wicket slow and low. Blake and Jones were both dismissed early and this brought J Bird (70) and Kerr (58) together and they put on a 120 run partnership. Bird has developed the English technique of gliding the ball into the off side, while Kerr was more happy to bludgeon to the leg side. Leggat (23), Tempero (31) and a late cameo from Macfarlane (18) pushed the score to an impressive 247 in 40 overs. The nature of the wicket meant that College had medium pacers bowling from one end and spinners from the other. All were successful - Aiken (3) and Jones (2) picked up the most wickets. A comprehensive victory was recorded as Habers were dismissed for 133.
Scorecards:
Blake 7
Jones 7
J Bird 70
Kerr 58
Leggat 23
Tempero 31
Simpson 12
Raymond 3
Macfarlane 18no
Thatcher 5no
Tempero 8-0-28-1
I Bird 6-0-22-1
Abbot 4-0-23-1
Aitken 5-0-13-3
Raymond 2-0-6-1
Thatcher 4-2-5-1
Macfarlane 3-0-16-0
Jones 3.3-0-17-2
The 1st XI also completed a comprehensive victory winning by 8 wickets. A debut was given to Weeks. College was forced to field first and as usual the batsmen were aggressive. The first over saw a 4 and 6 belted to the boundary. Habers were batting very well and it took until the 17th over until College gained their second wicket (86/2). From here College was able to gain some control as McKellar, Murray, Whyte and Freeman-Greene were all able to stifle the runs and following the 20 over drinks break were able to collect 4 more wickets in the next five overs. The final partnership put on 24 before the opposition were dismissed for 154 in 37 overs. Freeman-Greene (3/20) was the most successful, while McKellar and Whyte picked up two each.
In reply the College start was crucial and the openers did not disappoint. Williamson (36) and Heselwood (40no) put on 50 inside the 10th over, with Williamson particularly positive with a strike rate of 90. Chamberlain (49) joined Heselwood in another half century partnership and Chamberlain, continuing his recent good form, was unlucky to be dismissed in trying to bring up his 50. Thatcher (15no) played a little cameo and Heselwood deserves to be congratulated on batting the innings. The runs were scored in the 27th over.
Scorecard:
Thomson 8-2-41-1
Macfarlane 3-0-13-0
Chamberlain 3-0-16-1
McKellar 8-3-27-2
Murray 4-0-26-1
Whyte 4-2-5-2
Freeman-Greene 7-1-20-3
Catches: Thatcher 2, Whyte, Heselwood
Williamson 36
Heselwood 40no
Chamberlain 49
Thatcher 15no
The Development XI completed a large 114 run win. Batting first College found the wicket slow and low. Blake and Jones were both dismissed early and this brought J Bird (70) and Kerr (58) together and they put on a 120 run partnership. Bird has developed the English technique of gliding the ball into the off side, while Kerr was more happy to bludgeon to the leg side. Leggat (23), Tempero (31) and a late cameo from Macfarlane (18) pushed the score to an impressive 247 in 40 overs. The nature of the wicket meant that College had medium pacers bowling from one end and spinners from the other. All were successful - Aiken (3) and Jones (2) picked up the most wickets. A comprehensive victory was recorded as Habers were dismissed for 133.
Scorecards:
Blake 7
Jones 7
J Bird 70
Kerr 58
Leggat 23
Tempero 31
Simpson 12
Raymond 3
Macfarlane 18no
Thatcher 5no
Tempero 8-0-28-1
I Bird 6-0-22-1
Abbot 4-0-23-1
Aitken 5-0-13-3
Raymond 2-0-6-1
Thatcher 4-2-5-1
Macfarlane 3-0-16-0
Jones 3.3-0-17-2
The 1st XI also completed a comprehensive victory winning by 8 wickets. A debut was given to Weeks. College was forced to field first and as usual the batsmen were aggressive. The first over saw a 4 and 6 belted to the boundary. Habers were batting very well and it took until the 17th over until College gained their second wicket (86/2). From here College was able to gain some control as McKellar, Murray, Whyte and Freeman-Greene were all able to stifle the runs and following the 20 over drinks break were able to collect 4 more wickets in the next five overs. The final partnership put on 24 before the opposition were dismissed for 154 in 37 overs. Freeman-Greene (3/20) was the most successful, while McKellar and Whyte picked up two each.
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| Freeman-Greene and Weeks celebrate a wicket |
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| ... and team celebration |
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| Fielding in front of the Manor House |
Scorecard:
Thomson 8-2-41-1
Macfarlane 3-0-13-0
Chamberlain 3-0-16-1
McKellar 8-3-27-2
Murray 4-0-26-1
Whyte 4-2-5-2
Freeman-Greene 7-1-20-3
Catches: Thatcher 2, Whyte, Heselwood
Williamson 36
Heselwood 40no
Chamberlain 49
Thatcher 15no
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| Chamberlain |
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| Heselwood on the drive |
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| Contemplating the innings |
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| Chamberlain hitting a 6 |
Players of the Day were Williamson and J Bird
Friday 17 April 2015
17 April - Back to London
We had another later start and then travelled, surprisingly fast, back to London. It was nice to be 'home'. The boys then had an afternoon shopping, biking and generally having a nice relaxing time. The best thing from today was when one boy arrived back tonight after being out with his parents all day, two other boys commented how nice it was to see him. They felt they hadn't seen him for a long time (it was only about 10 hours) ... this is one of the highlights of touring ... that is, boys developing excellent relationships and enjoying being with each other.
Thursday 16 April 2015
16 April - vs St Edwards, Oxford
The morning was a little slower as we did not have breakfast until 9am and then had an hour or so exploring the centre of Oxford. The buildings are amazing and it does certainly make one think when a street sign is found saying the name changed in 1300 due to a change in inhabitants. St Edward's have been fabulous hosts in the past and it has been a pleasure to meet them again today. The school was built at a similar time to College and is very idyllic.
The Development XI game saw a good five wicket victory to College. The 35 over match saw St Edwards in the end score 155, although about 30 did come from the final 2-3 overs. The best bowlers were Simpson (0/20) and Whyte (2/17). J Bird secured a great run out, while Weeks took two catches. Rotation of the batting lineup occurred again. Thatcher was promoted to open, while Abbot was given the opportunity in the middle order. College was 50/3, but Macfarlane (35) continued his good form, but the game was in the balance. Another small partnership got College to 70 before the 4th wicket fell, and again the game was in a delicate position. Abbot and I Bird then batted well together to get College to the doorstep of victory. Abbot (52) was able to dispatch any loose ball to the boundary, while Bird (30no) is developing the English ability to deflect good balls. Abbot was named player of the day.
Scorecards:
Tempero 7-1-33-1
Simpson 7-2-20-0
Raymond 3-0-12-0
Whyte 7-2-17-2
Jones 6-0-33-0
I Bird 5-0-25-1
Macfarlane 35
Thatcher 10
Weeks 15
Blake 0
Abbot 52
I Bird 30no
Tempero 0no
The 1st XI was very soundly beaten by a very good young, but impressive St Edward's XI. College lost the toss and fielded on another very flat wicket. College made their best start with Thomson (1/43) taking an early wicket and bowling impressively throughout the innings. Macfarlane (1/43) was also tight in his opening spell. After 10 overs College had done well to have the opposition 40/1. However, the next 10 overs were a disaster as 78 runs were scored. Poor bowling and fielding was taking the game away from our team. McKellar (2/33), Murray (2/49) and Thomson were able to bowl tightly and with boundary fielders the tide of runs was restricted. However, a late flurry pushed the score a little as St Edwards scored 232/7 in their 40 overs. Two outstanding catches were taken by Thomson and Freeman-Greene. Needing to score a run per ball was always going to be tough and it was certainly so with an effective bowling unit and by far the best we have faced this season. College's batting was rearranged to provide opportunities to other boys who hadn't had as much time at the crease. Chamberlain (19) looked good, while Dickie (13) and Murray (14) were getting starts. However, the pressure of the situation coupled with some poor decisions with shots and running meant the batting succumbed pretty easily in 24.5 overs for only 99. It was a heavy loss and one the indicated how superior the hosts were. It should be noted that two of their better players were the equivalent of our Year 10, while their captain was playing his 5th season of 1st XI cricket.
McKellar was named player of the day.
Scoreards:
Thomson 8-0-43-1
Macfarlane 7-0-43-1
Chamberlain 4-0-21-0
Kerr 3-0-25-0
Murray 8-0-49-2
McKellar 8-1-33-2
Freeman-Greene 2-0-10-0
Catches: Kerr, Freeman-Greene, Thomson
Williamson 3
Heselwood 8
Chamberlain 19
Dickie 13
Beckett 2
Murray 14
Kerr 4
Thatcher 9
Freeman-Greene 2
Thomson 8no
Leggat 1
The Development XI game saw a good five wicket victory to College. The 35 over match saw St Edwards in the end score 155, although about 30 did come from the final 2-3 overs. The best bowlers were Simpson (0/20) and Whyte (2/17). J Bird secured a great run out, while Weeks took two catches. Rotation of the batting lineup occurred again. Thatcher was promoted to open, while Abbot was given the opportunity in the middle order. College was 50/3, but Macfarlane (35) continued his good form, but the game was in the balance. Another small partnership got College to 70 before the 4th wicket fell, and again the game was in a delicate position. Abbot and I Bird then batted well together to get College to the doorstep of victory. Abbot (52) was able to dispatch any loose ball to the boundary, while Bird (30no) is developing the English ability to deflect good balls. Abbot was named player of the day.
Scorecards:
Tempero 7-1-33-1
Simpson 7-2-20-0
Raymond 3-0-12-0
Whyte 7-2-17-2
Jones 6-0-33-0
I Bird 5-0-25-1
Macfarlane 35
Thatcher 10
Weeks 15
Blake 0
Abbot 52
I Bird 30no
Tempero 0no
The 1st XI was very soundly beaten by a very good young, but impressive St Edward's XI. College lost the toss and fielded on another very flat wicket. College made their best start with Thomson (1/43) taking an early wicket and bowling impressively throughout the innings. Macfarlane (1/43) was also tight in his opening spell. After 10 overs College had done well to have the opposition 40/1. However, the next 10 overs were a disaster as 78 runs were scored. Poor bowling and fielding was taking the game away from our team. McKellar (2/33), Murray (2/49) and Thomson were able to bowl tightly and with boundary fielders the tide of runs was restricted. However, a late flurry pushed the score a little as St Edwards scored 232/7 in their 40 overs. Two outstanding catches were taken by Thomson and Freeman-Greene. Needing to score a run per ball was always going to be tough and it was certainly so with an effective bowling unit and by far the best we have faced this season. College's batting was rearranged to provide opportunities to other boys who hadn't had as much time at the crease. Chamberlain (19) looked good, while Dickie (13) and Murray (14) were getting starts. However, the pressure of the situation coupled with some poor decisions with shots and running meant the batting succumbed pretty easily in 24.5 overs for only 99. It was a heavy loss and one the indicated how superior the hosts were. It should be noted that two of their better players were the equivalent of our Year 10, while their captain was playing his 5th season of 1st XI cricket.
McKellar was named player of the day.
Scoreards:
Thomson 8-0-43-1
Macfarlane 7-0-43-1
Chamberlain 4-0-21-0
Kerr 3-0-25-0
Murray 8-0-49-2
McKellar 8-1-33-2
Freeman-Greene 2-0-10-0
Catches: Kerr, Freeman-Greene, Thomson
Williamson 3
Heselwood 8
Chamberlain 19
Dickie 13
Beckett 2
Murray 14
Kerr 4
Thatcher 9
Freeman-Greene 2
Thomson 8no
Leggat 1
Wednesday 15 April 2015
15 April - Another Thatcher Ton, Another Aitken Five Wicket Bag, and Two Wins
We travelled up from London to the outskirts of Oxford through congested traffic into lovely green countryside. The approach into Henley was beautiful. We go to Radley and again the environment was stunning. The school is 800 hectares and is apparently the largest mown area in Europe. The school, built in 1847, has playing fields as god as Hagley Oval, a golf course, their own 400m astro running track with a hockey turf inside.
The Development XI was more motivated to perform well today after their performance and result yesterday. College batted first and for the third time a excellent opening partnership of 168 between Blake (85) and I Bird (72) created a great foundation for the team. Both batsmen increased the tempo, from less than 4 per over after ten overs to about 4.5 after 20, to then 5.5 from 30 overs. Both batsmen excelled, but both will be disappointed they got themselves out and did not push on and get a big hundred. J Bird then played an outstanding innings of 66. The impressive aspect was that he did scored off 33 of his 38 balls. This impetus, along with that of Jones (36) meant that College amassed 314/5 off 45 overs. In an inspirational move it was decided that Aitken would open the bowling with his left arm spin. This surprise move paid real dividends as he collected 5/11 off 9 overs as the batsmen were mesmerised by him. His second 5 wicket bag shows the development he is making at the crease. It was also nice that Raymond returned to the bowling crease and collected a couple of wickets. Radley was dismissed for 40. Radley was not the best XI the team has played but the boys certainly can be commended for ensuring they performed to their own standard. A lesson well learnt from last match.
Scorecards:
Blake 85
I Bird 72
J Bird 66
Weeks 10
Jones 36
Macfarlane 0no
Simpson 14no
Tempero 6-1-18-1
Aitken 9-4-11-5
Simpson 3-1-9-1
Raymond 2-1-2-2
Macfarlane 1-1-0-1
The 1st XI had their best performance for the tour as they defeated Radley by 13 runs in a very high scoring game. College amassed 278/6 with the undoubted highlight being Thatcher scoring his second century within 24 hours (to repeat the feat achieved by Arnie Yugaraja in 2009 with centuries vs Eton and Wellington). Thatcher's effort was tremendous as he was clearly tired. But after the lunch break his final 70 runs were of real class as he lifted the score by accelerating to ensure 88 runs were scored in the last 10 overs and 48 in the final 5 overs. Throughout his innings he was supported by Chamberlain (44, who look at his best today despite being dismissed for the third time cutting), Beckett (35), Freeman-Greene (18no), while earlier Williamson (17) looked in good touch. Radley were aggressive in their start but Thomson (0/31 off 10) bowled his best for a while as his lengths were more controlled. Macfarlane (3/37) picked up an early wicket and late in the innings dismissed the attacking batsmen. Chamberlain proved to be very good in the middle stages, while McKellar (2/45) took crucial wickets, especially their top batsmen who was set and looking to score a century and probably win the game. After tea, which finished at 5.10pm, the Radley batsmen attacked and get themselves in the game and they were keeping up with the run rate. Murray (2/38) bowled exceptionally well and his wickets late in the innings were crucial as they dismissed batsmen set. He was also involved in two great run outs; one, where he hit the stump on the full from side-on and a second where a top edge eluded Leggat, but was fielded by Macfarlane who through back to the keeper's end for Murray to have run their from bowling. The wicket was taken. Radley were kept to 256/9, but effectively were out of he game with about three overs to go. Still it wa a very good match and the 530+ runs show how good the wicket was. McKellar deserves also to be congratulated as he captained the fielding unit today. This was a much more pleasing bowling effort and an outstanding batting surface.
Scorecards:
Heselwood 9
Williamson 17
Chamberlain 44
Thatcher 136
Beckett 35
Freeman-Greene 18no
Dickie 2
Kerr 0no
Thomson 10-1-31-0
Macfarlane 7-0-37-3
Chamberlain 6-0-19-0
Kerr 8-0-51-0
McKellar 10-1-45-2
Freeman-Greene 3-0-28-0
Murray 6-0-38-2
Catches: Leggat 2, Beckett, McKellar, Freeman-Greene
Players of the day - Thatcher and Aitken
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| Team Official Photo taken at Radley |
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| Tremendous backdrop |
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| Amazing grounds |
The Development XI was more motivated to perform well today after their performance and result yesterday. College batted first and for the third time a excellent opening partnership of 168 between Blake (85) and I Bird (72) created a great foundation for the team. Both batsmen increased the tempo, from less than 4 per over after ten overs to about 4.5 after 20, to then 5.5 from 30 overs. Both batsmen excelled, but both will be disappointed they got themselves out and did not push on and get a big hundred. J Bird then played an outstanding innings of 66. The impressive aspect was that he did scored off 33 of his 38 balls. This impetus, along with that of Jones (36) meant that College amassed 314/5 off 45 overs. In an inspirational move it was decided that Aitken would open the bowling with his left arm spin. This surprise move paid real dividends as he collected 5/11 off 9 overs as the batsmen were mesmerised by him. His second 5 wicket bag shows the development he is making at the crease. It was also nice that Raymond returned to the bowling crease and collected a couple of wickets. Radley was dismissed for 40. Radley was not the best XI the team has played but the boys certainly can be commended for ensuring they performed to their own standard. A lesson well learnt from last match.
Scorecards:
Blake 85
I Bird 72
J Bird 66
Weeks 10
Jones 36
Macfarlane 0no
Simpson 14no
Tempero 6-1-18-1
Aitken 9-4-11-5
Simpson 3-1-9-1
Raymond 2-1-2-2
Macfarlane 1-1-0-1
The 1st XI had their best performance for the tour as they defeated Radley by 13 runs in a very high scoring game. College amassed 278/6 with the undoubted highlight being Thatcher scoring his second century within 24 hours (to repeat the feat achieved by Arnie Yugaraja in 2009 with centuries vs Eton and Wellington). Thatcher's effort was tremendous as he was clearly tired. But after the lunch break his final 70 runs were of real class as he lifted the score by accelerating to ensure 88 runs were scored in the last 10 overs and 48 in the final 5 overs. Throughout his innings he was supported by Chamberlain (44, who look at his best today despite being dismissed for the third time cutting), Beckett (35), Freeman-Greene (18no), while earlier Williamson (17) looked in good touch. Radley were aggressive in their start but Thomson (0/31 off 10) bowled his best for a while as his lengths were more controlled. Macfarlane (3/37) picked up an early wicket and late in the innings dismissed the attacking batsmen. Chamberlain proved to be very good in the middle stages, while McKellar (2/45) took crucial wickets, especially their top batsmen who was set and looking to score a century and probably win the game. After tea, which finished at 5.10pm, the Radley batsmen attacked and get themselves in the game and they were keeping up with the run rate. Murray (2/38) bowled exceptionally well and his wickets late in the innings were crucial as they dismissed batsmen set. He was also involved in two great run outs; one, where he hit the stump on the full from side-on and a second where a top edge eluded Leggat, but was fielded by Macfarlane who through back to the keeper's end for Murray to have run their from bowling. The wicket was taken. Radley were kept to 256/9, but effectively were out of he game with about three overs to go. Still it wa a very good match and the 530+ runs show how good the wicket was. McKellar deserves also to be congratulated as he captained the fielding unit today. This was a much more pleasing bowling effort and an outstanding batting surface.
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| Thatcher Century |
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| McKellar bowling |
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| Celebratory Photo |
Scorecards:
Heselwood 9
Williamson 17
Chamberlain 44
Thatcher 136
Beckett 35
Freeman-Greene 18no
Dickie 2
Kerr 0no
Thomson 10-1-31-0
Macfarlane 7-0-37-3
Chamberlain 6-0-19-0
Kerr 8-0-51-0
McKellar 10-1-45-2
Freeman-Greene 3-0-28-0
Murray 6-0-38-2
Catches: Leggat 2, Beckett, McKellar, Freeman-Greene
Players of the day - Thatcher and Aitken
Tuesday 14 April 2015
Weekend Arrangements
Friday - return from Oxford In the afternoon boys are free to be with parents
Saturday - fixture with Habers
Sunday - Madame Tussauds in the morning, free afternoon
Monday - Wembly Stadium tour, free afternoon. Meet at 5pm for tea in town and then off to the Wicked show.
Parents are free to have their sons with them in the afternoons indicated. Please contact the teacher in charge of your son to confirm arrangements. Many thanks.
Saturday - fixture with Habers
Sunday - Madame Tussauds in the morning, free afternoon
Monday - Wembly Stadium tour, free afternoon. Meet at 5pm for tea in town and then off to the Wicked show.
Parents are free to have their sons with them in the afternoons indicated. Please contact the teacher in charge of your son to confirm arrangements. Many thanks.
14 April - Two Tough Games and One Century
We ventured to Windsor to play Eton. We did have some concern about getting there as the roads were jammed after a couple of serious crashes including a fatality. But we got there fine and were then taken on a tour of the school. The boys and parents saw a school built in 1440, a rock-like quad, the oldest school room in the world, a bizarre game called the Eton wall game. It was a great tour of a school that has produced 18 British Prime Ministers.
The 1st XI game was a good tough encounter which College lost by 13 runs. Our bowling has been found out to a degree in the three English games and the same thing happened today. After an initial sound maiden we found ourselves struggling as 50 was recorded after just 7 overs. The 100 was reached in the 20th over but we had taken a couple of wickets to Chamberlain and McKellar. These two in combination with Kerr, Murray and Freeman-Greene were able to hold the batsmen and restrict to where the run rate dropped to a more manageable 4.5 per over. Two great run outs were executed by Beckett and Chamberlain and in the end we were able to restrict Eton to 245/7. Considering the pitch was a quality batting surface and there was one small boundary of maybe 40 metres, the team had given themselves a real chance of winning the match. Leggat took a couple more catches in this game, while Chamberlain and Heselwood saved many runs in the field.
College's top order was asked to provide more for the team, but at 6/2 a winning score was a long way away. Thatcher entered and immediately stamped his authority on the innings. His driving and clipping of the ball off his pads was exceptional and by tea, at 25 overs he was on 70+ out of a total of 104. Heselwood (30) was offering good support. Soon after tea Heselwood was dismissed (120 partnership), but Thatcher was able to continue his domination and reached his century with a sweetly struck boundary through mid wicket. The challenge was now to see whether the team could support Thatcher and go on and win the game. Beckett continued his command of the crease and scored 33 runs very easily; he was especially strong hitting straight and pulling short balls. 71 runs were required from 66 balls, but Beckett then fell to a boundary catch. Unfortunately when wickets are lost the runs slow and this builds more pressure. The inevitable happened as wickets then tumbled and crucially Thatcher was dismissed attempting to target the small boundary. Over 48 saw 10 runs hit and 10 more from the first two balls of the 49th over. However, a wicket was then followed by 5 further runs before Kerr (16) top edged a full toss that he tried to hit for six to the short boundary. Game over ... a shame as 8 from the final six balls would have meant the game was again there for the taking.
It was a great game, one we should have won from the position we were in, but one which again shows that the game is never over till the final wicket is taken, or run achieved.
Scoreboard:
Thomson 6-2-28-0
Tempero 5-0-44-0
Kerr 8-1-36-0
Chamberlain 10-1-42-3
McKellar 10-0-47-1
Murray 5-0-17-0
Freeman-Greene 6-0-26-0
Catches: Leggat 2, Heselwood
Williamson 1
Heselwood 30
Chamberlain 0
Thatcher 115
Beckett 33
Freeman-Greene 7
Kerr 16
Murray 1
Leggat 3
Thomson 15
Tempero 1no
The Development XI suffered their first defeat of the tour as they lost by 9 wickets. College batted first and again Will Macfarlane (52) and George Blake (44) opened with a century partnership. Small partnerships then followed with J Bird (18), Dickie (28) and I Bird (40). Unfortunately these partnerships were not able to accelerate the run rate after the great start as too many dots were incurred. Thatcher did hit out at the end with Simpson. The score of 267/7 was very sound, but realistically the coaching staff thought the boys should have scored 300. Eton then replied very strongly. Two boys on the fringe of the 1st XI then both scored unbeaten centuries to ensure Eton not only won by 9 wickets, but won with the comfort of over 5 overs. This was a real wake up call for the bowlers who were short, while the fielding was not as accurate as expected. Almost all bowled, while sickness continues to affect the group as players were swapped from teams at the last minute to accommodate people suddenly feeling unwell.
Tomorrow we are off to Oxford and Radley School in next on the agenda. This is another top cricketing school.
Scorebaords:
Macfarlane 52
Blake 44
J Bird 18
Dickie 28
I Bird 40
Abbot 7
Thatcher 28
Simpson 11no
Whyte 2no
Macfarlane 4-1-25-0
Simpson 8-0-34-0
Whyte 8-0-42-1
Jones 3-0-28-0
Abbot 4-1-22-0
Macfarlane 3-0-19-0
Aitken 6.3-0-29-0
Thatcher 3-0-20-0
I Bird 2-0-32-0
J Bird 1-0-11-0
Players of the Day were Bailen Thatcher and Will Macfarlane. They were recognised by Eton and they received our Player of the Day bats.
 |
| Full tour group including parents in the Eton Quad |
 |
| The oldest classroom in the world |
 |
| Walking from the school to the grounds |
The 1st XI game was a good tough encounter which College lost by 13 runs. Our bowling has been found out to a degree in the three English games and the same thing happened today. After an initial sound maiden we found ourselves struggling as 50 was recorded after just 7 overs. The 100 was reached in the 20th over but we had taken a couple of wickets to Chamberlain and McKellar. These two in combination with Kerr, Murray and Freeman-Greene were able to hold the batsmen and restrict to where the run rate dropped to a more manageable 4.5 per over. Two great run outs were executed by Beckett and Chamberlain and in the end we were able to restrict Eton to 245/7. Considering the pitch was a quality batting surface and there was one small boundary of maybe 40 metres, the team had given themselves a real chance of winning the match. Leggat took a couple more catches in this game, while Chamberlain and Heselwood saved many runs in the field.
 |
| View from the pavilion to the 1st XI match |
 |
| Thatcher on reaching his century |
It was a great game, one we should have won from the position we were in, but one which again shows that the game is never over till the final wicket is taken, or run achieved.
Scoreboard:
Thomson 6-2-28-0
Tempero 5-0-44-0
Kerr 8-1-36-0
Chamberlain 10-1-42-3
McKellar 10-0-47-1
Murray 5-0-17-0
Freeman-Greene 6-0-26-0
Catches: Leggat 2, Heselwood
Williamson 1
Heselwood 30
Chamberlain 0
Thatcher 115
Beckett 33
Freeman-Greene 7
Kerr 16
Murray 1
Leggat 3
Thomson 15
Tempero 1no
The Development XI suffered their first defeat of the tour as they lost by 9 wickets. College batted first and again Will Macfarlane (52) and George Blake (44) opened with a century partnership. Small partnerships then followed with J Bird (18), Dickie (28) and I Bird (40). Unfortunately these partnerships were not able to accelerate the run rate after the great start as too many dots were incurred. Thatcher did hit out at the end with Simpson. The score of 267/7 was very sound, but realistically the coaching staff thought the boys should have scored 300. Eton then replied very strongly. Two boys on the fringe of the 1st XI then both scored unbeaten centuries to ensure Eton not only won by 9 wickets, but won with the comfort of over 5 overs. This was a real wake up call for the bowlers who were short, while the fielding was not as accurate as expected. Almost all bowled, while sickness continues to affect the group as players were swapped from teams at the last minute to accommodate people suddenly feeling unwell.
Tomorrow we are off to Oxford and Radley School in next on the agenda. This is another top cricketing school.
Scorebaords:
Macfarlane 52
Blake 44
J Bird 18
Dickie 28
I Bird 40
Abbot 7
Thatcher 28
Simpson 11no
Whyte 2no
Macfarlane 4-1-25-0
Simpson 8-0-34-0
Whyte 8-0-42-1
Jones 3-0-28-0
Abbot 4-1-22-0
Macfarlane 3-0-19-0
Aitken 6.3-0-29-0
Thatcher 3-0-20-0
I Bird 2-0-32-0
J Bird 1-0-11-0
Players of the Day were Bailen Thatcher and Will Macfarlane. They were recognised by Eton and they received our Player of the Day bats.
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