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