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
Saturday, 18 April 2015
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.
 |
| Freeman-Greene and Weeks celebrate a wicket |
 |
| ... and team celebration |
 |
| 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
 |
| Chamberlain |
 |
| Heselwood on the drive |
 |
| Contemplating the innings |
 |
| 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
 |
| Team Official Photo taken at Radley |
 |
| Tremendous backdrop |
 |
| 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.
 |
| Thatcher Century |
 |
| McKellar bowling |
 |
| 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)