As with the 2004 team this season saw a very young 1st XI struggle to make their mark on what remains a challenging circuit. Statistics do not tend to lie and I am the first to admit that the results were somewhat disappointing. Our naive approach saw us lose convincingly to Bishops Stortford College and Haberdashers’ Aske’s at the start of the season. However, most frustrating of all was the 1 run loss to John Lyon, a game that was ours for the taking if we could have kept our cool. A lesson learnt I hope. Nevertheless, in their defence the 1st XI improved no end and by the end of the season they had begun to play some more mature cricket.
The latter stages of the season saw us find a little form and a magnificent maiden 1st XI century by Jack Kilgannon enabled us to dominate against UCS. In typical Kilgannon fashion, which sometimes is his downfall, he imposed himself from ball one. This set up probably the most complete performance of the season. We at last demonstrated that we were able to build an innings and bowl with the control that is required at senior level.
More was to come with some positive performances against Enfield Grammar School and the Old Boys XI. The highlight of the season, however, was the first day of the Castle festival and a remarkable come-back against Kimbolton. At 86 for 5 we seemed ‘down and out’ on a flat batting track. What happened next was both unexpected and excellent to watch. James Stevens (123*) and David Sidebottom (56) came together to produce an outstanding fight back putting on 138 for the 6th wicket. The confidence that this gave everyone filtered onto the field and our bowling was too good for the opposition. A great win on the first day and the most exciting day’s cricket all year, bar the Ashes of course!
I will take time to mention a little about all of the 1st XI in a moment, before I do it is necessary to mention this year’s captain and the role that he played. To play in a very young 1st XI is difficult enough, to captain a team without any of your own peer group is a far harder challenge. Freddie Rodwell did an excellent job. Although he did not find it easy at times he was always there to motivate and lead from the front. His bowling was outstanding, his batting gutsy and he was quick to learn about the finer art of captaincy. He should be congratulated for his efforts this season.
It has been a wonderful summer of cricket including the marvellous Ashes victory. I hope that the boys embrace cricket’s new popularity and come back next season firing on all cylinders.
