Despite a limited number of fixtures and a lack of victories, the 3rd XI have enjoyed their cricket this term.  The squad showed that even with the pressure of exams, it was committed to the game and could play with admirable teamwork.

The team played only two fixtures, both of which we lost.  In our first match we played a strong Haberdashers’ Aske’s team, whose bowlers placed our untested batsmen under considerable pressure.  Despite a steady exodus from the crease, Dharmin Naik held on and scooped a very creditable 44 runs.  In the second innings, the opposition showed off some outstanding batsmen and, alas, we were outplayed.

In the second match against St Albans, despite the heroic efforts of Jack Buesnal, who raised 20 runs at the eleventh hour, we were unable to achieve more than an innings of 88 all out.  St Albans had some fine batsmen, but this did not stop Tommy Sheldrick from opening the bowling with a magnificent diamond duck.  Dharmin also achieved 2 wickets in his opening over.  Michael Turner also deserves a mention for some very solid wicket keeping.  St Albans regretfully exposed the weaknesses in our fielding and were victorious with only 5 wickets down.

If the squad could have won on team spirit, we would have been triumphant.  The 3rd  XI are in good heart and I hope they will achieve better things next year.