This was a good season. The boys seemed to enjoy playing as a team and there was constant encouragement for each other; also, there were a number of outstanding individual performances.

Sam Franklin captained the side well when asked to take on this role. He remains a very forceful batsman – innings of 55 and 86 against John Lyon School and University College School respectively, were highlights. I’m sure he will continue to develop his shot selection, but he hits the ball very hard indeed! Andrew Kirk was captain on occasion. He, always, gave of his best as wicketkeeper and his innings of 58 against U.C.S., sharing in a 100 partnership with Samuel Franklin, was excellent. Our third captain, Alexander Stewart, is developing into an impressive all-rounder. He will be disappointed that he didn’t make more runs, but his bowling was really penetrating and his 5 wickets for 16 runs against UCS demolished the opposition.

Hugo Jolliffe made real progress and, technically, is a well-organised batsman. He scored 46 against Haberdashers’ Aske’s and a forceful 65 against St Albans. His one-handed, backward, leap to dismiss a John Lyon batsman was the ‘catch of the season’ by some distance! Thomas Mellor scored 42 against Mill Hill and always played for the team. William Burgess took part in several very solid opening partnerships and, as he continues to move his feet, will score even more runs – some of his driving was very accomplished. Peter Dunning joined us from the ‘A’ team and is an excellent all-rounder. His 64 against UCS, taking part in a 100 partnership with Samuel Franklin, showed his ability to build a big innings. Charles Cooper also joined us from the ‘A’s  on occasion and played his part for the team. Joshua Olley can develop further- he opened the innings when needed, but didn’t really have the chance to show his real ability. Samuel Calderwood scored an encouraging 26 against Mill Hill. I’m sure that if he works on his bowling, particularly by developing a regular run-up, he will enjoy his cricket even more.

The star performer in the bowling department was Andrew Pollock. He joined the team from the ‘A’s and promptly dismissed Mill Hill almost single-handedly by taking 7 wickets for 3 runs. ‘They missed – he hit!’ Christopher Morriss was the ‘star’ bowler against St. Albans as he took 6 wickets for 24 runs. He can bowl unplayable deliveries at times – all he needs is consistent concentration. He was an enthusiastic member of the team. Thomas Eaton bowls a good line and length and was very economical – he’s a good cricketer. Our secret weapon, James Nation, having confused the batsmen with his cunning action, really bowled well when the wicket gave him assistance – his 4 wickets for 6 runs against John Lyon was excellent and he did well when playing for the ‘A’ team as well.

My thanks, also, to those who helped out when needed: Matthew Holderness; Benjamin Kohnhorst;  David Oakley; Alexander Wise ( who brought his own supporter’s club with him!).

Played 7 – Won 5 – Lost 2

PD Swaffield