2nd XI Season
The next couple of years will hopefully see some excellent results in senior cricket, if the commitment and ability on display in the 2nd XI this year is anything to go by. Although the results this season were disappointing, a great deal of learning and improvement in technique and tactics took place. When the players find themselves in similar situations in the future, they will be better versed in the game and able to respond accordingly. The vast majority of this team were only in Year 11, so they found themselves often playing against boys up to two years senior to them in terms of strength and experience, a massive task in cricket.
Until his deserved promotion to the 1st XI, Thomas Edrich led the team with great determination and always by example. His bowling has improved rapidly, and his dogged batting ensured that partnerships could be built at crucial stages in a number of games. Matthew Eisenstadt, Matthew Hubble, Elliott Bickerdike, South Holden, Rory Twogood, Richard Cooke and Thomas Ward all scored valuable runs at various points, aided by the unorthodox hitting of Michael Shuster, but will need to find greater consistency if they are to step up to the 1st XI in the future. Charles Wilton, Jack Cole, Andrew Weiss and Edward Spencer had their moments with the ball, taking crucial wickets. The values of line and length cannot be understated in controlling a game, just look at the example of the England attack this summer (to the chagrin of many Australians)! Thomas Ward worked very hard behind the stumps and his technique advanced in a promising fashion.
Cricket is a technical game, but the basics tactics are relatively simple. Score runs, take wickets and field well, denying the opposition the same. With continued hard practice and a willingness to learn, this group of boys will hopefully achieve the success their efforts deserve over the next couple of years. I thank them for their perseverance and dedication over a difficult season. I would also like to thank Mr Gibson, Mr Mackay and Mr Herring for their help and advice, and the staff in Wingrave for the teas on match days.