Cricket  Reports (1959)

UNDER 15 XI

By Mr. W. J. Thomas

Played 6, Won 2, Lost 1, Drawn 3

Watford G.S. H. Drawn
Elliots Green G.S. H. Won by 7 wickets
Hayes County G.S. H. Drawn
Watford G.S. A Lost by 4 wickets
Harrow County G.S. H. Drawn
Borehamwood G.S. A. Won by 7 wickets

Since this was the first year in which we had the use of our own wicket we can be very pleased with the results of this year's cricket fixtures, of which we lost only one game.

Perhaps the find of the season was Bird, who has shown promise with both bat and ball. Sanderson, the captain, however, has had a rather unspectacular season. Apart from 48 runs against Hayes, runs eluded him. From the batting point of view, the most consistent was Gathergood, who was usually the mainstay of the innings. Wickets were evenly shared among the bowlers with nobody particularly outstanding.

W.J.T.

UNDER 14 XI

By Mr. J. B. Astbury

Played 6, Won 3, Lost 3

St. Clement Danes A. Won by 6 runs
Watford G.S. H. Lost by 6 wickets
Elliots Green G.S. H. Won by 20 runs
Watford G.S. A. Lost by 10 wickets
Hayes County G.S. A. Lost by 13 runs
Borehamwood G.S. H. Won by 6 wickets

The cricket season has been notable for the good batting form of the captain, Samways, for the improved bowling of Wormald and the failure of a large proportion of the batsmen to give the bowlers any number of runs to play with. Failure to play in an orthodox straight-batted way has been responsible for the disappointing totals in most matches, but Rosser and Jackson have shown signs that they may be able to help in the compiling of a total big enough to allow Stokes to bowl to get batsmen out and not to be limited to preventing batsmen scoring the handful of runs they require for victory. The fielding, on the whole, has been quite good.

J. B. A.

UNDER 13 XI

By Mr. D. J. Holness

Played 7, Won 3, Lost 0, Drawn 2

St. Clement Danes A. Won by 1 wicket
Watford G.S. H. Drawn
Elliots Green G.S. A. Drawn
Hayes County G.S. H. Won by 4 wickets
Watford G.S. A. Won by 6 wickets
Harrow County G.S. H. Won by 6 wickets
Borehamwood G.S. A. Won by 77 runs

Five wins and two drawn games give an indication of the team's ability this season. The batting has been effective even though not always conventional and runs have been plentiful; in fact the "tailenders" have often not been called upon to contribute. The most consistent scorer has been Sheppard with over 100 runs in seven matches, while Wall has often enlivened the games with mighty hits.

The bowlers have all done well and have played a major part in the team's successes. Most outstanding has been the captain, Chambers, whose fast, accurate bowling has earned him great respect, while Harding, who appeared in the last match of the season, took 8 wickets for 13 runs and gave every prospect of lending variety to an already strong attack.

D. J. H.

UNDER 12 XI

By Mr. P. R. Banton

Played 6, Won 3, Lost 3

Watford G.S. A. Lost by 101 runs
Lower School of John Lyon H. Won by 1 run
Harrow County G.S. A. Lost by 3 runs
Lower School of John Lyon A. Won by 23 runs
Queensmead S.M. A. Won by 2 wickets
Watford G.S. H. Lost by 33 runs

The first season is of necessity a period of experimentation wherein the possibilities of a large number of potential cricketers are tested before the nucleus of a permanent side evolves. As a result the team has changed frequently in composition before the best combination was discovered.

The team has profited from its experiences and is improving in fielding, bowling and field-setting but batting needs more concentration and determination.

Bacon tried hard to develop the team spirit whilst Jackson and Froggatt emerged as towers of strength as all-rounders. Wooding is improving slowly as a wicketkeeper, but a natural keeper has yet to be discovered, Wallbank and Bacon have rendered useful service as bowlers.

P. R. B.