Cricket  Reports (1967-68)

The 1st XI report this year has some affinity to a meteorological statement, so inclement has the weather been. Five matches were cancelled without a ball being bowled, two were called off as conditions made play impossible and two were played in pouring rain. A game of cricket under such trying circumstances is neither a game, nor is it cricket and another season like the last would not only break our hearts, but the groundsman's also, whose feelings on seeing well- prepared wickets scarred by hob-nailed cricket boots must at times have been almost unsupportable.

So it was impossible to play good cricket. There can be no surprise then that we rarely did play well, although fortunately our opponents rarely did either. Yet there were successes. M. Hadland proved to be an excellent captain as well as our most dependable batsman, R. Hawkins kept wicket with his customary phlegm and the bowlers led by M. Orchard seldom let us down. The side remains more or less intact for the coming season and with real talent available in Knight, Wickison, A. Lott and R. Lott and, in the certain hope that Jupiter Pluvius will discharge his unwelcome vapours elsewhere, we look forward keenly to the engagements of next summer.

D. DIXON

There was a good team spirit in the 2nd XI this season, although there were only two outright victories. The main problem was the somewhat unreliable batting. The keenness of the side must be largely attributed to the captaincy of Murless, who held the office for the second year running. Perhaps the most encouraging feature of the team's play was its fielding, which was normally alert and agile. Some of the best batting came from newcomers such as Mullens. while Sampson and Dunford enjoyed the best opening partnership of the season and, perhaps, of 2nd XI history. The bowling was accurate but lacked pene- tration. Nevertheless, Attfield proved a valuable find on at least one occasion. One hopes that next year victories will be more frequent.

J.C. GRINHAM

Poor weather curtailed an already short season, yet despite the few opportunities there were some good individual performances. Reynolds emerged as a promising all-rounder, while Newing and James bowled well in a steady attack. usually supported by good fielding.

On occasions Warby batted well but in general the batting was weak and far too inconsistent to secure regular success.

JF. SAMWAYS

The season was a disappointing one. Owing to the wet summer only four matches were played and all were lost. Despite these setbacks the team retained its keenness and occasionally there were encouraging performances by individual players.

In general the batting lacked power and determination, and the fielding left much to be desired. 

A. J. TISDALL

The Minor XI showed great improvement over their form of the previous year. The bowling was varied and accurate, and the lack of real pace was more than balanced by the variety of spin. Not many sides can boast two off-spinners. one leg-spinner and a slow left-arm bowler, all of reputable quality! It was refreshing to see boys of this age trying to "think their opponents out", and they were rewarded by success

The batting was inconsistent, relying heavily on Harris, whose wide range of strokes makes him an outstanding prospect. His 53 against St. Clement Danes School showed exceptional maturity. He was also a safe wicket-keeper and thoughtful captain. Parfitt, Szelewski and Barwick too, showed promise and played some sound innings.

This years group was fortunate in having a surplus of keen players of team calibre and if they practice hard they could develop into a fine all-round side. 

E. A. COX