Cricket  Reports (1970)

Record: Played 17. Won 9. Drawn 5, Lost 3.

The 1st XI enjoyed probably their most successful season ever. Seven of the regular team were in their last year at school, and V. Probert, the skipper, was fortunate in having so much experience in his side. Of the three defeats, two were on the very exhausting tour in July, the other coming in the quarter finals of the Middlesex Schools Knock Out Cup when we were outplayed by Harrow C.G.S.

Probert was a very sound skipper, if at times a little defensive. On several occasions his very correct technique held the batting together. His two innings against R.G.S. High Wycombe and Woodbridge School showed great maturity and concentration. He is to be congratulated on his performances and on his handling of the team.

On the whole the batting was a little disappointing. While there always seemed to be someone in form and making runs, this was often nullified by the ease with which the middle order got themselves out. Their lack of concentration meant that scores of 70 tor 2 quickly became 80 for 6, so that the whole shape of the innings had changed. D. Warby and R. Wickison were a very successful opening pair, scoring almost five hundred runs between them, P. Knight had, for him, a poor season, getting himself out far too often with half-hearted shots.

The bowling, though lacking variety, was much more effective. M. Newing had a splendid season, taking over fifty wickets for the school, and three times that number in all cricket. He has the ability to bowl a good line and length consistently, and was simply too good for most of his victims. Newing was well backed up by A. Lott and G. James, both of lively pace. Lott has served the 1st XI splendidly for three years, and well deserved his colours, James improved tremendously as the season progressed, and he and Newing should be a formidable opening pair next year.

The most pleasing aspect of the team's success was the fielding. Some extremely fine catches were held, particularly on tour, and the wicket-keeping of R. Lott, combined with good throwing, made the out cricket look very good indeed.

In looking forward to next year, it is as well to remember that only James, Newing and Warby remain from this year's side. There is, however, sufficient talent available to suggest that they could be the basis of a sound side.

Finally I should Iike to thank Probert and his colleagues for their co-operation throughout the season. They were a credit to the school, both on and off the field, and it was a pleasure to be associated with them.

I. R. CLARKŠON

Played 8, Won 2, Lost 3, Drawn 3.

The Second Eleven programme was played against a background of glorious sunshine and hard wickets; and even if the record is not in itself exciting, the season was very enjoyable for all concerned. There were some very good individual performances with the bat, notably from Rowe with two fifties before an unfortunate injury kept him out of the side for the last few games. Mullens and Platts also showed up well with consistently solid scores. Knight too batted steadily and turned in some good bowling figures besides his 7 for 27 against the Old Boys being particularly praiseworthy. Of the other bowlers, Lowe had a good 6 for 58 against Harrow County and 4 for 7 against Salvatorlan College: and Peters with 5 for 31 against Christ's Collage, Finchley, and 3 for 9 against Orange Hill also bowled well. Platts was a genial and rellable wicketkeeper Saunders kept his men on a light rein and an excellent spirit prevailed, even in adversity.

D. DIXON.

Although the U.15 team won five, and lost only two, of their nine matches, the season was a trifle disappointing. With potentially a very strong side, one hoped for a higher stendard of performance, especially against such modest opposition. The bowling and fielding were usually competent - and at times very good - but the batting, with the exception of the captain, Harris, always looked vulnerable.

For the fact that the side contained not one predominantly front-footed batsman, one may find some excuse in that they have rarely played on the type of wicket which encourages batsmen learning their strokes to play forward with confidence. The pitches, both al home and away, had far too much grass left on them and the varying pace and bounce on such wickets meant that anyone who played forward, sooner rather than later, was rapped on the body and retreated once more to playing back to half-volleys, 

On a more cheerful note, Harris is to be congratulated on scoring a not out century against Vyners (an outstanding achievement for a boy of his age, whatever the quality of the bowling) and on his selection for the Middlesex Colts. Parfitt (who was selected for the final Middlesex Trial) and Haynes have shown themselves all rounders of some promise; and Hale and Jones both produced some excellent bowling performances.

One feels that the biggest single factor which could improve this team - apart from truer wickets - would be more confidence in their own ability.

R. G. B.

Although the Junior Cricket XI had a successful season, losing only one match, the standard of cricket achieved left a great deal to be desired. Among the bowlers C. Thomas proved to be by far the most successful, bowling an immaculate length throughout and consistently moving the ball off the wicket. G. Lowe (captain), while having some very useful spells, was guilty of too much negative bowling outside the off stump. Thornley and M. Horton, potentially good slow bowlers, received insufficient match practice to develop greatly.

The Junior batsmen contained too many prodders and pushers in their ranks and far too few players went for their strokes and attacked the bowling. However, Fazakerley developed into a promising opening batsman and J. Hall and M. Horton proved themselves to be well equipped as middle order batsmen, but their development was limited due to a division in loyalties between athletics and cricket.

The Juniors proved to be quite sound in the field with R. Pearmain and M. Huddleston deserving of special mention. Junior colours were awarded to G. Lowe, C. Thomas, T. Fazakerley and M. Horton.

A. M. HUGHES.

Played 5, Won 4, Lost 1.

After losing against Harrow C.G.S., the Minor XI won their four remaining games. In spite of technical weaknesses, especially a penchant for hitting across the line, the batting was generally effective: It was good to see young boys really trying to hit the ball hard, and several entertaining innings were played by Parker, Devenish, Szelewski and Wise. Lowe, too, was a sound if less spectacular opening bat.

Hartley and Murtagh both bowled with hostility and accuracy, taking 33 wickets between them. They were ably supported by Barber and Wise, and by enthusiastic fielding in which the throwing was of a particularly high standard.

Devenish, a promising all-rounder, was a most efficient captain both on and off the field.

E. A. COX.

It is always difficult to form a team in the first year and this proved to be the case in the early part of this season. Losing the first three matches, however, did not undermine the enthusiasm of the team who so improved that they did not lose any of their remaining four games, winning those against Roxeth Manor and Vyners.

Seventeen boys appeared for the team and all played with great effort and enthusiasm. By the end of the season we had several very promising players. White and Entwistle showed themselves as good all-rounders whilst Stevens and Round are promising as batsmen. Supported by Church as bowler, Leigh and Searle as all-rounders, we have the nucleus of a good team. Round also showed himself as an imaginalive and capable captain.

J. E. BOOTH.