Cricket  Reports (1975)

Played 11 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 6

Although this playing record is an improvement on last season's the 1st XI were generally disappointing. It was not once possible to field our strongest side during the season due to injuries, early holidays and clashes with other school commitments, and these factors undoubtedly contributed to the disappointing results. The situation was made worse by the lack of determination of the more experienced batsmen and the poor fielding. Countless runs were scored by opponents after straightforward catches had been dropped.

There were good victories over Salvatorian, Vyners, Harrow County and the Staff XI. The only major innings played by our batsmen were 65 by M. Dane against Harrow County and 63 by J. Kirkham against the Staff. Too many batsmen reached double figures, only to get themselves out when they should have been set to make big scores.

The bowling lacked penetration. Only J. Kirkham, who took 21 wickets during the season, showed the consistency of a 1st XI bowler. I. Rice emerged as a useful opening bowler and a consistent middle order batsman.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this season was the promise shown by the Fourth Form boys, K. Hale, N. Hicks and G. Smith when absences brought them into the side late in the season.

Full colours - A. Thom already had full colours. J. Kirkham was awarded full colours.

Half colours - S. Entwistle already had half colours. I. Rice was awarded half colours.

R. G. Birch.

Played 6 Won 1 Lost 5

The 2nd XI started the season badly, losing their first 4 matches. They were unlucky to lose their first match v. Christ's College, Finchley, when J. O'Connell, the captain, scored 45 runs. This proved to be O'Connell's only match for the 2nd XI as he was to retire from cricket due to a serious back injury.

The highlight of the season was the defeat of the Old Boy's 2nd XI, when the School 2nd XI batted and bowled well to win quite convincingly.

Special mention must be made of S. Jackson, who took over as captain. He carried out his difficult duties efficiently, and led his team by good example with enthusiastic, though often unrewarded, bowling and batting.

A. R. Taylor

Played 9 Won 4 Drawn 2 Lost 3

This season's performance was a fairly good one although, considering the all-round potential the team possessed, it was rather disappointing not to have won more matches. The team played admirably on occasions and the four matches won were convincing. On the other hand, poor fielding and lack of concentration in batting made the side look mediocre. Generally, the bowling of Hale, Blakey, Hicks and Smith was consistent and penetrative. Hicks stood out as the most accomplished batsman in the side and his innings of 46 not out against Vyners was particularly good. Hale scored a good 28 against Salvatorian College. Others who were impressive at times were Smith and Blakey.

Hicks took over the captaincy from Blakey towards the end of the season. Some of the members from this team should provide valuable material for the 1st XI in the next two years.

D. J. Murphy O'Connor.

Played 8 Won 1 Drawn 4 Lost 3

This was a rather disappointing season for a side which shows great promise for the future.

The team possesses very capable bowlers in Searle, Walton, Hughes, Hazard, Neal and Parfitt, who have generally given a good account of themselves in the matches played this season. The main weakness of the side has been in the batting performance, where a lack of confidence has resulted in the inability to score runs. The matches against Harrow County and the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, however, showed how well the side can perform when an effort is made. Against Harrow County, Costa scored a very useful 43 and Neal a gallant 25 runs out of a total of 103 for seven which unfortunately could only give us a draw, Harrow having set a target of 119.

The match against Royal Grammar School saw very good batting performances from Neal once again and Hazard. These efforts, combined with some good bowling by Walton, enabled us to gain a well-earned draw against this very strong team.

Our only victory this season came against Christ's College where, owing to some excellent bowling by Searle and Hughes, we were able to dismiss the opposition for a total of 29 runs. Our batsmen had little trouble in scoring the required number of runs, despite some very useful bowling by our opponents.

In the other games this season the St. Nicholas batsmen were unable to match the high scoring of the opposition.

Against John Lyon School and Dr. Challoner's School we were chasing totals of 107 and 138, respectively. By managing only 45 and 61 runs, we sustained heavy defeats in both these matches.

The games played this season, although not very rewarding as far as results are concerned, have taught us a very important lesson. It is of little consequence possessing good bowlers if the side has not the ability to also score runs. This perhaps is a feature one could attribute to the youth of the team, and, if so, the next season should be very promising.

Our thanks to all those members who represented the school and to the scorers for their assistance this year.

R. W. Noble

Played 9 Won 4 Drawn 4 Lost 1

On the whole the team had a good season. The batting relied too heavily on Bracey, but most of the lower order batsmen made good contributions when the occasion demanded. Telfer and Kirkham showed promise, and punished the "bad ball" severely.

The bowling was more of a team effort and honours were evenly shared between Gibson, Jones, Hamilton, Gislingham and Bracey, but Gibson and Jones need to believe in themselves more and be more hostile. Hamilton probably bowled best with a nagging accuracy and considerable "bounce".

Ayres kept wicket reasonably well, and the fielding generally was of a high standard and showed good team work. Bracey proved to be a capable captain upon taking over midway through the season.

Because of their excellent team spirit and good playing record this team was awarded the Birch/Charleston Trophy for being the outstanding school cricket side of the season.

M. Fountain

Played 7 Won 1 Drawn 3 Lost 3

The U12 XI have played some very strong teams this season, and despite losing 3 matches, have greatly improved the standard of their play.

Particular mention must be made of C. McKellar whose fast bowling and keen fielding have been good to see, and of P. Carter, whose able captaincy and sound batting have matched, if not bettered his performance of 10-10 against Salvatorian College.

S. Court has been most unlucky in running himself out 4 times in 7 matches when he had looked set to make big scores.

A. R. Taylor