It was a very eventful week for college cricket which culminated in a wonderful Saturday of cricket.
Friday saw the Second XI take on evening league team Vagabonds. In a wonderful evening of cricket the boys came within 10 runs of an excellent win against a vastly experienced side. Chasing 152 the boys lost two quick wickets, however, a very mature innings from Ross Guilbert, (28) was key as the boys rebuilt their innings. While Ross provided stability, star player Brent Sharman hit an outstanding 63 getting the boys within striking distance of an impressive chase.
Saturday proved to be even more entertaining. Starting at 9:30am at Port Soif Mr Garnett’s year 7 team came within a whisker of beating touring team Denmead School. With the game tied and one ball to remaining, Denmead scampered a quick single off the final ball to see their unbeaten tour continue.
The year 7 fixture was immediately followed by the First XI who were playing their first game at Port Soif this year. The 1pm start certainly helped a few of the sixth form boys who had enjoyed the leaver’s ball the evening before! Hitting an impressive 261 the boys bowled out men’s weekend league and evening league team Irregulars for 240. Performances of the day for the First XI came from two 12 year olds. Max Sharp and Jamie William bowled their first two overs for 4 and 5 runs respectively before Jamie Williams went on to claim 2 wickets for 12 runs off 8 overs. So confident in both Max and Jamie, First XI captain Alex Bushell bowled Max and Jamie in the final three overs of the match.
While three fantastic games of cricket had already been played the Year 10 game against Victoria College was without doubt the game of the day.
With a very long and experienced batting line up College made life difficult for themselves. With Alastair Chalmers, (20) and Nick Buckle, (16 not out) top scoring in a disappointing batting performance.
A very confident Victoria team went into lunch looking to chase down 78 in what would be their second win in 4 games against college this year. However the College boys, in what has been described as a fantastic atmosphere at College, field bowled Victoria out for 67. In a bowling performance unlikely to be matched Dan Le Messurier took 5 wickets for 6 runs from his allotted overs. When Nairn Guilbert took the final wicket a great day of cricket came to a close.