Highlight of the Week

CSL secure draw in MCC inaugural fixture

12 months after writing to Lords requesting a fixture against the MCC, the School’s inaugural 1st XI Cricket team strode onto the Bishop's Field ready for a gruelling challenge of their cricketing ability.  Our 14 year old opening bowler, Adam K, caused the openers some headaches with late swing and was duly rewarded with an early wicket.  This was followed up with a second dismissal within the first hour of play by Akash A.  Fortunes turned the way of the MCC with a significant partnership of over 150 runs with some clean hitting to all parts of the ground.

A declaration 20 minutes before tea, left CSL the daunting prospect of chasing 294 or holding on three hours for a draw.  Two early wickets did little to settle the nerves before Richard S and Pratik S showed resolve to steady the ship.  After Pratik was dismissed, Mr Clarke came to the wicket and put on a superb partnership with Richard S that lasted a little short of two hours.  85 from Mr Clarke and an impressive 56 by the captain Richard S put the team in a commanding position to secure a draw.  A late flurry of wickets did little to settle the nerves but the School held on to draw the first of what will hopefully be many successful visits by the MCC.

To secure a fixture such as this and then follow it up with a commendable performance takes foresight, investment of time and energy.  I would like to thank Mr Thomas for the work he has put in as we have worked to offer this aspirational fixture for the team.  Our inaugural 1st XI have had a short season which included excellent performances against Millfield and Monmouth.  It is a young team who will have the majority of them remain together for the next two years, the future is bright!