Sports Cricket It was a mixed season with highs and lows. Highs included retaining the Eton Ramblers T20 competition. Frustrating lows were not of our making. Downside Wanderers, Old Amplefordians, Radley Rangers and Sherborne Pilgrims all failed to raise sides, perhaps reflecting the perils of modern-day wandering cricket; something we are hopeful to redress.
The victorious side in the Cricketer Cup 1st Round v Repton. Top row (from left to right): Elijah Samuel, Orlando Mace, Jim Crossland, Billy Mead, Jordan Butler, Olly Logan, Jack Bunn. Bottom row (from left to right): Ed Kilbee, Mark Cattermull, Max Read, Finn Campbell
Blues Cricket in full flow on the XI in June
In baking sunshine on the XI, in front of the 1980 winning side celebrating the 40th anniversary of their triumph a year late, the sizeable crowd was treated to a memorable Cricketer Cup 1st Round victory. With Repton looking ominous at 231-3, the home side captured the last seven wickets for only 21, with Mark Cattermull (C3 2009-14) and Orlando Mace (B1 2014-19) doing the damage. In response, important contributions from Billy Mead (C1 2012-17) and Jack Bunn (SU 2011-16) and a superb century (a Blues record equalling 3rd in the competition) from skipper Ed Kilbee (C2 2001-06) helped overhaul Repton’s total. The prize was a home draw against the fancied Old Millfieldians, two weeks later. In contrasting conditions, Billy Mead, Will von Behr (B1 2007-12), Jordan Butler (SU 2011-13) and Jack Bunn all helped contribute to a competitive total of 286-9. The looming rain arrived with the visitors 109-3 off 20.4 overs. Behind on Duckworth-Lewis, the Millfield angst was plain for all to see. Unfortunately, conditions improved, and their strong batting line-up was able to surpass the Blues total. Nevertheless, it was a more than respectable performance against a side that went on to win the competition. There is plenty of optimism looking forwards. Elsewhere, there were impressive wins over the Old Wellingtonians, the Dilletantes, the HAC and the Guards, and disappointing defeats against Hurlingham, the School and the Eton Ramblers. Rain brought an early end to proceedings against the Hampshire Hogs at Warnford with the match interestingly poised. Magnus McGrigor’s (C2 2007-12) century against the Guards and Harry Staight’s (B1 2003-08) five-wicket haul versus the Old Wellingtonians topped a lengthy list of impressive performances that can be found in the results section.
Members of the victorious 1980 Cricketer Cup winning side at their delayed 40th anniversary celebrations. Top row (from left to right): Oliver Gravell, Robin Brodhurst, David Walsh, Robbie Johnstone, Mike Griffith, Richard Brown, Nick Frome. Bottom row: Charlie Warner, Alec Cunningham
Mike Bush (TU 1993-98 CR 2011-) michaelbush1979@googlemail.com The Marlburian Club Magazine
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