Cricket

The 1991 season will probably be remembered for being the coldest for many years. It is a most unusual state of affairs when the best weather of the term was at our away match at Bradford G.S. in April. Fortunately the sun put in a long overdue appearance at the festival. From a cricket point of view the season was rather frustrating with too many drawn matches. This was not the result of a defensive attitude. The team had batting in depth, but disappointed in run chases and the bowling was not strong enough to bowl a team out on a good pitch. It was, however, a happy and workmanlike team and great credit must go to the captain, Jamie Rigby, and the vice-captain, Michael Forrester. Together they did an excellent job. One of the more disappointing aspects of the season was the attitude of some of the club teams that visited us. It did seem at times that the interests of the boys' cricket was not high on the list of priorities.

All the first five batsmen from 1990 were still at School. Paul Carvosso and James Harding worked hard at their game, but neither had the success that they — and I — had hoped for. Defensively very sound, Paul found it difficult to develop his stroke-play and often batted too slowly for the team's cause. James looked likely to make a big score all season, but it never really happened. His 66 at Cranleigh was his only half-century in the 1st XI, a poor reward for a dedicated and enthusiastic team man. Jamie Rigby had problems with his eyes and had to revert to wearing glasses. After a fine 83 in the first match, he lost confidence and never really did himself justice. Michael Forrester had a very good season. In the early matches a lack of patience let him down, but later he applied himself more carefully and he finished the term in prime form, making centuries against Ampleforth and Pocklington. It was good to see him achieving his potential in his last few weeks at School. Another to have a good season was Michael Davies, next season's captain. He had clearly learned a lot from his first year in the XI and he played a number of impressive innings. His century at Bradford G.S. on a difficult pitch was a fine performance. In pre-season practice Richard Hudson earned a chance at No.6, but in a difficult position his approach was too loose and casual. His place was taken by Charles Roberts, who played some promising innings without making a big score. Oliver Gardner was a valuable member of the middle order. I hope that his natural ability to hit the ball will not be sacrificed in his laudable attempt to improve his technique. Bruce Neary showed in two fine innings that he is a powerful striker of the ball, but there is still work to be done on his basic technique before next season. Richard Musgrave has lots of ability and could bat high in the order, but if he is to do so he will have to play with more determination and application. In his few innings Naithan McBride showed considerable promise and a good temperament. Dominic Bundy remains a confident and under-rated (he says) No. 11; after being top scorer in our disastrous innings against the Emus Club, he may be right.

Sadly the bowling did not come up to our expectations. One reason for this was the unusually high number of injuries. In a team whose enthusiasm for practice during the winter was admirable, back injuries affected several players and the sports centre floor has much to answer for. Andrew Ludiman and Tim Davies were two opening bowlers who suffered most and were unable to do themselves justice. Both have much to offer and will, I hope, have more luck next year. Once he had recovered from his back problems, Richard Musgrave was the most reliable bowler. He perhaps lacked the life to be really effective, but he swung the ball and did a good job for the team. Michael Forrester had a disappointing season with the ball. He was not able to find a consistent line and length and hard as he tried, he had little success. Bruce Neary started the season well. He bowled a nagging length and it was good to see him recover from some excessively severe treatment in a club match and bowl well at the festival. In a team with perhaps a surfeit of medium pacers, Oliver Gardner, Tom Reid and Charles Roberts all bowled quite well on occasions. Early in the season the spin bowling was left to Dominic Bundy. He tried very hard, but never bowled his leg-spinners as steadily as in the previous season. He was not helped by the cold weather and the slow pitches. Midway through the season Naithan McBride joined the team and his off-spinners gave us welcome variety. He worked hard to improve his action and in the last few matches he showed that he could become a good spin-bowler.

The fielding was better than for several years. The close catching was not tested too much but the out-fielding was good apart from a short spell mid-season. The Fielding Cup was awarded to the excellent Michael Davies, but the general standard was much improved.

The Inter-House competitions produced unexpected winners. The Senior Cup was won by Grove. With few School team players they beat the favourites Queen's in the semi-final and Temple in a closely fought final. The Rise won the Junior Cup, largely thanks to some fine allround cricket from Toby Cockcroft.

Finally a number of thank you's. To Keith Mohan, who has continued to make every effort to improve the technique of players throughout the School. To Paddy Stephen, whose help during the term and especially at the festival was invaluable. To the head-groundsman, Robin Scarce and his staff. In his first year, Robin worked very hard and did a first-class job. To Bruce Rigby and the other members of the Social Committee for their continued help and encouragement. To our many supporters; some of them like Mr. and Mrs. Davies have covered huge distances to watch our matches. It was a particular pleasure on the Monday of the Cranleigh Festival to have six sets of our parents watching us. Finally to the Cranleigh staff, Clem Williams and Neil Bennett, who did so much to make the festival a success.

D. Kirby

1st XI selected from:

J. D. Rigby (Captain) 1989-90-9It*, M. P. Forrester (Vice-Captain) 1989-90-911"*, P. F. Carvosso 1990-91*, M. J. Davies 1990-91*, G. J. Harding 1990-91*, B. R. Neary 1991*, D. Bundy 1990-91*, O. Gardner 1991*, R. F. T. Musgrave 1991*, N. P. R. McBride 1991, C. D. H. Roberts. t — Cap, * — Colours.

2nd XI

The 2nd Xl's final tally of two matches won, two lost and nine drawn may give the wrong impression of some tedious cricket. This certainly was not the case and many of the drawn games were exciting matches when the opposition failed to dismiss us or we thern only in the final over. The drawn games against Ampleforth and Pocklington produced particularly exhilarating conclusions. Every player made his contribution this season, though particularly noteworthy were the unbeaten 108 and 58 of Robert Crossley and John Belton respectively against Yarm, and Richard Stout's unbeaten 74 against Bradford. Tim Davies' bowling was consistently accurate, with fine support from Andrew Wildblood, Andrew Moxon, Andrew Ludiman and Hugh Shedden. Finally a special mention for Tom Reid whose vigorous and skilful batting and bowling have been the hallmark of a fine captain who has led from the front. R. J. Bulcock

2nd XI selected from:

T. Reid (Captain)*, R. J. Crossley*, T. G. Davies*, H. I. Shedden*, D. A. Batty, J. E. Belton, B. S. Dickson, R. J. Hiles, R. W. Hudson, A. E. Iveson, A. M. W. Ludiman, C. M. R. Martin, A. C. Moxon, R. J. Stout, A. J. Wildblood. Also played: A. S. Ashworth, A. C. Deighton, S. J. Gildener, A. J. Killip, M. A. Lang.

* Colours

1st XI Averages

Batting

No. of Innings

M. P. Forrester M. J. Davies P. F. Carvosso O. Gardner J. D. Rigby R. W. Hudson G. J. Harding B R Neary C. D. H. Roberts N. P. R. McBride

20 20 19 17 19 6 19 13 9 : 5 R. F. T. Musgrave 9 T. Reid 5 Not Out 1 5 2 8 0 2 0 4 4 3 4 1 Runs 744 582 342 167 349 73 305 139 76 22 49 32 Highest Score 116 101* 59* 45 83 28* 66 57 28 12* 14* 28 Average 39.16 38.80 20.12 18.55 18.37 18.25 16.05 15.44 15.20 11.00 9.80 8.00 Maidens Runs Wickets 34 12 7 15 22 6 6 21 8 22 453 206 149 264 561 160 282 427 314 572 21 9 6 9 19 5 8 12 8 13 Average 21.57 22.89 24.83 29.33 29.53 32.00 35.25 35.58 39.25 44.00

Also batted: F. J. Black 9, 6, 0, 10; D. Bundy 4*, 9, 1. * = Not out. Overs R. F. T. Musgravel47 T. Reid 54 A. M. W. Ludiman 37 O. Gardner 71.3 B. R. Neary 128 C. D. H. Roberts 37.4 M. J. Davies 65.3 D. Bundy 106 N. P. R. McBride 67 M. P. Forrester 161

Also bowled: F. J. Black 14-0-90-1; P. F. Carvosso 1-0-4-1; T. G. Davies 20-2-58-2; G. J. Harding 3-0-17-1.

Results:

ST. PETER'S v YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN C.C. Played at home on Sunday, 21st April. Result: Lost. St. Peter's 181-8 dec. (J. D. Rigby 83, M. J. Davies 35,

S. Edwards 5-35) Yorkshire Gents 184-5 (E. Stephenson 88 not out,

R. Brewster 35)

ST. PETER'S v BRADFORD G.S. Played away on Saturday, 27th April. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 242-7 dec. (M. J. Davies 101 not out, P. F.

Carvosso 50, O. Gardner 45, A. Barker 4-68) Bradford G.S. 135-7 (B. R. Neary 3-13)

ST. PETER'S v M.C.C. Played at home on Wednesday, 1st May. Result: Drawn. M.C.C. 197-9 dec. (T. Lerwill 41, S. Kippax 40,

R. Wilkins 32, A. M. W. Ludiman 4-42) St. Peter's 109-6 (S. Kippax 3-42)

ST. PETER'S v SEDBERGH SCHOOL Played at home on Saturday, 4th May. Result: Drawn. Sedbergh 189-8 dec. (S. Lewis 57 not out, D. Player 35) St. Peter's 162-6 (P. F. Carvosso 59 not out, M. J.

Davies 44)

ST. PETER'S v YORK C.C. Played at home on Wednesday, 8th May. Result: Drawn. York C.C. 218-5 dec. (C. Harrison 150, S. Mayes 50) St. Peter's 156-4 (M. J. Davies 43 not out)

ST. PETER'S v WORKSOP COLLEGE Played at home on Saturday, 11th May. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 244-5 dec. (M. P. Forrester 84, M. J. Davies 64 not out, M. Czernek 3-65) Worksop 202-5 (J. Rowe 73, D. Smith 34)

ST. PETER'S v THE FORTY CLUB Played at home on Wednesday, 15th May. Result: Drawn. Forty Club 220-5 dec. (P. Jackson 97, W. Cooper 44,

F. Taylor 36) St. Peter's 172-5 (G. J. Harding 46, M. P. Forrester 42,

S. Anderson 4-66) ST. PETER'S v OLD PETERITES Played at home on Sunday, 23rd June. Result: Won. Old Peterites 193-7 dec. (P. Burdass 75, R. Hutchinson 44, M. J. Davies 3-13) St. Peter's 194-3 (M. P. Forrester 65 not out, M. J.

Davies 53 not out)

ST. PETER'S v BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL Played away on Saturday, 18th May. Result: Drawn. Barnard Castle 229-4 dec. (S. Riddell 88, K. Lowe 52 not out) St. Peter's 119-5 (M. P. Forrester 39)

ST. PETER'S v PRESIDENT'S XI Played at home on Wednesday, 29th May. Result: Drawn. President's XI 203-3 dec. (R. Taylor 73 not out,

S. Robinson 51 not out, J. Wright 32) St. Peter's 112-5 (C. A. Robinson 3-9)

ST. PETER'S v LEEDS G.S. Played at home on Saturday, 1st June. Result: Drawn. Leeds G.S. 244-1 dec. (D. Gait 104 not out, T. Walton 88 not out, R. Atkinson 46) St. Peter's 210-7 (B. R. Neary 57, M. P. Forrester 47,

R. Atkinson 3-46)

ST. PETER'S v AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE Played at home on Saturday, 8th June. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 238-5 dec. (M. P. Forrester 116, J. D. Rigby 40, M. J. Davies 35, S. Pilkington 4-72) Ampleforth 210-7 (N. Lamb 47, R. Wilson 35,

R. Gilmore 32)

ST. PETER'S v DURHAM SCHOOL Played away on Saturday, 15th June. Result: Drawn. Durham 191-3 dec. (R. Weston 100 not out, P. Weston 54) St. Peter's 152-7 (B. R. Neary 55 not out, N. Darling 4-50)

ST. PETER'S v POCKLINGTON SCHOOL Played away on Saturday, 22nd June. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 193-7 dec. (M. P. Forrester 101, J. Dowling 3-38) Pocklington 104-6 (D. Edwards 51, R. F. T. Musgrave 3-15) ST. PETER'S v SAINTS C.C. Played at home on Tuesday, 25th June. Result: Drawn. Saints C.C. 187-7 dec. (J. Heaseman 55, A. Jefferson 42, N. P. R. McBride 4-21) St. Peter's 172-9 (M. P. Forrester 62, J. D. Rigby 45,

G. Fowler 4-29)

ST. PETER'S v CRANLEIGH SCHOOL Played away on Sunday, 30th June. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 193-6 dec. (G. J. Harding 66, M. J.

Davies 41) Cranleigh 113-7 (G. Atkinson 38, D. Bundy 3-28)

ST. PETER'S v

MERCHANT TAYLORS', NORTHWOOD Played at Cranleigh on Monday, 1st July. Result: Lost. Merchant Taylors' 187-7 dec. (C. Jaggard 83, A. Powell-

Williams 38, R. Hawkey 33, B. R. Neary 5-15) St. Peter's 44 (J. Roberts 6-26, P. Knowles 3-18)

ST. PETER'S v THE EMU CLUB, N.S.W. Played at Cranleigh on Tuesday, 2nd July. Result: Lost. The Emu Club 277-5 dec. (B. Germon 84, D. Amos 83,

D. Hobden 47, M. Essery 35 not out) St. Peter's 34 (C. Bates 7-5)

ST. PETER'S v BRYANSTON SCHOOL

Played at Cranleigh on Wednesday, 3rd July. Result: Drawn. St. Peter's 179 (M. J. Davies 66, T. Tuckwell 3-26) Bryanston 143-9 (J. Friesenbruch 39, T. Reid 4-25,

R. F. T. Musgrave 3-36)

ST. PETER'S v LORETTO SCHOOL Played at Cranleigh on Thursday, 4th July. Result: Won. St. Peter's 88 (M. P. Forrester 35, J. Bedi 7-31) Loretto 79 (R. F. T. Musgrave 4-26, B. R. Neary 3-15)

Opponents Yorkshire Gents C.C. Bradford G.S. M.C.C. Sedbergh School York C.C. Worksop College The Forty Club Barnard Castle School President's XI Leeds G.S. Ampleforth College Durham School Pocklington School Old Peterites Saints C.C. Cranleigh School Merchant Taylors, Northwood The Emu Club, N.S.W. Bryanston School Loretto School Ground Home Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Result Lost Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Drawn Won Drawn Drawn

Cranleigh Lost

Cranleigr 1 Lost Cranleigl l Drawn Cranleigh Won School 181-8 dec. 242-7 dec. 109-6 162-6 156-4 244-5 dec. 172-5 119-5 112-5 210-7 238-5 dec. 152-7 193-7 194-3 172-9 193-6 dec

Opponents 184-5 135-7 197-9 dec. 189-8 dec. 218-5 dec. 202-5 220-5 dec. 229-4 dec. 203-3 dec. 244-1 dec. 210-7 191-3 dec. 104-6 193-7 dec. 187-7 dec. . 113-7

44 187-7 dec.

34 179 88 277-5 dec. 143-9 79

SENIOR COLTS

The U.15 Colts had a highly successful undefeated season with victories against Ashville, Barnard Castle, Leeds and Durham, whilst in matches drawn the School were generally on top. Despite prolonged spells of cold weather throughout most of the term, low rainfall during May and early June allowed good batting tracks on the Wightman to be produced which led to some fine batting displays and concentrated the minds of the bowlers on the need for line and length. They also permitted attacking batsmen such as Tom Duncan who scored three fifties and Magnus Inness who scored two forties to accelerate the run rate if necessary. The most profilic scorer was Toby Cockcroft who scored 426 runs in ten completed innings, whilst the most cultured batting came from Fraser Black who played a gem of an innings at Worksop scoring 72 runs with superb timing and little effort through a wide range of shots.

The bowling attack was spearheaded by Fraser Black and Toby Cockcroft and it was the former's outstanding performance of 7 for 33 against Ampleforth which nearly cost the opposition their unbeaten record. The best bowling analysis of the season goes to Paul Taylor with five wickets for seven runs against Barnard Castle. Not only was Paul a consistent bowler but a batsman with a dogged determination. He was also one of the best slip fielders seen at St. Peter's for several years, ably supported by the athletic Nick Walker behind the stumps who also took several good catches. Other major bowling contributions came from Tom Duncan, Nick Middleton and Andrew Fotherby. Nick's leg spin bowling was under used and he was never able to show his full potential, whilst Andrew's bowling improved impressively as the season developed.

One of the problems of a successful season is that the lower order batsmen do not have sufficient opportunities to develop their batting and such was the case with Nicholas Strong and Alistair Rigby. They both fielded enthusiastically and with time should develop into very competent cricketers. Their contribution to the team's performance along with Edward Backhouse's was significant in terms of the season's successes.

Finally, congratulations to Naithan McBride who after a few games as captain of the side was promoted into the 1st XI and made very good progress. There is no doubt that several of the side will eventually play at the highest level at St. Peter's and all should make a worthwhile contribution to Game 1 next year.

In addition to Naithan McBride, Senior Colts colours were awarded to Toby Cockcroft and Fraser Black.

St. Peter's 151 for 6 dec. (T. Cockcroft 40, M. Inness 42) Bradford 133 for 4

St. Peter's 173 (M. Inness 41, P. Taylor 39, T. Cockcroft 32, F. Black 29) Sedbergh 150 for 7 Ashville 121 (F. Black 3-25) St. Peter's 123 for 6 (T. Duncan 52) St. Peter's 187 for 8 dec. (T. Cockcroft 78, F. Black 33) Mount St. Mary's 116 for 2 St. Peter's 169 for 3 dec. (F. Black 72, T. Cockcroft 40,

N. McBride 35) Worksop 25 for no wicket — Match abandoned — Rain Barnard Castle 90 (P. Taylor 5-7, F. Black 3-20) St. Peter's 95 for 3 (T. Cockcroft 64 not out) Manchester Schools' C. A. 178 for 5 dec. (F. Black 3-35) St. Peter's 125 for 7 (F. Black 44, T. Cockcroft 27) Leeds 38 (T. Cockcroft 4-16, F. Black 4-22) St. Peter's 40 for 1 wicket

St. Peter's 103 (P. Taylor 29) Ampleforth 55 for 9 (F. Black 7-33) Durham 153 for 1 dec. St. Peter's 154 for 3 (T. Duncan 51, T. Cockcroft 49,

F. Black 36) St. Peter's 137 for 9 dec. (F. Black 49, M. Inness 25,

N. Middleton 23 not out) Pocklington 50 for 4

Other matches:

St. Peter's An XI 217 for 2 dec. (A. Rigby 50 not out,

T. Duncan 53 not out) Yarm 61 for 9 (N. Middleton 5-22) Bootham 144 St. Peter's An XI 128 for 8 (T. Cockcroft 36,.N. Strong 27, N. Middleton 21 not out) J. W. R. Hutt and P. D. Northfield

In many ways this was a most pleasing season. Many U.14 'B' players made the grade and had games in the 'A' team. Despite their loss we turned out a genuine 'B' XI v's Bootham instead of an 'A' XI.

Certainly Tom Archer developed as a fine captain. His willingness to listen and learn about field placings does him credit. He must remember those points for next year. Tom also deserves credit for accepting that if you win the toss at this level you should bat first. This will lead to a game being lost occasionally but it also leaves you in a better position to win and most importantly to learn how to bowl sides out. However, to maintain the momentum the side batting first must take the initiative and in two games we batted slowly and in the end declared far short of a genuine target.

The first match at Bradford was played in the "sun"! The last time we saw it until we played Leeds six weeks later! After a good, if slow, start on a very "low" wicket we appeared to be taking control with a fine 31 from S. Bradley. Sadly his dismissal led to a collapse. We then bowled well with Bradford having to go all the way in the final twenty overs before running out winners. The maturity of their batting was a good example to follow. We were at home next against Sedbergh who were pinned down by fine bowling from S. Bradley, ten overs 1 for 20, T. Archer eleven overs 1 for 14 and N. Forshaw four overs for 6. A more than sporting declaration enabled us to bat well to win by nine wickets, T. Archer 66 and S. Bradley 35, sharing an unbeaten partnership of 100. A new and welcome fixture against Mount St. Mary's provided another win with S. Bradley batting very well to score a fine undefeated 67. The declaration gave us time to bowl Mount St. Mary's out for 66 with T. Archer taking 5 for 25 and S. Rivis 2 for 1. Worksop provided the low point of the season. We fielded badly, despite taking several good catches. We batted without real enthusiasm except for S. Rivis and T. Archer. We behaved in an unacceptable fashion whilst both 'A' and 'B' sides were batting. I hope the boys learned from the incidents that day and the following suspension of two of our leading players. No player is bigger than the game and good manners and sportsmanship are a prerequisite for playing for St. Peter's. At Barnard Castle we bowled well to have them all out for 151 on their artificial surface, K. Midhage taking 4 for 35 in his first match. We had a go at the target but two large fast bowlers made it very difficult and we gave up the chase to finish 113 for 5.

If Worksop was the low point, Leeds Grammar School was the high point. In nine years of taking the U.14 this was one of the best performances I have seen. We batted very well with M. Dodgson 25, S. Rivis 18 and N. Ogden 19* giving fine support to a splendid not out 103 by T. Archer. Declaring at half-time gave the boys time to bowl Leeds out. The spinners, D. Leveson 3 for 20 and N. Ogden 4 for 12, used the pitch well and bowled out the opposition with three overs to go. (The sun shone, the wicket was good and outfield well cut, a credit to Leeds.) Fine bowling and introverted batting led to St. Peter's eventually declaring at 105 for 8 against Ampleforth. If you win the toss and bat first you must score quickly enough to make a game of it. We could have batted on and killed the game, but perhaps a loss taught the boys more than a draw! At Durham fine bowling from their only two bowlers kept us down to 93. We bowled well and had we scored another twenty runs, I think we would have won. The innings of the day was a fine 56 from Omar of Durham. ..

The final game saw us hosts to Pocklington on yet another wet afternoon. Having started at 2.40 p.m. and had a lengthy tea due to rain, St. Peter's declared after thirty overs at 127 for 6. Pocklington made a fine attempt to go for the target making fifty without loss. Again the introduction of spin-bowling made the breakthrough with N. Ogden taking 4 for 24 and S. Bradley 2 for 33. Fine tail-end batting saw Pocklington through with nine wickets down.

Next year should provide the boys with greater challenges. T. Archer must learn to work the ball off the front foot, N. Ogden to keep the runs coming even if in ones and twos. Both S. Bradley's need to learn which ball to hit. They are both fine cricketers but with a touch more humility and concentration on the task in hand they could do very well next year. M. Dodgson improved a great deal in his batting and providing he applies himself will become a fine upper order batsman. M. Catling has the ability, along with N. Forshaw, to strike the ball hard off the back foot but both are weak on the front foot. The steadiest batsman in middle order was S. Rivis who showed a real maturity amongst his peers, many could do to take up his example of good manners, sportsmanlike attitude and a fierce desire to succeed. The left arm bowlers are all capable of turning a game. N. Forshaw must learn to keep his bowling arm up and S. Bradley to take advice about both run up and delivery stride. When on form he is a match winner as his nine wickets in the junior House match proved. N. Ogden's slow left arm bowling was of a high quality especially on pitches which gave him the assistance of turn and bounce. However, he must learn to vary his pace and bowl a good arm ball if he is to maintain his progress. S. Bradley and D. Leveson both took wickets bowling off spin and must persevere, learning the finer points of this art. K. Midhage has the ability to give variation with his leg-spin and must listen to Mr. Mohan to give him the variation necessary. D. Todd and O. Marlow both developed well this year. David must remember to bowl closer to the stumps and with more control in his run up, whilst Oliver needs to remember that he is at his most effective when bowling a nagging line and length rather than trying to bowl too fast. I was pleased to see both M. Helme and J. Metcalfe develop into competent wicket keepers. However, M. Dodgson made great strides and as long as he keeps working at the basics will provide a fine U. 15 keeper next season.

I would like to thank the parents who came to support in this cold and wet season. Their attention and help was much appreciated by both boys and staff. My thanks also go to Mr. D. Watkinson for all his efforts with the squad this season.