CRICKET Retrospect
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has developed into an accomplished batsman, strong on both sides of the wicket. Tom Archer opened the innings with the skipper and his solidity and good temperament usually ensured a sound start to the innings. Late in the season, as he gained confidence, he played his shots with more freedom and should be pleased with his first full season in the 1st XI. Andrew Kay, still an Under 15 Colt, showed considerable promise and played some valuable innings. I hope that he will benefit from this year's experience. Toby Cockcroft had a mixed season. He is a poor starter, but once he got moving, he hit the ball very hard and it was good to see him score his first century against Loretto. With greater application it should not be his last. In his first season Scott Bradley played several useful innings. He has the ability to score a lot of runs. I hope that his concentration will match his ability, when he gets the chance to bat high in the order. Paul Taylor earned his place by scoring freely in the 2nd XI and it was a pleasure to see him bat with confidence in the 1 st XI. James Lovell was a considerable asset in the middle order. He hit the ball hard and always scored his runs quickly. Nick Ogden was secure in defence, but he had limited opportunities. Although at present he lacks power, he has the ability and temperament to make a good opening batsman. Naithan McBride had a frustrating season. He rarely had the chance to build an innings and he lost confidence. He has the ability to be an effective player in the future. It was disappointing to see Charles Roberts struggle for runs. No one could have tried or practised harder, but it was not to be his year.
The 1993 season provided ample evidence of the value of a major tour. Benefitting from the experience gained in South Africa and from the special team spirit that such a tour generates, the 1st XI had an excellent season. Undefeated on our own circuit, the only defeat came at the festival where the absence of James Lovell was crucial. The season was a particular triumph for the captain, Michael Davies, who fully deserved to be the first winner of the Colin Bosomworth Trophy, awarded to the most improved player. He was given great support by James Lovell and Richard Musgrave, other senior members of the team. A number of records were broken during the season. Seven centuries were scored, four by Michael Davies, who beat Norman Yardley's aggregate record by scoring 983 runs. He also beat James Burdass's highest individual score, when making 169 not out at Bradford G.S. There were again too many drawn matches, but several of these were very good games; the Durham match which ended with the scores level was a remarkable and exciting contest. During the season two South African Schools, St. Andrew's Grahamstown and Selborne, East London, visited us. It was lovely to renew old friendships and to make new ones. Not unexpectedly the staff, boys and parents were a delight to entertain. The batting was dominated by Michael Davies and Richard Musgrave; it was rare for both of them to fail. Michael scored his runs quickly, a great asset at the start of the innings. Richard played two superb innings when scoring centuries against Sedbergh and Ampleforth and 56
