In pre-exam week, school matches were put on a hiatus and in its place, we staged a Senior House match. On a rather grey and muggy day two teams took to the Bruern pitch intent on getting points for their houses. The format was pairs cricket (please refer to a previous match report for rules) with Churchill/Drake combining to face off against Wellington/Nelson. There were 12 to a side with 6 representatives from each house. 6 pairs of batsmen would each face four overs. 3 pairs a piece from each house. There were two prizes at stake. The first would be which side would be victorious. The second would be the house that would score the most runs in their pairs would win the house tournament. If a wicket falls the team would lose five runs per wicket.
Churchill/Drake batted first led by Anthony C. After some very tight bowling by Wellington/Nelson initially, their control waned as the innings wore on. Charlie R and Theo R were the highlight pair with Charlie R providing the champagne moment striking a Herculean shot that resembled something like a mix between Djokovic and Butler! Churchill/Drake posted a score of 92.
Wellington/Nelson, led by Ollie F, had a more measured approach towards the run chase, adopting a strategy of building partnerships and not giving their wicket away. Anthony C and Bruno T bowled quickly and aggressively but were blunted by Maxim H and Rudy C initially. The other pairs came in and capitalised on the firm foundation set by these two, but Churchill/Drake kept taking wickets. In the end, final pair Lucas D and Freddie R valiantly set about getting the 20 required to win. Freddie R showed particular courage after taking two painful blows on the hand and the thigh. These two warriors fell just short by 2 runs with Churchill/Drake running out victors. And what of the house points? Churchill pipped Wellington by....2 runs!!!
What a wonderful game this is!
Mr Vadivale
