Mr Hollingsworth describes in detail the 1st XI match at Ellesmere College, the photos are from a recent game against the Gentlemen of Shropshire, the team have been very convincing this term: The 1st XI travelled to old rivals Ellesmere College on Saturday where they were met with glorious weather and a tempting wicket. As ever, Ellesmere staff and pupils were gracious hosts and we thank them sincerely for their hospitality. Skipper Charlie was undecided as to bat or bowl but history dictates that we are a side who likes to chase, a side who likes to hunt. We won the toss and put the host side in to bat. A 50 over game in the sun is hard enough but add injury to the elements and things obviously become worse. One of the Ellesmere players was sadly taken ill and unfortunately was unable to bat. We wish him the very best of health and a speedy recovery. With the sun beating down, opening bowler Robin demonstrated his usual fiery tenacity and consistency finding a full length and a decent line thus preventing the opening batsmen from scoring as highly as they set out to. He was more than ably backed up at the pavilion end by 15 yr old James who from his 7 overs, managed 3 consecutive maidens for 12 runs. This is an outstanding achievement and one that he will cherish forever. Our other strike bowler Matthew suffered a nasty blow to the knee whilst fielding which ultimately prevented him from bowling. A change in plan was needed. After a good bowling attack and the early taking of several key wickets, Ellesmere began their counter offensive and our bowlers began to suffer. With a lightning outfield, boundaries were hit and a lapse in our usual high class fielding allowed the home side to dig in and increase the run rate. Change bowlers Elliot began with an impressive maiden over and finished with strong figures whilst Scott’s variation of pace had us all wondering what would come next. At the 30 over mark, spinners Charlie and Vansh entered the bowling arena to finish with 10 overs each. The wickets fell fast and with Vansh discovering moderate composure when appealing, he found the mark and took an impressive 4 wickets. We expect nothing less than Charlie’s 3 wickets and his excellent leadership saw us keep Ellesmere to below 200 runs. We bowled them out for 183. The interval was well received and the lunch was excellent, the team talk was simple; ‘We have all day. 50 overs: 3 hours. Wait for the bad ball then push hard. Do not give your wicket away cheaply. Play with your heads.’ Enter Scott and Ren. The Oswestry openers took to the crease and the host began their defence of 183. Scott was in such form, he looked a formidable presence and coming off the back of a century for Shropshire, he looked invincible. Ren allowed the gentle cricket sledging to get the better of him and was dismissed by a fine ball in the 3rd over. Vansh took his place at no.3 and looked to make this innings his performance of the season. He has not scored highly since joining the School and he was briefed that this is his time to shine. First ball; a thick edge to 1st slip who reacted to late and luck kept Vansh at the crease. He then decided that the team were in a rush and began to hit boundaries for what seemed like fun, quickly closing the gap on the 100 run mark. Scott demonstrated why he is considered such a first class batsmen and showed maturity and patience whilst waiting for those bad balls. He reached a spectacular half century and was applauded accordingly from the pavilion. Vansh soon caught him up and was dropped twice, and went on to make a superb innings of 95 not out. Hale was caught at long on driving the big shot and went for a first class 75. Enter Charlie Morris who was composed and focused. We reached the target of 184 to win with 15 overs in hand resulting in an 8 wicket victory. An emphatic victory for the Oswestry side most ably coached by Mr Miles meaning that throughout Mr Robb’s tenure, we have secured 3 wins from 4 fixtures against Ellesmere. Though the runs came from two of our boys, the team won the day. The team arrived at school at 0830 on Saturday to prepare. The team took to the field and the team got behind the bowlers. The team lived through the anxiety and the torment of every ball delivered by the opposition and it was the team who demonstrated the attitude and winning mentality throughout. It was also the team who were responsible for my fluctuating heart rate but it was well worth it. It is all about the team and without that team ethos so strongly encouraged at Oswestry, the team spirit would not exist. The school is immensely proud of its 1st XI and justifiably so. Very well done boys; You have once more made us so very proud to work with such quality.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Jun 2014 15:12:10 +0000