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I
n the most rain-affected season in
King's history, a total of eleven 1st XI
fixtures were washed out without a
ball being bowled, and almost 50% of all
other matches were also rained off.
However the good news was that the 1st
XI yet again lost only one match in the
season, and are probably going to finish
in the top three of the Wisden school
tables for the fourth consecutive year.
Excellent wins against Taunton School,
Queen's, Bryanston, Blundell's and Clifton
were highlights of the season, and yet
again showed King's strength on the South
West cricket circuit.
James Regan captained the team, and
although he found runs hard to come by
early season, made some crucial
contributions with bat, ball and behind the
stumps, especially his match-winning 110
not out against Taunton School. Having
played 1st XI cricket since the 3rd form,
Todd Barrett made some crucial matchwinning
contributions with the bat,
especially when we had lost early wickets.
His 85 runs against Bryanston were a real
highlight.
Peter Smith was our rock with the bat,
who always steadied the ship if we had
lost early wickets. He was our most
consistent performer with both bat and
ball and was always a threat in the field.
James Jennings was our second leading
wicket taker with his brisk left-arm
seamers. He bowled with control, skill
and intelligence, and was a superb fielder
throughout the season.
With only four leavers, there is plenty of
talent coming back next year, including
Rhys Davies who will captain the side.
Rhys topped the run-scoring charts, and
really showed his talents behind the
stumps. He is an exceptionally powerful
batsman who can take any attack apart on
his day.
Laurence May's highlight was against
Queen's - on a tough pitch he scored a
superb 50 and played with the sort of
freedom others found hard to find. He
bowled some useful spells too and was
solid in the field - when he was awake!
Matthew Richards is a fine cricketer and
would have played more but for his
England hockey commitments. He will be
looking forward to more time in the middle
next year and playing a more pivotal role
in the top order. His highlight this year
was his brisk and crucial innings against
Taunton School.
Douglas Denton had yet another selfless
season and was one of our top fielders.
He batted with intelligence when he
needed to, and continues to show a huge
amount of integrity on the field of play - a
deserved winner of the 'Spirit of Cricket'
award.
Neil Brand was the pick of the bowlers for
the second year running at only 16 years
of age. His left-arm spin has dominated
the schools' circuit, and his control and
accuracy belie his years. His batting
continues to be a constant threat to sides
and he will hope again for more time in the
middle next year.
Fourth former Sam Underdown played for
most of the season and showed his
talents with some superb innings,
especially his quick 50 against Downside.
He also represented the school superbly
this year at the renowned Bunbury
Festival.
Liam Redrup showed great strength of
character to bowl the way he did after a
rusty start to the season. Still just going
into the 5th form, he is an exceptional
talent with the ball when he doesn't overthink
things, and a very useful batsman
and fielder.
As always we thank Dennis and now Rob
Woodman for their efforts in providing our
superb pitches and for their coaching in
the winter months. And we'll keep our
fingers crossed for better weather next
year!
Cricket
1st XI
by Phil Lewis
James Regan goes on the
attack against Downside