he King's 1st XI cricket season has now come to an end and what a
season it has been for the team and also our captain Neil Brand. Neil
recorded his 1000th run of the season with another superb batting
display against Bristol Grammar School. In so doing Neil becomes
the first King's pupil ever to achieve this extraordinary feat, and he has
firmly written himself into the King's cricket history books.
His runs this season have enabled the team to remain undefeated
against all regular school opposition for two years including what are
now back to back wins against local rivals Millfield, both home and
away. His hundred at Millfield this year was one of the best played by
a King's cricketer and will be remembered for many years by the team
and coaches Phil Lewis and Rob Woodman.
He is a tall, left-hand opening batsman who scores his runs incredibly
quickly with very little risk. Phil Lewis his 1st XI coach says "Neil is an
exceptionally gifted batsman who has the ability to hit the ball hard
and cleanly and most importantly into gaps. He has worked incredibly
hard with us during our King's winter elite players programme especially
with Rob Woodman our cricket professional, and it is wonderful to see
this hard work pay off."
Neil has led the King's 1st XI attack with both bat and ball for the last
two or three years, and in those years they have lost only a handful of
games to either county, university or touring sides from South Africa.
Further to this, Somerset have also picked him for some 2nd XI games
and he is hoping to continue his good form with further opportunities
for them throughout July and August. We wish Neil all the very best for his future in the game in the coming years and
thank him for all he has done during his time here.
Our other teams have also enjoyed huge success this season, in particular our Under 14 team, who won the county cup
final and remain unbeaten all season. Kazi Szymanski was named young player of the year after his brilliant knock to help
win the semi-final against Millfield, as well as the wickets he has taken with his brisk seam bowling.
Hamish Manger received the spirit of cricket award and Neil Brand and Brad Lynch received the Buttler/Barrow partnership
prize, almost beating their record with a partnership of 307 (34 runs short!).
23
King's College
Cricket
Buttler Ramp
Former King's pupil Jos Buttler returned to school on
2 July to open a 'ramp' named in his honour. he a
grassy bank formation is called 'Buttler Ramp'.
"It's a bit quirky and bit of fun to have the 'Buttler
Ramp' named after me but it's also a great honour
and a nice gesture by the school."
Phil Lewis, head of cricket came up with the idea to
create a ramp in honour of his former student.
"It is great that we have been able to put something
here to remind us of what he has done for us and
what he has gone on to do. Is a really great moment
for us," said Phil.
"I live on the side of the first team pitch and I saw
that there was some soil being dug out to build the
new tennis courts and cricket nets and thought that
rather than dispose of it why not create a grassy bank."