1st XI Cricketers Equal School Record

The Christ’s Hospital 1^st XI cricketers had a tremendous start to the 2019 season winning six of their first seven matches, then during the pressure month of public exams the 1^st XI managed three more wins from four matches. With nine wins and still six matches of the season remaining, the 1^st XI were still hoping to break the post-World War II record of ten wins in a season. However, draws against the Old Blues and Reading Blue Coat School was followed by defeat at the hands of MCC. CH departed for the annual Bruton Festival still searching for those elusive wins.

On day one, against a strong Plymouth College side, CH underperformed with the bat and were easily defeated. On day two CH won the toss and elected to bat. Louis Cooper (34) and Gus Freeman (21) made light of the early damp conditions and CH were well placed at 57-0 after 15 overs. However, disaster struck and four overs later CH had slipped to 66-4. Wickets continued to tumble and at 114-7 CH looked unlikely to post a defendable total. However, mature batting from James (26) and Toby (10) ensured CH were not bowled out until the 53^rd over, leaving King’s Bruton 47 overs to score 158 to win. A superb opening spell of 3-15 from Nathan saw Bruton reduced to 26 for 3. Man of the match Louis maintained the pressure on Bruton with his best bowling of the season taking 2 for 7 from his seven overs, which included three maidens. Gus Freeman weighed in with four wickets to bowl King’s Bruton out for 102 giving CH a 55 run victory and equal the school record for most 1^st XI wins in a season.