This report has been based largely on the first and second XI's. It must not be forgotten, however, how important the teams of the lower school are. They introduce the younger boys to competitive school cricket and prepare them for when they will play in these senior teams. Several promising cricketers are emerging from the lower school. Gerry Dawson is one of these. He has represented the county at Under-15½ level regularly this season, so much so that his number of games for the school's own Under-15½ XI has been severely limited. He has also held a first XI place on merit whilst still in the Fourth Year.
The second XI this year has enjoyed success. They have lost only one game and won eight. There seems to have been great enthusiasm and team-spirit in this side, probably induced be some excellent captaincy by Chris Paine. The inevitable Richard Salter was the most successful batsman, while Chris Paine himself was the outstanding bowler. Graham Dawson served the second XI admirably as an opening bowler too, until he was deservedly promoted to the first XI. Graham Carter's fielding was very fine and his improved ability as a spin bowler contributed to his being awarded the Improvement Cup. Graham Dunning turned in some good all-round performances and he, too, played for the first XI on one occasion.
So to the first XI, which, one must say, had a mixed season. An excellent run in the Middlesex K. O. Cup was terminated by a narrow defeat by Hampton in the semi-final. Tony Usher excelled in this competition as a fine attacking batsman scoring fifty runs in as many minutes against Ealing.
In the longer friendly matches, our record was not so convincing: we lost three games. Even in the lost matches, however, Alan Small's batting could not be faulted. His 164 runs against Kingsbury was the finest individual achievement of the season, and indeed it was probably the finest for many seasons. his splendid innings included 33 fours and one six. He was the major contributor in an opening partnership of 201 in 100 minutes with Mike Busby (47). Alan was presented with a bat by the Headmaster, and also inevitably won the Batting Cup.
Mike Busby
Master in charge Games: Mr. V. B. Edwards
Master in charge Cricket: Mr. B. G. Marchant
Secretary:
M.
C. Busby
1st XV
Master in charge:
Mr.
T. H. W. Jones
Captain:
P.
P. Stagg
Vice-Captain:
A.
Small
2nd XI
Master in charge:
Mr.
P. J. Clarke
Captain:
C.
Paine
U-15½ XI
Master in charge:
Mr.
D. J. Thorne
Captains:
G.
Dawson, S. Green
U-14½ XI
Master in charge:
Mr.
C. P. O'Donoghue
Captain:
N.
Phipps
U-13½ XI
Master in charge:
Mr.
G. R. J. Salter
Captain:
N.
Runcieman
Senior Colours: P. Stagg, A. Small, R. Powell, M. Busby, T. Usher
Batting Cup:
A.
Small
Bowling Cup:
R.
Powell
Fielding Cup:
B.
Smalley
Improvement Cup:
G.
Carter
House Cricket Cup:
Preston
Service Cup:
R.
Hopkins, M. Busby
(Gaytonian 1969)