A summer’s evening in June, in England. The end of a beautiful day with work done. The reward for a hard day’s toil – a game of cricket!
The now annual test of calibre for the 1st XI took place in idyllic surroundings which are the envy of many.
The Staff XI batted first as is the custom and through an array of batting partnerships that should have been etched in the annals of the game. Unfortunately with a lack of representation from the MCC the events of the evening went unmentioned at ‘headquarters’. The 1st XI were as resplendent in their 20/20 strip as was the style and eagerness shown by the Staff! Aided, in part, by the ‘wrong-hand’ fielding restrictions put on the 1st XI, the Staff amassed a total of 161.
In reply, the 1st XI were subjected to an attack which used both air and ground as the whole area between both sets of stumps was used by the Staff bowlers. Reputations were enhanced and legends born, the most memorable being Miss Bebbington who proved herself the sting in the tail of the Staff bowling removing two batsmen with a mixture of guile and flight, helping the Staff to limit the 1st XI to 159!
The perfect end to a superb summer’s day!
My thanks to all who played, both pupil and staff. The sense of fun and enjoyment were evident throughout and contributed to a memorable occasion!
The MCC’s loss is Abbotsholme’s gain.