Rhubarb 2021

ST EDWARD’S

martyrs REPORTS CRICKET 2020 A fter the most disrupted Cricket season since the SecondWorldWar, the Martyrs Cricket Club were grateful to the School to be given overs. An honourable mention to Charlie Everett (G, 2008-13) who took an incredible diving catch to give Archie Blanchard’s figures a hint more respectability! In pursuit of 268, theWillis XI needed a fast start. However, 2020 Leavers and Martyrs debutants Ben Jacobs (B, 2018-20) and Tom Leeson (E, 2015-20) had other ideas as they ripped through the top order. Jacobs (5-36) and Leeson (3-33) bowled aggressively and

MARTYRS

the opportunity to field two OSE sides to play each other on Upper 1 towards the end of the season. On a warm September afternoon a 35-over game was agreed with RuairiWillis (F, 2008-2013) leading a side which comprised of Leavers from 2010-2013 and Joe Barrett (B, 2010-14) leading a side consisting of Leavers from 2014-2020. As a socially distanced crowd of roughly 50 OSE and former parents looked on the Barrett XI were inserted and quickly tucked into some generous bowling from George Chaffer (F, 2007-12) and Archie Blanchard (C, 2008-13). Will Pickford (A, 2012-17) with 52 and Charlie Shipperley (H, 2010-15) with a quick-fire 40 (off just 20 balls!) enjoyed an impressive opening stand before Martyrs debutant Pete Ades (G, 2017-9019) continued the damage with a flamboyant 56 off 43 balls. With the Barrett XI on 172-2 off just 20 overs, 400 was looking likely! However, accurate bowling from William Oakley (C, 2006-11) and acrobatic dedication on the boundary rope from Angus Spratling (G, 2008-13), slowed the scoring rate significantly.The Barrett XI eventually finished on an imposing 267-5 off their 35

accurately, with some inspired slip catching from skipper Barrett and Gus Knott (H, 2010-15), leaving theWillis XI’s scorecard in tatters at 76-5. Resistance came from skipper Willis (75 off 45 balls) and Everett (54 off 44 balls) to leave roughly 70 to win with only 2 wickets in hand – a tall task! However, No. 9 Spratling (42 off 28) was inspired; heaving balls into theWoodstock Road to give theWillis XI a chance of recording a remarkable victory…! Unfortunately, with 7 needed off the final 9 balls and just one wicket in hand, Spratling tried to heave it into theWoodstock Road for a third time, but was bowled giving the Barrett XI a 6 run victory. A tremendous day was enjoyed by players and spectators alike, who all offered their heartfelt thanks to the School for allowing the fixture to be played.

RuairiWillis (F, 2008-13) Martyrs Cricket Representative

2021 DAVID DRAKE-BROCKMAN MEMORIAL MATCH It was wonderful to finally be back on Upper 1 for a genuine fixture against a strong School 1st XI in the annual David Drake-Brockman Memorial Match on Sunday 23rd May. On an overcast morning the School 1st XI won an important toss and unsurprisingly inserted the DDB XI.This proved an excellent decision, as the 1st XI’s bowlers exploited the conditions beautifully to leave the DDB XI reeling at 51-5. Will Bull (F, 2010-15) and Ollie Smith (C, 2007-12) briefly steadied the ship but following the loss of Smith and then Ruairi Willis within an over of each other, the DDB XI eventually succumbed for a disappointing 121.

Standing: Joe Barrett (Sing’s, 2010-14),Will Pickford (Cowell’s, 2021-17), Angus Spratling (Segar’s, 2008-13), Charlie Harris (Segar’s, 2006-11),Will Oakley (Field House, 2006-11), Ben Jacobs (Sing’s, 2018-20), Pete Ades (Segar’s, 2017-19), Charlie Everett (Segar’s, 2008-13), Matt Kitchen (Non-OSE), Calvin Dickinson (Field House, 2010-15), George West (Sing’s, 2015-20), Jack Potter (Apsley, 2015-20). Kneeling: Tom Leeson (Apsley, 2015-20), Gus Knott (Kendall, 2010-15), Ed Jamie (Apsley, 2007-12), Charlie Shipperley (Kendall, 2010-15), Olly Oakley (Field House, 2008-13), Archie Blanchard (Field House, 2008-13), George Chaffer (Tilly’s 2007-12), Ruairi Willis (Tilly’s, 2008-13).

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