Rhubarb December 2025

MARTYRS Cricket

David Drake-Brockman Memorial Match APRIL 2025 Report by Peter Swainson (Tilly’s 1995-2000), Martyrs Vice President O n Monday 21st April (Easter Monday), a strong Martyrs XI cricket season with the annual David Drake-Brockman Memorial Match, held in memory of former Master in Charge of Cricket, David Drake-Brockman. gathered on Upper 1 to begin the

The brothers Angus and Bertie Withers Green (Sing’s, 2015-2020 and 2018-2023) opened the bowling and Bertie took an early wicket. However, the score moved on steadily at around 5 runs an over until 200 was reached for the loss of only 3 wickets in the 40th over. At this point the Sherborne middle-order batsmen “tee’d off” and the total was raised to 304-9 at the close of the innings. After the Withers Green brothers, Ruairi Willis (Tilly’s, 2008-2013) and Feroz Baig (Kendall, 2009-2014) bowled respectably but got no help from a good batting wicket. It was Buster Relton (Kendall, 2019-2024) who ended up taking the wickets as the batsmen increasingly attacked, finishing with 5 for 88.Very disappointingly, Luke Brennan pulled an intercostal muscle on only the seventh ball he bowled and this also affected his batting as he was forced to retire shortly after starting his innings. The Martyrs innings got off to a disastrous start as Feroz Baig was out for a duck in the first over, for the second year running. Surely this usually free-scoring batsman will make someone pay next year. Oli Sedgwick (Tilly’s, 2018-2023) played well for his 46 and there was an excellent 55 from Will Deasy (Kendall, 2012-2017) but the remaining Martyrs batsmen struggled. It was left to an entertaining knock of 26 not out off 23 balls from last man Buster Relton to give some respectability to the final Martyrs total of 194. Ruairi Willis is stepping down from the captaincy after eight seasons in charge and we thank him for his sterling efforts in raising and running the side. Hopefully a home draw may provide for better player availability and a stronger team next year. This year’s match was particularly enjoyable, with the Martyrs securing their first victory over the School! Having won the toss and electing to bat, the Martyrs scored a very respectable 262-7 declared, with Oli Sedgwick Oli Sedgwick (Tilly’s, 2018-2023),Tom Leeson Tom Leeson (Apsley, 2015-2020) and captain James Drake-Brockman James Drake-Brockman (Segar’s, 1988-1993) all scoring half-centuries. In reply, the School XI were bowled out for 187 with Stanley Brown Stanley Brown (Segar’s, 2017-2022) and Ruairi Willis (Tilly’s, 2008-2013), the pick of the Martyrs bowlers, securing a 75-run victory for the Martyrs. It was a fantastic day and a fitting tribute to a much loved and greatly missed member of the St Edward’s community. .

MARTYRS

SHERBORNE PILGRIMS V ST EDWARD’S MARTYRS CRICKETER CUP 1ST ROUND JUNE 2025 Report by Julian Lawton Smith (Mac’s, 1967-1971) A trip to Sherborne did not bode well as the Martyrs had lost on their two previous visits there, in 1973 and 1999. Lacking any of their first-class county-contracted players, the Martyrs had a young side with several players making their Cup debuts.A lost toss meant that the Martyrs were asked to field first and, in the absence of Luke Brennan (Field House, 2004-2009) who was due to arrive late, the ageless Simon Talbot-Williams (Cowell’s, 1974-1979) was pressed into service as 12th man. By strange coincidence there were two Talbot-Williams players in the Sherborne side, nephews of Simon.

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