Cricket - Under 15s

The present Under 15's Cricket team are without doubt the most successful side that the school has produced for many years. Their ability, loyalty and enthusiasm have meant that Mr. Tufnell and Mr. Besser have had a great deal of pleasure in taking them over the last 3 years (apart from a visit to Hampton Grammar at which the sandwiches that were provided for us were dispersed over sections of the car park). The team has been ably led by Paul Cartmell, who has shown marked improvement as a bowler, particularly during this season. Kurt Jansen and Joe Seimon have been the other front line bowlers, and the former (who is far too reticent and retiring to wish to be named again) has made major contributions with the bat including a recent hundred against Enfield. Opening batsmen Paul Hunter and Justin Daley have been the most consistent run scorers, although their running between the wickets leaves something to be desired (their first call is usually regarded as merely an opening to negotiations). Mark Wizbek's improved wicket keeping is obviously a result of his modelling himself on the staff wicket keeper, although his appealing will have to improve by a few decibels.

Adrian West has been a very useful all rounder, although his opportunities have been restricted recently by the good form of other members of the side. This lack of opportunity has also beset batsmen like Mark Swyny, John Mulligan, Darren Williams and Peter Scott, although, Mark and John recently took advantage of a rare visit to the crease by putting on a hundred against Cardinal Wiseman. Other regular members of the side such as John Earls and Aidan Fitzgerald have been similarly unfortunate in lack of opportunity to demonstrate their prowess, although their loyalty is commendable. The all round strength of the side obviously creates problems for the captain in trying to bring everyone into the game, although this is a position which most captains would be delighted to be in.

In the last two seasons the side has reached the Harrow Cup Final, being beaten by Gayton on both occasions. This is probably due to the fact that the side are less happy in limited overs cricket than in time matches, although some would say that an unfortunate decision by an umpire (who prefers to remain anonymous) cost them last years final. Happily the team recorded probably its best ever result recently in beating John Lyon in the Middlesex cup recently and we wish them every success in both Harrow and Middlesex competitions this season. Probably the most remarkable thing about the team thus far has been to combine their particular brand of lunacy off the field (which has distressed both managers) with a capable and serious approach to cricket on the field.

Dave Besser


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