Sunday - Game 1 - DOYRMS

We awoke in our dorms on Sunday ready for our first game. Adam Nightingale and I were to take the game off as part of our rotation system. Following a fry up and cereal in the school dining hall we went out to watch the military parade of the school as a practice for when a member of the royal family comes to watch them in two weeks. Though we started off very interested, after an hour and a half we began to get rather bored and were anxious to start our game

We went into the match eager for a win, although a little worried about some of there players as we were told they were quite quick (80 mph). Coming out of the toss with a loss, we were sent into the field. Some nice bowling for Tynan and some pace from the other end by Dan Sullivan, they were off to a reasonable start. After a few wickets, we started to lose our heads a little. A strong second wicket partnership with one of their gap students, they were looking strong. But a lose ball from Michael Glasper changed that, with a top edge from the gap student into his ear. He went off for a while on 80, allowing our bowlers to claim a few wickets before he came back on. But he did not last long making just 3 more runs falling to the hands of Ben Connolly. After a long fielding session, DOYMS declared on 6/226 after 47 overs.

After tea Josh Connolly and Rob Leddy made their way out to middle, ready for the biggest run chase we have had this year. After a maiden in the opening over, Rob made quick work of their bowlers hitting 10 runs off the second over. Unfortunately Josh fell the next over for 0. Cameron Skinner was the next man out to the centre and didn’t mind their bowling attack, getting down one knee and smoking a beautiful cover drive first ball for 4. These two looked to be a crucial part in out run chase, with a partnership of more than 100. But again, we lost a wicket were 2/114 with Skinner falling for 35. Michael Glasper was the next man in, looking strong with a few quick singles to get himself started. Rob fell looking for a big shot, caught for 84, a brilliant innings that helped us along the way. Unfortunately we had a small collapse with a few quick wickets falling. But this did not stop Michael as he held his end and was looking for the win. With 5 overs to go, we needed less than 30 runs. But with 2 overs to go, our final wicket fell leaving us just 21 runs short of the win. Michael was left not out on 35 after a very nice display of pressure batting. With a total of 10/206 off 44 overs, it was our biggest total all season and looked to be an encouraging start to our tour.

Much of team was understandably disappointed though I could not understand why as it was the largest score we have amassed all season and came in less overs than we usually play.

We went to our after match barbecue, which was not an aussie barbecue, and did the usual after match presentations and speeches. The players each gave one of their tour hats to their opposite number before a number of us went and relaxed with players from the other team and forged strong friendships with them. We started swapping uniforms. Multi-purpose shirts, P.E shorts, hats were all part of the bargaining as everyone looked to add another schools clothes to their wardrobe.

As we headed to our dorms late at 10 pm we felt sadness that this unique stay at a boarding school was coming to an end. The year 12’s stayed up and spoke to our 6th form dorm mates till 12 and were told off by the house master. We said our farewells and went to sleep ready to move on tomorrow.

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