On Friday 28^th April we hosted an MCC representative side for our annual out-match against the oldest club side. The MCC team was comprised of many high level league players and so are an experienced and very capable men’s side that took on the best boys from TWBS from Years 10-13, captained by Karl-Christian Ziemkendorf. As is custom, the boys took to the field first (looking resplendent in their commemorative match day shirts sponsored by Tag.

Omnichannel Marketing Services) after a slightly delayed start due to the morning drizzle. The School opening bowlers Bailey Niblett and Marcus Downey (both Year 11) bowled tidy spells (indeed Niblett found the opening batter’s outside edge first ball of the game, but the catch frustratingly went between the wicketkeeper and slip fielder).  Charlie Kingsford took a sharp chance at cover soon after from Niblett’s bowling, however drinks were taken after the first hour, MCC 41/1 after 15 overs. Change bowlers Tegh Banse, Kingsford and Kian Watson strained every sinew after drinks, but the MCC ship was steadied and lunch was taken 123/1 after 30 overs. Further fluent batting from the MCC probationers enabled them to declare before tea 200/2.  This was not a fair reflection of the high levels of skill and determination that the School XI showed in the field, but it was a true reflection of the high quality of opposition that MCC brought to the game. Perhaps inevitably, after over 40 overs in the field and in the first game of the season, the TWBS batting lacked both the concentration and application to really push on and threaten chasing down a very good score. Bailey Niblett was presented with the Spirit of Cricket award by MCC captain on the day David Heavyside for not only his excellent bowling, but also for his honesty and upholding of the spirit of the game by walking after edging a ball to slip when there was doubt over him hitting it.

A superb day of cricket could not have happened without our main sponsor for the day Tag Omnichannel Marketing Services (www.tagww.com) the absolutely fantastic pitch and outfield prepared by Lewis Clements and George Gould (CG Groundcare) and the wonderful lunch and tea services provided by our own Chef Kev and a host of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils. The Friends of TWBS also get my utmost thanks for the organisation of everything off the field – the drinks, the dressing up of the pavilion and their support all day to ensure everything ran smoothly, as does Mr Woods for his expertise in scoring and Mr Higgs for his part in organising the school team and umpire for the day.  My thanks also goes to Mr Seeburg for the amazing action photos of the boys in action playing the game!

Gareth Breen

Director of Sport