sport
U15C Cricket
The opening victory, away against Harrow – always strong opposition – by 7 wickets, gave an indication of what was to come. After a decisive defeat of Tiffin, Eton proved to be the closest match of the season, with the victory by 16 runs largely owing to a typically hard-hitting 93 from Tim Lamming, while the win over Reeds featured 103* by Keiran Downer. The Whitgift fixture, on the first Saturday of Half Term stretched resources, but gave a useful opportunity to players who usually represented the C team; the match was duly won by 80 runs. A strong St Paul’s side were beaten by 6 wickets, as were Trinity (9 wickets) and KCS (10 wickets, featuring 105* by Oscar Murphy and 58 by Lamming). In the final fixture against RGS Guildford, the batting (other than an excellent fifty by Will McLoughlin) was below its usual standards as Hampton were bowled out for 128, but the bowlers were magnificent as RGS were reduced to 39 all out. The two century-makers, Downer and Murphy, had fine personal seasons, as did Lamming. Alfie Onslow was an accomplished opening batsman, McLoughlin played some very important innings, Toby Robinson’s fierce hitting frequently gathered quick runs, while Freddie Rees always batted impressively. Both Lamming and Alex McMillan were accomplished wicketkeepers, with the latter having rather fewer opportunities with the bat than his talent deserved – although his innings against Whitgift proved crucial. Harry Ray – as well as frequently batting well – and Rhys Calder formed a very potent new-ball attack, while Jonny Powell bowled consistently and incisively, with several match-defining spells. Farhan Hussain’s leg-spin always seemed to take wickets, while many of those mentioned for their batting, such as Downer, Onslow, Rees and McLoughlin, were all more than capable with the ball. The fielding was of a very high standard, while Murphy was an excellent captain – and when he was unavailable, Lamming filled in admirably. I must also thank those that played mainly in the C team but who stepped up and made positive contributions, such as Josh Bartholomew, Will Howard and Iestyn Humphrey: in any other year, they would have played regularly for the B team. Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable season: the boys were always positive and supportive of each other and I hope they continue to have fun playing cricket as this did so successfully this year. As ever, thanks to the other members of staff who worked so hard with this age group, Messrs Banerjee, Harrison and Smith. JOM
This was a very strong C team that played engaging, dynamic cricket even if they did not always get the results they deserved. They were well-served by a group of batsmen capable of playing big innings: Josh Bartholomew, Joel Luckman, Will Howard and Will McLoughlin were outstanding, routinely ensuring that the team had plenty of runs to play with or, batting second, remained competitive over a challenging run chase. Highlights included a partnership of 115 between Bartholomew and Luckman against KCS and one of 112 between the same pair against Trinity, Croydon. The standout innings of the season, however, was played by Amar Kotecha against St Paul’s, where his faultless 74* was ably supported by a typically explosive innings of 66 by Howard. There was equal strength in depth among the bowlers. Iestyn Humphrey was a powerful force with the new ball, while Jake Amor bowled cunning out-swingers that were never less than a challenge for opposing batsmen and a pleasure to watch from the umpire’s perspective. Rayyaan Kazi, the captain, was a consistent performer with his off-breaks, and Ruairi Kavanagh, Luckman and Toby Robinson were good value for some probing, accurate bowling. A word too for Rohith Ratnam, who was invariably enthusiastic and encouraging to others: a model team player whose contribution was more than just a matter of runs and wickets. Overall, this team played some excellent attacking cricket and made many friends over the course of their ten matches. PS
U14A Cricket
The under 14A team have enjoyed a successful season, winning 6 out of their 12 fixtures. The season began with a comfortable victory over The Oratory School, with Alfie Simonds-Gooding announcing his arrival to the Hampton cricket scene with a maiden 5-wicket haul. the lion the magazine of hampton school
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