Repton Pilgrims Cricket Club

After a tough couple of years, we are pleased to report that it has been a more positive year for the Pilgrims. With Cricket Week being cancelled for the past two seasons due to Covid, we had only played one fixture in a two-year period.

We had a tough draw in the first round of the Cricketer Cup, coming up against last year’s losing finalists, Oundle Rovers, away from home. Oundle fielded more or less the same side that had reached the final last year. On a slow wicket, the Pilgrims got off to a steady start scoring about 40 at about two an over before the first wicket fell. After that no-one could get started or begin to get on top of some accurate slow bowling. An unnecessary run out added to our woes. Oundle sensibly juggled their batting order and sent in a ‘pinch hitter’ to open the batting - it came off and the match ended quickly. The result aside, we were very grateful to the players who committed to play and made the long journey to Oundle, and equally to those who came to support.

The standard of cricket in the competition is high and to make progress in it we need to put out the strongest side possible. The unavailability of key players for the Cricketer Cup remains our biggest issue. It would be greatly appreciated if the best of the present cricketing generation of Pilgrims could make themselves available for selection next year.

We have all enjoyed the success of the Old Reptonian footballers and the Cricketer Cup, like the Arthur Dunn Cup, is a prestigious competition. Success in the competition reflects well on the School as well as the Club. In Mark Semmence we have a cricket minded Headmaster, and in Cameron Wake a Master in Charge who understands ‘Old Boys’ cricket; incidentally they both played for their Schools in this year’s Cricketer Cup. They both understand the importance of the competition and they will encourage recent Leavers to become committed to playing for the Pilgrims. The future looks promising and let’s hope for a good cup run next year.

Cricket Week 2022 began with a win/lose 45 over per side game against the Lincolnshire Gentlemen. The fixture has been captained by Jim Blackwell (P’00 - Pilgrims) and

Charlie Tomlinson (Lincs Gents) for almost a decade. It is always eagerly awaited and keenly contested, and this year was no exception. The Gents won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket that looked batter friendly despite the substantial amount of cricket that had been played on the square in the preceding three months. Either side of lunch the Gents posted a very competitive 287-3 aided by 38 not out from a Pilgrim (Nick Tomlinson – H’89) and significant contributions from a couple of batters with accents more akin to New South Wales than South Kesteven. James Byrne (S’10), Jack Bywater (C’11) and Freddie Cheshire (S’15) were the pick of the bowlers with Bywater forcing one batter to retire hurt with a vicious blow to the helmet. Callan Harvey (O’12 - 76) and Felix Waters (O’08 -66) put the Pilgrims in a commanding position at 154-2, from that point on wickets fell at regular intervals until the final one fell in the 39th over with the score at 226.

Jim Blackwell (P’00) - Match Report.

Given the strong connection with Oundle through the School’s Master in Charge of Cricket, a new fixture against Oundle Rovers was introduced for the Thursday of Cricket Week. The Pilgrims were keen to rectify the Cricketer Cup loss only a few weeks previous and got off to a strong start after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Jon Sheard (N’89 - 60) and Nafis Shaikh (L’20 - 39) put on 92 for the opening partnership in just over 20 overs. However, the Oundle bowling attack remained disciplined on a slow wicket, and the Pilgrims struggled to build any momentum or put together any meaningful partnerships towards the end of their innings. Zach Wenham (S’17) ended the innings 78 not out with the Pilgrims declaring on 256 for 8. The Pilgrims needed early wickets, given their below-par total. Oundle started positively with a number of boundaries, but the early introduction of spinner Wenham broke the opening partnership with 39 runs on the board. Wenham struck again in his second over leaving Oundle 54 for 2. This brought Master in Charge, Cameron Wake, to the crease – keen to show his recent Leavers his cricketing prowess. He certainly did that! Cameron struck 136 not out off 60 balls, and the 3rd wicket partnership put on 201 in 130 balls. Despite the thumping 7-wicket defeat, a great day was enjoyed by all, and both teams will look to build on the fixture next year.

Tom Poynton (S’06) - Match Report.

A traditional timed fixture concluded Cricket week 2022 against the ‘old enemy’ Staffordshire Gentlemen. The Gents elected to bat first on another scorching hot day at Repton and after a scratchy start found momentum with their middle order either side of lunch. They had, however not budgeted for the ‘smiling assassin’ Wenham who, with his flight and guile plugged away at their middle order with figures of 5-85 off 18 overs. This limited the Gents to 223 declared off 54 overs with time being the only concern for the Pilgrims. Michael Jacques (C’05) fell cheaply once again but after that there were several starts until Dom Bennett (P’10) dug in for a majestic 66* supported with a cameo from captain Ed Sloane to keep the rate under control and get the Pilgrims over the line.

Edward Sloane (P’97) - Match Report.

The Pilgrims season finished with a revived fixture against Chatsworth Cricket Club –a T20 evening fixture played on a Friday evening. The Pilgrims fielded a strong and youthful XI which was supported by about thirty followers, complete with assorted folding chairs and picnics, who were rewarded with a stunning setting and a glorious clear blue sky. Amongst the followers were the distinguished cricket writers Charles Sale (B’70) and Michael Henderson (N’72). Whilst there was not really enough jeopardy in Friday’s proceedings to warrant a piece by Sale, the sheer timeless Englishness of the setting certainly would have suited some prose from Henderson. It had everything; a parkland setting with a stately home in the background, immaculate estate railings enclosing a surprisingly green outfield, a small, thatched pavilion and the Derwent running alongside. As for the cricket, the match was rather one-sided. The Pilgrims batted first and made 201 in their twenty overs with a number of retirements. The Chatsworth bowling improved as the evening wore on by which time it was too late to rein in the batsmen. Chatsworth replied with about 100 – I can’t be too precise because once the writing was on the wall the paper scoring ceased. A very enjoyable evening was had by the teams and spectators who adjourned to the Cavendish Club for post-match refreshments. The thought is that next year we will not take the Cricketer Cup side to Chatsworth, so, if your cricket is more village than premier league, look out for next year’s fixture list and apply to the match manager.

John Crane (B’67) - Match Report.

The future is bright with a number of very good cricketers recently leaving – the likes of Archie Harrison (L’20) and Nafis Shaikh (L’20), who have aspirations for professional careers with Derbyshire.

Finally, we would like to give special thanks to the School, the Headmaster, the OR Society, School Caterers, Andy Butler and his Grounds Staff, Cameron Wake and Chris Read, and our sponsors Baron & Grant Investment Management Limited.

This was one of the club’s most successful seasons in recent times, gaining promotion back into the Premier Division after a 15year absence and lifting the Arthur Dunn Cup, with a record-breaking final win (7-1), for the 12th time.

There were many highlights, most notably the 5-0 thrashing of Old Marlburians who sat top of the table, putting six past Old Salopians and beating Old Berkhamsteadians 12-1; an aggregate across three games. However, what made a massive difference this year was the fact we managed to keep six clean sheets compared to our average of one per season for the past ten seasons. Therefore, it was fitting that league goalkeeper, Gleb Tverdokhlebov (P’16), playing his debut season for the club, deservedly shared the Player of the Season. He shared it with Alex Evans (N’04), who in his 12th season for the club notched 14 goals and 14 assists from left back. Josh Riley (P’11), Ed Jackson and Artem Aliev (P’14) had breakthrough seasons, with captain Mike Watson (P’03) relishing his new position in central midfield, bagging two hat tricks in back-to-back games.

Another reason for the club’s league success this year was the consistency of the squad. It was rather fitting that the promotion-clinching (scorpion kick) goal came from Luke Lacey (C’07), a player who gives 100% every week whether he plays 90 or 20 minutes, and his positive attitude and presence lifts the players around him. He has fast become a favourite with the fans who have nicknamed him the “Isle of Man Caravan” for his (perceived) lack of mobility, but when you read the game like Madini then you can afford to be a little slow off the mark.

Special mentions must also go to Alex Needham (N’10) and Eemeli Heiskanen (P’19) who clocked up some miles travelling down to London from the Midlands for games throughout the season. This level of commitment shows how special the club is and what it means to play for ORFC.

Next season we aim to secure our place as a Premier Division side and look to retain the Arthur Dunn Cup, something the club has never achieved after its previous 11 victories.

* For recent leavers, the OR Society will subsidise your tickets, so if you are aged 30 and under, the ticket price is just £30.

After a gap of 14 years, Martin Grayshon (C’61) as Secretary and Martin Needler (N’56) as President of the OR Yorkshire Branch, resurrected the Annual Dinner at The Bridge Hotel and Spa, Walshford on 25th April. This was attended by over 40 ORs, some former parents and staff, with a wide range of ages from pupils who had recently left the School to octogenarians. Headmaster, Mark Semmence, gave an update on the School and the plans for the future. This location was chosen because of easy access from the A1 and onsite parking. It was necessary to pre-order food from a varied choice, which required a bit more organisation by Martin, but proved to be well received by all.

All agreed that it was a very enjoyable occasion enabling them to meet and discuss times past and renew friendships and requested that another event should be held in 2023.We would like to broaden our attendance and encourage other members to register their interest by contacting the OR Office.

Martin Needler (N’56) Yorkshire Branch President

The price per head of £45 / £30 * will include a champagne reception, canapés at 7 pm, a three-course dinner and music afterwards, with the bar open until midnight.

ORs from all over the country are welcome to attend and The West Park has rooms available at a special rate. This event will have limited capacity and is expected to sell out so please book early to avoid disappointment via The Little Box Officeor by contacting the OR Office or@repton.org.uk. www.thelittleboxoffice.com/reptonorsociety