The Alleynian 706 2018

SPORT

Cricket

T he 2017 cricket season saw us wave goodbye to Mr Shirazi, following his three years as Master in Charge of Cricket here at Dulwich. His final season with the 1st XI saw some fantastic high points, starting with a pre-season game against Reigate Grammar School, where, thanks to Josh Simpson (2-26 from 7), we managed to restrict the visiting side to 209 from their 35 overs. Sam Fetherston scored a speedy 39, which set Dulwich well on their way to a first victory following a 50 opening partnership with Jake Scarisbrick. Femi Sofolarin, the self-proclaimed Andre Russell of the team, struck 62 off 34 including four sixes to take Dulwich home with a couple of overs to spare. We then headed down south to play Winchester and King Edward’s, where we managed to pick up two wins thanks notably to Max Faulkner who played beautifully to make an essential 75 for the team. During our first Saturday game against Hampton, which was some boys’ first experience of a ‘declaration’ game, we were unable to hold on to a draw, despite 83 from Jake Scarisbrick, losing the last wicket with two overs to go. The following Saturday saw the return of the HMC T20 competition where a win saw us through to the next round against Whitgift. We played Caterham first and thanks to four wickets from Henry Loynes and 60 from Jake Scarisbrick, we comfortably got the win by 47 runs and went on to play Eltham in a decider. After a brilliant bowling performance, largely due to the pace of Josh Simpson and accuracy of Hector Pearce, Eltham were restricted to 120, which saw Dulwich chase it down with overs to spare, thanks to 63 from Sam Fetherston and 40 from Lucas Wilson. T20s seemed to be our strength, as we went on to beat KCS by 14 runs thanks to a reassuring 52 from the ‘fresh back to cricket’ Max Tidmarsh. A loss to Tonbridge was followed by the next round of the HMC T20 competition against the star-studded Whitgift side where we restricted them to 170 in their 20 overs, and Dulwich, the underdogs, set about their chase in a swift fashion being 49-0 after 5, with Sam Fetherston putting one in the road. However, after a couple of quick wickets we fell behind the run rate as Sam fell for

43, and despite a quick 40 from Femi Sofolarin, we just came up short by 16 runs. This was an extremely pleasing effort against a talented Whitgift side and gave us the confidence to beat Brighton the following day. Dulwich put Brighton in, on a slightly damp deck and, thanks to a couple of wickets from off-spinner Harry Millet and a devastating 5-32 from quick bowler Josh Simpson, they managed to get to 200. A 140-run opening partnership from Jake Scarisbrick and Sam Fetherston was halted when Sam fell for 64. However, Jake Fetherston and Jake Scarisbrick eased their way to the total with 17 overs to spare thanks to an unbeaten century from the latter (103*). After half-term, Dulwich played RGS Guildford in a game that saw RGS hold on for a draw despite being nine wickets down as they chased 254 for the win following a solid batting performance throughout, with everyone contributing. Next up was a 91-run win over Emanuel before facing Eltham at home on a wicket that turned for both sides. Eltham made the most of the conditions, winning the toss to take the win. Sadly, the rain got in the way of the game against the MCC before we hosted Mr Walsh and the Newington boys on Founder’s Day. Our traditional showpiece game didn’t let us down as Dulwich posted 216 for Newington to chase. Simpson, Pearce and Fetherston all showed excellent control with the ball, as Dulwich won by 75 runs. It was a fitting end to a superb year. A huge thank you must go to the Year 13 leavers who have given so much to Dulwich Cricket. Outside of the 1st XI, Mr Middleton and the 2nd XI must be congratulated on a superb season and for supplying a huge number of the 1st XI. Mr Craig and Mr Wells also led the U15s to the London Schools title but unfortunately lost in the regional final of the National Cup. Across the College, over 500 boys played cricket in competitive fixtures, and numerous boys represented Surrey and London Schools. Our thanks go to all involved, in particular Mr Shirazi, Mr Clark, Mr Athey and Mr Wells.

Jake Scarisbrick (Year 13)

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