What a fantastic day for our 1st XI cricketers earlier this week, who played the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) with a great result! Here's a write up from Mr Law.

On Monday 27th June, our1st XI, containing a number of our talented U14s, took on the prestigious MCC. Despite some untoward weather in the build up to the game, and a torrential downpour at 9am, the game managed to go ahead. On a damp and difficult wicket the MCC elected to bat first, with Achillies and Henry opening the bowling. The pitch made scoring runs difficult early on, but both opening bowlers put the ball in excellent areas consistently, and Henry was rewarded with 2 wickets after two smart catches from Billy and Achilles. The MCC settled after these early setbacks and set about building a sizable total in the conditions, but 4 quick wickets before lunch, two for Achilles, one for Mitch and one for Ben, after a stunning catch in the deep from Mitch, reduced the visitors to 160-6 at the break. One more wicket for Ben followed after lunch and brought with it a declaration with the MCC posting a total of 198-7 off of 35 overs.

This left Shebbear requiring 199 to win, with 2 hours worth of batting, plus 20 overs to reach their target in the timed game format. A steady start ensued from opening pair Achilles and Ben, until the latter fell for 14 after looking well set. As the pitch dried out it became harder to score, but useful contributions from Toby and Alfie allowed Shebbear to gradually accumulate runs, with Achilles settling into his stride at the other end. A flurry of wickets checked the Shebbearian progress, as the MCC wrestled back control of the game. Mitch provided useful resistance and support for Achilles, who by now was moving towards a fantastic hundred. However, the MCC fought back once again with three quick wickets and looked to wrap the game up as we moved into the final 5 overs. Achilles continued to battle and manipulate the strike to maintain control of the game, whilst moving towards his personal milestone, although overs, and batting partners, were running out. 

We reached the final over of the game in a position to secure a more than creditable draw, with Achilles on 98. With the field back, Achilles took on the bowling and smashed a superb 6 over long on to bring up his hundred, before seeing off the final 3 balls to secure a memorable draw for the College

The game was a fantastic advert for cricket at Shebbear, and highlighted some of the undoubted talent we have here. Huge congratulations to all of the team, in particular Achilles, and the recipient of the MCC's spirit of cricket award, Mitch, although it must be said that this was a true team effort and a fantastic day for all involved.