Cricket: Review for 2003-04

We had a depth of talent in the Cricket 1st XI this year with Ollie Smith, Rory Brandt and Tom Spurling being in county squads, It was no surprise, therefore, that we were not bettered by a prep school team, though we were slightly disappointed to lose a very tight Kent Cup semi-final match with Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School. We again won the Bethany 6-a Side tournament.  Teams at all levels recorded good success; having had two Yardley Courtiers in recent times play for England, we are waiting to see if there is a third in our midst!

1st XI Cricket Report:
This year the I st XI enjoyed a highly successful season, being unbeaten in all the matches played against prep school opposition. We won nine of our eleven matches quite comfortably and regularly posted scores of 150+, finishing the season with a creditable draw against the Kent U12 county team. We also had an exciting run in the U13 Kent Cup which saw us defeat The Judd by 80 runs along the way in probably our best team performance.

In six a side competitions we reached the last four of the Hazelwood tournament, despite missing several key players only to be denied a place in the final in the last over Pride was restored at Bethany when we emerged victorious in that competition with a comfortable win in the final against DCPS. This was a special moment for the boys as they had won the same competition the previous year as Year Seven students,

Ollie Smith led the team from the front this year and was clearly the best batsman on the circuit by some distance as well as being a fine bowler.  His solid batting technique was matched by both power and finesse and he has been the best player that I have seen in my time at Yardley Court.  Ollie ended up scoring over 600 runs and wrapped up the season with a maiden century against Hordle Walhampton on our brief tour to Hampshire.  He was ably supported by Rory Brandt who gained in confidence as the season went on and scored two fine 50s and took part in numerous high-scoring partnerships.  Tom Spurling showed signs of his exciting potential as an all rounder; he was easily the tightest of our bowlers and someone you could rely on at the end of a game.

We were fortunate to have two quality spin bowlers in Matthew Brauer and Josh Payne, both of whom could mix their deliveries and add a different aspect to the way in which we attacked in the field, Josh also regularly opened our batting and showed encouraging technique; he certainly has the ability to score heavily next season. Chris Holloway, Joe Corneille, Nick Bellamy and Rupert Harbig proved valuable bowlers all season and highlighted

Our huge strength in depth this year.  I would also like to thank Michael Paulus for his efforts behind the stumps.  He is clearly a very good wicketkeeper to fast and medium-paced bowling and has worked hard to improve his keeping against spin.  Well done, boys, on a season to remember!