Stonyhurst welcomed the MCC to the Oval on a beautiful sunny day, MCC “won” the toss and choose to bat first.
Both opening bowlers, Josh and Seb W, bowled with excellent control and the batters found it hard to score with Seb W picking up an early wicket with a booming inswinger that would’ve done for most batters. Scoring then ticked along steadily up until the first interval.
After both teams and spectators were treated to a fantastic lunch, massive thanks again to catering, the MCC started to up the scoring with an early declaration in mind. The MCC ended up declaring with the fall of their 2nd wicket, Coby’s first for the 1st XI , with the score on 179-2 after 32 overs.
Josh 6-10-0
Seb W 6-10-1
Stonyhurst made a bright start even with the early loss of wickets. Henri was the standout batter and played a mature knock on a wicket that started to get lower in the afternoon, keeping the innings together until he got dismissed for a spirited 33. Stonyhurst unfortunately we’re bowled out with 30 minutes left to play for 96 with a potential nail biting finish in sight.
Even though the result didn’t quite go our way, the players fought hard and showed great discipline and resilience batting on a deteriorating wicket.
After the game, George L was given the traditional spirit of cricket cap by the MCC, who came down to help out the MCC due to a late withdrawal. George L fielded well, even with the odd friendly jeers from the home crowd. George L also came on to bowl against the 1st XI and ended up with figures of 4.4-6-2
Finishing off, a big thanks to the MCC and their captain, Tim Le Breton(OS), for making it a memorable day for all the players. We’ve not had a proper full MCC fixture since before the pandemic and it was brilliant to see so many parents, staff and pupils coming down to support.