Soham Grammar School Summer 1969
CRICKET
We were fortunate at the start of the summer term to have at our disposal eight. boys with some experience in last year's First XI. These included two very seasoned campaigners in Barnett and Parr, this year's captain and vice-captain respectively.
At the outset of the season our strength undoubtedly lay in the bowling, with the quick seamers of Parr and Ritson to open the attack ably supported by the offspin bowling of Devine. Parr, with his greater experience, has been the most hostile and the most consistent wicket-taker. His aggressive approach earned him the creditable figures of 5 for 17 against King Lynn, 4 for 9 against Saffron Walden and 4 for 11 against Cambridge Grammar School. Ritson and Devine both bowled well on occasions and. Ritson's figures of 7 for 20 at Wisbech were the best of the season The left arm bowling of King has shown a great deal of promise. He flights the ball well and generally keeps a good line and length. With a greater variation of spin he should in the future gain a hatful of wickets for the School.
On paper our batting did not look as strong as the bowling and in the early games was rather pedestrian. However, regular practices paid off dividends and in later matches the stroke play became more confident and runs came more freely. Throughout the season the bulk of the batting has at different times rested on the shoulders of Barnett, Parr, Ritson, King and Cox; in fact only on two occasions has the side had to bat down to number eleven.
Barnett, a delightful bat to watch when in full flow, has performed consistently well and in his 64 against the Old Boys he showed us the full range of his talents. Ritson, a more limited stroke player, went from strength to strength and his knock of 66 at March was the reward of great concentration and determination. King, a batsman of infinite patience and improving technique, Parr and Cox have all produced some invaluable innings for the side. The other batsmen, when called upon to do so, have generally played their part effectively.
The chief feature of this season's results has been the large number of draws. Against Bury, Thetford, Cambridge Grammar School, Saffron Walden and the Perse we came close to victory without being able finally to clinch it, but against Newport Grammar School and King's Lynn stubborn resistance from our middle and lower order batsmen saved the day. Our victories at Huntingdon and Wisbech were decisive enough and our defeat at March was due for once to a very indifferent performance an the part of our bowlers.
The highlight of the season was the last match against the Old Boys, undoubtedly our sternest test. The Old Boys, boasting one current Minor Counties' player, declared at tea with 169 for 3. With two hours left for play, the School batting rose valiantly to the occasion and, though it fell short of the target, amassed the creditable score of 146 for 7.
One final word of praise for Barnett, who has often showed mature judgment in his captaincy, and for Parr who has ably assisted him. The high standard of fielding and throwing and the keen team spirit that have persisted throughout the season are in no small measure due to their efforts.
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last update 1 Dec 2007