Sports Report

Cricket

Although the weather prevented fixtures and any meaningful training in the early part of last week, Saturday saw an excellent block against Shiplake.

In the U14s, there was a very convincing win for the B team – winning by a massive 97 runs – and in doing so demonstrating to Mr Walden senior that this is the best side he has had in years! Special congratulations go to Max Kiernan for 4 wickets from 3.4 overs for just 9 runs, and to Stephen Bonnett who scored 25 runs, retired, and Tobi Onalaja for smashing 22 runs.

The U14As fared less well, losing despite restricting the opposition to 154 runs.

Both U15 sides also suffered losses. However, credit should go to A team duo Max Sharpe-Matthews, who played some beautiful strokes, and to Theo Ward, whose cunning spin picked up 3 wickets.

In the Seniors, there was a convincing win for the 3^rd XI. Mr Phillips would like to add his thanks to Mr Metcalfe and all the 3^rd XI boys, as it was not that long ago that Pangbourne struggled to field a 3^rd XI. Many thanks for your Pangbournian commitment!

Unfortunately, the 2^nd XI couldn’t match the 3rds, and lost a tight game. However, game of the week was most definitely seen on Bigside during the 1^st XI game. Chasing a daunting 201 runs from just 35 overs, Pangbourne were reduced to 85 for 6. Such was the opposition dominance, that the Shiplake coach was already enjoying what he thought was a first win over Pangbourne in 5 years. Tom Hills and Tom Chapman had other ideas, though. Playing with fearless power, they both sent the balls to all parts of the field, hitting some of the biggest 6s seen on Bigside. Their partnership of 105 runs from just 13 overs (including a single over that went for 23 runs) put Pangbourne back in the game. However, Chapman fell for 61, then Hills for 63, leaving Pangbourne needing 12 from 12 balls with just 2 wickets left. This then became from 6 from 5 balls, with the last two batsman at the crease. Undeterred, Stanley Walker hit a 4 from his first ball, and Sprake calmly nudged a single off the very last delivery to snatch a dramatic and unlikely victory. An amazing game, that will live long in the memory. Well done to all, but particular congratulations to the two PJ Toms – messrs Hills and Chapman!

 

Boys tennis

The senior boys relished their matches last week and thoroughly enjoyed coming away victorious against Leighton Park in a singles and doubles format. They also completely dominated play against Bloxham on Saturday. The 2nd team in particular played with complete confidence winning every round to finish 9-0. Bertie Pugh and Jack James only conceded 4 games in the whole afternoon.

 

Dunbar boys faced a tough Oratory side on Wednesday. George Young and Myles James led from the front and secured our 1 win on the day. Even though we lost, the boys came away learning so much from their first tennis fixture this season.