OCCC 104 (Sykes 24*, Webster 4-37, Majid 3-17) lost to Cranleigh School 238 for 9 (W Bovill 49, La Costa 33, Green 3-55, Andrews 2-38, Bell 2-81) by 134 runs
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The annual match against the School, which dates back to 1869, has produced a fair share of one-sided games but not too often have we been on the receiving end. But our young side, which again suffered from too many late drop-outs, were thumped by 134 runs, a margin which would have been even more humiliating but for a breezy last-wicket stand of 30.
Such was the relative lack of depth of our XI that the custom whereby we bat was brushed to one side and the School, in need of time at the crease, decide they would do so. A toss was not even a consideration. To the credit of the side, the OCCC maintained enthusiasm, good cheer and commitment throughout and the fielding was tight even if the bowling lacked variety. Nine of the School batsmen made it to double figures but none went on to reach fifty. The sense of an opportunity missed was evident from reactions when they got out. A score of 117 for 2 at lunch (taken prematurely as our keeper was struck by a nosebleed) looked ominous but the innings rather spluttered after the resumption. Ethan Stiles took five catches behind the stumps, two off rebounds thanks to quick reactions while standing up to the seamers.
Our batting looked fragile and so it proved. The initial seam attack was seen off but then 22 for 1 from nine overs became 49 for 6 off 29 as runs dried up against the spin of Luke Webster and Yousef Majid. The result was inevitable as the tail battled the spinners with most fielders packed around the bat, although some lusty blows of defiance delayed the inevitable conclusion.