Cranleigh School 258 for 8 (Waddell 69, Morrogh 62, Thomas 55, Bell 4-45) beat Old Cranleighans 130 (H Stiles 56) by 128 runs
Another year, another resounding loss in the annual match against the School, a fixture which dates back to 1869 but which of late has become an increasingly one-sided affair. This is part is a reflection on the strength of School cricket under Stuart Welch, in part of the inability of the club to put out strong representative sides. Too much unavailability, too many late cry-offs.
After a blisteringly hot June this match was played out in chilly gloom with the occasional squall to send players heading back to the pavilion. The School batted first and initially struggled. Bovill fell to a catch behind and then Archie Freeth was denied twice by the umpire, once to a very adjacent lbw and then to a catch behind which the batsmen readily and loudly admitted he hit. He will learn. Copleston departed for a laboured 29 but then Waddell, Thomas, and Morragh all scored with increasing ease as the scoring rate increased. Some respectability was achieved in the final overs as wickets fell in the push for quick runs, Max Bell profiting from line and length with four wickets.
Thomas nipped out the OC top three and thereafter only Harvey Stiles looked at all at home, his 56 enabling us to pass three figures. His paddle sweeping proved most effective but we only managed to bat 31 of our allotted 40 overs.
If we are going to attract new OCs then this fixture needs to be looked at differently and we simply have to put out stronger sides. It may be we look at the way other schools organise it and leave it with those in charge of cricket at Cranleigh to raise the XI. Lots to discuss.