CRICKET
BOYS : 1ST XI
Despite a rain-disrupted start to the cricket season , the 1st XI managed to scrape out a tight win versus Skinners ’ in an indoor game to send us through to the next round of the national cup . Alas , this cup run was short-lived , with Simon Langton Grammar sending us out of the competition in the next round as Sevenoaks struggled with absences due to GCSE and IB exams .
Despite this , the 1st XI showed much resilience to bounce back from this disappointment , subsequently winning eight of our next ten matches . This mental fortitude was exemplified in our match against King ’ s Canterbury in which the 1st XI recovered from 40-5 to win the game by 30 runs , thanks to a measured 69 from Henry Smith , some blistering ball-striking by his brother Fred Smith and a superb team bowling performance .
The last week of the season proved to be the busiest for the 1st XI , as we played four matches and a tournament in the space of five days . Fixtures against two touring Australian sides provided an opportunity to learn from how cricket is played down under and wins against both gave a boost to team confidence , especially in Ashes season . Furthermore , the final week of cricket proved to be particularly fruitful for Ben Dawkins , who scored two centuries in consecutive days ! Victory continued later in the week , with the 1st XI winning the King ’ s Canterbury T20 competition for the first time in four years , but a tough loss against the MCC was a slightly frustrating end to what had been an otherwise successful season .
Finally , I ’ m very grateful for the opportunity to play with such a great group of teammates and coaches for three years now – playing cricket has been one of the highlights of my time at Sevenoaks .
Ollie Rajah , Upper Sixth
Right : Winners of the Reigate Sixes tournament
78 SPORT REVIEW