Caterham Headmaster’s XI | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

Caterham Headmaster’s XI 243 – 6, A Raja 83, H Mckinley 68, Paul Lack 4 – 31

On a glorious morning Julian Thomas and Paul Lack tossed the coin with the Headmaster’s team deciding to bat.

The ground and wicket looked excellent and after a good start Ashfield removed Smith for 16.

Raja and McKinley then plundered 118 runs before Thacker had Raja LBW for a superb 83. Green, Goodwin,Oliver-Redgate toiled well in the warm sun before the spinners Allum and Lack got to work. McKinley fell to Lack for 68,well stumped by Roper and Andy Meads 36 not out kept the score ticking before the challenge of dismissing the Headmaster Julian Thomas arose after he had struck his first boundary. Lack and Goodwin, the only Martlets with daughters at Caterham School, combined to not only end the Headmaster’s innings but any possible future Scholarship prospects!

An excellent lunch was provided with both Captains paying tribute to Sandy and his longstanding connection with Caterham School and the Martlets.

At 243 for 6 a very sporting declaration was made with Ashfield 1-36 Thacker 1-17 and Lack 4-31.

Roper 51 and Lawrence put on a solid 52 for the first wicket before Barnard removed Lawrence 23 and Ben Green for 14. Unfortunately Derek Semmence was run out but Will Ross 31 put on an excellent partnership with Patrick Goodwin 33 to get to 169 for 5 before Wilson 4-47 took quick wickets to leave Lack and Ashfield to hold out for the draw on 176 for 9. Daniels 1-19,Barnard 2-25 Smith 1-30 and Wilson 4-47

At tea Will Ross gave a short speech to thank everyone on behalf of Diana and the Ross family for what had been a memorable day kindly provided by Julian Thomas, David Clark and their team at Caterham School, not forgetting the groundsman who provided such an excellent wicket.

Thanks go to John Hartridge for scoring as well as our many other supporters including Chris Snell, Charlie Hartridge and Chris Gray for making the day for Sandy so memorable.