Christ’s Hospital

By Will Wingfield Digby

On a perfect batting day, the Martlets won the toss and elected to bat. Torquil Deacon and Jeremy Bushell opened the innings without much alarm, and it was something of a surprise to lose a wicket to a run out with the score on 38. Nick Ratcliffe, making his Martlets debut, joined Deacon who moved steadily to 40 before being caught off Ambrose Thwaites (three for 18), the pick of the bowling for Christ’s Hospital. Daniel Smith (53) came in and played the innings of the day at a run-a-ball, sharing a stand of 69 with Ratcliffe. The innings finished with some quick runs coming from Bell (15), Wingfield Digby (34) and Ben Manetti, Roffey’s Australian professional, (13*) to declare at 220 for six.

Derek Horsham and Charles Davies opened the bowling for the Martlets. Davies opened with a wicket maiden before Freddie Burgess got into his stride. Still in the first ten overs, Burgess moved to a 27-ball 50, mostly smashed over midwicket. At tea Christ’s Hospital were well placed at 85 for two off just 12 overs. After the break, Mark Trubshaw and Manetti (one for 11) took the pace off the ball. The excitement was too much for Burgess who holed out at deep midwicket off Trubshaw (three for 31), when well set. The spin duo shared another three wickets before Davies returned. He bowled an exceptional spell of three overs, two maidens, three for one, to finish with figures of five for 34, and bowl the Martlets to victory by 56 runs.

Many thanks to Christ’s Hospital for a memorable day, and being excellent hosts to the Martlets.

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