The splendid summer weather has meant that cricket fixtures have gone ahead as planned with more boys than ever representing the School at U11, U10 and even U9 levels in this very successful season.
The 18th of May saw three teams from The Grange head to foreign soil in search of victories. The U9 and U11A teams travelled to Tockington Manor School where both teams saw victories in great matches. The U9 team showed their potential with a convincing victory of 97 runs sparked by Rafael K hat-trick showing that even a broken arm can’t stop him. However this did not outshine some lovely batting from Tim A which kept he fielders on their toes. On the other hand the U11A match saw a competitive effort from both teams with The Grange winning in the last few overs. Tockington posted a score of 116 runs which was chased down by a great innings from Angus M, falling just short of a half century with 46 runs as well as some big hitting by Sam Q. The U11B travelled to King’s School, Gloucester where they were greeted with some bad weather conditions. Despite this the wicket remained fine and didn’t stop them overcoming the King’s A team and ensuring that all Grange teams finished with a victory. Some solid hands behind the stumps from Cameron C saw the runs kept to a minimum and ensured pressure was always at a maximum for the opposing batsmen. Some great strokes from Gus O sealed a well deserved win by 11 runs. These victories allied to wins over Q.E.H Bristol and a drawn match against Kings Worcester ensured the Grange cricket teams remain unbeaten in the first half of term.
A historic rivalry between The Grange and Hereford’s Cathedral School would see the Monmouth boys’ biggest challenge of the year. Despite a rain interrupted day it was the Grange boys who marched away with 3 out of 3 wins in the U11’s. Well done to all boys involved.
The U11A’s took to the field first which saw some tidy bowling across the board to limit Hereford’s score to 85 runs. Wickets to Gus R. and Sam Q., both in Prep IV, kept the pressure on Hereford throughout the match. The Grange boys produced an excellent batting innings with a total of 15 boundaries. Alex H., fighting through some close run-out decisions, showed his class with a 39 run innings combined with some excellent keeping. This set the tone for the match and there were also some handy runs across the board from Sam Q. 14 and Nathan P. 9 not out that made sure victory was achieved.
It was the U11B’s match that showed the depth of Grange Cricket. The U11B’s showed resilience as they rallied together to post a total of 91 runs. Prep II Raphael K. showed incredible patience to score the highest run total for the day with 22 runs. This was closely supported by solid efforts from Oliver S. 19, George R. 15 and a hard-earned 5 not out from Cameron C. It was again another Prep II boy, Tim A., who showed off his bowling skill with 3 wickets, combined with some handy skill from Robert B. 2 wickets and Mathew S. 2 wickets. A very enjoyable match.
The U11C’s playing at home continued The Grange’s undefeated cricket season with a 35 run win over Hereford’s Cathedral School. This was marked by some excellent bowling efforts from Prep II boy Ieuan R. falling just short of a hat trick as they dismissed the visitors for 205 runs. This was supported by some good communication and skillful hands behind the stumps from Angus G. Some great scoring shots from Sam S. in Prep IV made sure the Grange boys secured another dominant victory.