Writes Matthew Hughes, Head of White House
The 5th July was a historic date for Merchant Taylors’ cricket, with the U15A cricket team winning the school’s second ever National Title. The England School’s Cricket Association National Cup Final was held at Oakham School. Over 1100 schools entered the competition, which ran over a two-year period. MTS played Trent College in the final of the competition.
After captain Rishane W. (4ths) won the toss and elected to bat, Merchant Taylors’ found themselves in serious trouble at 20-3. In modern day style, Rishi M. and Rishane W. did not just weather the storm, they counter attacked effectively with powerful shots and scores of 31 and 51 respectively. With a destructive innings of 41 of just 38 balls Abhisek S. (Divs) brought the MTS score to a competitive total of 218 from their 40 overs.
However, Trent College were not done fighting. The opening batsman came out with impressive intent and Trent College were scoring at an alarming rate, with a very talented batsman at the crease. It took a wonder ball from off spinner, Roshan L. (Divs), spinning a ball onto the left hander’s off stump to get Merchant Taylors’ back into the intense battle. It was now the turn of spinners Kian J. (Divs), Eshan C. (4ths) and Adam K. (4ths) to spin Trent College out of the game, taking key wickets at important times. Adam K. being the pick of the bowlers, taking three important wickets. Levin C. (Divs) then took the final wicket in style for the MTS team, removing the final Trent batsman’s stumps and crowning MTS the National Champions.
A special mention must go to Aditya S. (Divs), who was absent for the final and is the usual captain for the U15A side. He was instrumental in the Cup run and the team would not have been in the final without him.
Well done to all the boys and staff involved. A winter awaits to prepare plans on how to retain the cup!
