Although the north wind hath blown, the first half of term has been unusually dry, (famous last words!) allowing for some exciting cricket to be played. At Denstone, the 1^st XI bowled and fielded very well, restricting the opposition to 125 for 6. Thomas Ratcliffe nudged and nurdled us into contention and Alex Holt blasted the ball in the general direction of Alton Towers. Unfortunately we fell 5 runs short of what would have been an impressive victory. Against Christchurch in the U13s County Cup, we were without Captain Adam Pursell and Felix Tubbs, who were away on intellectual duty. Nevertheless, Thomas Ratcliffe (86 not out) and Jamie Sherratt (58) put on 132 for the first wicket, which set up a comfortable victory. At Terra Nova we were not quite at our best in the field allowing the opposition too many easy boundaries in their total of 150 for 6 declared in 29 overs. Sensing defeat, their over rate was slower than Britain’s ability to form a new government. In the 20 overs that we did receive Pursell (58) and Ratcliffe (26) once again shone. However, it was Jamie Sherratt, whose massive 6 was picked up by Jodrell Bank’s radar, which enabled us to finish 3 agonising runs short. A thrilling draw! The Under 12s started their Cup campaign with an easy victory over St. Edward’s. Sherratt starred with the ball taking 4 wickets, before Tom Flowers and Josh Malyon knocked off the required runs. The Under 11s started their season with a comfortable win against Shrewsbury High Prep. We scored 105 for 5, with Malyon scoring an impressive 61 not out, supported by William Hobson and Charlie Friend. Our bowling and fielding looked excellent, with “Google Friend” bamboozling puzzled opposition. Further excitement after half term!