17 Sports Issue 9 - October 2023 The stage was set for what would be a fascinating encounter between a youthful RGSHW 1st team and an experienced and matured MCC XI. On what many viewed to be a disorderly pitch that bounced and turned, there was no doubt that the MCC batters would find it taxing to get to grips with the slope from the Science block end. As the sun shone over the vast RGS field, nerves ascended on the 22 players, who were all ready to give absolutely everything to earn a memory that would last beyond a lifetime. It was the Royal Grammar School that bowled first, with the clouds folding away and the sun shining at Amersham Road. Captain Aazam Khan was bold to hand over the new ball to Ben Taylor, a Year 11 who had proved his credentials throughout the season, both with bat and balll in hand, certainly deserving to get the nod. It took just three deliveries from the young gun to find the outside edge of the MCC opener, revealing that this was by no means going to be a walk in the park for the travelling visitors, but a contest between two sides full of grit and determination. Up next from the pavilion end was another Taylor, this time Harry, Ben’s older brother. The cricket force is evidently strong in the Taylor family. Harry Taylor did not disappoint either, and began brilliantly with a maiden over, providing no margin for error within his first six deliveries. The MCC openers did well to get through spells from the Taylor brothers, Lochie Christopherson and Jake Wilson, but the first wicket fell in the 20th over, through the tantalising spin of Tharul Wanni Arachchige, who bowled stupendously given the pressure of the situation, and his lack of experience on the big stage, producing outstanding figures of 2-57 with 13 overs bowled. Amongst him, Lochie Christopherson and Jake Wilson both took a pair of wickets each, leaving RGSHW needing 217 runs to win from just under 46 overs. After lunch, it was up to the RGSHW batsmen to chase what was a challenging total on a tough pitch that offered plenty to the bowling side. The RGS openers started brightly, with a partnership of 32 between the skipper Aazam Khan and Alex Egan, from just under 10 overs. Wickets then fell in quick succession, after a very good period from the MCC spinners following a brief tea-time break., However, Aazam was still fighting for every inch of his life in the middle. A brave and valiant 61 off 86 balls from Aazam on a pitch that did all sorts, was nothing short of staggering, and he rightly deserved a standing ovation from both sets of teams. Whilst his extraordinary innings was not enough to win RGS the game, the boys from Wycombe fought collectively and stoically throughout what was an incredibly enticing encounter. Head Coach Mr. Fletcher undoubtedly would’ve told the First XI to always play with intent and a purpose, and they certainly did. The RGSHW might have lost, but hope is not lost for what could be a bright and radiant future for the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe cricket team. Match Report: RGSHW 1st XI v MCC SPORTS James Palin (Year 13) gives a run down of the match, its highlights and what is next for the RGSHW 1st XI. RGSHW 1st XI "Whilst his extraordinary innings was not enough to win RGS the game, the boys from Wycombe fought collectively and stoically throughout what was an incredibly enticing encounter. " "The cricket force is evidently strong in the Taylor family."
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