Kingswood College hosted Stanley Cricket Club in a traditional cricket match between the school's first team and the club's first team.
Kingswood College hosted Stanley Cricket Club in a traditional cricket match between the school's first team and the club's first team.
With a little rain in the air, Stanley chose to bowl and use the moisture in the track to their advantage. The first hour was tight, as the Kingswood opening pair of Anselm Castelyn (25) and Brydon Carse (40) battled through the difficult period. Charlie Muir, in particular, was effective for Stanley.
A firm foundation was built, though, and when Nick Gailey stepped up to the crease, he was able to up the tempo as was required. After 20 overs, Kingswood were 59 for 1 and managed to hit every batting target from that point.
When Jason Davidson joined Gailey (68), Kingswood starting applying pressure of their own, on the bowling attack. Davidson (54) reached his 50 off 33 balls. Some silly cricket, albeit in extreme conditions, saw both batters get out within two balls. Sean Biggs and Drew Matthews did manage to get another 43 runs off the last five overs to boost Kingswood’s total to 241 for 4 after their allotted 50 overs.
“This was definitely a total we thought Stanley were able to chase down, but some superb bowling up front, again from Kingswood, pegged Stanley down at 10 for 3 in the first few overs,” said Kingswood first-team coach, Gregg van Molendorff.
The Kingswood spinners then gradually tightened the screws as Stanley were bowled out for 120, Nick Gailey ending on 4 for 31 and Luvuyo Adams on 2 for 38. Traditionally, the Stanley captain selects a Man of the Match from the Kingswood side, as per the John Tyson award.
Tyson was a cricket fanatic for Kingswood and a stalwart of the Stanley Cricket Club. Playing out of Manley Flats, he was a quality opening batsman who also turned over the arm on the odd occasion. When Tyson passed away, in his 50s, the Tyson family honoured his name, and this fixture, with the Man of the Match award.
“We try to play the fixture in the spirit which would honour the cricket that John loved to play,” said van Molendorff.
This year, Andrew Bowker chose Nick Gailey as the recipient, after a superb all-round performance. “It is always a great privilege to host the Stanley Cricket Club at Kingswood for our traditional fixture," said van Molendorff. "It is always a great experience for the young lads to play against a wealth of experience and knowledge, not to mention the tradition behind the Stanley Cricket Club.”
Summary of Scores: Kingswood 241 for 4 after 50 overs (Nick Gailey 68, Jason Davidson 53, Brydon Carse 40), Stanley CC 120 all out (Nick Gailey 4 for 31, Jason Davidson 2 for 14, Luvuyo Adams 2 for 38). Kingswood won by 121 runs.
