On Tuesday 18th June, the Emanuel 1st XI took to the cricket pitch to play the Marylebone Cricket Club, a prestigious club which sends out teams every year to play clubs and schools to spread the values of the game. Founded 232 years ago, the club is known for composing the first laws and rules of the game, so it was naturally a significant game against tough opposition.
Ivan Barker opened the bowling with George Wilson. The two got off to a good start, and their consistency gave the MCC little room to score, only hitting their first boundary in the ninth over. Ivan was unlucky to finish with no wickets, but his two seven-over spells featured a maiden and an economy of just 3.7 an over.
George Wilson managed to strike in the 12th, where he bowled the MCC opener who was just starting to accelerate. It seemed that one brought two, as James Ash Vie bowled their number three just three overs later with a seaming delivery, sending the batsman back to the changing rooms with just 1 run. James and Billy Hughes continued to plug away during the middle overs, and despite their efforts, they were unable to stop the MCC number four from scoring an unbeaten 103.
Elliot Powell replaced Billy at his end and managed to take a breakthrough wicket in his nine over spell, ending a 75-run partnership. The other opener who was still in was looking to hit out when he whipped a full delivery through mid wicket. Despite it being hammered at him, Billy held on to the catch. Elliot took his wicket, and the MCC were 128-3. By the end of the innings, the score to beat was 236.
After a quick turnaround, the Emanuel opening batsmen went out to bat. The top four experienced a taste of high-class fast bowling, only managing to score seven runs in nine overs, and taking a few blows in the process. After that, both teams took enjoyed tea in the refectory, featuring speeches from the captains.
Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worst, and the covers went on the pitch, not to come off for the rest of the day. The result was a draw. Both teams shook hands and had a friendly chat in the refectory, talking all things cricket. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day of sport, from which the 1st XI had a lot to take away.
Ernest Pretzlik (lower sixth)
The Emanuel 1st XI team