On Wednesday 26^th May 2021, The King’s Cavaliers played their first game since 2019. 

The team, therefore, had a number of staff making their debuts (notably Dr Kewell and Mr Gordon), and we had three junior pupils getting a taste of men’s cricket. 

Winning the toss, Palmer’s were invited to bat, and our opening bowlers, Daniel and Mr Loveless, immediately put them under pressure with their tight line. Mr Loveless ended up with figures of 4 overs, no maidens, 1 wicket for a miserly 14 runs. (Daniel ended with 4 overs, no maidens, no wickets for 27 runs). Mr Gordon bowled the only maiden of the match and conceded only 14 runs from his 4 overs. Ronnie bowled nicely and fielded exceptionally well (something one cannot usually say about the Cavaliers!). Bunday ended up with figures of 4 overs, no maidens, 3 wickets for 34 runs). Palmer’s ended on 142 for 5 from their 20 overs. Special mention must also be made of Mr Hodder’s excellence behind the stumps, which included two stumpings.

The Cavaliers batted with conviction with Darius scoring an excellent 45, and Mr Cupit a fine 47. Daniel scored a useful 19 and the others all contributed, but sadly, the Cavaliers fell an agonising one run short - finishing on 141 for 7.

It was an exciting game where the result was actually immaterial. The fact that we were out playing cricket on a sunny evening was very special. It was great to see our old friends from Palmer’s who always provide delightful opposition, including, last night, two Old Brutonians.

Finally a sunny evening on Hyde!

Nick Bunday - Housemaster - Blackford House