This year's annual Cricket Festival saw Mr Mervyn Brooker, Headmaster of the Boys' Division, receive a School cricket shirt awarded to him from staff for his contribution to School cricket over the time of his headship. Mr Brooker retires in the summer and this was his final appearance for the Staff Eleven. During his time at the School, there has been a growth in the number of boys playing cricket as well as improved facilities.
Four teams took part in the competition: a Staff Eleven, which comprised both the Head and Deputy-Head; the School’s First Eleven; an Old Boltonians’ team; and an Invitation Eleven, which was made up of parents, businessmen, local sportsmen and other friends of the School and included ex-Bolton Wanderers’ players Julian Darby, John Thomas and Jimmy Phillips.
The Old Bolts took on the Staff Eleven and their captain, Guy Haynes, and Tom Liversedge both scored freely. Kevin Brace and Matt Johnson both took three wickets for the teaching staff. A total of 135 all out proved too much for the staff as they finished on 103-6 off their 20 overs.
In the other game the Invitation Eleven scored 85 all out with Jordan Lambert hitting 34 not out. David Cryer and Nick Sanders took the wickets for the School Eleven. In return the First Eleven reached their target easily with James Reynard, Craig Haslam and Sanders in the runs.
The 3rd v 4th match was won by the staff side who posted 139, with Michael Hobbiss reaching the required 30 runs for retirement. Former Wanderers player now the Academy manager, Jimmy Phillips, led the reply with 26, ably supported by Ian Waddicar, but his side fell narrowly short in a very enjoyable match.
The final was won by the strong Old Boltonians’ side, who scored 100 for 6, mainly thanks to Adam Syddall 30 retired, Liam Casey 24 and Jonathan West 21. In reply the School Eleven left things too late and were stranded on 88 despite having seven wickets left in the pavilion.
Mr Fernside, Sports Teacher, commented: "A thoroughly enjoyable day with 140 overs of cricket played. Many thanks to all our guests, the umpires and the schools' catering and ground staff."