WON by 20 runs.

S.M.A. 257, Bramcote 277.

Depleted of two players on the morning of the match, a slimmed-down Bramcote team travelled to play St. Martin's Ampleforth, at Gilling. Cricket on Astroturf was to be a new experience for us all (including the Headmaster!). We were helped out by the hosts who were happy to lend us two players for the afternoon to fill the gaps, so that an enjoyable match could go ahead.

In the Ampleforth innings Bramcote fielded tidily, once they had mastered the sliding stop on the artificial surface. The tightest overs being bowled by William Watts and Benjie Wilson. The best bowling came in the last over. David Bulmer clean bowling both of the Ampleforth pair, in successive deliveries, to decrease the total by a vital 10 runs.

 The pyschology of having acheived today's target score, 24 hours earlier at home against Scarborough College, seemed to inspire the first Bramcote pair. Together, David Bulmer and Freddie Lockwood added an impressive 32 runs in their three overs without losing a wicket. With help from our two 'imports', the middle order kept things ticking along, so that the last pair of Harry Exley-Moore and William Watts  could negotiate their way to a victory. This despite losing a wicket when already ahead, and some very scary calling and running between the wickets.

Credit should go to all the Bramcote boys perhaps particularly to, Year 2, Stephen Davison for playing his part in all aspects of the game and to Harry Exley-Moore for his understanding and encouraging approach to captaincy.

Thanks also to St. Martin's. Their boys and staff sharing our attitude to produce a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Special credit to the two Ampleforth players, Jack and Xavier, who represented Bramcote; played with great determination and, hopefully, enjoyed being on the winning side. Well done, boys.