Oakham School’s Boy’s 1st XI finished second in the annual BOWS cricket festival, which was won by hosts Brighton College.
BOWS is an annual friendly tournament held between Oakham School, Brighton College, Wellington College and Sedbergh, with the venue rotating each year.
The boys’ tournament was this year held at Brighton College, with the matches played in the stunning setting of Preston Nomads Cricket Club in the Sussex village of Fulking.
Oakham’s boys achieved a 2nd place overall, with victories over Wellington College and Sedbergh, losing only to hosts and overall winners Brighton College, who claimed the title for the first time in the tournament’s 16 year history.
Day one of the festival saw Oakham matched with Wellington. A genuine team effort secured the victory, with contributions from all 12 boys. Joe scored 60+ runs and took four wickets, while Max’s maiden 1st XI 50 was seemingly scuppered only by running out of batting partners.
The second day saw Oakham fall to a very strong hosting side. Highlights included a first BOWS wicket for Harry, a fantastic spell of bowling from Freddie and some wonderful entertainment with the bat from Finn for the final wicket.
Day three saw a highly competitive encounter with Sedburgh, with the Cumbrians taking Oakham right to the final over.
The reply to Sedbergh’s challenging 221 saw maiden 50s from Max and an unbeaten 50 from Jack. There was great support in the final few overs from Will, whose partnership with Jack secured the 7 runs required in the 50th over.
This year’s BOWS Festival was notable, as it was the first year in which a girls’ tournament was held parallel at Oakham School.
