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Cricket
Gordon Muchall O.D. played in the County Championship for Durham C.C.C.his figures were Matches 10 Innings 15 Not Out 1 Runs 520 Highest Score 140* Average 37.14 2x100 1x50

Rugby
The next match is against King's Tynemouth on the Playground, Sat. 25/9/10 k.o. 10.30 a.m.
The first XV will play Macmillan Academy in the 3rd round of the D.Mail U.18 Cup. Details when available.

Sunny day, 60F, light breeze,well grassed pitch.
School conceded a penalty in front of the posts after 3 minutes. Strang their no.10 slotted it over.
RGS 3 Durham 0.
The Newcastle backs looked sprightly and a break by their winger was ushered into touch. Durham got clean possession at the line out and passed along the back line taking play to their 10 m.line. A penalty to School was kicked to their 22. A catch and drive resulted in a free kick to RGS but when tackled they did not release and Gaff(11) was able to kick the penalty from their 22m.
RGS 3 Durham 3. 9 mins.
The restart went straight out and Durham took a scrum on half way. Pears(15) made 30m. coming into the line but the ball was lost forward in the scrum that followed Durham won against the head but were penalised. RGS produced a monster kick which was caught and returned by Gaff. The forwards surged to the RGS corner but were penalised and School won their line out. Whilst the Durham backs were enterprising RGS made some important tackles keeping School out. Most of the play had been in the Newcastle half but with the second real attack they breached the Durham line on the wing Bilclough running round to place the ball under the bar for Strang to convert.
RGS 10 Durham 3. 17 mins.
This had been against the flow of the game. School had a penalty them against at a breakdown for offside and RGS kicked it to halfway. In the line out Phillips pinched their ball and barged his way 20m. Releasing Durham gained further ground to be brought down short. A penalty awarded was kicked by Gaff.
RGS 10 Durham 6. 20 mins.
School were to score next scrum half Ord(9) sent Griffin(10) away he passed to Gaff then he to Simpson(3)the ball came back inside for Ord to touch down. A well worked try.
RGS 10 Durham 11. 27 mins.
The Newcastle drop out was caught by Hall(8) who opened play and Kill(12) the recipient of a pass blasted his way through several attempted tacklers to go over.
RGS 10 Durham 16. 29 mins.
THe Newcastle backs had shown speed and guile when in possession and as half time approached they spread our defence wide and turned a half break into man over for Bilclough to get his second try, again converted by Strang.
RGS 17 Durham 16. Halftime.
The first half had seen Durham have most territory and control but RGS when in possession brought their quick three quarters into play effectively. Drysdale (14) went close and RGS knocked forward in the line out Hall picked up from the back of the scrum passed to Drysdale and thence to Simpson. After Durham's driving mauls had been repeatedly brought down the referee awarded a penalty try. Gaff converted.
RGS 17 Durham 23. 10 mins.
Their restart went straight out so School had a scrum on half way but soon after RGS had a penalty Gaff collected their kick and returned it to Newcastle's 22. The School pack worked a catch and drive which was initially halted but a further surge took Simpson over in the corner.
RGs 17 Durham 28.20 mins.
Griffin drew his opponent and this let Pears through unfortunately he tripped on the way to the try line. Continuous pressure by Durham had them encamped in the RGS 22. From several line outs attempted rolling mauls were brought down and School added a further 5 points. Excellent conversion by Gaff from the corner.
RGS 17 Durham 35. 32 mins.
Ord, Hall and Griffin combined for another attack however RGS sprang a quick response with their no.6 accelerating and wrong footing School's defence creating a man over and passing inside to the fly half to score. The try was converted.
RGS 24 Durham 35 33 mins,
The rest of the game was in Newcastle's half. They tried another back move but passed the ball into touch. It had been an enjoyable game to watch. The Durham backs had decent possession thanks to the pack and had shown some exciting moves. Any lapse by school had been pounced upon by Newcastle.

A sunny day about 65F with a stiff breeze.
Initially play was even School had a scrum on half way and pushed the home side back Griffin (9) sent out a long throw and the backs threatened. The impetus was lost when Durham were penalised for not releasing which allowed B.C. to bring their winger into play. He was brought down just short into touch.School won a turnover but conceded a penalty which B.C. kicked to touch 5m. out. Winning their line out the ball was passed to the forwards and driven over. Conversion by Cameron Jones (10) Barnard Castle 7 Durham 0 10 minutes.
School had possession from the restart but could not gain ground as tackler and pass arrived simultaneously.Both teams were marking closely. A charge down by Hall (8) was retrieved by B.C. and kicked using the breeze to the Durham 22. A free kick to them was quickly taken but brought back for a penalty kicked by their stand off. Barnard Castle 10 Durham 0 15 minutes.
Gaff's charge down brought a penalty which was kicked to B.C.5m. The line out ball was passed back to Griffin he got near but was swallowed up by the forwards. Releasing School tried to go over but B.C. infringed. A penalty was retaken with the home team not back 10m and touch gained 5m. out. Both sides line outs were functioning well despite difficuties with the throw in. In an ensueing breakdown B.C. managed a turnoverand kicked to our 10m.line putting Durham on the defensive once more. Hall the captain appeared everywhere in the defence making three wrapround tackles but School had to hold the 22m.line.The ball was stolen at the breakdown but and the pressure temporarily relieved. B.C. had the scrum but the put in was not straight, from the reset scrum Hall broke to half way and was nearly through their defence but tackled into touch. The home team mounted another attack which was stopped then following a knock forward by Durham their scrum half passed to the backs and the passes went along the line to Finlay Tait (11) who was quick eluded one man kicked ahead and chased.
Collecting the ball he was brought down just short of the line. Pears(12) made a break but the B.C. tackling was resolute then Gaff kicked a penalty from our 22 to theirs. School brought Hagan(14) into play and made ground but a penalty followed for not releasing and B.C. used the wind to take play back to the Durham 22 reversing a good position. School got back to their 22 with a long penalty from Gaff and the pack attempted a rolling maul but knocked on in the process. There was no further action of note as the referee blew half time.
Barnard Castle 10 Durham 0.
Early in the second half B.C. Durham had a close call with the winger again pushed into touch 5m.out. A good take at the line out enabled Gaff to clear to their 22m. Durham now had the wind advantage. They managed to take play back to half way and further with a penalty to the School 22m. A catch and a 10m. drive by the forwards came next but a fortuitous penalty to Durham gave Gaff the chance to put in another massive kick back to their 22m. From the throw in the ball went to Pears who made a half break he was tackled but School won possession and the ball went to Simpson(3) who barged his way across. Gaff converted the try.
Barnard Castle 10 Durham 7 11 minutes into the second half.
School managed an overlap and our player was unchallenged going for the line unfortunately it was afractionally forward pass directly in front of me. I remember thinking at the timethat it could be called and it was. Play was mostly in the home sides territory now and it was their defence being tested. A clearance by them went to Pears now playing at full back who ran back at them and Durham had a penalty which was taken another ten metres by the ref. Gaff converted. Barnard Castle 10 Durham 10 18 minutes.
Their restart was caught by Anderson(6) and from a penalty kick B.C. were again under threat. Then attempting a clearance Pears collected the high ball and weaved past several challenges before going into touch. From the line out Durham had a penalty which Gaff succeeded in converting in a difficult cross wind.
Barnard Castle 10 Durham 13. 23 minutes.
A source of contention had been the wind causing line out throws to drift. From their drop out we had the throw, it was not straight ( neither team had got this right throughout the match) and play was in front of the Durham posts. At this time B.C. tried the crash ball play launching their full back at full pace. This was attempted three times but stalwart tackling stopped him in his tracks three times denying what would have been a try. Having taken play back to our 10m line School came in from the side at the breakdown and the referee blew to award the home team a penalty. This they kicked to the Durham 5 m. line. From the throw in the B.C. forwards drove over for a try which was converted. Their pack had used this method several times during the game and they were difficult to stop.
Barnard Castle 17 Durham 13. 26 minutes.
Although Gaff had another huge kick into their 22 which brought about a catch and drive by Durham the defence held.
Result Barnard Castle 17 Durham 13

This had been a hard fought game between two evenly matched sides.
The tackling had been immense: was one missed the entire game ? I doubt it.
As a consequence efforts to open up the game were nullified. Tough but a great game.

School play Haydon Bridge away on Wed 15/9/10 at 3.45 p.m. and R.G.S. Newcastle away on Sat.18/9/10 k.o. 11 a.m.

just informed - Daily Mail Cup
Durham School will play Haydon Bridge away on Wed. 15/9/10 at 3.45 p.m in the first round.

Barnard Castle 17 Durham 10
Report later.
Next match is on Sat.18/9/10 at R.G.S. Newcasle k.o. 11 a.m.

3/9/10
Rugby
Durham School took a squad of 26 to Wharfedale R.F.C to play their Under 19 team.
This pre season outing was split into four periods of twenty minutes which permitted coach Paul Gerrard to try several combinations.
The game ended with both sides level 19-19.
The first inter school match is on Saturday 11 Sept. at Barnard Castle k.o..2 p.m
On Sat. 18/9/10 Durham play R.G.S. at Newcastle k.o 11 a.m.
It is followed by the O.D.Reunion at School. Details later.

Robbie Griffin had his batting average unfortunately omitted. His contribution was 8 innings 1 not out 150 runs average 17.75 best 50

Our thanks to Joe Douthwaite who managed the scorebook and scoreboard magnificently.
He was the most consistent member of the squad.
He provided the averages listed above.

After two difficult preseason matches Giggleswick arrived in what proved to be a tight game.School won by 3 runs. Durham 194-8 (40 ov) Giggleswick 191-8.
A new fixture was Loretto who were affected by the ash cloud missing some of their best players. As a consequence we won easily by nine wickets in the 13th over.Loretto 70 Durham 71-1.
The next opponents were Yarm in the 20/20 national competition. Another easy win.Yarm 112-8 Durham 113-1.
At Sedbergh we were trounced. The conditions were appalling and we had the worst of them but Sedbergh played extremely well. One consolation was that their Headmaster wrote congratulating Durham's sportsmanship. Durham 117 Sedbergh 120-1.
It was back to winning ways (91-2) against Barnard Castle (85) in the 20/20 competition.
But we came up against R.G.S.on the following Saturday and with their batsmen on top form we lost by eight wickets. Durham 212 R.G.S. 213-2.
A similar result with the next match, .School having posted 178-2 lost when Thomas More from Blaydon knocked them off in a 40 over game.
The next game saw Barnard Castle declare at 262-7 (63 ov) a remarkable batting performance saw School surpass the target in only 39 overs.
A week later we went to Ampleforth (210-9) who batted for 63 overs the match culminated in a draw. Ampleforth 210-9 Durham 160-6 (42 ov).
The Pilgrims were to be our next opponents but after heavy rain the match was cancelled. Although most of the early games had been played in dry but cold conditions this was the only match to fall foul of the weather.
Hardaker the opening bat at Woodhouse Grove had scored 329 in a recent game. Hard to believe but I was assured it was true. Batting first we made 171-9 (50 ov) a strong side they replied losing only 3 wickets.
Durham County U.17's, always a good side, declared at 225-5. School suffered a collapse but a last wicket stand brought an exciting win at 229-9.
A 40 over game was with R.G.S. who after a sure start collapsed to 181 then we hit them off for the loss of 5 wickets in 33 overs.
The M.C.C declared at 277-4 and Durham made 164 all out.
Ashville were having a good season and had Durham all out for 184 then only lost 3 wickets for 187.
At King's Worcester School 35 overs brought 246-7 and bowled we them all out for 134.
Next day in fierce heat School scored 224-6 (40 ov) and Old Swinford Hospital made 217-7.
Perhaps the best result was versus Durham City 6th Form College on the City ground. In difficult batting conditions School were all out for 117 (31 ov) but bowled them out for 87 (24 ov)
Final game was against an O.D.XI which set a target of 165-6 off 20 overs the School fell 4 runs short at 162-8.
Blessed by dry conditions the School had a mixed but most enjoyable season. The emergence of young talented youngsters portends well for next year. At my age I just hope I am around to be there.

Following the O.D. game there was a barbecue then presentations.
Fielder of the Year - James Ritzema
Batsman of the Year - James Ritzema
Bowler of the Year - Zac Gaff
Player of the year - James Ritzema The Mike Hirsch Trophy
Most Improved Player of the Year - Sam Hardy.

Full Colours awarded to Lewis Hall, Robbie Griffin, Ross Burdon, Zac Gaff, George Robinson and Callum Bryden.
Half Colours awarded to Ben Simpson, Sam Hardy, Adil Tahir, Ed Adamson, Richard Dennis, Robbie Mcgalasham and Dan Jaques.

Results from Australia tour
Durham 7 Oak Hill College 5
Durham 49 St.Edmunds 0
Durham 18 St. Joseph's 33
Durham 31 Sunshine Grammar School 23

The Captain of Rugby next season is Lewis Hall
The Vice-Captain of Rugby is Robbie Griffin
Durham 34 All Saint's Anglican 21

Gordon Muchall hit his ninth century for Durham County C.C, against Hampshire when he scored 140 not out last week.
A summary of the season will be posted together with the averages hopefully this week but I have to prepare the submission to Wisden. The School has had an entry which I can trace back to 1918.

Weather Sunny 72F
Wicket Dry
Toss won by O.D's who elected to bat.
Format 20 overs each.

With ten off the first over and fourteen off the third O.D's Wayne Ritzema and Michael Turns got the innings off to a flying start although Gaff conceded a miserly two runs from his two over spell.4-0-26-0
It was the seventh over when Simpson had Ritzema(13) l.b.w. 7-0-51-1
Two overs later Simpson had Turns(34) caught by Dennis keeping wicket.9-0-64-2
This brought in Simon Birtwhistle who took 131 off the School's bowlers for the M.C.C.
He was dropped at backward square leg but Simpson had Ben Embleton(28) l.b.w.for his third wicket.11-0-74-3
Birtwhistle (43) hit a huge skier and when it eventually came down Simpson juggled the ball before securing the catch to give Adamson the wicket.15-6-99-4
Enter Howard Johnson who was to keep wicket.He thrashed twenty off the sixteenth and with Richard McGlasahan(18) took twelve off both of the next two. McGlashan was run out by McGlashan and Gaff bowled Johnson(25). 17-0-143-5.
Will Cleaver(11) and Mark Bedworth added eighteen for the sixth wicket which Hall concluded having Cleaver well caught in the deep by Gaff.20-0-165-6
Hall hit two consecutive sixes off Cleavers first over and School had ten in the third over and fourteen in the fifth losing Ritzema(4) caught behind in the process.5-0-46-1
Hall had the School's fifty up with two fours off Turns and then hit a massive six into the road from a wicket close to the diggings.
Adil and Hall maintained a fast rate of scoring with Adil hitting a six over long on then coming down the wicket to get another boundary.
Birtwhistle went for a six by Hall and after thirteen overs School was well placed at 13-0-124-1
Patrick Dias the captain came on to bowl and almost immediately nearly had a caught and bowled at full stretch.
In the sixteenth over Ritzema had Hall(77) stumped by Johnson.16-0-139-2
Threatening rain now replaced a light drizzle and spectators fled to the pavilion. On the field play continued, a pull by Adil(43) went straight to Birtwhistle and Dias took his second wicket in the over when Griffin was caught at long leg.17-0-148-5/6.
Jaques was run out, Hardy was bowled by Dias and Dennis was bowled by Turns. School fell three runs short at 162-8.

Result Old Dunelmians won by three runs.
Old Dunelmians 165-6 ( Turns 34, Birtwhistle 43, Johnson 25, McGlashan 18, Embleton 28, Hall 1-42, Gaff 1-34, Simpson 3-29)
Durham School 162-8 ( Hall 77, Adil 43, Dias 4-12, Turns 2-27)

School had the game won by the fourteenth over requiring only thirty six off six overs until Dias destroyed the middle order.
Great fun with the following old boys relishing playing at School again.
Patrick Dias captain,
Adam Morton
Toby Rostron-Maher
Alastair Blair
Michael Turns
Simon Birtwhistle
Wayne Ritzema
Richard McGlashan
Will Cleaver
Howard Johnson
Ben Embleton
Mark Bedworth.

Weather Sunny, 75F light breeze.
Wicket see below
Toss The College won it and asked School to bat.
Format 35 overs

Our opponents had beaten the M.C.C. by one wicket.
I arrived in good time for the 1 p.m. start. Unfortunately they had started without me at 11.30 a.m.
The score was 68-9 on the electric scoreboard and School were batting however I discovered that the score was from the previous night's match. The School score was not much better.
With 19 overs gone including 6 maidens Durham School were 60-6
I am informed that the decision to field by the College was because the City ground is in a hollow and early on the ball swings and the wicket is damp.
Difficult batting conditions with a seaming ball resulted in six batsmen being clean bowled.
After striking a six and 3 fours Elliott(18) was caught at gully.21-6-70-7
Three came from the 22nd over followed by two more maidens.
School struggled to 80 in the 28th over when McGlashan(10) was bowled.by Gohery.
Bryden(11) was caught by Irving off Wheldale 89-9.
Adamson(18) thrashed two massive sixes and Gaff(13) drove straight for another as their last wicket stand brought 28 valuable runs.
School were all out for 117 in 31 overs the College had bowled well and with a talented team the outlook appeared ominous.
Both Gaff and Simpson started with maidens, Gaff taking a wicket with his 5th ball.1-1-0-1.
He deviated leg side and was sent for four and a single in his second.
Simpson gave two singles away with a clean bowled middle stump wicket between them. 4-2-5-2..
Coughlin was caught and bowled by Gaff in his next over. 5-2-9-3.
Then Hamilton who had scored 112 the previous day pulled a ball from Simpson to mid wicket where Bryden held the catch.
From a position of dominance the College were struggling at 6-2-10-4.
The seventh over brought Gaff his third wicket with Whelpdale well caught behind by Dennis 7-2-11-5
Gaff bowled his fifth over as a maiden. His opening spell was 5-2-8-3
Simpson concluded his spell with figures of 5-1-8-2.
Hall had a maiden with his first over but it was Adamson at the other end who had Irving(13) caught by wicket keeper Dennis.
At 22 for 6 the run rate had gone up to 4.5 r.p.o.
The College steadied the innings adding 22, then aware of the need to force the pace Dixon struck a high ball to Baird at long off.The year 11 student took the catch comfortably and Hall had the wicket with City now at 19-4-44-7.
Seven, eleven, twelve and eight came from the ensuing overs and Ritzema turned to Gaff to halt the progress.
A run out came from his first ball with a quick single attempted and Ritzema hit the stumps with his throw from cover.
Gaff bowled danger man Ferguson(30) with the last ball of the over.82-9 and had his fifth wicket when McGlashan caught Anderson at cover off the fourth ball of his last over.24.4-4-87. all out.
Result Durham School won by 30 runs
Durham School 117 (Elliott 18, Adamson 18, Bailey 1-17, Hamilton 4-21, Ferguson 1-13, Coughlin 1-21, Gohery 2-21)
Durhaam 6th Form College 87 ( Ferguson 30, Gaff 5-18, Simpson 2-9, Hall 1-28 Adamson 1-29 )
A superb way to finish the season engineering victory from almost certain defeat.
Gaff who had threatened all season bowling just wide of off stump found the College batsmen good enough to get an edge.

Weather Hot probably reaching 85F during afternoon.
Toss Durham to bat
Wicket Dry
Format 40 overs

After the glories of the Worcester scene with the Cathedral in the background School came to Stourbridge and a tiny pitch.
As with Malvern last year no sixes are scored because of the proximity of a car park at one end and houses at the other.
A busy and noisy road is at one side with the School buildings overlooking the other side.
Anthony Green, the master i/c cricket, made everyone welcome including an invitation to visiting parents to enjoy a cream tea.
Devoted to his cricket he had personally prepared a good batting strip.
OSH bowled 2 maidens in the first six overs but then Hardy drove straight to the boundary twice in the seventh. 7-2-29-0
Ritzema had been pinned down but he then hit a six over the bowler to score four.A flick off his legs sent the fielder scurrying and it brought two. The fielder was Thea Brookes captain of the England U.17 Ladies. There was constant trouble when the ball went to the boundary at the car park end because it was protected by a dense hedge and throughout the day balls were lost there. At the opposite end there was a thicket with a similar problem. This caused delays on many occasions.
The fifty was raised in the 13th over when Hardy hit over the hedge. Drinks at 16 overs.
OSH bowlers were using wide spread fielders well constraining our openers so despite not losing a wicket the run rate remained just below four. I had learned that OSH had scored 287 in another game here.
Ritzema was the first to reach 50 in the 25th over but he was caught on the boundary in the 27th. An opening stand of 123.
A pull to leg gave Hardy his half century and fourteen were taken from the 31st over. He was stumped in the next over having hit three more fours.32-2-164-2.
Robinson(6) edged four to third man but was caught on the boundary as I noticed the spinners approach. It was the lady bowling.34-2-175-3. Hall(29) was out caught at long on. 178-4 then Griffin put a drive past long on. Thirteen came from Brookes over but she bowled Jaques(8) with the total at 201-5 in the 37th over.
Griffin lost the ball hitting a four but only one run was taken from the 38h over.
The penultimate over went for 12 then Griffin(21) was caught at cover off Brookes. 39-2-214-6
Two fours by Adil(12*) and two singles closed the innings at 224-6.
Old Swinford Hospital neede 225 at 4.52 an over with Gaff and Simpson to bowl.
Gaff had a maiden with his third over. 5-1-13-0 and had Brookes l.b.w.for 13 in his fifth. 9-1-31-1
He had another maiden in his sixth then he caught Summcox(2) off Simpson.12-2-35-2
There was a close decision required from the umpire for a run out which he referred to the television umpire who did not give it.
With the fifty in the 17th OSH were lagging behind the rate. Steady progress followed Patel had his fifty in the same over that
the home team attained the hundred when eleven were scored. 25-2-102-2
Runs required 123 overs available 15 rate over seven. Durham in a good position.
Drinks came at 30 overs with OSH 121-2.
Patel and Pargetter now launched an onslaught scoring 14,10,12 and 13 in consecutive overs demonstrating skillful placement wide of our fielders. Ritzema decided to bring Gaff back for his last over and he had Patel caught in the deep by Adamson with his last ball. An important decision by the captain, bowling by Gaff and assured catching by Adamson at a crucial point.
Now with the score 35-2-178-3 OSH had wickets in hand needing 47 off 5 overs.Hardy our spinner came on,his delivery was thrashed back and remarkably he had caught and bowled Pargetter(98) just short of his hundred and their most dangerous batsman was our.37-2-194-4.
Hardy had two wickets in his next over, bowling Norman(80 and having Simpson(1) stumped by Robinson.39-2-204/9-5/6.
Hall had a wicket with his last ball as OSH finished just seven runs short in an exciting conclusion.
Result Durham School won by seven runs.
Durham School 224-6 (Ritzema 64, Hardy 62, Hall 29, Griffin 21, Aldid 1-27, Brookes 3-25)
Old Swinford Hospital 217-7 (Pargetter 98, Patel 59, Gaff 2-17, Simpson 1-25, Hall 1-41, Hardy 3-38)
A good win against a strong team bringing a happy ending to the tour despite the distraction of the lovely Thea Brookes.

27/6/10 King's School, Worcester v Durham School at Worcester

Weather Hottest day of year 85F.
Toss Durham to bat
Wicket Dry
Format Reduced to 35 overs to enable players to watch football.

Ritzema and Hardy opened with the former playing his favourite hook shot past backward square leg to start.
The fifth over brought 14, then 12 and 11 as my notes show cover drives, square cuts, glances past gully, and straight drives took the total to 62 off 7 overs. Ritzema had 51 striking over the bowlers head then with four more to his score he was caught at backward point. 10-0-81-1.
Hardy opening up with a square cut had another boundary driving then he was caught at mid off.12-1-95-2.
With fifty minutes and thirteen overs bowled School reached one hundred.
The run rate slowed and Hall(16) lost patience advancing down the pitch he was stumped. 16-2-107-3
Griffin stuck a boundary then drinks were taken. 17-2-114-3
Robinson(11) was next out sweeping caught on the boundary. 22-2-131-4
Griffin and Jaques continued the progress with Griffin hitting a six over square leg then one with a straight drive.
Having hit two fours off consecutive balls Griffin was bowled.26-2-178-5
Jaques using his power just flicked a ball for 6 over mid wicket and cover drove for 4.
Adil contributed nine then was stumped. 33-2-227-6
Another nineteen added in two overs left School at 246-7 off their allocated 35 overs.
The emphasis was to complete the game in time for the England kick off.
Gaff got the first wicket in the second over. A mishit went so high that one joked there was time to make a telephone call.
Gaff positioned himself and waited and waited then when the ball did come down he caught it with ease. 2-0-15-1
He took the next wicket bowling Harris(13). 6-0-32-2
Hall yorked Hunt(6). 7-0-36-3.then had Bird caught at slip by Ritzema.13-0-62-4
King's lost another wicket when an attempted pull missed to give Adamson his first wicket just before the drinks. 17-0-88-5
In the nineteenth over he knocked back IcIin's middle stump. 19-0-99-6
Twenty four runs later Adamson spreadeagled the stumps of Wilde. 25-0-127-7
Two overs later O'Lickey was caught behind by Robinson off Adamson.27-0-129-8
His fifth wicket came when he bowled Fahey.28-0-130-9.
Bryden bowled the last man at 2.55 p.m. and everyone hurried to the nearest television set.
Result Durham School won by 112 runs.
Durham School 246-7 (Ritzema 55, Hardy 21, Griffin 44, Jaques 56*, Wilde 1-40, Bird 3-28, Fahey1-32 ?? 2-40)
King's School 134 (Dobby 34, Gaff 2-32, Hall 1-35, Bryden 1-11, Adamson 5-21)
The exertions proved in vain as the football ended in a loss for England.
An emphatic team win with Adamson the hero. The first 5 wicket haul this season.

Weather 75F+ at start getting hotter.Hazy sunshine with light breeze.
Wicket Straw coloured.
Toss Durham to bat.
Format 50 overs.

The College is on the outskirts of Harrogate with the cricket pitch behind on sloping ground enjoying far reaching views.
Ashville have a strong side this season winning seven out of their eight matches.
They started well Johnson dismissing both openers with identical balls that cut back hitting their off stumps.. 4-1-14-2
Hall came in and hit boundaries but was run out for 22. 11-2-49-3
Robinson raised the 50 with a single.to leg and hit four off his back foot in the next over.
A loud shout for l.b.w was not given he then drove for four through cover.
The ball was keeping low and Griffin was bowled by a shooter..
With no addtion Robinson(20) mistimed his stroke and was caught at mid off. 15-2-62-4/5
Driving past cover Jaques and Adil stabilised the innings taking the total to 25-4-102-5 at drinks.
Adil hit three fours after the break but was caught at mid wicket on 37 in a wicket maiden. 31-5-131-6.
Jaques hit his second six and saw the ball caught on the boundary but the fielder sportingly indicated he had gone back over the line and Jaques was reprieved.
Simpson who had joined Jaques clipped four off his legs to take Durham over 150 and Jaques(48) added another four before he was bowled by another low delivery. The partnership realising 36. 42-7-167-7
Simpson(17) was bowled middle stump for 17 43-7-168-8
Gaff(5) drove straight for four but was well caught at long on.46-7-179-9 and
Adamson(8)was caught on the line. 184 all out in 47 overs.
The third over brought Durham a wicket when Hare hit hard to cover off Gaff and Griffin snapped up the catch. 3-0-7-1
Gaff and Simpson bowled tightly and the first four did not come until the 13th over. Gaff's figures 7-3-3-1
Simpson had 7-1-11-0 in his spell.
Ashville had added 59 before Durham got the next wicket. A treacherous low bounce gave the batsman no chance and he was l.b.w.to Adamson. 21-4-66-2
Ashville enjoyed the introduction of spin taking 11 from the 29th over.Bryden caught and bowled Hammond in the next.102-3
Apart from a maiden by Gaff on his return Kempley and Mitchell eroded the requirement to win the game in the 45th over.
Result Ashville College won by 7 wickets.
Durham School 184 (Hall 22, Rbinson 20, Jaques 48, Adil 37,Hare 3-43,Johnson 2-35,Sims 1-15,Hammond 3-30)
Ashville College 187-3 (Hammond 37, Johnson 28, Ke Mitchell 36*,Kempley 56*,Gaff 2-39, Adamson 1-14, Bryden 1-7)
Ashville's opening bowlers had put School on the back foot and we could not recover from a poor start coupled with our difficulties coping with the low bounce. Ashville playing on their home wicket used it well.

Durham School 224-6 (40 overs) ,* Old Swinford Hopital 217-7
Reports in preparation.

Weather 70F Sunny
Wicket A touch of damp.
Toss M.C.C. to bat.
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.

The M.C.C brought two O.Ds with them.
Simon Birtwhistle (92-97) who plays in the Premier League for Chester-le Street and Jonathan McCreddie (98-04) who did play for Newcastle in the Premier League and is now a Cricket Development Officer in Staffordshire.
School enjoyed a good start with Simpson clean bowling Homewood(4) in his second over. 3-0-7-1.
Overs 7,8,and 9 were maidens and by the ninth the visitors were only 14.
Hall caught Allen (8) from a Gaff special. He concentrates on bowling just wide of off stump.12-3-31-2.
The 15th over was eventful. 2.4.4.3,and two were taken from the first five balls then Hall took a stinging caught and bowled from Reynard(28) so School had the M.C.C. at 15-3-51-3. Taking this wicket turned out to be an error. Birtwhistle joined Twigg (who had played both in the Minor Counties and Yorkshire League) The runs came rapidly with the ball being smacked in every direction.In five overs the hundred was acheived 20-3-101-3. There was no respite from the onslaught until the lunch interval approached and Griffin bowled a maiden. Lunch 31-165-3 with Birtwhistle 77* and Twigg 41*.
It took only 7 overs to raise the two hundred with Birtwhistle getting his century in the 40th. After hitting two sixes and a four from consecutive balls he retired out on 131. (4x6, 20x4). McCreddie (10*) was next in but Hagen declared at 277-4.
McCreddie bowled a maiden to start and had Burdon caught behind in his second. 3-1-2-1 and Jaques was out in a wicket maiden by him.
Hall scored 18 from the sixth over bowled by Mosey three fours and a six into Quarry Heads Lane but the next three were maidens, 9-4-28-2 and Mosey had Hall(19) l.b.w.in the tenth. 9-4-28-3.
Ritzema the captain had just finished an exam when he came to the crease he drove past mid wicket and cut past point for boundaries. With Robinson School went to tea at 15-4-51-3.
Two wickets fell in the 17th and 18th overs both wicket maidens. Ritzema (18) was the unfortunate recipient of a ball that pitched and shot low giving him no chance and Robinson (6) was stumped,18-4-54-4/5.
Griffin and Baird formed a partnership with Griffin pulling twice to the square leg boundary and Baird driving straight past the bowler.Three more fours in the 26th over by Griffin took School to 105 in the 26th over. Eventually a drive by Baird (12) went uppishly to cover and he was caught. 27-6-109-6.
Griffin(43) cut over slip but he too was caught at cover to give Thewlis his second wicket. 29-6-118-7
Simpson (2) was l.b.w in a wicket maiden 32-7-124-8.
McGlashan and Adamson defied the M.C.C.for nine overs as School entered the last twenty. With Mcglashan playing some enterprising shots School were 156 before McGlashan (30) had a leading edge caught by the M.C.C. captain Hagen. 156-9
Two fours by Gaff (8*) were the final flurry before Adamson(4) was caught by Coxon off Hagen. 164 all out.
Result M.C.C. won by 113 runs.
M.C.C. 277-4 ( Reynard 28, Birtwhistle 131 ret.out, Twigg 84*, Simpson 1-23, Gaff 1-12, Hall 1-25 )
Durham School 164 (Hall 19, Ritzema 18, Griffin 43, McGlashan 30,McCreddie 2-16, Mosey 2-59, Reynard 1-36,
Bashford 1-20,Thewlis 2-5, Coxon 1-15, Hagen 1-4 )
The M.C.C. captain had determined that he would place a win on his record at Durham having previously been twice held to a draw and losing once. The match was played in a friendly atmosphere and the participants enjoyed a tasty lunch. The outstanding batting by O.D. Simon Birtwhistle and Alex Twigg economical bowling by O.D. Jonathan McCreddie 8-3-16-2 and sharp fielding left only one result despite the efforts of Griffin and McGlashan.

School travelled without captain Ritzema and the two heroes of the U.17 game Hardy and Adil.
The Grammar School made a rapid start. I arrived about 15 minutes late and my first notes were jotted down at the eigth over when Adamson bowled Pearson (15) with a full toss to take the first wicket. 8-0-63-1
They continued to plunder runs at rate which suggested Durham would face a target of ver 300.
As my depression deepened I was assured by our coach Mike Fishwick all was not lost.
Rescue came when change bowler McGlashan had Jobson caught by Griffin at cover for 73 in the 14th over having brought up the hundred in only 13 overs.14-0-106-2.
With his dismissal the impetus was lost and with Hall bowling two consecutive maidens only ten were scored off the next five when Hall had Anderson caught at long on. 19-2-116-3
In the twenty fourth over Anderson the other threat was caught behind for 30 off Simpson.24-2-134-4
Burdon bowled the 27th over and a full blooded hit to square leg was snapped up at squuare leg incredibly quickly by McGlashan.27-3-142-5
Burdon followed this with a double wicket maiden in the 29th over. The first wicket with a caught and bowled and the second caught behind by wicket keeper Robinson. 29-4-146-6/7.
R,G,S, hit the first boundary for 5 overs then Burdon bowled the batsman next ball.33-4-156-8.
Sixteen were put on before Hall ended the stand the batsman being caught behind.37-4-172-9.
A caught and bowled by Hall ended the innings at 181 all out. A remarkable come back by Durham conceding only 78 runs in 26 overs and taking 9 wickets..
With Burdon hitting two fours Durham scored ten in the second over but lost Jaques (4) bowled in the sixth.6-1-17-1
Burdon (22)was caught at long on in the tenth. 10-21-32-2
A change of bowling and Hall cover drove for four. A change at the othe end and Robinson cover drove succeesive balls to the boundary.. He hit two more in the 18th over and drinks were taken after 20 score 88-2.
Robinson had a life when he was dropped at midwicket. He was the first to 50 despite Hall thrashing a six over the protective
fencing in the 23rd over.Fifteen were scored in the 28 th over then another blow which seemed destined to go out went high rather than long and Hall(60) was caught on the boundary line.28-1-157-3
Five balls later Robinson(54) was caught behind off a short bouncer as he tried to hook and gloved to the keeper.31-2-174-4
Griffin (6) was caught at gully 32-2-171-5 but Baird (8*) played straight and Dennis(4*) won the game in the 33rd over.
Result Durham School won by five wickets.
R.G.S. 181 (Jobson 73, Anderson 30, Simpson 1-29. Adamson 1-24, Hall 3-34, McGllashan 2-25, Burdon 4-25)
Durham School 185-5 (Burdon 22, Hall 60, Robinson 54, Mckay 2-26, Furness 2-20,Pearson 1-51)

20/6/10 Durham County Cricket Club U.17's v Durham School on the Playground.

Weather 52F cloudy changing to sunny and warmer.
Toss County won and decided to bat.
Wicket Dry
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.

Gaff and Simpson opened the bowling.and the latter bowled Coyne (7)in his fourth over after a maiden in his second. 8-1-21-1
A splendid piece of fielding by Hall ran out Sampson-Barnes (8) in the thirteenth. 13-1-45-2.
Griffin had a wicket maiden for his first over with a ball that swung late to hit middle stump of Harrison (2) 15-1-50-3.
School had another success when Hall bowled Bousfield (England U.15 Capt. 2009)for 36. 17-1-58-4.
Two confident shouts for leg before were dismissed by the independent umpires and the hundred was attained in the 25th over
Seymour and Martin progressed steadily to lunch at 36-2-147-4
Resuming they took 17 off the 38th over when there were 4 wides and 5 leg byes.
The County were intent on rapid scoring but an attempted quick single to Adil resulted in Seymour being run out just after getting his fifty.42-2-199-5.
Martin and Harper (11*) added 26 in three overs. Innings declared at 47-2-225-5
School lost two wickets in their first four overs. 4-0-18-2
Hall was next in he hit two fours and three followed by a six pulled into the diggings. Attempting to repeat the shot he missed the ball and was bowled. 9-0-47-3.
Hardy had batted cautiously whilst wickets fell, he now hit two fours i the tenth over but wickets continued to fall at the other end. 63-4 and 77-5.
With Adil 7* he was 45* when tea was taken 20-1-88-5.
The first over after the break was a maiden however Hardy smashed a six into the road to get his 50.
Aother six came from a full toss to put the School on 102-5
Adil had three fours in the next overs but Hardy was bowled by a ball that cut back after a disciplined innnigs of careful shot selection.(2x6,8x4) in a wicket maiden, 28-2-125-6
The incoming batsman Simpson hit boundaries off three successive deliveries but he was caught on the boundary line.
Now seven wickets down at 156 the odds favoured the County.
Gradually Adil and Bryden closed on the two hundred mark both hitting cover drives. Adil glided through gully to get to that and 226 became a possibility.Two more fours School to 214 but then a ball to Adil shot only inches high to bowl him. The tension mounted as only singles were scored. Then a full toss was crashed to the boundary by Bryden and the scores were level. The excitement continued when a skier fell between two fielders but next ball also skied was caught. 125-9
The batsmen had crossed so Bryden was on strike to drive the wiinning shot through cover.
Result Durham School won by 1 wicket.
Durham County U.!7's 225-5 (Bousfield 26, Seymour 50, Martin 76*, Simpson 1-16, Hall 1-32, Griffin 1-17)
Durham School 2w29-9 ( Hall 176, Simpson 18, Hardy 61, Adil 64,(11x4) Bryden 34*)

Will Cleaver, a former captain of cricket, watching informed me that it had been a long time since we had beaten the County.U.!.7 side.
Godfrey Clark O.D and his son Chris Clark O.D.came to watch.
Hardy and Adil both fifteen years old had shown great determination with support from Hall, Simpson and Bryden who repeated his Woodhouse Grove exploits to bring about the win..

The next games are away to R.G.S. on Wed. start 1 p.m. and the M.C.C, on the Playground on Thursday start 11.30.a.m.
On Saturday the first XI play Ashville College in Harrogate followed by King's Worcester on Sunday and Old Swinford Hospital on Monday, both away games.

Weather Sunny 60F
Wicket Firm
Toss Woodhouse Grove won it and asked Durham to bat.
Format 50 overs each.

A tedious journey through the outskirts of Leeds. Caravan convoys and funeral corteges were out in force on my route but this is the first time I have been behind a bed race. Their ground has a significant slope and overlooks a pretty wooded valley.
Durham had a dreadful start losing both openers in the first two overs. 2-1-4-2
Hall and Robinson stabilised matters with the former hitting the first aggressive shot when he square cut for 4 in the 9th over. A change of bowling came in the 11th over and Robinson clipped to the boundary off his legs.12-2-33-2
There was a nine ball over in the 18th but with the score 68 Hall was bowled for 32 with the last ball of that. Two balls later Robinson was bowled by the spinner.19.2-68-3/4.
A maiden over was followed by a wicket maiden 22-6-68-5 when Adil was caught and bowled. A wide ball was chased by Hardy to give Durham the first run for 5 overs.
The spinner was getting turn during an eventful over with one low another wide and three runs off the last ball of the 25th.
Jaques was out to the first ball of the next 26-6-78-6 and Hardy(9) was caught at cover so School went to lunch at 84-7.
Griffin brought up the hundred with a pull over mid wicket, then he came down the wicket to hit over the bowlers head and his third four of the over was a tickle past the absent slip Simpson(11) hit two thumping fours adding 37 with Griffin before Simpson was bowled..School had reached 121 before losing the eighth wicket. 38-6-124-8
Brydon joined Griffin but the next over was another maiden as was the 44th. Griffin hit a boundary through mid wicket and Brydon through cover and in the 47th they added 12 runs. Together they had 150 on the board with Griffin reaching his 50 with a well judged single. He was out caught at mid off in the penultimate over. The stand was worth 44. 49-8-165-9.
Brydon hit another four to end 27 not out. The innings closed at 50-8-171-9.
Durham had a wicket in the second over when Brydon caught Dissanayake off Gaff in a wicket maiden 2-1-4-1
Hall followed this with a maiden but Hardaker and Fairbanks played carefully with Gaff's figures for his opening spell 6-3-8-1.
Brydon having been hit for 11 in his first over took a wicket in his second when Fairbanks (19) was well caught at point.
Tea was taken at 18-4-73-2 and what a tea. Scones with jam and cream, cream buns and sandwiches galore.. Thank you.
Back on the field Hardaker and Hewitt progressed but Adil brought on took a wicket in his first over when Jaques caught Hardaker (see below) high with both arms outstretched. 25-4-131-3.
Hewitt hit a huge six and several fours in his not out 58 as Woodhouse Grove attained the target. 30-4-172-3
Result Woodhouse Grove won by 7 wickets.
Durham 171-9 (Hall 32, Robinson 23, Griffin 51, Brydon 27*, Hewiit 2-23, Dissanayake 1-41, Hartley 1-20, Marsden 3-8, Worrall 1-40)
Woodhouse Grove (Hardaker 78, Hewitt 58*, Fairbanks 19, Gaff 1-8, Brydon 1-26, Adil 1-26)

Woodhouse Grove are having a splendid season winning seven and losing only to Manchester Grammar School,
Griffin produced a much needed fifty, Gaff bowled well and three super catches were held, and we got Hardaker out for only 78
Arnie Sidebottom their coach confirmed that Oliver Hardaker hit what is probably the world record in a forty over game scoring 329 off 144 balls. It was in a Sunday league game.

The match to be played against King's Tynemouth is now an U.16 game. Start 11.30 a.m. 19/6/10
The first XI play Durham County U.17's on Sunday 20/6/10 start 11 a.m.

Weather Cloudless blue sky 20C
Toss Ampleforth to bat
Wicket Straw coloured hard.
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.

Hall had Thurman caught at slip by Ritzema with his fourth ball.1-0-2-1 and his second over was a maiden.
After nine overs Ampleforth were 23-1 but they scored 14 in the tenth and reached 50 in the eleventh as Robinson and Prest
overcame the loss of an early wicket. A bowling change rested Hall with figures of 7-1-20-1 in his spell.
Runs came steadily to take the score to 80 off 20. Although Simpson had a confident shout for l.b.w in the 22nd over
the batsmen were generally untroubled on what seemed to be a good batting strip. Both batsmen had their half centuries when Adil bowled Robinson(51) leg stump just before lunch. 30-3-114-2. Lunch taken at 34-3-123-2. Temperature now 24C.
Immediatelyafter the break Hall took the wicket of Black (1) 35-3-124-3 and followed that with another wicket in his next over when the batsman flashed at a wide ball and was caught in the gully. 37-3-133-4.
Prest(67) was next out caught behind by Robinson in Hall's third over after lunch.. 39-3-139-5
Ampleforth lost their 6th wicket when Ainscough(4) was bowled by Burdon. 45-4-145-6
Burdon had Crosse l.b.w in the 49th over 49-4-155-7
Gaff took the next wicket 164-8 and the ninth wicket bowling McCormick 56-5-177-9
This was a promising position for School but Ramsey who ended with 50 n.o. batted well shielding the last man and taking the Ampleforth total to 210-9 after 63 overs to the frustration of Durham. Tea was taken at 63-5-210-9.
An estimated 42 overs remained a requirement of exactly five an over.
Ritzema and Burdon opened and with some positive batting had 53 on in the 10th over in which Ritzema hit three consecutive boundaries.. Durham lost their first wicket when Ritzema was given l.b.w. after considerable thought by the umpire. 13-0-70-1
Three overs later Hall(8) was bowled middle stump. 16-0-82-2
Drinks were now taken and at the resumption Hardy glanced to the third man boundary and Burdon added two with a glide down leg. 21-1-100-2. The next over added six so 105 runs were needed from 20 overs.
The batsmen were restrained by some accurate bowling and good fielding before Hardy(23) was stumped in the 8th over of 20.
The progress was slow eleven runs only from the next six overs and Burdon was caught 34-1-140'-4(12th of 20).
The pressure mounted Robinson was caught behind 141-5 and Adil was caught trying to pull a full toss.141-6
A win was now unlikely eighteen were added in the final six overs which Jaques and Simpson negotiated to the finish.
Durham finished batting 42-1-160-6.
Result Match drawn.
Ampleforth 210-9 (Robinson 50 ,Prest 67, Ramsey 50*, Hall 4-44,Gaff 2-41,Burdon 2-53, Adil 1-17.)
Durham 160-6 (Ritzema 39, Burdon 30, Hardy 23, Hawkson 2-25 )
It was improbable that School could repeat the heroics of the Barnard Castle run chase. Once we had lost the wickets of our quick scoring batsmen we had too few overs left.

The U,14 A team won. Ampleforth 74, Durham 75-4
It is now half term.
The next scheduled game for the First XI is against Durham Pilgrims on the Playground on June 9th start 11.30 a.m.
followed on Sat.12 June against Woodhouse Grove away start 11.30 a.m.

Toss Durham asked Newcastle to bat.
Wicket Good
Weather Sunny 14C
Format 20/20 National Competition.

With 12 runs from the 4th over and 15 from the 6th R.G.S.started well. A six had gone into the roadside trees, followed by a four hit over the bowlers head. Becoming confident Shafiq (19) tiried to take a quick single to Ritzema at short cover. Swooping he picked up and threw in hitting the stumps to give Durham the first wicket. 7-0-55-1
Hardy bowling spin took the place of the seamer and had Jobson caught on the boundary by Gaff.12-0-88-2.
Hardy had a further success in his next over when Cording hit hard to extra cover. Forbes half caught a stinger, nearly dropped it and with a further attempt at juggling took a difficult catch. 14-0-148-3.
R.G.S.had been 118 off 16 but they addad another 43 in the last four losing Guy run out by Hall diverting a straight drive off his own bowling onto the stumps. 20-0-161-4.
Schools innings began inauspiciously the batsman chasing a ball down leg into the hands of backward square. 1-0-1-1.
A leg bye gave Ritzema the strike and he hit the remaining four balls through cover,off his legs,past mid off and then mid on all for four.Durham were ahead of the run rate. Unfortunately he was l.b.w.in the third over. 3-0-25-2.
Adil hit a six but was also l.b.w 9-0-60-3 and with six added Jaques was another leg before victim.10-0-66-4
Robinson was batting well but consistently losing partners. Dennis was stumped. 13-0-78-5.
A six off his legs by Robinson brought up 103 but trying to force the pace he was caught at cover.15-0-106-6.
Hardy was stumped, Simpson and Gaff bowled. 110-7,111-8,122-9.
The last over brought 12 runs with Adamson thrashing a flat six into the sightscreen. 20-0-139-9
Result R.G.S. won by 22 runs.
R.G.S.161-4 (Jobson 55, Cording 45, Hawks 25*, Hardy 2-23)
Durham 139-9 ( Robinson 50)
Newcastle had a good start and were able to capitalize on that giving the bowlers something to defend.
Durham had only three overs where they scored double figures.
We wish Newcastle good luck in the rest of the competition.

Weather Cloudy,dry 12C
Toss Barnard Castle chose to bat.
Wicket Good
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.

G.Upton was caught at point in Gaff's second over. This was a wicket maiden.
Together with Hall he shared an opening spell of 14 overs six maidens eighteen runs and one wicket both bowlers regularly just passing the off stump.
Wilson who had two hundreds already this season brought up the 50 with a 6 from a full toss in the 21st over. Six overs later Simpson got Newton(25) l.b.w 27-6-75-2.
Wilson now had a life being dropped off Burdon in the gully.
The hundred was reached in what was now warm sunshine. 32-6-102-2
Two square cuts to the line by Wilson took B.C. to lunch 34-6-120-2
Gaff and Hall returned to the attack but were not so parsimonious as Wilson continued to score boundaries.
however Gaff had success in the 41st over bowling B.Upton (29) leg stump. 44-7-171-3
Adil came on to bowl in the 50th over and had a wicket with the first ball of his second over bowling Marlow(14). A maiden by Forbes in the next over then Adil produced another beauty the ball swinging in then cutting back: this gave him figures of 3-1-6-2 as B.C. went to 200-4 and 204-5.
With 54 overs gone a declaration looked imminent but Wilson was still there and the visitors batted on.
Simpson bowled Rom .59-9-239-6, then McGlashan caught Robertson off Burdon 62-9-358-7
Another over and Barnard Castle declared at 262-7 off 63 overs with Wilson 154 not out. Tea was taken.
With a maximunm of 43 overs to be played it appeared that B.C. had left insufficient time to bowl Durham out and too few overs for School to get the runs.
Ritzema and Burdon started positively with Burdon hitting three fours in one over. After 5 Durham had 36 on the board.
Runs came apace with Durham at 81 before Burdon was out caught. 11-0-77-1
Hall joined Rizema who clipped a four off his legs Hall not to be outdone hit a six to Big School and swept off his legs. Together they added 43 in 4 overs despite the Barnard Castle frequent field adjustments.
As time ran out Ritzema top edged and was caught. Then Adil was leg before. 20-0-141-3.
The last twenty started with School needing 122, only 4 came from the first two but Hal took 11 from the next.
Then Hall was out caught on the very edge of the ground going for a six. This over became a wicket maiden. 25-1-158-4.
The pressure was on the middle order. Robinson and Jaques added 31 in 3 overs. 29-1-192-4. nine overs gone.
Two cover drives from Robinson, a single then a glance by Jaques brought 13 from the 31st over.
Robinson was caught at mid off and Durham were 5 down. 32-1-208-5 twelve overs gone. With only a single from the 33rd over of the innings 54 were now required from 8 overs.
The tension affected both teams, a cover drive by Jaques brought 4 then another attempted hit fell between the fielders, a four was hoisted over deep cover and a single by Jaques turned into five with four overthrows and Durham had 14 from the 37th(!7th) over. The ask had become only 14 from 3 overs. Dennis who had contributed 31 of the stand for the sixth wicket won the game with a six over square leg. School had attained the target in 39.2 overs. The eighteenth of the last twenty.
Result Durham School won by 5 wickets.
Barnard Castle 262-7 ( Newton 25, Wilson 154*, B.Upton 29, Gaff 2-37, Simpson 2-46, Burdon 1-34, Adil 2-27)
Durham 264-5 ( Ritzema 60,Burdon 30, Hall 41, Robinson 38, Jaques 29*, Dennis 31*)
A tremendous team effort with only 39 overs batting.

17/5/10 National 20/20 Competition
R.G.S. 161-3, Durham 139-9 details later.
The first XI play Ampleforth College away on Sat.22/5/10 start 11.30 a.m.

The next round of the National 20/20 competition will be played on Monday start 5 pm against R.G.S. Newcastle.

School were initially cautious but from the 7th over Ritzema and Hall piled on the runs to reach 100 in the 14th over. Rapid progress continued and five sixes were hit. Ritzema was bowled by the last ball of the penultimate over for 51. 19-0-175-1
Hall was caught on the cover boundary for 103. 20-1-175-2 and the innings closed at 178-2.
This should have been easy to defend but such are the vagaries of this short game that containment is crucial. The Blaydon openers took 31 off the first three overs and the pressure never relented.
After 5 they were 55 and although the pace slowed getting to the hundred in the 11th over from which they took 17, it was followed by 14 and 13 in the next two.With the total 109 Gaff took a running catch off Brown.11-0-109-1
Mitchinson bowled an economical over for two runs but the impetus was with Blaydon with overs and wickets to spare.
The visitors lost their second wicket to a run out by Hall 16-0-152-2. A couple of sixes more and it remained for Whitfield to attain his hundred with a six and win the match.

Result St. Thomas More School won by 8 wickets.
Durham School 178-2 ( Ritzema 51, Hall 103)
St. Thomas More School 180-2 (Whitfield 100*)

This had been heaven for the batsmen but hell for the bowlers and fielders.
A dispassioate spectator would have enjoyed the runfest. Well chased Blaydon.

Rugby
Michael Stephenson O.D. who was capped three times for England on the wing is out of contracr at Bath and is moving to Leeds Carnegie according to today's Times.

Cricket
Durham School 178-2 (20 overs) , St. Thomas More School 180-2
The next game is v Barnard Castle on the Playground on Saturday 15/5/10 start 11.30 a.m. and School play R.G.S in the National 20/20 Competition on Monday at School start 5 p.m.

Ian Howie O.D. (75-80) and Martin George O.D. (75-80) rowed in the final of the coxless pairs at Durham Regatta.

Rugby
Geoff Parling O.D who plays at Leicester has been selected for the England squad of 44 to go to Australia in the summer.
Michael Young O.D. is selected for the England Saxons.

Weather Cold 8F Umpires in thermals.
Wicket Firm
Toss Won by Newcastle who asked Durham to bat.
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.

Newcastle had a wicket in the first over. 1-1-0-1
After ten overs School were 28-1 with the visitors bowlers moving the ball off the seam. A change of bowler nearly got a wicket when Ritzema was given not out to an l.b.w appeal.
Patiently Ritzema and Burdon accrued the runs until the twentyfifth over when Burdon released two boundary shots. Harms bowling off spin was pulled to square leg by Ritzema who had fifty then Harms had Burdon caught by
Cording at cover taking the ball one handed arm outstretched. A fantastic effort. 28-5-87-2
Runs came more quickly now with Hall hittng two fours and the first six. In the 37th over Ritzema tempted by a bouncer pulled high to leg where the fielder positioned there made no mistake.37-5-126-3.
Six runs came from the 39th over and School went in for lunch comfortably placed at 140-3. Hall 33* Adil 8*
Hall played a deft glance for four and Adil had a boundary with a straight drive but in the 43rd over he was leg before for 18.43-5-158-4
Hall hit another six for his fifty but was out top edging trying to pierce the defensive field setting. 51-7-175-5 and R.G.S had another next ball 175-6.
The 54th over was a double wicket maiden 177-7/8
The middle order had collapsed. Gaff coming in at ten hit out scoring mostly boundaries before being caught for 25.
Durham all out for 212.
After taking ten from the first over R.G.S were restrained by Gaff with his first four overs conceding only four runs. (3 maidens).
He took the first wicket with the last ball before tea having Pearson(3) l.b.w. 8-3-30-1
The R.G.S. captain Cording joined Shafiq who reached his 50 in the 21st over with a four driven through long on. Cording had his half century in the 24th over but was dropped at slip off Brown.
Despite both batsmen batting with confidence Gaff induced a mishit and a frantic leap by Simpson got close to a catch. That was the nearest to a wicket School came as Newcastle surpassed our score with Cording 103 not out.

Result R.G.S. won by nine wickets.
Durham School 212 ( Burdon 30, Ritzema 68, Hall 53, Gaff 25, Adil 18, Mackay 3-35, Guy2-53, Pearson 2-53, Zidai 2-24, Harms 1-9)
R.G.S 213-2 ( Shafiq 83*, Cording 103*, Gaff 1-37)

New fixture

First XI v St Thomas More School. Wed. 12/5/10 on the Playground start scheduled for 1.30 p.m.
Durham will play R.G.S. in the next round of the National 20/20 Competition details later.

4/5/10 National 20/20 Competition
Durham School v Barnard Castle School on the Playground..

Weather Dull, light rain which disappeared replaced by bright sunshine for a late start.
Toss Captain Ritzema won it decided to bat changed his mind and fielded.
Wicket Slow
Format 20/20 using a special Pink Ball. This will be used by all those participating in the competition

The start was delayed and 11 runs came from tjhe first 14 balls.Huck (10) thrashed a ball from Hall to cover where Ritzema took a stinging catch. Next ball Hall clean bowled Marlow. 3-0-13-2
Hall had a further success in his third over bowling Upton. 5-0-18-3.
A ball from Simpson took the edge of Wilson's(11) bat and Robinson held the catch behind. 8-0-30-4
The visitors hit 12 off the 9th over and 8 off the 10th then a skier went to 3rd man where Burdon caught it giving Simpson a second wicket. 10-0-50-5
Bryden snapped up a forceful drive flinging the ball back to run out Robertson(14) 13-0-63-6
Burdon had ten taken from his first over but got two wickets in his next.16-0-81-7/8
Another sharp return from Gaff ran out another then Robinson stumped Thorpe 82-9 then 85 all out in the 19th over.
Ritzema drove the last ball of the first over for four and took 14 from the 4th.
Hall had two boundaries in the 6th over but was bowled by Robertson in the next and the bowler had Robinson l.b.w . 7-0-43-1/2
Ritzema continued to dominate as Durham scored 15,8 and 8 in overs 10,11 and 12.
A four took the scores level and a six into the diggings finished the game in the 13th over.

Result Durham won by eight wickets.
Barnard Castle 85 (Hall 3-9, Bryden 1-18, Simpson 2-16, Burdon 2-16)
Durham 91-2 (Ritzema 43*)

The next game is on the Playground Sat. 8/5/10 start 11.30 a.m. v R.G.S. Newcastle

1/5/10 Durham School v Sedbergh School at Sedbergh.
Weather Sunny,10 F. See later.
Toss Durham who decided to bat.
Wicket a well prepared strip. Green and damp. Consensus was that it would give seamers some help early on.
Format 20 overs frrom 5.30 p.m
.
The cricket ground looked picturesque in the sunshine surrounded by the hills.
School made a disastrous start. McLuskie's first over was a maiden, then Nicholson took his first wicket from the other end in the fourth.. 4-1-3-1.An attempted hook off Mcluskie did not carry
and Ritzema was caught at backward square leg.. 5-1-10-2
Robinson(10) glanced for a four but was l.b.w. two balls later. 7-1-16-3
Hall(11) took 10 off Nicholson's 4th over but was out l.b.w. in the 10th to Chapples wicket maiden. 10-2-31-4
Adil and Jaques had ten overs interspersed with maidens 10, 12 and 10 in the 13th, 15th and 17th respectively adding fifty..
Durham lost Jaques(9) in the 21st over caught by Raglan off Davis. 21-4-83-5. The sun was still shining at this time.
Adil who had looked the most comfortable against some fine bowling hit the first boundary for 8 overs and Dennis followed suit with a strike over the bowlers head.but he was bowled next ball. 29-5-105-6.
With only one added Simpson was l.b.w to Raglan.30-5-105-7
The weather had deteriorated and rain squalls were visible to the east.
Lunch was taken at 33-5-108-7 with Adil 34 n.o.
The resumption was attempted but as soon as the umpires went out the rain intensified and further play looked unlikely. At 4.22p.m the umpires decided to try once more in the drizzle. An 80 over game was the intention.
Adil was out almost immediately trying to hit over long on. 35-5-115-8
Only two more runs were scored and Durham were all out in the 39th over for 117.
Sedbergh had bowled well but they still had to bat on this wicket in the rain.
Hall had a wicket with his fourth ball when Chapples played on.1-0-2-1 and Gaff bowlrd a maiden from the other end.
This was the last cause for celebration as the Sedbergh batsmen took no risks steadily accumulating runs.
Tea was taken at the end of the ninth over. 9-1-34-1
Then Bell and Benn set about the Durham bowlers striking the ball to all corner scoring 86 in 11 overs. During this a nick went through the slips and another ball was chipped over the head of point.The Durham total was surpassed with two pulls square of leg and a final boundary over midwicket. Sedbergh 20-1-120-1
Result Sedbergh won by 9 wickets.
Durham School 117 (Adil 37, Dennis 18, McLuskie 4-34, Nicholson 1-19, Chapples 1-7,Davis 1-26, Thwates 1-19, Raglan 2-10)
Sedbergh School 120-1 ( Bell 70*, Benn 44*, Hall 1-38)
Sedbergh had bowled and batted well mastering the conditions which during the afrernoon were wet, miserable, cold and virtually unplayable but credit to the umpires who stated they had come to play.
Sedbergh who were not responsible for the weather were as usual generous hosts.

Weather 19C
Wicket dry
Toss won by Yarm who decided to bat.
Format 20/20 National Competition

Yarm had 45 runs from nine overs then McGlashan took two wickets in his second over.10-0-52-2
Simpson got the third wicket when Treman hit the ball hard, fast and low back to him. 13-0-57-3
Burdon bowled the 16th over. He was hit for 6 on his third ball but then took 2 wickets in 2 balls. The six was hooked cleanly but attempting to repeat the shot the ball went to square leg where Jaques ran back to make the catch. He turned the next ball and bowled Ellighi.16-0-78-4/5
Simpson bowled Thomas 17-0-79-6 and Sharma slapped a delivery from Hall to Hardy at mid on. 18-0-84-7
Yarm added 28 in the last two overs with Mujud hitting a six off the last ball although they lost a wicket to a run out doing that on 106. 20-0-112-8
Ritzema and Hall opened the innings. With a ten ball over in the second and Ritzema taking three fours off the third Durham were 51 off 4.
Seventeen runs came from the sixth over including a six off a no ball =7.
Hall at the other end hit hard through the hands of point then smacked four past long on.
With the total 106 Ritzema scooped the ball back to be caught and bowled.10-0-106-1
His 63 runs included 1x7, 1x6 and 11x4. Hall had 3x4 in 23*
Robinson(9*) took a single then played two leg glances for 4.

Result Durham School won by 9 wickets.
Durham play Barnard Castle in the next round on Tuesday on the Playground start 3.30 p.m.
Yarm School 112-8 (Conway 22, Mujud 22* Hall 1-23,McGlashan 2-11, Simpson 2-10, Burdon 1-6)
Durham School 115-1 (Ritzema 63, Hall 23*)

Other news.
In 1984 at this time Charlie Spedding O.D. (65-70) won the London Marathon.
Ross Chapman in the Shell is a jockey and won his first race recently.

Toss Loretto who elected to bat.
Weather sunny 15C
Format 20 overs from 4.45 p.m.
Wicket dry.

School started well with two maidens. The fourth was another by Gaff then Simpson had the opener caught by Hardy. 5-3-5-1.
Two overs later he had another wicket this time caught at slip. 8-3-8-2
Simpson went for nine in his fifth over when Loretto hit two fours but Gaff struck again. He had been bowling consistently just wide of off stump and the batsman got a touch it went to slip where Ritzema took it arms outstretched. 10-3-18-3
A boundary from an inside edge just missing the stumps then a nick wide of gully took the score to 27 then Simpson knocked back the middle stump 27-3.
An edge to long leg added 3 but Ritzema caught the next. 27-4, 30-5
The opening spell by Gaff and Simpson was 14-3-36-5.
Now the bowling was from Bryden and Burdon. Robinson made a smart stumping off Burdon 18-5-47-6 and followed that with a catch behind from Bryden's bowling. 19-6-47-7.
With one added Burdon secured an l.b.w. 20-7-48-8 and in the 22nd over the batsman played on. 22-7-53-9.
Batting last the Loretto 'keeper was just taller than the stumps but he played with considerable determination and with his partner took the score to 70 before he prodded forward to a close catcher. 30-8-70-10
School lost their first wicket with 7 scored.2-0-7-1 and lunched at 5-0-18-1.
Burdon hit two immaculate straight drives after lunch.
Wayne Ritzema O.D.(87-92) arrived with his baby son just in time to see his brother James pull a six in the 7th over. The 50 came in the 10th over and Loretto's total was supassed in the 13th.

Result Durham School won by nine wickets
Loretto School 70 (Simpson 3-23, Gaff 2-8, Bryden 1-8,Burdon 4-14,)
Durham School 71-1 (Burdon 24*, Ritzema 39*)

Weather sunny 15C
Toss Durham elected to bat.
Format 40 overs late start at 2p.m.
Wicket slow greenish tinge.

Burdon and Ritzema took score to 36 in the first six overs. Then Ritzema (19) was bowled by the first ball of the tenth. 10-1-44-1
Robinson(28) began positively with a square cut and two more to the ropes before he was l.b.w 19-1-91-2
Burdon(37) was caught and bowled off the first ball following drinks. 21-2-95-3
Adil(21) hit a six over the pavilion then nearly played on but stopped the ball with his hand and was out handling the ball.25-3-110-4
The School's innings stalled with only 36 runs scored in the next 10 overs. After 35 Durham were 35-4-146-4
and a competitive total looked unlikely. Dennis and Jaques raised the tempo with a clip for 4 by Dennis and two fours hoisted over square leg by Jaques 22 coming from the 36th and 37th overs.
Dennis(20) was out in the 38th but this brought in Simpson(19*) who blasted his run from 6 balls taking Durham to 194-5.
At the tea interval I saw the lunch menu for St. George's Day sausage with onion mash, steak and ale pie or fish and chips. I don't remember food like that in the good old days. We had rationing.
Gaff bowled three maidens in his first four and Simpson was equally parsimonious getting a wicket in his third 6-3-15-1
Giggleswick had reached 70 in the 17th for the loss of Mitchell when McGlashan joined the attack. The second and third balls of his first over were crashed to the boundary then he had Illingworth(50) athletically caught
by Simpson at point and clean bowled the next man next ball. 18-5-78-4/5
Drinks taken at 20-5-85-5.
Twenty runs came from the next three overs then Burden had Read(27) caught at cover by Mitchinson. 23-5-105-6
Gaff had a wicket maiden to bowl Davidson(32) 29-6-123-7
By the 34th over Giggleswick were 137 and needed 58 from 6.
School appeared to be in control but aggressive batting 7,17,7,10 and 8 took the visitors close. An attempted boundary was skied to backward gully off Simpson to be caught by Ritzema 182-8.
Giggleswick fell 4 short in the last over at 191-8.
Result Durham School won by 3 runs.
Durham School 194-5 ( Burdon 37,Ritzema 19, Robinson 27, Adil 21, Jaques 37*, Dennis 20, Simpson 19*, Mitchell 2-39, Read 3-28)
Giggleswick School 191-8 Read 27, Illingworth 50, Davidson 32, Gaff -19, Simpson 2-28, McGlashan 2-26, Bryden 1-40, Burdon 1-34, Mitchinson 1-53)

28/4/2010
Yarm 112-8 (20 overs), Durham 115-1 (10 overs)
The reports v Lorretto and Giggleswick will be posted by Friday as will a brief report on todays game.
On Saturday we play at Sedbergh start 11.30 a.m.

24/4/10 Durham 194-5 (40 overs), Giggleswick 191-8. Durham won by 3 runs.
25/4/10 Lorretto 70, Durham 71-1. Durham won by 9 wickets.
Reports in preparation.
Those wishing to find other school cricket results should go to www.schoolscricketonline.co.uk
The Times does not publish these.

21/4/10 Durham School v Durham 6th Form Sports College

Toss Won by School
Format 20/20
Wicket Slow
Weather Sunny 11F

School stuttered to 104-7 against some disciplined and accurate bowling (Hamilton 4-2-5-3 and Stevenson 4-1-14-3)
Captain Ritzema made 47 and Jaques 26.
The College knocked off the runs in the 16th over without loss. Davis 62* and Sevenson 24*
We play them again in a 50 over match later in the season.
On Sunday the game v Lorretto starts at 11.30 a.m.

Results from practice matches
South Northumberland 182 50 overs
Durham School 120
Michael Turns O.D. last years captain was there having had a successful winter in Australia winning a trophy.

Durham School 193-8 40 overs
South Shields 150-3 30 overs D/L
Dr A. Muchall opened the batting to score 47. His son Gordon Muchall O.D. who was a member of the County Championship winning squad with Durham C.C.C. came to watch and brought his 6 month old son Adam along.
Paul Muchall O.D. is now on the ground staff at Lords.

Rugby

Oliver Stedman O.D.(2006/7) played for England Under 19's v France. England won 37-34
Garath Archer O.D. (1990/5) won the Great Britain heavyweight indoor rowing championship.

Announcement

Durham School will host the inaugural tournament between the four oldest school rugby clubs on 23rd October.
Those participating will be Cheltenham College, Rugby School, Sherborne School and Durham School.
There will be a players dinner on 22/10 which will be addressed by Roger Uttley who won 23 caps for England.
The cup will be presented by the President of the Rugby Football Union.
Sky Television will be filming the event..

Cricket
The first game will be a 20/20 v Durham 6th Form College on the playground. Wed.21/4/10 start 3.30p.m. We play Giggleswick on Saturday 1 p.m. 24/4/10 and Lorretto on Sunday 25/4/10 both on the Playground.
Reports will be posted a.s.a.p.

The Headmaster and over 200 players,friends and parents were entertained by resumés from the captains of teams from U.12 to Joe Maw, captain of the 1st XV, following a delicious meal.
The guest speaker was Pete Browne (Newcastle Falcons, ex Gloucester) who had played for England Students whilst at Durham University.
The following presentations were made

Full Colours
L. Fraser
L. Hall
P. Phillips
E. Adamson
R. Griffin
J. Gaff
Z. McLuskey

Half Colours
J. Owen
F. Kirkley
B. Simpson
J. Douthwaite
J. Drysdale
L. Hagen
J. Corcoran
H. Pemberton

Colours for services to school rugby
S. Gimby
T. Newbould reawarded
J. Grant
B. Choi
S. Kime

County
U.15 Sam Hardy, David Elliott, Dominic Turnbull
U.16 Ben Simpson, George Robinson
U.18 Bradley Pears, Tom Kill, Edward Adamson, Robbie Griffin

3/3/2010 Durham School win Austin Friars Rugby VII's
7/3/2010 Durham School quarter finalists in North of England VII's
10/3/2010 Durham School lose in final to Sedbergh at Ampleforth VII's

The School 1st VII will play in the Ampleforth Sevens at Ampleforth on Wed. 10/3/10 start 12.30 p.m.
Congratulations to the R.G.S. Newcastle who have reached the final of the Daily Mail U 18 Cup.
They will play Whitgift School at Twickenham on March 31st.
All O.Ds will wish our local rivals good luck.

The Captain of cricket will be James Ritzema brother of Wayne Ritzema O.D. Draft fixtures are here: Cricket Fixtures 2010 - draft

Last weekend 6/7 Feb 2010, our rugby playing O.D.s had a busy time.
Michael Stephenson scored a hat trick for Bath.
Geoff Parling and Michael Young played in the Engand Saxons team that defeated Italy A.

Tom Kill (12) and Bradley Pears (12) have been selected for the North of England.
Joe Maw (13) and Scott Jordan(13) have been selected for the Northern Independent Schools Barbarians. Congratulations.

28/8 v Wharfedale Colts away won 28-8
05/9 v Mount St.Mary's away won 46-3
12/9 v Barnard Castle home lost 17-12
19/9 v R.G.S. Newcastle home won 15-10
26/9 v King's Tynemouth away won 61-24
03/10 v Dame Allan's away won 52-26
07/10 v Edinburgh Academy away lost 7-54
10/10 v Hymer's home lost 0-5
17/10 v Sedbergh home lost 5-38
21/10 v King's Tynemouth home won 33-0 Daily Mail Cup
07/11 v Ampleforth away won 15-5
11/11 v Dame Allan's home won 46-7 Daily Mail Cup
14/11 v Austin Friars away won 34-7
21/11 v Yarm home won 20-0
24/11 v Barnard Castle away lost 0-27 Daily Mail Cup
28/11 v Woodhouse Grove away won 14-10
05/12 v Pocklington home won 33-0

A fulfilling and exciting season with some notable results marred by the Edinburgh and cup match against Barnard Castle.
A tremendous game against Sedbergh brought little reward in points but we were proud of our efforts. Sedbergh have lost only twice in the last five years. Against Woodhouse Grove we defended heroically to keep them out. W.G had only lost once prior to our match. As you will see from the list beneath this was a young squad with two thirds returning next year. As usual we had injuries denying the fielding of our best players at times but this permitted the introduction of younger members of the squad. The Ist XV was led by example from the front by captain Joe Maw throughout the season. Well done.
Thank you to all the players who gave much pleasure during the term.

The following represented the School playing in the 1st XV

Joe Maw (13) captain
Bradley Pears (12) vice-captain
Joe Owens (12)
David Taylor (13)
Ben Simpson (11)
Lewis Fraser (13)
Pierce Phillips (12)
Joe Douthwaite (12)
Lewis Hall (12)
Robbie Griffin (12)
Jak Gaff (12)
Tom Kill (12)
James Ritzema (13)
Zac McCluskey (12)
Jamie Drysdale (12)
Scott Jordan (13)
George Robinson (11)
Henry Pemberton (12)
Josh Corcoran (12)
Alex Clewes (11)
Michael O'Brien (12)
Edward Adamson (12)
David Lyall *12)
and Head of School Tom Newbould who was injured and unable to play.

Again thank you for wonderful entertainment.
I wish everyone Good Luck, a Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.
I am going to Dunedin, New Zealand on Jan 2nd to see my grandchildren so the input will be minimal until I return in early February. Are there any O.D.s there? Get in touch with crazyhorsebell@aol.com. Fixtures and events can be ascertained from the school calendar available from the Bursar please include a s.a.e.

Barnard Castle defeated Giggleswick to reach the next round of the Daily Mail U.18 Cup but lost 10-46 to Sedbergh on 5/12/09.