Taylorian

TAYLORIAN 2024

67

U15A

The season kicked off with an extraordinary pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which culminated in a memorable and fiercely contested match against Tonbridge. Aahil Bhasin and Ravin Abayawickrama were standout performers, each scoring crucial 50s. On the bowling front, Will Ford emerged as the leading bowler of the tour, consistently taking wickets and applying pressure on the opposition. His skill and accuracy were instrumental in the team’s success. The team’s momentum from the tour carried into the regular season, where they have continued to excel in their matches. The team secured impressive wins against Hampton School, marked by significant contributions from all players, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience. However, one of the highlights of the whole season was a six-wicket haul from Agastya Daphale, including a hat-trick! Parth Malhotra and Amay Mohan each scored magnificent 50s this season, underscoring their talent and importance to the team. U15B The U15B season started earlier than usual as the boys kicked off with a glamorous tour of Dubai over Easter. They returned with a respectable 2-2 record, which set the stage for an incredible winning run that would make even the most seasoned cricketers envious; the hope of cup glory is still in the squad’s thoughts. The initial assessment was that this is a ‘bowling team’. However, the lads have regularly made 150+ in 25-over games, with individual efforts from the swashbuckling Sid Embleton (67 vs Berkhamsted); Ayan Patel’s free-flowing 50 (vs St Albans), which was a lesson in patience and precision; and Avi Patel’s 41 (vs Zayed Academy), which was a display of sheer determination in difficult conditions. Meanwhile, Lakshya Sibbu’s 45 against Park High was a crucial, patient innings that steadied the ship and was the catalyst for our quarter-final win. The boys showed they are more than just a ‘bowling side’. The bowling was led by captain Nathan Bridge, who delivered an astonishing 5-9 (vs Haileybury), leaving the opposition wondering if they had accidentally walked into a magic show instead of a cricket match. His opening partner, Dhruv Patel, regularly proved that

Another of the season’s highlights was the journey to the Middlesex Cup final, where the team faced a formidable Harrow side. Despite a narrow loss in this hard-fought match, the team’s performance was commendable. They displayed grit and determination, pushing Harrow to their limits and showcasing their growth as cricketers. The U15As should be proud of their

achievements so far. As they look forward to the remainder of the

season, there is much anticipation and excitement about what they can achieve. Mr M. S. T. Hughes Squad: R. Abhayawickrama (Vice Capt.), Z. Waterman (W), A. Bhasin, P. Malhotra, A. Mohan, A. Daphale, S. Embleton, S. Spight, W. Ford (Capt.) R. Patel, E. Elliott, A. Parekh.

of legend. The tension was palpable, but Preyan kept his cool and delivered when it mattered most. In conclusion, the U15B cricket side had a season to remember. From the sun-soaked pitches of Dubai to the thrilling victories back home, the boys have met every challenge with a high level of skill and a healthy dose of humour. Here’s to more seasons of cricketing glory! Mr R. Y. Evans Squad: Y. Kotecha, N. Bridge, A. Patel, M. Wanniarachchige, M. Shah, P. Sen, D. Patel, A. Mohan, L. Sibbu, N. Patel, A. Patel, V. Sidhu, K. Bhuva, A. Goria, S. Embleton, A. Parekh.

he was difficult to play against at this level; batsmen were left scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to score. Finally, Aarav Parekh’s 4 for 3 against St Paul’s was a masterclass in bowling. Mihir Shah took what can only be described as the greatest catch ever. He leaped like a salmon and plucked the ball out of thin air, leaving everyone in disbelief. Yash Kotecha is the team’s ‘hype man’ but has done more than just talk the talk this season; he has 7 victims with the gloves in what has been a faultless season. His energy on the field has been infectious. The clutch moment of the year belongs to Preyan Sen, whose 3 wickets in the final over, defending just 11 runs against Berkhamsted, was the stuff