Taylorian

TAYLORIAN 2024

69 CR ICKET 69

U13A This year the U13As have proved to be a very strong side and very difficult to beat. We started with a preseason trip to Millfield Prep School, taking part in the Root Academy training days and playing fixtures against Grayshot Cricket Club and Millfield Prep. Both fixtures were well fought but strong performances by all boys resulted in pleasing wins to start the season. From there the team has continued its strong form with victories over Hampton, Berkhamsted and a Lord’s Youth Academy

Oxford could be defining moments in the season. The boys still have a long way to go in their cricketing journey here at MTS, but they have the potential to develop into a very strong side. Learning to play for each other and back each other up in tough moments will go a long way towards winning those tight games. Also, learning to take responsibility and not rely on others will improve the whole team; the boys are learning that a classy 20-30 runs, or 4 good balls in an over in not enough anymore, and good teams will punish you in these situations. A special mention goes to Rishi Mehta and Rishane Wijeratne, who have captained and deputised with maturity well beyond their years. They, and Rayaan Alibhai, have fully deserved their opportunities to play in more senior sides this term. I look forward to watching how all these boys develop in the future and wish them luck in their

side. The only blip so far is a narrow ten run defeat against Bedford Prep School, where our boys failed to take advantage of strong positions and force a win. St Albans away was of particular note: in an opening partnership, Rishane Wijeratne and Rayaan Alibhai both scored centuries. Looking ahead, we have 6 more fixtures with plenty of opportunities to develop further and showcase how strong this group of players can be. Tough games against Middlesex CCC U13 and MCS

cricketing journey. Mr S. de Weymarn

Squad: R. Mehta (Capt.), R. Wijeratne (Vice-Capt.), E. Affan, R. Alibhai, R. Bist, E. Chauhan, S. Datta, C. Mavin, S. Minhas, Y. Pail, A. Pillai, S. Sekhon, A. Thakur, O. Vaidya, R. Yaqub.

U12A

U13A The U12As have enjoyed great success this year. We started with a game against a strong Hampton side, which we won by 64 runs. Arjun Mehta scored the first 50 of the season, and there were also strong contributions from Yusuf Ashraf, Anay Chauhan and Ayngaran Muralitharan to take our total to 182-4. The batting line-up has proved a real strength of the team. Scores of 210 vs Haileybury, 214 vs St Albans,199 vs Berkhamsted and 182 vs Hampton in the four 25-over matches proved decisive. Mustafa, Yusuf, Arnav Tyagi and Arjun have all passed fifty, and several other players have been retired. The boys have put consistent pressure on opposition bowling attacks through quick and decisive running between the wickets, rotation of strike and some aggressive striking. The bowling attack this season has also been impressive. Yugo Fletcher and Gurnek Malli have taken the new

At the time of writing, we still have a number of challenging matches left to complete the season. This group of players has been a joy to coach this year. They are extremely talented but also have a great learning mindset. Mr M. Barrell Squad: M. Hussain, A. Mehta, A. Tyagi, A. Chauhan, Y. Ashraf, A. Muralitharan, Y. Fletcher, P. Paul, E. Beeby, J. Singh, G. Malli, K. Shah, D. Patel.

ball with lots of pace and movement while Kaylan Shah, Devya Patel and Arjun Mehta have also taken crucial wickets. The spinners have been a joy to watch. Arnav, Yusuf and Edward Beeby have bamboozled many batters with their leg spinners. Meanwhile, Josh Singh and Pravir Paul have bowled some unplayable spells. A special mention goes to Anay Chauhan who, in his first season as a wicketkeeper, has performed exceptionally well.