Marlborough won the toss and elected to bat. George Adair started very well, crunching some superb drives in the first few overs. Andy Gough was unlucky to get bowled by their very tidy opening bowler. Soon the wickets started falling and it took some hard graft by James Hall and Tom Sharp to get us to lunch.

After lunch it was clear that we would limp to 150, but James Hall weathered a quite an aggressive display from their opener, who was bowling some very sharp bouncers and bodyline balls, but James showed what an old pro he is and stuck it out.

The innings ended at 158 all out and it would take a stellar performance from the bowlers to secure the victory.

The Queries did get off to quite a fast start, scoring fairly freely, but, in the third over George Adair produced an excellent pick up and throw from the covers to run out the opener. The very next ball Tom Sharp produced a jaffa to hit no3’s off-peg. We needed this momentum to continue if we wanted a chance of victory. But then some, fairly bad luck, first a Namibian international cricketer came to the crease, and there opening bat began riding his luck in a big way. This is when a team needs the chances to go their way, but they didn’t, he escaped many times through the slips in the next few overs before he finally went before tea. After the break, we needed some quick wickets as they were well on course to get the runs. Sadly this was not to be and their no.4 and 5 secured the win. The international cricketer made 50 and unfortunately James Oakden had him dropped off the 4^th ball he bowled to him in the last few overs. 

Cricketer Cup 2^nd Round 2010: Marlborough Blues v Sherborne Pilgrims, Sunday 4^th July 2010

Marlborough Blues 321 for 7 off 50 overs (E.Kilbee 118, G.Adair 69, J.Bill 52)

Sherborne Pilgrims 243 for 9 off 50 overs (A.Cunningham 3/23)

Blues win by 78 runs

Although there may be a thirty-two year age gap between them, Alec Cunningham and Ed Kilbee are both legends of Blues cricket. Both were simply outstanding in the 78 run second round victory over a strong Sherborne Pilgrims side which saw the Blues through to a quarter final place for the first time since 2006. The superiority of Kilbee with the bat and Cunningham with the ball was just too strong for the visitors in front of a sizeable crowd up on the XI.

Having won the toss and elected to bat the Blues posted 321 for 7, their highest score in the history of the competition. On his return from South Africa, having been absent for the first round, Kilbee set about building a masterful innings full of superb timing and controlled aggression. His striking of the ball to all parts of the ground was simply imperious as he notched up 118 from 116 balls. After he had shared a 3^rd wicket stand of 102 with fellow left hander George Adair, Adair was joined by the destructive Jamie Bill with the score at 217 for 3. The ruthless Bill proceeded to smash his way to a cameo 52 from just 28 deliveries. With Adair contributing a classy 69, the Blues lost quick wickets in the final few overs in a bid to add further quick runs.

Chasing over 6 an over the Pilgrims innings suffered a disastrous start as Marlborough’s Cunningham, now playing in his 5^th decade of the competition and the only survivor of the victorious 1980 side, struck twice in his first two overs. Coming in off two paces, moving the ball both ways and off the seam the experienced veteran was close to unplayable. Bowling through with figures of 10-2-23-3, he received an ovation from the Marlborough supporters as Sherborne struggled to 65 for 4 off their first 20 overs. Despite a brave effort from the visitors with their wicketkeeper contributing a valiant 89, the target proved out of reach as skipper Andy Gough, Will Caldwell, Archie Montagu-Pollock, and Jamie Bill all picked up wickets as they restricted the opposition to 243 for 9 off their 50 overs leaving the home side victorious by 78 runs.

The Blues continue their quest to end their ‘30 years of hurt’ in the competition with a demanding 3^rd Round tie away to the Oundle Rovers on Sunday 18^th July.

Team: Ed Kilbee, Mike Bush, Tim Marcon+, George Adair, Jamie Bill, Hughie Pike, Tom Morton, Andy Gough*, Will Caldwell, Archie Montagu-Pollock, Alec Cunningham

Cricketer Cup 2010 1^st Round: Marlborough Blues v Old Cliftonians

Old Cliftonians 153 all out off 44.2 overs (W. Caldwell 4/26, T.Morton 3/26)

Marlborough Blues 154 for 1 off 23.3 overs (T.Marcon 89*)

The Marlborough Blues cantered through to the 2^nd round of the Cricketer Cup sponsored by Rensburg Sheppards on Sunday with an emphatic win over the Old Cliftonians. The nine wicket victory sets up a home tie with the Sherborne Pilgrims on Sunday 4^th July for a place in the Quarter finals.

Having won the toss and batted the visitors looked promising at 86 for 1 off 18 overs as former county pros Nick Stovold and Matt Windows contributed to their healthy start. However in match changing spells the combination of left arm seamer Will Caldwell and off spinner Tom Morton turned the tables dramatically as Clifton capitulated to 93 for 8 off 29 overs. Clifton never recovered from this purple patch and largely due to a responsible 39 from David Graveney’s son they managed to stagger their way to 153 all out. Caldwell (10-4-26-4) and Morton (10-4-26-3) were the pick of the bowlers and there were also wickets for Alec Cunningham, Tom Montagu-Pollock and Harry MacDonald. The home side put in a very tidy fielding performance with some reliable catching supporting the tight bowling.

Chasing a modest target the Blues innings got off to a flyer with opener Jamie Bill flaying the new ball to all parts of the XI on his way to 21 from 15 balls. After Bill’s dismissal an undefeated partnership of 125 between Tim Marcon and Mike Bush saw Marlborough reach their victory target. Bush (31*) anchored the run chase, while the sublime Marcon tore into the visiting bowling attack with a breathtaking 89* from just 70 balls which included five sixes.

A special mention must go to Alec Cunningham who, by playing, marked his fifth decade of representing the Blues in this prestigious competition.

Team: Jamie Bill, Mike Bush, Tim Marcon+, George Adair, Hughie Pike, Tom Morton, Will Caldwell, Andy Gough*, Harry MacDonald, Tom Montagu-Pollock, Alec Cunningham. 

St Edward’s Martyrs 293 for 8 off 50 overs (H. Adair 3/41), (O. Bishop 3/50)

Marlborough Blues 131 all out off 38.3 overs (M. Bush 37)

Blues lost by 162 runs

The Blues surrendered their unbeaten record for the season with a heavy defeat away to the St Edward’s Martyrs on Sunday. Against a strong Teddies team, featuring several of their Cricketer Cup side, the Blues battled manfully, but were sadly no match for their hosts.

Rain to the Rescue: but the mid afternoon shower was not enough to save the Blues from a dismal defeat

Having won the toss and elected to bat, the strong St Edward’s line up set about building a healthy total on a flat wicket. At 124 for 1 off 22 overs the Martyrs looked ominous. However left arm seamer Henry Adair swung the game Marlborough’s way with two wickets in an over and he was ably supported by Ollie Bishop who removed the Home Counties League player with the first ball of his spell. Adair (3/41) and Bishop (3/50) were the pick of the bowlers, exploiting the humid conditions as the visitors enjoyed a spell of dominance in the lead up to the lunch interval. Although with wickets in hand, the Teddies middle order accelerated late on to post a competitive target of 293 for 8 off their 50 overs. Despite being under the cosh, the Blues spirit did not wane as they stuck to their task well. South African guest player Stuart Walters (2/49) finished strongly and the enigmatic Tom Clift took two splendid catches in the deep.

Chasing just under 6 an over, a heavy rain shower interrupted proceedings during the third over of the Blues innings. After an early tea was taken the St Edward’s opening bowlers profited from the damp wicket as the moisture provided plenty of difficulty for the Marlborough batsmen. A flurry of wickets fell forcing a dreadful collapse, which they were not able to recover from. The visitors were never in the hunt and only a ninth wicket stand of 52 between captain Bush (37) and Walters (24) salvaged some respectability.

Blue Skies and Happy Times: Cricket in Full Flow on the XI as the Blues take on the Sherborne Pilgrims

Marlborough Blues v Sherborne Pilgrims, Sunday 23^rd May 2010

Sherborne Pilgrims 274 all out off 47.1 Overs (T.Marcon 3/48, R.Hartley 2/58, F.Clarke 2/58)
Blues 277 for 4 off 49 Overs (M.Bush 85, F.Clarke 79, H.Pike 35)

Blues win by 6 wickets

The Blues continued their impressive start to the season with a 6 wicket victory over the Sherborne Pilgrims at Marlborough on Sunday. In glorious weather it was 2009 leavers Hughie Pike and Fraser Clarke who shone brightly (along with the sun!) on their debuts with valuable wickets and runs steering the home side to an emphatic win with an over to spare.

The cloudless skies provided a stunning setting on the XI as the sun beamed down on the peaceful Wiltshire countryside with the beautiful copper beeches perfectly still alongside the green roof of the iconic pavilion. Having lost the toss, the Blues were made to field first in the swelteringly hot conditions, but some tight bowling from opening pair Tim Marcon and captain Will Caldwell restricted the Pilgrims’ start with two early wickets. Sherborne recovered well and looked strong at 180/4 off 29 overs at lunch, however the spirit of the home side did not wilt in the heat after the interval. As the run rate slowed up the visitors lost wickets in quick succession with Tom Clift, Rupert Hartley and Clarke all making inroads. After a frustrating last wicket partnership of 64, the visitors were eventually dismissed for 274.

In response new boy Pike set the tone for the Marlborough innings with a flamboyant 35 from 32 balls. After a second wicket stand of 58 with his brother Andy (28), other opener Mike Bush was joined by Clarke with the score at 113/2. After a steady start Clarke’s attacking flare took the game away from Sherborne as he launched some punishing shots towards the pavilion boundary. After a century stand Bush (85) and later Clarke (79) were eventually out and it was left to Will Scott-Dalgliesh (18*) and Doug Clague (6*) to score the winning runs earning the Blues a comprehensive victory.

The Blues attempt to maintain their unbeaten record away at St.Edward’s before they host Clifton in the Cricketer Cup 1^st Round on 13^th June.

Old Wykehamists v Marlborough Blues, Sunday 16 May 2010

Match Drawn

Blues 266 all out (M Bush 91, A Cunningham 66, A Bush 46)
Old Wykehamists 152/6 (T Montagu-Pollock 2/25, A Gough 2/31)

Match abandoned due to rain

Rain ruined the Blues’ chances of victory in their early season fixture at Winchester. Despite a promising performance, the clouds, which had been threatening all afternoon, opened with a vengeance just before 6pm denying either side of the win they wanted.


Skipper Andy Gough (left) issues instructions as batsmen Mike Bush and Hugh Twort resume the Blues innings after lunch

Having won the toss and elected to bat Marlborough’s Mike Bush and Alec Cunningham made productive work of the host bowling attack with an opening stand of 144. After veteran Cunningham was out for 66 shortly before lunch, Bush continued to anchor the innings until he was alleged LBW nine runs short of a century. He was by his brother Andy who added a quick fire 46 with some lusty blows to the boundary. Henry Adair led a late surge as the Blues lost wickets in search of quick runs before being all out for 266 in 51.1 overs.

Some tight Blues bowling from Tom Montagu-Pollock (2/25) brought about a stuttering start for the Old Wykehamists. With the athletic Henry Adair patrolling the covers like a panther, further wickets followed for Cunningham, Alex Armstrong and two from skipper Andy Gough, leaving the home side struggling at 99 for 6. However a fighting partnership from Winchester’s McArthur (52*) and Hemingway (22*) took the score to 152 in the 34 over before the rain arrived leaving both sides cursing the early summer weather.

The Blues take on Sherborne (23rd May) and St Edward’s (6th June) before the first round of the Cricketer Cup against the Old Cliftonians on the XI on Sunday 13th June.

Blues hold their nerve to triumph in tight Twenty20 contest

The Blues made a winning start to their 2010 campaign with a narrow victory over the school in the annual Twenty20 fixture. The OMs were relieved to hear that the College were missing four players, including star batsmen Uzi Qureshi, after their fantastic 100% start to the season. In front of a healthy crowd on the XI the Blues posted 155 for 8 off their twenty overs. Andy Bush top scored with a hard hitting 46 (including 3 sixes) while brothers Hugo and George Adair both contributed 23 each. For the school Jack Bunting (4/14) was the pick of the bowlers.

Andy Bush crashes through the covers on his way to a quick fire 46.

After a brief rain interruption the nimble George Adair made early inroads to the College innings with an aggressive spell of new ball bowling, but an excellent partnership from Alex Kidwell (44) and Jack Bunting (48) put the school in sight of victory. However with overs running out and the run rate increasing some tight bowling from Rick Cowley and skipper Archie Montagu-Pollock pegged the school back. In the end Alex Wilson was bowled for a brave 21 attempting to hit the 6 runs required off the final ball leaving the Blues victorious by the narrow margin of five runs.

Archie Montagu-Pollock (Capt – C2 2000-05); Roddy Chisholm-Batten (LI 1986-91); Mike Bush (TU 1993-98); Rick Cowley (TU 1993-98); Andy Bush (PR 1995-2000); Tom Montagu-Pollock (C2 1996-2001); Ed Nicholson (SU 1997-2002); Al Edmonds (C1 1997-2002); Rupert Hartley (C1 1998-2003); Hugo Adair (C2 1999-2004) and George Adair (C2 2002-07)

There was a most enjoyable cricket match on Prize Day, 4th July 2009 between the Marlborough Blues and the School. Ed Kilbee (C2 2001-06), who is a student at the University of Cape Town, made a splendid century for the Blues who totalled 240 runs and, amazingly, the School were dismissed for 240 runs as well - the match ending in a tie! It really was a most exciting end to a very good match.