On a blistering summer’s day, a very youthful-looking Old Suttonian (OS) team took on a young 1st XI School team. With examinations in progress U15A players Arthur Genders, Jack Stanton-Gleaves and Max Savage made their 1st XI debut along with Fifth Former Barney Loxton-Barnard. After the sad passing of David Bunker, a veteran of Old Suttonian Cricket, in recent weeks, a new trophy was presented at the start of the game in memory of David, with the annual School fixture now competing for the  ‘The Bunker Cup'.

The OS won the toss and batted first on a good-looking wicket. Despite a few early wickets against a very strong OS team, a few dropped catches cost the boys dearly with Ben Leale-Green scoring a 100* and being well supported by ex-Australian gap student scoring a fine 80*. The declaration came 40 minutes after lunch with the OS closing on 273-4. 

With a daunting total to chase, against a strong attack which included old boy and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh, who is playing first class cricket in the West Indies, the boys knew that they were in for a tough afternoon. Despite losing some early wickets, the 1st XI kept battling away with a fine 57 from Tom Lazarides being the highlight for the boys.

A close finish left the 1st XI needing to bat out the final nine balls for a draw, which they managed to do, just. Eventually finishing on 159-9 with the spoils being shared in the inaugural ‘Bunker Cup’.

As always, it was a wonderful day, played in a tremendous spirit and it was great to see some old faces back and playing on Upper again.