DESPITE losing two-and-a-half days to the weather the Victoria College 1st XI played some good positive cricket on their tour to the UK.
College played five matches, winning one, losing one and drawing three.
Only the top-order batting was a cause for concern while some of the younger players displayed promise that bodes well for the future.
Playing Bryanston in a one-day rather than a two-day match Victoria were put in to bat on a damp green pitch and scored 161 - Tom Minty played a captain’s innings with 71 including six 4s and one 6.
Bryanston batted in much easier conditions and were able to win comfortably despite some accurate bowling from Minty , Tom Wherry, Matthew Seymour and Lee Meloy.
At Wellington, near Taunton, Victoria won the toss and put Wellington in first.
They scored 206 for 7 declared - wicket takers being Simon Warren (three) Tom McAviney (two) and Nick Baxter and Hamish Maclachlan, recovered from a tummy upset, one apiece.
Victoria batted positively in their chase with Minty leading the way with an aggressive 63 (nine fours) and Maclachlan with a steady 62 not out (two 4s).
Chris Agathangelou contributed with a cheeky unbeaten 33 (three 4s) ensuring Victoria a good win.
King’s Worcester provided the opposition in the following match on their lovely ground next to the County ground.
Batting first Worcester were bowled out for 191.
Minty took four wickets for 41 runs, Wherry 3 for 38 and Maclachlan 3 for 43.
All bowled accurately and were backed up by some excellent fielding and catching with sub fielder Brett Pitman holding on to two good catches.
Victoria lost early wickets but were able to hold on for a deserved draw.
Minty (27) and Dan Lundy 21 not out were the top scorers as College finished on 108 for 8.
Eastbourne’s famous ground in front of the school provided the next venue, Eastbourne batted first to score 219 for 6.
Minty (3 for 25) and Seymour, Wherry and Maclachlan with one each took the wickets.
William Golder and Jonny Lee bowled some good deliveries in their spells.
Losing early wickets put Victoria’s chase back and only a steady innings from Maclachlan (34) and a maiden 50 from Pitman, who took advantage of some wayward bowling to hit four 6s and seven 4s, together with a stubborn knock from Meloy prevented Victoria from being bowled out.
The final match at Reigate Grammar was rain affected with the players on and off the field many times.
Victoria managed to score 165, an innings again dominated by Minty with 74 (five 4s), in difficult conditions before torrential rain brought the match to an end.
The College 1st XI conclude their season with matches against Eastbourne College on Thursday and the President of the OVA’s XI on Saturday.
Article posted on 6th July, 2004 - 12.00am
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