The sun was out for the annual OH Cricket match v the current Hymers 1st XI at the Garden Party in July 2022.

OH captained by Nathan Leather batted first (as is tradition). For the first time in anyone’s memory, a father and son opened the batting for OH as last year’s 1st XI Captain George Clark and his dad, 2018 President Jonathan took to the middle. George succumbed the first ball to a viscous Hassan Jalil inswinger, but Jonathan steadied the ship with a top scoring 25 or 30 (don’t know exactly). Wickets fell regularly and OH were in a spot of bother at 72-5 after 10 overs. A couple of run-outs didn’t help the cause and the OH total of 133 looked 20 short of par.

Hymers 1st XI were always behind the chase due to some quick accurate bowling from Dan Leather, Matthew Fitzpatrick and then a deadly spell from Henry Sweeting. Still needing 27 off the final three overs, Captain Leather kept the field in and made some brave bowling changes which proved decisive as Hymers cleared the infield three of four times to secure victory with fours balls to spare.

The first win for Hymers in around ten years and the closest finish in a long while. A great game played in a wonderful spirit was enjoyed by all and the watching crowd including Chris and Anne Fitzpatrick and Ian Nicholls.

Thanks to Graham Tipping for umpiring and the kitchen staff for an excellent lunch. We’ll do it all again in 2023 when the OH will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Jonathan Clark, OH 1980-90