Match Report

Alumni and current students gathered together on Friday 25 November for the annual John Bailey Trophy cricket match. The Old Boys team had players from the eighties (Joe Holyman) through to last year’s 1st XI, included in their number were eight A-graders and two former State representatives.  

The School batted first and were, at one stage, 7 for 45, however, a 74-run 8th wicket partnership between Tom Beaumont (Captain of Cricket) and Oscar Holyman allowed the 1st XI to score 128 (all out) in the 30th over. Tom ended up with the top score of 78 with wickets shared between the bowlers. George Maguire and Tristan Sheehan picked up two wickets each. 

After lunch, the Old Boys came into bat.  The top scores for the Old Boys were Alistair Taylor (29 not out) and Sam Elliston-Buckley (22). For the 1st XI, Maverick Gerrard was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 4 for 25 off his seven overs and Grade 8 student Noah Clayton took 3 for 25. 

In the end, the Old Boys took the win reaching 129 for 8. Many thanks go to Michael Purcell, for his continued support and energy, and to Alistair Taylor for his organization and captaining of the team. The 1st XI is very appreciative of the Old Boys who played, the opportunity to be a part of the John Bailey Trophy match against alumni who have gone on to excel in cricket is a great inspiration for the players.

Michael Purcell described the day as one with a “good pitch, good game and good speeches” with John Bailey presenting the shield and man of the match awards to Tom Beaumont and Alistair Taylor. Next year brings the centenary of the Savigny Bat in addition to the 19th iteration of the John Bailey trophy, we look forward to another great match and a reunion of cricketers from over the years.