Today they faced the Antigua Combined Schools, and they were in for a real treat in terms of the venue. The game was played at the Antigua Recreational Ground which until 2009 was a West Indian Test and ODI ground. The ground is renowned as a superb batting pitch and saw both of Brian Lara's record breaking innings of 375 and 400not out (both against a sunburnrt England!).
Captain Harry Ibbitson lost the toss and the home side chose to make the pasty Englishmen take to the field in the midday sun. The Shiplake bowlers struggled for consistency on an excellent pitch and the Combined schools scored 202-5 from their 25 overs. Harry (5-1-17-0) bowled excellently but without luck bit did manage to halt the oppositions high run rate for a time. Each of Tom McCooke, Alex Bradley, Ruaridh Scott, Oliver May and Callum Boyd picked up a wicket.
The Shiplake response started well with Ed Farrar (8) striking two lusty blows to the boundary. Meanwhile Callum Boyd was busy accumulating on route to an aggressive 53. Captain Harry struggled to 7 before being bowled and then Oliver May scored 21 in a partnership of 63 with Callum. A flurry of wickets saw the score move from 99-2 to 123-7 before a late flurry from Tom McCooke (35 not out) and Alex Bradley (13 not out) taking us to 161-7 from our 25 overs.
Callum Boyd was named Shiplakes man of the match (above) for his 53 and also a useful bowling spell (1-19).
A 41 run loss but an enjoyable and competitive game at an incredible venue. No cricket tomorrow but two more games on Monday and Tuesday to look forward to.
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