After 16 months without a fixture, we were delighted to see the School playing matches again. Restrictions and lockdowns mean that it has been 23 months since our last cricket, tennis or athletics match, so the relief to see the pupils back out playing was immense.
On Thursday, the 1st XI managed to play half a cricket game against an Old Cranleighan side before the weather turned, which meant the game had to be abandoned. A huge thank you to the Old Cranleighans for putting together a team at such short notice.
On Saturday (with plenty of fingers being crossed that the weather would be dry), we put out 12 tennis sides (vs Seaford College), 12 cricket sides (vs Tonbridge), as well as U14, U15 and U16 Athletics teams to compete against Epsom College. Alongside this, we had internal golf, water polo, an internal Champion of the Court tennis tournament, a CranFit session, senior athletics training, junior girls tennis training, climbing and riding.
The tennis teams won all but one of their matches against Seaford. The U14 girls tennis team, who have been so positive and enthusiastic all term, did themselves proud in their first match for Cranleigh since they arrived. Special mention to Miss Summers who filled in for the opposition U14Bs when they arrived one short.
It was wonderful to watch the senior girls team playing at home with girls from our Upper Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth all included. The matches were played in wonderful spirits with a great attitude by both teams.
In the Champion of the Court internal tournament, Alex D. (Lower Fifth, Loveday) made it all the way to the top court where Robbie M. (Lower Sixth, Loveday) and Oliver W. (Lower Sixth, East) were crowned champions in a fiercely contested tournament alongside Rye E. (Lower Sixth, East). Special mention goes to Ollie M. (Fourth Form, East) who competed brilliantly all afternoon. The senior and inter girls played well and in great spirit, winning their matches.
The cricket teams had a full on day of matches. Our U16A cricket side played in the National Cup tournament as a result of winning the Surrey Championship when they were in the U14s! Sadly they lost but there is so much for them to look back on with pride. Tom W. (Upper Fifth, Cubitt) was the pick of the bowlers keeping it tight for 7 overs while picking up one wicket and only conceding 21 runs off it. Wilf F. (Fourth Form, Loveday) in the 14Bs broke the top of the off stump on St Andrews while bowling out an opponent – a first for the 14Bs (we presume!). Milo H. (Upper Sixth, North) took a spectacular diving one-handed catch at the cover-point position for the 3rd XI in their match away from home which was one highlight in a brilliant team performance full of spirit and desire.
Adam T. (Lower Fifth, Loveday) made his debut for the school and not just that, he made that debut in the 1st XI. He batted well (top-scoring) and performed beyond his years in a tight contest. The U14As had a wonderfully close contest with the game going down to the very last few wickets. It was brilliant tension and something that they can build on going forward. Tallulah H. (Lower Fifth, Rhodes) had an excellent bowling performance for the U15B’s. Max R (Lower Sixth, East) performed superbly for the school in what was his first match for us since joining in the Sixth Form. A special mention to Alex C. (Lower Sixth, Cubitt) who stepped in at the last minute for the senior 4th XI when a late injury meant we were one short. Ed C. (Upper Sixth, East) had a very fine 76 not out for the 16Bs against very strong Tonbridge bowling attack.
In the Athletics, the U17 girls and boys won their combined U17 Co-ed meet, with the U17 boys winning their individual competition. Our U15 junior team (who for most were playing their first-ever match for the school across all sports) did brilliantly managing to come second for both the girls and the boys. Individually there were some wonderful performances. Jacqui B. (Upper Fifth, Rhodes) was brilliant in the high jump alongside Digby N. (Upper Fifth, East). Tory L. (Upper Fifth, West) was superb in developing a great team morale all afternoon, helping others and performing brilliantly as well.
Amber V. D. (Fourth Form, West) ran a superb 800m race with Charlie M. (Fourth Form, North) claiming the Cranleigh athlete of the day on Saturday. He ran his legs off and his effort was unbelievable to see. Scarlett G. (Lower Fifth, South) performed extremely well in the triple jump. This was her first attempt at the discipline and she did superbly. Sophie M. (Lower Fifth, Martlett) worked so hard in the Javelin. She threw a Personal Best on Saturday and was quite rightly over the moon. In the U17s, Charlie P. (Lower Sixth, East) had a wonderful day on the track. Will F. (Lower Fifth, East) ran a terrific, well-timed and intelligent 400m race on Saturday.
Away from the fixtures, Jess R. (Lower Sixth, South) was outstanding in the CranFit session, pushing herself brilliantly in the running section of the session.
