ORATORY had a mixed season before half-term, but Dan Housego and Ben Howell, both fifth formers, have given them abundant runs. Howell has scored 419 in his past five innings. The highlights had been this pair’s 209 partnership against Pangbourne, and a win against Harrow, until last week’s thrilling win against Eton A.

After scoring 245 for eight, Oratory reduced Eton A to 81 for eight. However, Freddie Clark, the Eton No 10, made 76 in a partnership of 121 in 16 overs, including 24 off one over, before being run out from the boundary. The final wicket fell four balls later, giving a victory to Oratory, who have now won six, drawn one and lost two.

Winchester’s sequence of nine successive wins came to an end against Eton. Eton’s 299 for six in 55 overs, led by Edward Bruce’s 101, proved too much for Winchester, who nevertheless managed 268 for nine, Timothy Towler scoring 67 and Irvine Fortescue 62.

The Perse are enjoying their best start to the season, having won six and drawn their other two games before half-term. Alex Fullerton, a promising slow left-arm bowler, has taken 16 wickets at an average of 11.19. This augurs well for their participation in the Sir Garfield Sobers tournament in Barbados in July.

Results and information to: timesschoolscricket@yahoo.co.uk