With schools moving ever more towards the limited-overs format, Trent (as reported last week), Harrow and Haberdashers’ Aske’s, Elstree, are the only ones to report an unbeaten season, though a few have yet to finish.

For Harrow it was their second such season in succession. Eton were defeated at Lord’s by 23 runs, but they won most of their limited-overs games by batting second. The batting was dominated by a strong top four of George Harper, William Spencer, Sam Northeast and Glenn Querl, while the three spinners, Spencer, Northeast and Charlie Stewart, took 58 wickets between them.

Haberdashers’ had an outstanding season, winning 19 matches out of 22, the rest being drawn. Gavin Baker scored 924 runs, including four centuries, and took 30 wickets. Robert Clements had 672 runs and 41 wickets, and Ajay Soni 649 runs and 20 wickets. Edward Clements captained the side astutely.

Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh lost only once (to Fettes), but enjoyed another fine season. Hamish Locke scored 205 not out against Loretto, and Carleon Browne 178 against Newcastle Royal Grammar School, but the outstanding batsman was Alex Tilley, with five centuries and a total of 1,171 runs, a record for Merchiston and a fine achievement in this normally damp part of the UK. In 2006, in May at least, Scotland enjoyed better weather than elsewhere.

They were also the only school to overcome Gordonstoun, who benefited from not only the unusual good weather but also the arrival of Preston Mommsen. He made his mark with 1,062 runs and an average of 151, scoring five centuries. Michael Wiseman was the most consistent performer with the ball and Gregor Paterson led the side well.

The Perse, Cambridge, though losing to Gresham’s early in the season, won a record 14 matches in a row. Highlights were James Coe’s 131 not out against Culford and Ed Pearson’s 109 not out against Bedford off 72 balls. Alex Fullarton took 40 wickets including three five-wicket hauls.

A vintage season for The Oratory saw openers Danny Housego and Ben Howell selected for England Under-17. Batting honours, however, were taken by Simon Steel (West Indies Under-15), who hit majestic centuries against MCC and Harrow A XI. Losing the first match of the season to Lord Wandsworth College, they were thereafter unbeaten with 13 wins and five draws.

Marlborough completed their best season in living memory with 12 wins, two losses and three draws. They lost to Sherborne early in the season but gained their revenge in a return match at the Cheltenham festival where they beat Sherborne and Haileybury, but lost to Cheltenham. Ed Kilbee, the captain, led by example, scoring 804 runs.

It was another excellent season for Dulwich with ten victories, but three losses. Dhyan Ranatunga was the pick of the batsmen and Chris Jordan showed great ability with both bat and ball. The total of 300 for nine off 50 overs against Krugersdorp High School from South Africa was the highest seen at the school for over 50 years and the side played excellent cricket to win a strong end of season festival against Ampleforth, Taunton and Uppingham.

Results (* denotes home side)

Hereford Cathedral School Old Boys 231-8 dec, *Hereford Cathedral School 232-9

Hereford Gentlemen 234, Hereford Cathedral School 238-5 (T Austwick 121)

*Merchant Taylors’, Crosby 233-5 dec (S Cole 125), Hulme GS, Oldham 170