At the end of Half Term, the 1st XI played the traditional Founder’s Day game against the Old Epsomians. In beautiful summer conditions, two strong sides were selected with the OEs winning the toss and deciding to field first. Some early humidity lent itself to some lavish swing, which at times was hard to control for the returning seam bowlers. Epsom’s openers Brendan Hildebrand (H) and Will Hodgson (C) negotiated this well and moved the score to 74-0 before Hodgson fell for a patient 28. Hildebrand (95) then kicked on, striking a series of sumptuous boundaries before falling agonisingly short of his century to a remarkable one-handed catch. Fifth Form pupil Luka Woods (Fa) grew in confidence through his knock, notching a maiden 1st XI half-century before Epsom declared, finishing on 249-3.
In reply, Epsom’s opening swing bowler Anish Patel (Rn) struck two early blows to have the OEs on the ropes. Former captains Harry Williams (P, 2011-16) and Liam Head (F, 2013-18) then counter-attacked in style, with Williams playing some trademark elegant strokes in making 66. Head also displayed his familiar touch and skill, falling just short of his half-century. As spinners Hildebrand and Harry Jackson (P) started to make inroads, all three results seemed on the cards before some obdurate defending from the old boys saw the game finish in a fitting draw. A lovely day and a great start to the final half term.
Match Drawn
Epsom 249-3 Hildebrand (H) 95, Woods (Fa) 50no
OEs 196-8 Williams 66, Head 48
