from the head master - merchant taylors' school, … we have learnt from this bizarre election...

Merchant Taylors’ School Issue 168

Scissorum

St Barnabas Day

Merchant Taylors’ School Weekly Newsletter02 June 09 2017

MTSThis Week

From the Head Master

I would like to begin by saying how I much I enjoyed St Barnabas Day. I was immensely proud of the boys’ achievements and I would like to congratulate especially those boys who spoke: the Head Monitor, Tom Bannon, who gave a memorable address, as well as Bryce Puszet, Joe Salkeld and Dylan Byrne. The school was resplendent in the warm sunshine and it was a most convivial occasion.

On a scholarly note, I would like to mention Myles Henry in the Lower Sixth. He has been commended for his excellent submission in the Trinity College Law Essay Competition, which is most timely given his desire to study Law at university.

In cricket, our teams continue to perform at an exceptional level. After winning convincingly against Shenfield to become South-East Champions, the U17 side are now through to the last four in the country in the National Cup. We wish them luck against Millfield in the semi-final!

May I remind you that in ten days’ time we welcome former Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, to Sandy Lodge. It promises to be a full house but there are still a few tickets remaining - details are on page 20.

MTS U17 cricket team now through to semi-finals of National Cup


MTSThis WeekSt Barnabas DayLast Saturday was St Barnabas Day, the school’s traditional Speech Day. It was a wonderful occasion on which we paid tribute to the accomplishments of the boys. We began with an address from the Head Monitor Tom Bannon, who spoke with great authority and a profound appreciation for the nuances of a Merchant Taylors’ education. As ever, we heard from certain individuals about particular highlights of the year;

Bryce Puszet spoke about a memorable World Challenge trip to Madagascar, Joe Salkeld reflected on the year’s sporting highlights and Dylan Byrne spoke about the Battlefields trip to Ypres where boys laid a wreath at the grave of Merchant Taylors’ greatest sportsman, John Raphael. Prizes were presented by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors Christopher Keville and the Chairman of the OMT Society

Richard Brooman. The Head Master’s Speech focused on the immense importance of allowing boys to flourish beyond the confines of the classroom. He also paid tribute to our departing members of Common Room: Mr Pat Capel, Mr Tim Hingston, Mr Will Beaumont, Fr Dan Bond, Mr James Coote, Ms Alice Thornton, Mr Aaron Watts, Mr Ishai Jacob, Mr Canales-Navarrete and Mr Xavier Pollock.


MTSThis WeekSt Barnabas Day


Head Monitor’s Speech

Master, Wardens, Chairman, Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow students, welcome to the Feast of St Barnabas.

I must admit, I found my position today a rather difficult one. Even though I am now deep in the unforgiving trench of exam season, condensing five years of memories, feelings, opinions, appreciations and minor criticisms into five minutes of mildly entertaining oration seemed like a severe task.

Of course, my initial thought was simply to present another assembly on

sprezzatura. I then naturally explored the realm of interpretative dance. I even considered following in the footsteps of Theresa May, our inspiring prime minister; by staying at home and making one of my second monitors perform a speech on my behalf. I did, however, fortunately end up settling on a theme that links most of my thoughts and feelings together. And that is the importance of relationships.

When you first arrive at school, it is one of the few things that is not explicitly

expressed by those around you. You are told to work hard in the classroom, to train hard in the gym, to turn up for various music rehearsals and, of course, to do up your top button. Yet, you are rarely instructed to work on and appreciate the connections you make with others.

The significance of making such connections cannot be overstated. Committing yourself to engaging in a relationship with someone is one of the best things you can do as a student.

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Head Monitor’s SpeechIt allows for enlightenment, deepened understanding, self-questioning and, of course, the enjoyment of life. For all the textbooks you read and lectures you attend, nothing can quite compare to the reality of the human experience, whether that be engaging in a bloody political debate with another pupil, embarking on a discovery of truth with a teacher, or consoling a friend in their toughest moments.

However, although MTS does not express the importance of this explicitly, it does not need to. For the brilliance of Merchant Taylors’ lies in its ability to cultivate such relationships in a way that does not require instruction or command. At this school, we see a mixing of years within societies, sports teams and music groups that allows connections to be made irrespective of age or social stereotype. We also see the formation of unbreakable bonds through the uniting of students to achieve ambitious goals. PHAB, led by the departing but irreplaceable Reverend Bond, has brought together students through its two years of tirelessly raising money to provide a week of care for children with disabilities. The members of the JCR have grown into a tight-knit and loyal cohort that effectively and confidently runs the school. Moreover, the ever-formidable ‘Book Boffz’ are only continuing to cement their status as the literary elite of Merchant Taylors’. Groups like these make this school special and their success relies on the strength and intimacy of the relationships within them.

This is of course not simply restricted to the student body, with staff selflessly giving up their free time to help the

progression of MTS alongside its pupils. Thus, we see a relationship between staff and students that is based on trust, humour and a concerted effort for improvement. Without the strength of this relationship, I doubt I would have been able to get away with consistently using Mr Horan as my satirical muse in The Dependent for the past two years.

Looking back at my time here it is the relationships I have made that I will hold closest to my heart. Relationships that will no doubt live on into the uncertain realm of the future. Merchant Taylors’ has taught me, through its environment of inclusion, compassion, discussion and opportunity, that really getting to know others is perhaps the most useful thing one can do in life and something I hope will influence my actions for years to come.

However, there is no point in pretending that this is the exclusive reality of the world we live in today. We no doubt exist in a time of brilliant change and opportunity. From the rise of secular reasoning and the establishment of human rights to the spread of effective medication and the filming of a third series of Twin Peaks, in most ways, life is generally better than ever before. Yet, the appreciation for the human experience and for real and deep relationships, like we see at Merchant Taylors’, seems to be waning. As we have learnt from this bizarre election and the brutal EU referendum, there is a growing tendency to categorise someone from a broad assessment of his or her beliefs or feelings, leading to a failure in truly appreciating the individual as a complex human being.

Alongside this, there seems a willingness to confuse superficiality with true understanding. An Instagram profile, Snapchat story or even a shared Internet meme is sometimes viewed as sufficient evidence for knowing an individual. In reality, this only provides us with a meagre and bland glimpse of that person as a whole, a glimpse that contains few of the imperfections and nuances that truly makes a person a person.

In one of my favourite books, Money by Martin Amis, the slobbish but unconsciously poetic protagonist, John Self, suggests a belief that goes along these lines. He states:

“My theory is - we don’t really go that far into other people, even when we think we do. We hardly ever go in and bring them out. We just stand at the jaws of the cave, and strike a match.”

Whilst Self’s assessment proves incredibly untrue for Merchant Taylors’, we must not simply let what is valued so highly within these walls remain within them. To all in this hall, whether you are student finishing your first or your final year, whether you are a teacher, parent, relative, or governor- I beseech you: do not become comfortable with only striking a match. We must go inside and light a fire. We must emphasise, value and commit ourselves to truly understanding and appreciating those around us. And if we fail to do so, we will let slip the profound yet subtle lesson that Merchant Taylors’ continues to teach us all.

Thank you.

Tom Bannon, Head Monitor

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Trinity Law Essay CompetitionAspiring lawyer Myles Henry has been commended for the essay that he submitted for the Robert Walker Law Essay Prize, an annual essay competition run by Trinity College, Cambridge. Myles addressed the topical and controversial issue of the referendum, and its role as a weapon of entrenchment, as well as a tool

that can increase citizen engagement in political issues of national significance. He argued that a twenty-first century democracy should make considerable use of referendum in times of constitutional change and localised issues. The judges at Trinity were impressed by the balanced and clear argument that Myles offered,

and found the argument that referenda should be used at a local level as a veto device to be particularly interesting.

Myles is currently preparing his application to read Law at university, and so this comes as a welcome and timely acknowledgement of talent.

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MTS U17s - Last 4 in the Country! South East Champions and through to semi-final of the National CupRegional Final v Shenfield HS

On Tuesday, MTS travelled to Shenfield to play in the Regional Final of the National Cup Competition. After losing the toss, MTS fielded first on what looked to be a worn pitch. Rohan Day, Aaran Amin and Sahil Shah gave the team a fantastic start with some tight and accurate bowling to restrict Shenfield to just 32-2 off the first 10 overs. Shenfield managed to build some momentum but a superb one-handed catch by Omar Karim helped dismiss their dangerous player,

which gave MTS the advantage. Another great piece of fielding by Ashane Wijesuriya resulted in a direct hit run out, which gave the team real advantage. Shenfield finished on 156-7 from their 30 overs and the stage was set for MTS to commence a tough run chase on a crumbling pitch. The run chase got off to the worst possible start, with MTS losing both openers cheaply. With the team under real pressure at 20-2, David Burnell and Aaran Amin entered the crease and started playing with real authority. Amin immediately put pressure back on

the bowlers and hit some tremendous strokes. Both MTS batsmen took the game away from Shenfield with intelligent running between the wickets, whilst taking calculated risks in scoring boundaries. Amin’s innings was different class, and included some huge sixes. The total of 156 was passed in the 21st over, resulting in a resounding 8 wicket win. Amin’s innings of 90 not out was simply outstanding. The U17s progress to the Last 4 in the Country, and now face Millfield in the National semi-finals.

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John Raphael Memorial Service

On 11th June 2017 OMTs and representatives of Merchant Taylors’ gathered in the Memorial Garden to mark the centenary of the death of arguably Merchant Taylors’ greatest ever sportsman, John Edward Raphael, known as Jack. The gathering included representatives from OMT Society as well as fittingly also current playing and non playing members of OMTFC and OMTCC.

The ceremony commenced at 10am with a short welcome from OMT Society Chairman Richard Brooman before

School Chaplain Rev Dan Bond delivered introductory prayers, as those present remembered all those OMTs who lost their lives in conflict.

With OMT Society President Bob Hurran away on holiday, duties passed to Philip Newfield, the Immediate OMT Society Past President, to relay Bob’s address. Attendees were told of a truly gifted sportsman who captained the School 1XI, a young man who during his time at Oxford University won fourteen Blues across four different sports (cricket, rugby, swimming and water

polo) and after university life a man who captained OMT 1XV during a stint of club rugby. If that wasn’t impressive enough Jack amassed nine England caps between 1902-06, and went on tour to Argentina in 1910 as captain of what would go on to become known as the British Lions. He also played for and captained Surrey CCC. Here was a true “giant of our fraternity” as the President concluded. And despite not being there in person Bob relayed the fact that he would be paying his own tribute of a couple of minute’s silence from the Basque country.

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OMT Society John E Raphael Commemoration Ceremony

11th June 2017


John Raphael Memorial ServiceMTSThis Week

The baton passed back to the Chairman who, now donning his own Blues cap in tribute, spoke movingly of the desperate sense of loss that Jack’s death brought to his mother. Jack’s death resulted from an ultimately fatal shrapnel wound sustained on 7th June at the Battle of Messines in Belgium. He died four days later. In the year after his death, his devastated mother published her son’s book, “Modern Rugby Football”. Harriette Raphael’s forward to that book, and now replayed for those present, almost hung in the June air: “If character be destiny then his is assured”. Richard also related the extraordinary and very moving story of how Jack’s mother managed to get her own ashes interred alongside her son’s grave in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.

The short outdoor ceremony concluded with a lovely and again very moving

moment whereby the Society and School, represented by Richard and Head Master Simon Everson respectively, together unveiled a new OMT Society bench in the Memorial Garden which was then blessed by Rev Dan Bond. The bench was dedicated to all OMTs who have lost their lives in conflict.

All then moved on to the War Memorial Board in The OMT Society War Memorial Club House, for one last act of commemoration, and perhaps the most poignant of all. Current school master, historian, and WW1 lead, Jonny Taylor spoke eloquently about how the school had already paid their own tributes to Jack, both during a previous history trip by the boys where small cricket and rugby mementoes were laid at his grave and during a recent school service.

This left the final act of remembrance,

almost poetic in its appropriateness. A single poppy was placed by J.E. Raphael’s name on The Memorial Board by Adam Brand, current OMTCC player and Tom Kenison, current OMTFC player. Adam was, and still is, the man who scored the highest number of runs for The School 1st X1 in a school term since J.E. in 1901, so that honour could not have fallen to a more suitable OMT.

Their school 1st X1 batting records are:

Jack: 1901: 1397 runs in 26 matches. Average 69.85. Total runs for the School 1st X1 3,507.

Adam: 1990. 1311 runs in 25 matches. Average 72.83. Total Runs for the School 1st X1 3,680

The OMT Society Chairman then laid a wreath beneath the War Memorial Board before one final prayer from Rev Dan Bond drew the ceremony to a close.


John Raphael Memorial ServiceMTSThis Week

Attendees then moved into The Durrants Room to view exhibits re J.E. Raphael prepared by Jonny from the School archives before taking light refreshment.

11th June 2017 was a truly fitting tribute to a great OMT sportsman. We will always remember him, his achievements and the sacrifice he made, like so many, in fighting for his country.

John (Jack) Edward Raphael (1882-1917).

After the Ceremony Philip Newfield said:

“This was a wholly appropriate and extremely moving ceremony. On behalf of OMT Society I thank all who participated in and attended it. It showed once again the very close relationship between OMT Society and The School in which we support each other so much in so many different ways.”

GUY EDWARDS. JUNE 2017

Attendees:

OMT Society: Richard Brooman Graham and Meg Kimber Philip and Chrissie Newfield Julian and Sam Seabrook Peter Watkins Tony and Gill Wright

The School: Rev Dan Bond. Jonny Taylor Simon Everson

OMTFC: Gordon Brown Dick Clack Mark Foster Tom Kenison Gavin Lubczanski Roger Morris Colin Wyatt

OMTCC: Adam Brand Guy Edwards


Dr Javier Sajuria

During this year’s General Election campaign, the Politics Department had the pleasure of hosting Dr Javier Sajuria of Newcastle University who talked on the subject of social media and its impacts on elections. Dr Sajuria’s talk was wide-ranging, varying from how social media provides a new platform

through which the public can reach politicians to how the data we share online can lead to us being targeted with highly personalized adverts. Dr Sajuria’s interesting speech was highly thought-provoking for the boys, with many left questioning whether they were giving away too much information online or

whether social media simply provides a platform to talk to ourselves and to engage with news sources that only we agree with, rather than branching out. All in all, it was a splendid talk and we wish Dr Sajuria all the best in the future. William Atkinson (L6th, Mulcaster)

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MTSThis WeekReading Week - Murder in the LibraryTop sleuthing skills were in evidence during the Hour on Tuesday when boys of all ages attempted to solve the murder of Miss Terry, the (fictional) library assistant. Many of the pupils who attended cracked the case using the reports, clues and evidence on offer. Syan Shah (Walter) was judged to have presented the strongest case against the murderer, and he won a signed copy of Resurrection, the latest book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series.


MTSThis WeekReading Week - Murder in the Library


MTSThis WeekDrop Everything And ReadJune is National Crime Fiction month but crime fiction was not the only thing being enjoyed by our pupils in the last D.E.A.R. of the year.


Drop Everything And ReadMTSThis Week


Deputy Lieutenant AwardsMTSThis Week

On Thursday night, three cadets from Merchant Taylors’ School CCF were awarded Deputy Lieutenant Awards for their outstanding contributions to the CCF.

The event was hosted by the new Mayor of Hillingdon, the Worshipful Cllr Carol Melvin, who graciously made the Mayor’s Parlour available for the ceremony. Proud parents of all the award winners were present to witness the ceremony. Afterwards, the Mayor generously invited everyone to a food

buffet reception held on the balcony of the Civic Centre.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Hillingdon, Bruce Houlder, regaled the audience with each of the cadets’ impressive achievements before presenting them with their certificate. Three out of four chosen from across the Borough were from MTS CCF. Awards were presented to:

• Cadet Under Officer Anna Thompson (Army Section)

• Cadet Corporal Nikita Konovalchick (RAF Section)

• Cadet WO2 Alexander Sherborne (Army Section)

As a Contingent, we are proud of their achievements. Congratulations again to all of them!

Lt Cdr (CCF) Firestone RNR MTS CCF Contingent Commander


An Evening with Nick Clegg

Join us for an evening with former Deputy Prime Minister,

Nick Clegg.

Whatever your political persuasion, if you wish to

understand politics in Britain today, you cannot afford to miss

this event.

Nick Clegg will be speaking about his book ‘Politics: Between

the Extremes’.

Adult tickets are £18 and include a copy of the book.

A discount price of £6 is

available to students, however this price does not include a copy

of the book.

Click here to book.

Wednesday 28 June, 19:30, Great Hall

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MTSTripsBarcelonaAfter a two hour evening flight from Gatwick Airport, we arrived in Barcelona on Saturday 27th May. It was late so we went up to our rooms to get some sleep following our arrival at the Hotel Azul.

The next morning, as we dragged our heels down six flights of stairs – forgetting that there was a lift as we were tired from the flight – we ate our

chocolate croissants and toast with a choice of fruit juices for breakfast.

Over the next few days we were taken on a tour around Barcelona with an excellent guide. We went to see some amazing attractions and monuments including Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, and a definite highlight was being able to go to the Camp Nou. We

also went to an impressive shopping centre called Las Arenas.

Overall, this trip was one that we all thoroughly enjoyed – many thanks to Mrs Castro and Ms McCullough for accompanying us.

Matthew Tresidder (4ths)


MTSTripsBarcelona


MTSActivitiesEquestrianOur MTS riders are enjoying a beautiful hack as part of their chosen Friday 4th activity. How very rewarding after a long day of work at school.


MTSActivitiesEquestrian BHS examMTS riders are getting ready for the British Horse Society Stage 1 exam this summer. Division boys are working hard, learning all about horses and riding. Hard work but so rewarding! A huge thank goes to our top coach, Anne Agapiou for teaching us to the highest possible standards.


MTSMusic

Why not come and sing in the Parents’ Choir this term?Repertoire includes James Bond theme tunes & Oh When the Saints Come Marching In.

No previous singing experience necessary, no auditions and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Rehearsals are on Tuesdays 6th, 13th& 20th June from 8.00-9.30pm.

All parents and friends welcome.

“Sing, sing, sing…”


MTSParent 2 Parent


MTSParent 2 Parent

NIGHT

Serenaders

Serenaders JAZZ NIGHT Friday 23rd June from 19.30 in the Dining Hall The Serenaders invite you to join them for an evening that promises to be exhilarating and fun. You can look forward to a dazzling display of vocal and instrumental talent, a delicious buffet, bar and the opportunity to relax with friends at the end of a busy school year. Following the success of last year’s Serenaders’ Jazz Club in the Design Building, at the end of this term we are transforming the Dining Hall for our annual Jazz fest. There will be two stages. Hot Jazz, Cool Jazz, Dixieland, Swing and New Jazz will be played and sung by boys and staff. Groups will include the Dixieland Band, the Merchants of Groove, the Swing Band and the fabulous staff band, Roses are Blue, featuring the superbRoselyne Hayne (Modern Languages) and Gregg McCann (Admissions Officer.) For the first time ever, special guests for the evening will be the talented girls in the St Helen’s School Jazz Band. It’s a chance to experience again the stunning sounds of the joint school bands, heard in the Great Hall earlier this year. We look forward to welcoming the St Helen’s girls and their parents and friends. Book your tickets soon for this popular event – numbers are limited, so don’t be disappointed.

Ticket prices £20 and £10 concessions, these can be purchased through the school’s website at www.mtsn.org.uk/events. If you have any trouble booking, please contact Lucia Hull in the Development Officeat [email protected] or 01923 845545

We look forward to your company Serenaders, Supporting Music at MTS

Booking closes o

n 18th June


Merchant Taylors School 1st XI Vs

The Lashings All-StarsSandy Lodge, Moor Park, Northwood HA6 2HT

MIND THE WINDOWS, TINO'S COMING!

Sunday June 25th 2017 Lunch starts 12.30 pm. Match at 4pm

Squad includes ...TINO BESTDEVON MALCOLMGORDON GREENIDGE... and many more!PLUS SPECIAL GUEST

THE ENTERTAINERS ARE COMING TO TOWN!

Price £55 per person including three course Sri Lankan lunch.

Buy tickets online at www.mtsn.org.uk/events/ or from your

Longstops Year representative.

HENRY BLOFELD

FREE ADMISSION

FOR MTS STUDENTS!


MTSParent 2 Parent

‘Barbeque by the Lake’

Saturday 24th June 2017 2-00pm – 6pm £15.00 adults, £7.00 children (under 14), under 5’s free A warm invitation is extended to everyone to join us for a relaxing and fun afternoon by the splendid lake at MTS. This is a lovely event – a chance to meet and socialise with other

families, take a tour on the water, have a go at sailing a Pico, try a Stand-Up Paddle Board or just relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. Children/young people can also enter our annual “Build a Boat” competition.

We provide you with a splendid barbecue (served about 3.30pm) followed by strawberries and cream. Please bring your own rug, chairs, table and sunshade, plates, cutlery, glasses, wine and soft drinks.

To book your places please complete this form, attaching your cheque for the total amount and send it in to School Reception – Envelopes please to be clearly marked “Yardarms BBQ” by Friday 16th June latest . Places must be booked and paid for beforehand for catering purposes. No tickets will be issued, an email confirmation will be sent to the email address given on your Application form.

Cheques made payable to: “The Yardarms”

To purchase tickets, complete the form below

Your name:

Your son’s name and class:

Tel No:

Email:

Address:

Vegetarian Meals Meat Meals

Yardarm

s

Proudly Supporting Merchant Taylors’ Watersports

Tickets must be purchased

by Monday 19th June


MTSSportSupport the boys tomorrow!

Saturday 17th June Cricket v St Albans

Home: 1st XI, 3rd XI, U14A, B, C, D, U13A, B (11.00)

Away: 2nd XI, U15A, B, C, U12A & B (11.00)


MTSSportCricketMTSSport

v Harrow 1st XI MTS lost by 88 runs MTS – 193 Harrow – 275 Major Performances: Omar Karim 56 (White) MOM: Omar Karim (White)

After losing the toss on a blazing hot day, a tough first session was in store for the 1st XI, with Harrow electing to bat. The Harrow batsmen came flying out of the blocks and immediately put the MTS bowlers and fielders on the back foot. Wickets were hard to come by until a great catch by Omar Karim off Max John provided the XI with an opportunity. Harrow were soon restricted to 120-3, but their Middlesex Academy batsman soon took the game away from MTS with some superb strokes. Harrow eventually made 275 from their 50 overs. The run chase got off to the worst possible start in overcast conditions, losing form players, Palmer and Burnell cheaply. Karim and Amin led a recovery but the XI couldn’t keep on top of the every growing run rate. The XI were bowled out for 193 to end their unbeaten run.

2nd XI MTS lost by 176 runs MTS – 62 all out Harrow – 238 for 7

Just as discretion is the better half of valour, so the 2nd XI reasoned that capitulation is the better half of discretion. MTS began by making early in-roads into Harrow’s batting line-up, with some accurate bowling from Dan Gates. However, Harrow’s strength in depth proved too much. On a slow but level pitch, the hosts managed to rack up 238 for 7 from 35 overs. MTS failed to rise to the challenge, with only one batsman making it to double figures. This collapse to 62 all out was spurred on by Harrow’s superlative displays with the ball and in the field, including two of the finer catches ever

to be witnessed in school-level Cricket. Taylors’ 2nd XI lost the match and with it their unbeaten record.

U15A MTS lost by 18 runs MTS – 146 Harrow – 164 Major Performances: Samir Sardana 3 wickets (Manor of the Rose) MOM: Samir Sardana (Manor of the Rose)

After the Feast of St Barnabas’ Day Celebrations, MTS U15s travelled to Harrow School for an afternoon fixture. Shortly after arriving MTS Rohan Day was asked to ‘toss up’. After losing the spin of the coin we were asked to bowl first on what was a beautifully hot afternoon, perfect conditions to bat! Day took an early wicket in the first over putting the pressure on with a near unplayable quick yorker removing the bails. Rishi Pattni then took a great catch off Tom Szostack’s bowling at backward point and ever improving spinner, Ammaar Merali then came on and took a wicket in his second over. With a run out Harrow were limited to 20-4. However, a 110 run partnership and some sloppy fielding through the middle overs, allowed a gritty Harrow middle order back into the game. Steady line and length bowling from Tom Szostack added to his season haul with another two wickets. Samir Sardana came on to bowl at the death, taking 3 wickets, marshalling his field effectively in challenging circumstances. Particular mention should go to Kiyan Kassam who took an excellent catch at long-on and wicket keeper, Jolan Baxter who kept excellently taking two stumpings. Harrow setting a total of 165 to win. Kiyan Kassam batted superbly narrowly missing his half century with delicate flicks through backward square leg and third man, combined with strong hitting down the ground. However Tunveer Mangat’s dismissals that told for the U15s. Two deliveries pitching half way down the pitch rolled leaving both batsmen with no chance, both hit plumb in front ‘leg before wicket’. Jolan Baxter smashed the ball around, playing with the same

pizzazz that we are now used to, stroking two magnificent sixes into the wind to give the visitors some hope. Yet, with the usually reliable lower order being bowled out cheaply the innings came to a rather sorry end. The team must play better in Thursday’s Cup Final where they have the opportunity once again to play Harrow.

U15C MTS lost by 5 runs MTS – 151-6 Harrow 156-6 Major Performances: Kandala 2-17 (Mulcaster), Maintzer 2-24 (Clive), Bickerstaff 36 (Clive) MOM: Kandala and Shah

In the weekend before the Divisions exams, the U15C team aimed to dispatch local rival Harrow School. Such was the want that two promising U13 players were called up for ‘The Dreadnoughts’, and they certainly lived up to their billing. After an opening suppressing spell by Maintzer and Townsend, the star of the attack was the youngest player on the pitch Abhinav Kandala. Harrow could not play him at all when he found the line and length, toppling two Harrow batsmen in two balls. For the hat-trick ball, he forced the batsman to play it; the future looks bright for this young player. Yet as the innings progressed, Harrow sought to attack the ball, posting a reasonable score of 156-6 in 25 overs. It seemed as if MTS were more than capable of chasing down this score, such was the talent in the batting order which is perhaps why Taylors’ took the first half of the innings at, in retrospect, too slow a pace. Needing 70 from eight overs is an incredibly daunting task, but Sam Bickerstaff brought the required impetus to the crease, amassing a much needed 36 from 22 balls, yet in the end the required run rate of 10/over for the final 30 balls was too much. The lessons learnt will sting the U15Cs: get comfortable in the beginning, but don’t leave it all to the last minute. A lesson that I’m sure they know all too well with their exams just around the corner.


MTSSportCricketMTSSport

U14A MTS won by 5 wickets MTS – 143-5 Harrow – 142 Major Performances: Dylan Byrne (Manor of the Rose), Shalin Thanki (Hilles) MOM: Dylan Byrne (Manor of the Rose) & Shalin Thanki (Hilles)

The U14A side won the toss and elected to bowl. The MTS side put together a complete bowling and fielding performance, with Ayush Chavan making early inroads. Sachin V Patel and Avi Shah then bowled 7 overs in tandem, drying up the runs and creating pressure through consistent and dangerous bowling. The MTS side were electric once again in the field, which led to 4 excellent run outs and other very close chances. The Harrow opener did put on a superb knock, scoring 73 before he was run out, Harrow finishing on 142-10 (32.2 overs). The Harrow side came out in the field loud and aggressive, putting pressure onto the MTS top order, resulting in regular wickets and a static scoreboard. After 19 overs the MTS side were stalling reaching only 57-3. Dylan and then Shalin came in, under huge pressure and turned the tide in incredible fashion. They put pressure on the field, running everything hard, making 1s 2s and 3s. They then played responsibly and started to find the boundary rope. As ever Harrow made the contest a real scrap and battle. An unbeaten stand from Dylan, (44 from 30) and Shalin (32 from 42) saw the visitors to the total chasing down the score with 5.3 overs to spare, 143-6. A memorable result for an ever-improving group of MTS pupils.

U14B MTS lost by 5 wickets MTS 52 all out Harrrow – 53 for 5 MOM: Nathan Shetty (Clive)

The U14Bs won the toss and decided

to bat on a lovely warm sunny day at Merchant Taylors’. Annoyingly, the start of the innings did not go to plan with a number of early wickets falling, leaving the boys 15 for 3. Paddy Aarons provided some resistance against a very strong bowling unit, who bowled very well to the conditions. Harrow had a wonderful left hand bowler who was very effective at bring the bowl back in to the right hander which the 14Bs struggled to play. Positively, Paddy Aarons and Nathan Shetty helped the team reach 50 runs and when it seemed that the boys had got through the tough period Paddy and Nathan quickly fell. This caused a rather quick and painful batting collapse with the 14Bs finishing 52 all out. Instead of being negative and downhearted with their batting performance the boys were very eager to win and make amends. Credit must go to all of them for their attitude and although they lost in the end, there was a period in the match when Harrow were rattled at 40 for 5. With about 20 to 30 more runs it really could have been a very exciting finish.

U14C MTS lost by 69 runs MTS – 91 all out Harrow – 160-8 Major Performances: Jayme Patel 2-8 (Clive), Seb Constantine 28 (White), Archie Brown 20 (Walter), MOM: Seb Constantine 28 (White)

Fresh from the excitement of St Barnabas Day, the U14Cs moved to their next importance task, dealing with the visit of Harrow. Skipper Remani manoeuvred his attack in a sophisticated fashion making changes that prevented the Harrow batsman from getting too comfortable. Wickets fell at reassuringly frequent intervals. The highlight was Jaffer’s boundary edge throw to run out a batsman. Newcomer Jayme Patel

offering his left arm seam to good effect and snapped up two quick wickets. Nevertheless after the final charge, we faced a daunting 160 target. Unfortunately, the ferocious pace of the Harrow opening attack seldom seen at this level, settled the contest early on. Brown and Constantine kept the game alive with an entertaining 45 run partnership for the 7th wicket. Our scoring rate exceeded that of our guests for essentially our entire innings suggesting the gap between the sides was closer than the final margin suggests. The team wishes to thank parents for their support and encouragement in this fixture. Parental ability to withstand a strong southwest breeze that lasted the entire afternoon was impressive indeed.

U14D Lost by 85 runs MTS – 45 all out Harrow 130 all out Major Performances: Ishaan Aggarwal 19 runs (the only player to reach double figures) and 2 wickets (Andrewes) MOM: Ishaan Aggarwal (Andrewes)

After winning the toss and putting Harrow into bat, the MTS U14Ds bowling attack whirred into motion taking six wickets in the opening ten overs and restricting the opposition to a meagre 53 runs. The Harrow XI rallied somewhat and finished the innings 130 all out, a tough but achievable target. After a sumptuous tea taken in the pavilion, MTS were in positive spirits as the second innings commenced. Unfortunately, the positivity didn’t last as a fast and accurate Harrow bowling outfit ripped through the MTS batting order in 7 overs for only 45 runs. A valiant effort against strong opposition, particular mention must go to the captain, Ishaan Aggarwal, who took 2 wickets and posted 19 runs.


MTSSport

Home or away, let’s make it the sporting event where every parent

who can, comes to support the boys.

Bring a picnic, share the funLets enjoy the sun and make this an

exciting event to remember!

CricketPicnic17th June

MTSvsStAlbans

Forhometeams@MTS(1stXI,3rdXI,U14A,U1B,U14C,U14D,U13A,U13BForawayteams@StAlbans(2ndXI,U15A,U15B,U15C,U12A,U12B)

Matchstarts1100

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from the head master - merchant taylors' school, … we have learnt from this bizarre election...

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