1000 Runs in a Season
Alastair Birkby (Chandos lower sixth) and Ben Duckett (Grafton 4th form), during the last match of the summer, both went past a thousand runs for the season. It was a truly amazing achievement for both of them and as far as school records show a first.
Ali scored his runs solely for the 1st XI, amassing 1006 in 22 matches at an average of 60 (with two centuries). Ben scored 850 for the 1st XI at an average 50 (one century), and the other 170 runs that he scored were for his year group in the four matches that he played.
They loved batting together and during the course of the season compiled several 50 partnerships along with two century stands. The most impressive of course, the unbroken 110 against Radley to win the match. Both also have other strings to their bow. Ali was near the top of the bowling averages as well with 28 wickets and Ben kept wicket superbly all season taking 21 catches and nine stumpings.
Both will play together again this summer for Northants U17's and on occasion for the academy side so may well have the opportunity to re-ignite their batting partnership. Ben has also made the Midlands side that will compete in the Bunbury Festival towards the end of July.
Congratulations to both of them and I wish them well in their cricket for the remainder of the summer.
James Knott
Cricket Professional, Stowe