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On Saturday 24 May the Pringle XI headed south to Berkshire for their cricket tour. From Heathrow airport the team headed to the famous Lords Cricket Ground, where we were met by our personal tour guide, Bob. The boys were able to see first-hand the changing rooms, the long room and the Media box. The boys were also very fortunate to see the original Ashes, which the English and Australian teams compete for.
The following morning, after an early rise, we headed to Thorpe Park and enjoyed the thrilling roller coaster rides. After a day full of thrills, and shrieks, the team had light practice followed by a barbeque. We also visited Windsor, where we walked around and had a look at the Castle. We also managed a look at Eton, arguably the most famous school in the world.
 Our first match against Sunningdale was a timed match with the team batting first being forced to declare after 33 overs. Dougal won the toss and elected to bowl first. Every bowler, bowled a good length, but unfortunately weren’t supported by the fielders, and after 33 overs Sunningdale finished on 150/6. This meant in 27 overs we needed to score at just over 5 runs an over. After a good start, Andrew and Dougal put on 30 in no time, then we lost three quick wickets, and were soon struggling on 32/3. Daniel and Tim batted superbly in the middle order and put on 50 for the third wicket. Another two careless wickets right at the end meant that we finished on a respectable 90/5 and drew the match.
Our second match looked very unlikely to be played as the rain hit Brockhurst all morning. Both teams were desperate to play, and after starting in a light drizzle the rain cleared and we were able to complete the match. Dougal unfortunately lost the toss and we were put in to bowl. In another timed match George and Ali were both super up front and after 8 overs Brockhurst were 20/6 and staring down the barrel. Credit to them as they fought back to bring the total to 93 all out. This left Merchiston 20 overs to score the runs. A poor start up front saw Dougal bowled for 5 and it looked unlikely that Merchiston would reach the total. George had other ideas and batted maturely picking off the ones and twos. With two overs to spare the team needed one run to win, and George needed one to get his fifty, he pushed the ball through the gap to finish on a personal high and see the team home. It was a super tour, and one on which a lot of lessons were learnt.
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