This week we started our coaching sessions at the local primary school, College Hill in Uitenhage, the feeder school to Muir College. We teach cricket to Grade 2, 7 year olds and Grade 3, 8 year olds - these sessions take place on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-2 pm under the supervision of Mr Wahl who is looking to lift the overall standard of cricket at our school.
Last Friday, we took part in the Muir College annual sports day which ran from 8-3pm. We took part in singing and joined in the chanting to support the participants from our house, Dougmore. We took part in the final race of the day, a relay race, competing against the male and female staff along with the day boys. Unfortunately, we lost (after a little trickery from the teachers) but we all had a great time.
On Saturday, the 1st XI travelled to Grahamstown to play Graeme School. Muir batted first with Ian Anders getting 14, Rory McGovern 20 and Max Neville a quick fire 40. After 56 overs of batting we posted a total of 222. After a very impressive bowling and fielding display we bowled Graham for 52 but only claiming the last wicket with six balls left, bowled by Max Neville. Here in South Africa, the opposing team has to be bowled out to record a win - the score belies the excitement of the match. It really was thrilling!
The 2nd XI welcomed Graeme College to Uitenhage. Muir bowled first with Eoin Barron claiming 2 wickets from his 11 overs and restricted Graham to 156. Muir were under early pressure with Eoin Barron (batting at 5) being out quite early. Aaron O'Neill however came in at six and batted very impressively for his 45 not out, almost leading his team to victory but they fell 15 runs short in the end.
On Sunday we went to Jeffery's Bay, West of Port Elizabeth. Unfortunately, it was very misty for most of the day but was very relaxing after a long, hardworking week. We have all settled in very well and are making lots of new friends. We are eagerly awaiting our next games and will be practicing all week in preparation.
Ian Anders
Castleknock Community College and Phoenix CC