THE Old Hardyeans XI have again won the annual match against a Thomas Hardye School XI, this year by only 10 runs.

At the conclusion of the annual fixture, Old Hardyeans’ president Peter Foster presented the new Colin Lucas Cup to Old Boys’ skipper Tony Foot, commenting on the excellence of the cricket played by both sides.

The late Colin Lucas was chairman, secretary and treasurer of the Hardyeans Club.

The Old Hardyeans batted first and got off to a slow, but steady start in the face of accurate bowling from Adam Barrett and Ryan Chase.

James Dunham and Rhys Cole added 16 for the first wicket, before Cole was bowled by Barrett for nine.

This brought Josh Foot to the crease. He lost partner Dunham, caught by Dan Morris, off the bowling of Peter Horne for 12.

Foot was joined by Dan Belt and the two of them proceeded to attack the bowling, scoring freely all round the wicket.

Foot was eventually dismissed to a fabulous caught-and-bowled by Adam Weir for an excellent 53.

Pete Moxom was bowled first ball and Fergus Guppy – having been dropped on the hat-trick ball – was then dismissed by Marcus Evans in the next over.

Belt was eventually caught on the boundary by Ollie Thomson off the bowling of Marcus Evans for a stylish 60.

Stuart Beasley added a quickfire 31 not out for the Club to post a very competitive 186 off their 30 overs.

The School replied in similar fashion, starting slowly against the opening bowling of Belt and Moxom.

Luke Voss’ wicket fell early, taken well in the gully by Lee Ames off Belt.

Evans then took the attack to the Club’s bowling, scoring seven fours and a six in an impressive innings of 43, before being caught low down at cover by Foot, off the bowling of Beasley.

Needing to score at eight an over for the last 15, the School were always behind the rate despite an aggressive innings of 43 not out from Barrett.

However, he lost partners at regular intervals, with Josh Foot adding a stumping and two fine catches.

The School finished 176 all out, 10 runs short of their target, giving victory to the Old Hardyeans.

Tony Foot, playing in his 38th Old Hardyeans match, said: “This was one of the very best Thomas Hardye School teams we have played against.

“Blue skies, a light breeze and a recently cut outfield all favoured the batting side, which resulted in a high scoring and very entertaining match.”