SPRING – that time of the year when nature adorns itself with daffodils and other post-winter colours.  As the darkness retreats so the light encourages the primroses and bluebells, and the skeletal trees adopt a softer silhouette.  It is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. 

So it is with those of the human race who in the summer weekends adorn themselves with whites or coloured clothing.  Men and women, boys and girls begin to unwind from the sloth of time in front of the tv, or this last winter, from watching England’s debacle in the fight for The Ashes ‘down under’ and vow to make amends in their own club games.  It is a time of preparing to wield the willow or bowl the red 5.5 ounce ball.  It’s called “The beginning of the cricket season”, and those who regularly venture out in the perfidious English summer to advance their skills in what W G Grace called ‘The Noblest Game’ look towards Spring with glee and hope.  Will I take 5 wickets this year?  Will I score my maiden century this year?  Will I get a good cricket tea at so-and-so ground this year?  Will an umpire give me an lbw decision this year; or ever, come to think about it?  So many questions as cricket bats are prepared for the new season and net practice stretches the hitherto slumbering limbs.

For the moment, forget the worries of today.  Instead raise your sights to the glory of green swathes of England (other countries do exist), and the white boundary rope, the stumps set 22 yards apart on a manicured piece of lawn, newly painted white picket-fences and your upcoming attempt to make a positive and successful first knock or first bowl of the fresh cricket season.

Anyway, this is what went through the minds of all those who on a glorious Spring day met to engage in ‘The Noblest Game’ on the first Pangbournian Day – April 19 2026.  This day will live long in the minds of many, 11 menfolk were mustered to represent the OPs against the College; in itself an achievement, given past years!

So what happened; Well, for the record, here are the bare bones.  The College won the Toss, (conducted by The Head, Oliver Knight), and decided to field first.  There was a point soon after the start when the OPs were in dire straights, and it was thought the game would be over quite quickly.  But they rallied (experience v enthusiasm in effect) and posted a breathtaking score of 115.  

Tea was an elegant and delicious creation from the College Catering, for which many thanks.  

Then the reply; could enthusiasm get the better of experience?  Well, sadly not, and through accident and occasional design, the OP bowlers and fielders contained The College X1 who posted a creditable 103.  Overall a match played in a spirit of comradeship and fun, and watched by a goodly group of spectators. Congratulations to Dylan Teague as Player of the Match.

Thank you Pangbourne College for a lovely day.