APS News 18

abingdon.org.uk/prep 19 Abingdon Prep Sport In mid-June, the U11 A XI set off for the West Country. The first match of the tour was against Taunton Preparatory School. Upon arrival the team changed into their whites, put on their sun cream warmed-up to get the journey out of their legs. We lost the toss and Taunton elected to bat first, putting on an opening partnership of over 50 runs. However, Henry made the breakthrough and took a crucial wicket and we rattled through Taunton’s middle order. William was the pick of the bowlers (O3 / M0 / R1 / W1). Henry and Tom got the team off to a good start with a 27 run partnership, however, our middle order batsmen offered little resistance as the Taunton attack put us under a great deal of pressure and we finished short of their score. Taunton Prep: 136 for 5 (William 1 for 1, Sam 1 for 8) APS: 88 for 8 (Tom 18) - Lost by 48 runs Although on a cricket tour, the highlight of the weekend was certainly the surfing at Polzeath Beach on Saturday! The surf was a clean 2-3 ft. swell, perfect for many of the beginners in the group. By the end of the 2 hour lesson, almost all of the boys had stood up on their boards. The most outstanding surfers were Mikey and Angus. Lunch and football on the beach warmed our boys up. We returned to base on the crest of a wave and ready for tenpin bowling later! The next day, we checked out and made our way to the Yelverton Bohemian Cricket Club, Y6 Devon Cricket Tour receiving a warm welcome from our hosts. This time we won the toss. A steady batting display with a needed injection of runs from William, Angus and Mikey allowed us to post a respectable score of 116 for 4. With six overs left, victory looked close, however, Yelverton’s middle order batsmen scored 24 runs off nine deliveries, securing victory with just four deliveries left in the match! APS: 116 for 4 (William 18 N.O. Angus 14, Mikey 12). Yelverton Bohemians CC: 119 for 7 (Sam 2 for 9). Lost by 3 wickets. The Year 6s were great ambassadors for the school and received many positive comments. Sam and I would like to thank all the tourists for their great company. Ashley David-Ward IAPS National Triathlon Championship Jonny in Year 8 competed in the triathlon championship held at Dulwich College. He ran the fastest time in the final discipline of the event and finished in an amazing 3rd place. IAPS National Tennis Championship Sam and Max in Year 5 competed in the U11 category over two days at Millfield School, combining with the Manor Prep School girls in the mixed competition. Despite being a year younger than most of the other competitors Sam and Max won seven of their eleven sets. The Manor/Abingdon Prep finished in a creditable fourth place in the overall competition. Both boys can be exceptionally proud of the performances.