The setting did not detract from the business of the day: cricket. The Fords faced  yet another new challenge--a unique format of cricket limited by time and not by over count. Opting to field first, Haverford got right to it, striking in the third over with Captain Eugene Yang completing a catch at mid-wicket off Sidd Phatak's bowling. This gave the Fords their only wicket for a long time; the no. 2 and no. 3 batsmen both went on to score centuries. This was in part thanks to the Fords impeccable character. The fielding side opted to recall the no. 2 batsman after he was given out on a questionable LBW call.  

 

Senior Joshua Moonball Corbett finished his bowling career with one final demonstration of his trademark strike bowling. His final collegiate delivery was sent straight to Sanil Kagalwala at deep midwicket, who made a smooth catch on the boundary rope. Royal Household CC declared the next over, setting a total of 271 for Haverford to chase.  

 

We then proceeded to the tea break, where we were treated to a wonderful selection of sandwiches, crumpets, fresh fruits, mini eclairs, and of course strong cups of tea. After stocking up on some Royal Household CC merch, we padded up and got back to the cricket. 

 

After losing both opening batsmen for seven and 12 runs each, it quickly became apparent that Haverford would not be able to chase down the required total.  However, this timed format introduced the possibility of a third result not usually available to Haverford.  If the side managed not to be dismissed before the allotted time, a draw would be declared with neither side obtaining victory.  What followed was a gritty performance highlighting the central skill taught to every Haverford cricketer--the forward defense.  

 

The priority for every incoming batsman was to face as many deliveries as possible rather than to score runs quickly. Deep Patel came in at 3, facing a respectable 39 deliveries. Senior Samanyu Kurra did his part, facing off three dozen deliveries before a difficult delivery seamed away from him and into his stumps.

 

Corbett's tenure with the bat was short, but he managed one beaut of a shot, pressing on the front foot to drive the ball hard down the ground for four. A few more wickets left Haverford nine wickets down with 12 overs remaining. Fittingly, in their final match in Haverford whites, Co-Captains Eugene Yang and Rebecca Stern were at the crease and pushing for a draw.  

 

The pair put on a masterclass of test-style batting, hunkering down at their respective ends for a dogged defense.  Stern saw off the better part of three overs while managing to put one away for a boundary. Yang capped off a season riddled by injury with a return to form, finally able to show the batting prowess he developed after spending four years being deadly with the ball.  His knock of six off an impressive 43 deliveries was riddled with classy front- and bac-kfoot defenses fooling even the most keen observer into assuming this was a sport he played his entire life.

 

Stern was not to be outdone, combining with Yang as a brick wall in front of her wickets. The pair forced the allotted over count lower and lower.  Soon, just 30 deliveries remained between Haverford and a historic draw.  Sadly, a healthy slip cordon would force the 10th wicket, with a fine low catch being taken in the fourth slip.  Despite the loss, it was an unequivocal honor to experience playing on a ground that even most English teams do not get to play on and create memories which we will look back on forever. 

 

After packing up and boarding the bus, we gathered for one final team dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant before taking one final, long walk around Teddington. 

 

We would be remiss not to say thank you to the loyal fanbase of family and friends who turned up at our matches all across London.  Finally, thank you to the athletics department, alumni, and family who helped make this trip a reality.