“Yesterday evening the MCC announced that a new consultation process will take place between the MCC and its members regarding the future of the Eton v Harrow match at Lord’s and that, given this process will take some time, the schools will be invited to play at Lord’s again in 2023.” (Old Etonian Association)
This fixture originated in 1805 and while you may think my loyalties might lie with Eton, in fact I have a stronger cricketing connection with Harrow, albeit in 1910 – but I digress. Eton (hem,hem) was founded in 1440, Harrow in 1572 but if not quite parvenus they have nothing to boast about. Winchester was founded in 1382 and has been playing cricket against Eton since 1826.
The Winchester – Eton fixture has taken on a new significance this year, especially to those of us not fixated by cricket. Eton’s captain (Johnson, B, KS) was sacked from the XI. KS ? King’s Scholar and always KS as the K is always King Henry VI. Meanwhile Winchester has a steady bat in Sunak, R. Eton reformed its team and sent Kwarteng, K, also KS, in to bat. His early shots have been more rustic than stylish and commentators wonder if his technique will prevail over such an experienced player as Sunak who is fielding a strong side, albeit in the pavilion for now.
“The game is afoot!” (The Adventure of the Abbey Grange, Conan Doyle)
Love it.
As an Old Wykehamist i always like to remind people that Winchester founded before Eton.
I hear that Kwasi Kwarteng is now known as Kami Kwasi.
Humphrey
Lovely.
May I borrow from a previous Blog? Nunquam censuit Liz.
Do you think that the electorate’s verdict on Cameron, Johnson and Kwarteng will be similar to that delivered on three earlier OEs, Eden, Macmillan and Home?
I think KK will be run out (Law 38). Home, as you know, played first-class cricket for the MCC; Macmillan was not well enough to excel at or even play Games: Cameron was a slack bob. I haven’t answered your question, John F, but I’m practicing to be interviewed on the Today programme.