On Friday 9 June 2017, two stellar line ups took to the square at RGS Hartswood to play once again for the Harry Newton Cup. With a few light showers in the afternoon the weather cleared and this year’s T20 blast was played (for the most part) in glorious sunshine.

‘Winning’ the toss and choosing to bat, the RGS Foundation XI strode confidently to the crease with openers Simon Hygate (’92) and Chris Walker (’92) taking on the pacy RGS Head Boy opening bowler steaming in from the Three Horseshoes end. After dispatching Chris Walker early on, Simon notched up a very impressive 45 showing every inch why he still holds the RGS record for a batsmen in modern day history (221!) . Ashwin B was the only other batsmen that recorded anything significant with a cautious 29 not out. In fact, it was the combination of Director of Sport, Phil Mann and RGS Headmaster himself, Shaun Fenton, that demolished the RGS Foundation XI middle order taking seven wickets between them.

With a target of 120 for the Headmasters XI to chase, the game was on. Openers Michael Foster (RGS Parent) and Jack Bellars (RGS Staff) made good early inroads and it was Jack that pushed on with some glorious hitting to the boundary getting to 34. Between Matt Wright (’89 & RGS Parent), Tom Lister (Reigate Priory CC) and Martin Hetherington (’93, RGS Staff & RGS Parent) the scoreboard moved along at a comfortable rate and the RGS Foundation total was eventually hunted down with an over to spare.

With the sun still shining as the game concluded, Shaun Fenton lifted the trophy with his fellow teammates and both teams celebrated the game with a delicious BBQ and refreshments on the balcony of the Hartswood Pavilion.

RGS FOUNDATION XI:  Simon Hygate (1983-92), Stuart Mills (1997-03), Toby Pocock (1984-91), Chris Walker (1984-92), Sam Wright (1991-98), Stephen Chenery (1980-88), Dan Jones (RGS Parent), Phil Williams (RGS Staff), Sean Davey (Foundation Director), Jonny Hylton (Foundation Executive) & Ashwin B (RGS Student)

RGS HEADMASTER XI: Shaun Fenton (RGS Headmaster), Michael Foster (RGS Parent), Matt Wright (1987-89 & RGS Parent), Tom Lister (Reigate Priory CC), George E (RGS Student), Phil Mann (RGS Director of Sport), Martin Hetherington (1986-93, RGS Staff & RGS Parent), Joshua Evans (RGS Staff), Jack Bellars (RGS Staff), Joey Benjamin (RGS Cricket Professional) & James Leck (RGS Head of Cricket).

UMPIRE: David Hylton (RGS Former Parent)