This edition of the Old Queenians perpetual match will go down not only as a highlight in the 2025 season, but as a classic in these traditions. Without a doubt the camaraderie on show was a testament to how that belonging to a Queen's First XI never leaves you. The spirit and atmosphere on the pitch lifted everyone, and Jonty's charges soon slipped back into keeping team mates grounded with great humour.

The OQs line up was intimidating, but when combined with their friendly chat it soon became a relaxed event, albeit including some elite skill. Thankfully JT didnt adapt to the non-first class wicket he was batting on and it was Leo who beat me in the air and off the pitch for his First Class scalp. Max soon followed thanks to a great catch by Mo. Jack gave himself time to get in and repaid this with a spritely 57 runs. Jonty hit 22 before Elise bowled him on her way to 2 for 13. Caspar said he was going to get bowled and did. Not just an example of where negative thinking gets you, but reinforcing Alfie's wicket-taking habits. Claire and Henry chipped in for 1 wicket each and both Tom and Spencer joined the attack in the spirit of having competitive fun. OQs were bowled out in the last over for 161.

Our side began the chase with belief and backed this up with some positive stroke play and good running. Tim and Joe got us to 25 in the first 4 overs. Digger came in keen to continue his form and found the boundary more often than any other in the match with his 39. Alfie made 19, Spencer added his usual runs with a quick 17 and we had 100 up in the 14th over, but his departure brought our longer format specialists to the crease who were treated to facing JT off a few strides. The scoreboard stuttered, the hopes of an upset faded, but the banter continued well beyond the close of innings at 142/6.

The match was played in fine spirit, embodying the traditions of Queen’s College cricket while offering a reminder of the strong bond between past and present.

It was a day of shared memories, hard-fought cricket, and the unmistakable camaraderie that comes when old boys return to take on the next generation.

Playing on the OQ team this year were: Jonty Lusk, Max Johnson, Sam Dormer, Jack Dormer, Harry Forknall, Hayden Taylor-Worth, JT Langride, Louie Trotman, Caspar Reeves, Ben Mark and Tom Wilcox.