Lifting the prestigious international Arch Trophy in the sweltering Emirates heat has ignited a sparkling start to the season by Winchester College, who have won all nine matches they have played, including notable successes against Manchester Grammar and historic rivals Harrow.

Winchester defeated Hampton, RGS Guildford, Manchester GS and the UAE based Zayed Academy to win the 40-over ARCH Trophy, and also won two T20 matches, writes Mike Vimpany.

“We were away for nine days, staying in Dubai but travelling to other parts of the UAE, like Abu Dhabi,” explained head coach Paul Gover.

“The Lords squad played six games in total, the first of which was a day/night match against Hampton, a first and unique experience for all the lads. 

“We played a good Manchester Grammar School side and RGS Guildford at the ICC Academy ground, which is frequently used by international touring sides.

“It was particularly pleasing was that everybody in the squad contributed, either bowling a great spell, playing a match winning innings, or producing a brilliant piece of fielding. “

“We also responded well and showed resilience when we found ourselves in some tricky situations. A special mention must for Dom Hall, who not only captained very well, but was rewarded, quite rightly, with the Player of the Tournament.”

Upon their return to the UK, Winchester pulled off another notable victory, with all-rounder Seb Morgan and Charlie Whitfield shining in the first win in ten years against Harrow School, a fixture dating back to 1826.

Sam Whitfield hit a maiden century and shared a 164-run opening stand with Henry Nicholls as Winchester made a towering 222-4 off 30 overs in the HMC U17 Cup against Portsmouth Grammar.

Results -

Arch Trophy
Winchester 198-6 (Morgan 71, Malik 31, Baker 30) beat Hampton 189-9 (Hall 4-11) by nine runs.
Winchester 257-5 (Malik 75, Batten 52, Nicholls 28, Morgan 27*) beat Zayed Academy 197-9 (Hall 3-17, Willock 2-24) by 60 runs.
Winchester 207-9 (Gardiner 46, Baker 33*, Batten 32) beat RGS Guildford 118 (Willock 3-7, Baker 2-4, Whitehead 2-18, Claisse 2-27) by 89 runs.
Winchester 202-7 (Nicholls 64, Hall 52) beat Manchester Grammar 201-5 (Hall 2-24) by three wickets.
Winchester 152-7 (Batten 41, Kulkarni 32, Claisse 29) beat St John’s, Leatherhead 95-7 (Baker 2-18) by 57 runs (T20)
Winchester 358-7 (Morgan 103*, Nicholls 80, Baker 50*, Gardiner 34) Zenith 140 (Whitehead 4-15, Claisse 2-36, Malik 2-16). Winchester won by 218 runs.
UK matches
Winchester 244-7 (Morgan 84, Whitfield 63) beat Harrow 198 (Morgan 3-26, Hall 3-8, Willock 2-43) by 46 runs.
Winchester 185-9 (Nicholls 47, Malik 36, Fontaine-Jackson 33) beat Epsom 161-8 (Berry 79, Willock 2-25, Whitfield 2-26) by 24 runs. 
Winchester 222-4 (Whitfield 106, Nicholls 61) Portsmouth Grammar 101 (Bowder 4-20). Winchester won by 121 runs (HMC U17 Cup).

Winchester also took an Under-15 Development side to the Emirates, their two wins in four matches coming against Shrewsbury and King Edward’s, Birmingham.

“Again, a very pleasing factor of this side was how well the boys interacted and took on board suggestions and ideas about how to develop their performances. Their general attitude and behaviour was exemplary,” Gover added.