READING Blue Coat fell to a 148-run defeat to the MCC in their annual encounter last Friday, writes Richard Ashton.

A strong visiting side opened with former Blue Coat pupil Patrick Castleden and Robin Thompson, and they put on 62 until the former edged Josh Smart behind for 33.

Thompson and Sam Bracey (51) kept the runs flowing, although they lost two wickets in two balls to Harry McLachlan (2-44) with the score on 160.

However, this merely hastened the arrival of Ross Haines, and he smashed 15 boundaries and four maximums in a sensational 48-ball 101 not out.

With Thompson providing the anchor with an unbeaten 77, the MCC declared on 286-3 in 45.2 overs.

Blue Coat collapsed to 56-5 in reply, and only a battling 43 not out from Jack Hill took them to the vague respectability of 138 all out.

Things went better for the Sonning Lane school the day before, as they beat touring Australian side Newington twice in the day.

Ryan Palihawadana (4-14) and Josh Harris (2-16) did the damage as the visitors were dismissed cheaply, and Eddie Lee’s 47 hastened Blue Coat to a quick victory.

With the early finish, the two sides then played a T20, and Blue Coat posted 163-8 thanks to 46 not out from Toby Greatwood and 38 from Ed Martin.

Newington put up more of a battle in the run chase, but eventually came up short as Greatwood and Harris took three wickets apiece.

On the Wednesday of their cricket week, Blue Coat lost by 98 runs to Dr Challenor’s Grammar School.

Palihawadana (3-43) and Harris (2-24) helped restrict the away side to 187-8, but Blue Coat never got going with the bat and were bowled out for just 89.

RBCS kicked off their busy week with a fine five-wicket win at John Lyon.

Ben Cole took four wickets as the hosts were dismissed for 140, and he then made 37 – ably assited by Greatwood’s 32 not out – to lead their side home.