The return of Loretto Day this year had to have the Old Lorettonians vs 1st XI Cricket Match as its centrepiece. Once again, picnics surrounded Pinkie Oval as a traditional afternoon declaration match unfolded in warm weather.

Choosing to bat first, Loretto compiled 143. Bruce W (U6) (46) took hold of the innings early despite wickets falling at the other end to Archie Anderson (2020) (1-25) and Richard Tresidder (2018) (2-38). When Bruce was out the score was 66-3 and the 1st XI needed someone to anchor the game. Keerat S (L6) stepped up with a classy and valuable 35, taking Loretto to 118-6 from 21 overs. With a declaration in mind, Loretto looked to accelerate scoring to set a good target. However, Cameron Miller (2023) (2-20) and Philip Cook (2003) (2-1) took advantage to clean up the tail with a lower than par total.

With a tricky half hour until the tea break and rain also looming, the OLs set out to knock off as many as possible. With more than two and a half hours to get the runs, there was no rush. However, Rory L (U6) (2-10) and Kaylen M (U6) (2-18) bowled tightly and, at tea, the OLs had struggled to 31-4.

The tea break also saw the rain arrive. This led to the hurried packing of picnics and spectators starting to peel away. The cricketers – with protection from the rain inside the pavilion and the sustenance of sandwiches and cakes – held out for longer. Eventually the shower stopped, the covers came off, and play resumed. But it was not to be for long.

After Bruce (2-16) and Imogen C (U6) (1-2) kept the wickets falling, Keerat (3-6) returned to spin Loretto to a win with a hat-trick in the final three balls of the match. The Old Lorettonians were bowled out for 75, and Loretto's 1st XI won by 68 runs.

A huge word of thanks must go to everyone involved, including the players on both sides who showed determination to complete the match. It was also fantastic to see staff members Dennis Dickinson (Hon), Dan Lee, James Burnet (Hon.) and David Pierce (Hon.) volunteering as umpires and scorers for the afternoon, making it feel like a Loretto Day match of old. The Estates team did their usual excellent job preparing a fine pitch and, of course, it would not be a Loretto cricket match without the delightful tea, so final thanks must go to the School's brilliant Catering team.