THE cricket season at Mount House got off to a flying start with comfortable victories over Monkton Combe and Kelly College. As last year's winners of the Devon Cup, the Mount House first XI was representing the County against Monkton Combe (Avon) in the first round of the David English Bunbury Cup. Organised by the English Schools Cricket Association, the Bunbury Cup is open to all schoolchildren under the age of 13. On a damp pitch Mount House batted first with great discipline and intelligent shot selection. Openers William Wells and Rhys Davies put on 95 for the first wicket, then Michael Cousens and Freddie Jayarajah increased the tempo to post an imposing total of 182 for 2 in 30 overs. Mount House were sharp and efficient in the field, especially for their first match of the season, and good bowling from Wells and Julian Bertie restricted Monkton Combe to 119 all out. Mount House now wait to find out who their opponents will be in the next round of the National competition. The match against Kelly College was a first round tie in this year's U13 Devon Cup, played in cold and blustery conditions. Kelly batted first, and struggled against sharp fielding and a disciplined Mount House attack, reaching a total of 53 for 5 in their 20 overs. In reply, Mount House took just seven overs to pass the Kelly total, finishing on 54 for 1, with Rhys Davies having batted with great power to end on 31 not out.
