Essex County Cricketer returns to old school to celebrate centurions

06 Jun 2013

Three boys from the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, completed their maiden centuries earlier this season and to commemorate their achievement, Essex County Cricketer and former RHS pupil, Reece Topley, came to visit

Oliver Gerard-Pearse (105 not out v Greshams 2nd XI), Calder Trewin Marshall (101 not out v New Hall 2nd XI) and Robert Cowper-Cowles (125 not out v Greshams U15B) were awarded new Hunts County cricket bats for their endeavours by the Headmaster, Mr James Lockwood.
So to commemorate their achievements, the former RHS pupil, Essex County Cricket Club bowler and England Lions swing bowler, Reece Topley, took time out from his busy season and returned to his old School to present signed commemorative miniature bats.
Oliver Gerard-Pearse, 18, said, “Two summers ago, I remember being clean-bowled by Reece in the Senior Inter-House Knockout Final but my boarding house still won! Last summer I watched him live in a 20/20 match against Sussex at Chelmsford, so it’s really nice to see him back.”
Whilst Calder Trewin Marshall, 17, said “It’s great to see Reece as I shared the same boarding house with him and remember playing ‘corridor cricket’ much to the annoyance of the house staff!”
All three boys hope to be able to watch Reece play during this season, especially when their public examinations are over.
Master i/c Cricket at the Royal Hospital School, Mr Don Topley said, “It is always a special milestone getting your first schoolboy century and at RHS we traditionally recognise this achievement with the presentation of a bat.”

Photo: Calder Trewin Marshall, Oliver Gerard-Pearse and Robert Cowper-Cowles with Essex Cricketer, Reece Topley