One of the most enjoyable and enduring traditions of SMH is the Rhetoric and Hodder cricket match.  Of course, the name Hodder has been replaced by Elements, but the Rhetoricians were adamant.  "Once a Hodderician, always a Hodderician!" they proclaimed.

They had visited the school and made the traditional challenge during a Playroom assembly.  Upper Elements duly accepted and battle commenced a few days later.  This is what happened ...

The Rhetoricians, who played in this match as Hoddericians many moons ago. They are (from the left) Sam Morgan, Philip Leonard, James Cathcart, James Garlington, John Richardson, Daniel Layzell, Alasdair Macfarlane and Rupert Jolleys.

The challenge is accepted.

Let battle commence.

Rhetoric are greeted in enthusiastic fashion.

The first ball ...

The Rhetoric game plan begins to deteriorate.

Enter the "secret weapon" (traditionally the youngest member of Hodder).

A little bit of useful advice, but from whom?

Sibling rivalry.

The two Jameses, who can boast 26 years between them in Hodder, SMH and the College, have looked forward to this match since they were in Hodder.

Rhetoric throw the bat ... sometimes literally!

However, Rhetoric are bowled out just one run short of the target. It seems Rhetoric lose by one run every year! Here you see the sibling rivalry in reverse.

The two teams.