The school had a large courtyard for athletic exercises and sports. Merwan excelled in long distance running, high jumping, field hockey and soccer, in which he also won many cups and medals. But his favorite game throughout his life was cricket. It was at St. Vincent's that Merwan joined the high school's cricket team and became an excellent wicket-keeper. He amazed the spectators by deftly catching the ball and sending the player out.

Once a cricket match was arranged between the strong team of the New English School and St. Vincent's. The New English School was considered the favorite since the team had won the trophy shield for many years in a row. The team members were usually seniors but Merwan, though younger, played first string for St. Vincent's.

The English School batted first and scored. Merwan then took the wickets of their three best players and they did not score further. At bat, St. Vincent's team was making a poor showing and their chances of winning looked dim. Then Merwan was up and remained batting until he hit the ball flying for the winning stroke. St. Vincent's school won the trophy shield. The home spectators were overjoyed, and the principal, teachers, students and parents flocked to congratulate Merwan on his splendid play. 

When photographs were taken of the winning team with the shield, all the boys insisted that Merwan sit front and center.

St. Vincent's School cricket team, circa 1910
Merwan (Meher Baba) seated left on the ground

Near St. Vincent's High School, an old Parsi couple served soft drinks from their small shop, which Merwan frequented with his friends.  Each time he came, the proprietress would dole out sweets to him by the handful, and he would share them with his companions. Whenever the husband was present, however, he would prevent this by ordering the boys out of the shop. The kindly old woman, nevertheless, would let Merwan know that he and his friends could come around to the back door. She had a special affection for Merwan in particular.

At St. Vincent's, Merwan ranked high in almost all his subjects, particularly Persian, which he loved. He liked history and literature, but he did not care much for geography, science and his nemesis mathematics, although he never failed in these subjects.

One remarkable characteristic about the boy was that he possessed a sharp memory and would easily retain what he heard or read about. In fact, Merwan was considered to be so intelligent that some thought he cheated during his exams.