Barbados Cricket Tour 2023

The start of half term saw 59 boys from across all year groups in the Upper School set out to Barbados for the biennial Upper School Cricket Tour.

Along with eight members of sports staff, the cricket boys enjoyed a successful tour of the Caribbean island, playing matches against local schools and clubs. They were greeted warmly by the cricketers and locals with open arms from the moment they got off the plane to the moment they left.

Lucky to land just after hurricane Tammy had passed through, the boys arrived in the lively capital of Bridgetown before being transferred to the Dover Beach Hotel, their accommodation for the nine-day trip. After they had checked in and seen their rooms, they attended an initial tour meeting and devoured a much-needed evening meal.

Waking up to wet weather and tropical temperatures, the boys spent their first full day acclimatising with some all-important training sessions at the famous Wanderer’s Cricket Club, with plenty of batting, bowling and fielding practice to help them get over the long flight. The boys were divided into four teams, U15 A and B and U18 A and B teams, with a schedule planned to play five days of T10 and T20 cricket while dodging the deluges of tropical rainstorms.

Following the training day, it was straight into matches, which everyone was looking forward to. The results were a little mixed – both the U18A team and the U15A team did very well winning most of their games. However, the U18B team and U15B team found the going a little tougher as they were playing against other schools’ A teams, several of which consisted of Barbados youth players.

See full results at the bottom of the article (after the photos).

All boys agreed that conditions there were very different to home. With uneven pitches, balls did not behave in the same way, so the boys were required to adjust their technique to manage this.

Fifth Former Joe Basquille explained, “I had to learn how to adapt to such different conditions to here in England. Some balls would pop up and hit me on the lid, then some would stay low on a short length. This taught me a lot to take into next season, about my in-cricket decision-making and how full concentration when stepping out to bat is always required.”

The boys were also able to experience the different cricketing culture compared to England, and revelled in the enthusiasm that the Barbados community have for the sport.

In the second match of the tour against Grantley Adams School, there was a lovely moment of sportsmanship when Fifth Former Alfie James swapped shirts with one of the competing players – international and phenomenal player, Jatario Prescod. During the match, Jatario outplayed the boys in all forms of the game, batting, bowling and fielding. Alfie seized the opportunity to speak to him after he got him out when they were both walking back up to the pavilion.

Jatario Prescod (left) with Fifth Former Alfie James (right)

Alfie told us, “I asked him three things: what teams he plays for, how fast he bowls and how tall he is. He replied with exact answers for each question. We then took a group photo with him and I asked for an individual one at the end. After a long conversation I then asked if he wanted to swap shirts, if he had one available. He then handed me his Barbados U19 white top.”

Not only did the boys experience playing against the best teams on the island, they were also able to explore some of the beautiful beaches and attractions that Barbados has to offer. Excursions included a bus tour of the island and a catamaran boat trip where boys got to see turtles and stingrays, and snorkel if they wished. Perhaps one of the most memorable trips was to Oistin Fish Fry for a Caribbean experience like no other.

Lower Sixth Former Oliver Simmonds said, “I will forever remember Oistin Fish Fry. When we got there, we were launched into the deep end. There was a constant buzz from the loud blaring Caribbean music and dancers, and the fish was excellent. Although it was hectic, I enjoyed every moment.”

A number of the boys’ parents were also able to fly out to watch the matches, and, although they stayed in different hotels to the boys, the whole Bedford School group were able to gather for some of the excursions, as well as for the cricket.

Talking to some of the parents, they had a fabulous time and were very complimentary about the experience afforded to the boys.

“What an amazing few days of matches it has been! The boys put on an amazing display both on and off the field, having played match after match in the heat and the humidity in high spirits. Off the field, they have had fantastic interactions with the rival teams, shown great team camaraderie and, most importantly, had fun!”

“Equally, in social spaces during dinners it was evident how well-behaved and kind the boys were, all whilst having a great time with friends, the evidence was in a bunch of Fifth Formers promptly taking to the dance floor and dancing to live music.”

“For the boys, this has been a trip of sport, interpersonal relationships and personal growth – they have made memories that will last a lifetime. For parents watching from the side-lines there has been immense joy and pride in the men they have set out to become.”

Everyone who attended agreed that it was an invaluable experience that will be remembered fondly for years to come.