Boys have enjoyed an outstanding opening to the cricket season, building on an excellent winter programme and a highly productive period of pre-season preparation. Strong attendance at autumn and spring training sessions set the tone early, with boys across year groups fully committed to developing their skills ahead of the summer term.
The programme was further enhanced by an impressive range of guest coaches and visitors. Highlights included a visit from Sir Vivian Richards, who delivered a Prep School cricket session, alongside specialist masterclasses delivered by Adam Rossington (franchise cricketer), Andrew Hall (South Africa) on one-day batting, Old Bedfordian Emilio Gay (Durham CCC) focusing on pace bowling, and David Ripley (Northants CCC) leading technical batting sessions. Continued support from our full-time cricket staff has also been invaluable, with David Sales (Northants CCC) remaining a key asset to the programme.
Reflecting on the depth and quality of preparation, Mr Tom Brett, Assistant Director of Cricket, said, “The commitment shown by the boys throughout the winter and into pre-season has been excellent. The quality of coaching, combined with strong attendance and enthusiasm, has given us a really solid platform going into the season.”
Pre-season week was blessed with fantastic weather, allowing for much-needed match practice before the start of block fixtures and cup competitions. Although the London schools were unable to raise teams for the opening day of pre-season fixtures, we got the season underway with U14, U15 and 1st XI matches against Cricket East. Each side played two T20 fixtures, with an emphasis on giving as many boys as possible opportunities to bat and bowl. The approach paid off, with five wins from six matches and plenty of encouraging performances across all teams.
The following day posed a sterner test against Brentwood School, widely recognised as a strong cricketing outfit. Our U13, U14 and U15 sides each contested two T20 matches, while the 1st XI played a 40-over fixture. Playing on grass wickets provided invaluable match experience, and once again the results reflected the boys’ growing confidence and cohesion, with six wins from seven matches across the day.
The pre-season programme concluded with further success for the U13s, who secured two victories in additional fixtures against Cricket East, rounding off an excellent start to the summer.
The 1st XI emerged from pre-season in very positive shape. While victories against both Cricket East and Brentwood School were pleasing, it was the collective nature of the performances that stood out, with opportunities shared across the wider squad as the term approached.
This momentum carried seamlessly into the summer term, highlighted by a superb victory over Marylebone County Cricket Club (MCC), whose side included several former professional and national county cricketers. A disciplined all-round bowling performance saw all seven bowlers contribute effectively, before an outstanding opening partnership of 171 between Upper Sixth Former Mustafa (112*) and Lower Sixth Former Lutero (53) laid the foundation for a memorable win.
The success continued with the U17s making a strong start in the National Cup, securing a 65-run victory over Stamford School. Fifth Former Zarell led the way with an unbeaten 50, supported by an impressive four-wicket haul from Lower Sixth Former Jamie.
With a blend of high-quality preparation, competitive fixtures and strong early results, our cricketers have laid down a marker for what promises to be an exciting and successful season ahead.
