The annual Leavers XI v Head Master’s XI cricket match once again provided the perfect end-of-term spectacle on the Bedford School 1st XI pitch, as staff, boys, parents and Old Bedfordians gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026.
This year’s fixture carried an extra touch of star quality, with Old Bedfordian and England cricketer Emilio Gay (11-18) pulling on the Head Master’s XI shirt. Emilio was joined by his younger brother, fellow Old Bedfordian Simeon Gay (19-21), while another Old Bedfordian cricketing great, former England captain Sir Alastair Cook (98-03), was among those watching from the boundary.
After winning the toss, the Head Master’s XI elected to bat and produced a commanding display, posting an imposing 258-8 from their 25 overs.
The innings was built on a solid platform during the opening exchanges before accelerating dramatically through the middle overs. With the score progressing steadily to around 50 after ten overs, the experienced Head Master’s side then shifted gears, taking full advantage of the excellent batting conditions.
A blistering final five overs saw approximately 80 runs added, with boundaries flowing freely and several overs yielding in excess of 15 runs. The late onslaught lifted the total beyond 250 and left the Leavers XI facing a challenging chase.
Needing more than ten runs an over from the outset, the Sixth Form side responded with determination and matched the Head Master’s early scoring rate. However, despite some positive stroke play and an admirable effort throughout the innings, the required rate continued to climb.
The Leavers eventually closed on 177-8, falling 81 runs short of their target. While unable to replicate the Head Master’s XI’s explosive finish, they competed in fine spirit and ensured an entertaining contest until the final ball.
The victory ultimately owed much to the experience of the Head Master’s side, whose ability to build an innings and accelerate at key moments proved decisive.
More importantly, the fixture once again delivered everything that has made this annual tradition such a highlight of the Bedford School calendar – competitive cricket, plenty of laughs, shared memories and the opportunity for current boys, staff and Old Bedfordians to come together.
The appearance of Emilio Gay and the presence of Sir Alastair Cook served as a reminder of Bedford School’s rich cricketing heritage, providing a fitting backdrop to a memorable afternoon as the school’s departing Sixth Formers signed off their Bedford careers in style.
Result: Head Master’s XI 258-8 (25 overs) beat Sixth Form Leavers XI 177-8 (25 overs) by 81 runs.
