It has been a strong start to the cricket season for the boys with three wins under their belt already. Much of this success is down to the sheer hard work and training put in by the boys in the colder months, when perhaps cricket is not in the spotlight.
Credit must, of course, go to the boys first and foremost, but working behind the scenes are our fabulous PE staff, and this year we welcomed three new professional coaches into the fold to work with the boys, coaching them one to one or one to two, to help them improve specific skills.
England coaches and former Northants players David Ripley and David Sales have both been working with the boys during the winter months in their respective areas. David Ripley, who kept wicket at Northants County Cricket Club for a 17-year stretch during the 1980s and 90s, has been working with wicketkeepers right across the Upper School to help them fine tune their game. David explained, “The keeper doesn’t historically get coaching. He just sticks his gloves on and gets on with it, and so making the time for the wicketkeeper is key.”
It was also inspiring to hear how David is coaching boys in all teams to improve their game. “They might not all go on to play for Northants but they are all getting involved, making the best of themselves and enjoying the game we all love.”
Meanwhile, former England batsman David Sales has been working with boys on their batting technique during the winter programme after former 1st XI coach, Tom Brett, invited him into school to take part in a session. David has been helping the boys to work out scoring areas for shorter format matches and create a plan to hit the boundary.
David said, “The boys put their all in because they’re working with professional coaches, which will hopefully help give them that edge when it comes to matches.”
“The lads are very lucky to have these opportunities here at Bedford School, which they fully take on board and embrace. If they have a passion for cricket, or any sport, there is everything here to help them on their way.”
Our newest coach to join the line-up of experts is Old Bedfordian Charlie Thurston (07-14), who will help Director of Cricket, Gary Steer, run the 1st XI. Charlie has always had an affinity with the cricket scene here, having first fallen in love with the game when he joined at 11 years old. Charlie explained, “We have quite a young squad this year, and so it could be a bit of a development year. It’s a great experience for the young boys to play first team cricket, and I will be helping them to create a good team spirit and build a strong bond.”
When asked whether they had any top tips for boys just starting out in the game, their advice was unanimous: “Make the most of the game and enjoy it! Do your bit to create a team ethos, share in your teammates’ successes and you will enjoy a lifetime of cricket memories.”
A brief history of cricket at Bedford School
Records go back to 1886, but it is in recent years that we have become one of the leading cricket schools in the country, with OB Sir Alastair Cook (98-03) leading the long list of boys who have gone on to play the game professionally. Other recent OBs include:
- Alex Wakely (96-07)
- James Kettleborough (00-11)
- Charlie Thurston (07-14)
- Emilio Gay (11-18)
- Harry Gouldstone (12-19)
- Gus Miller (15-20)
