There is nothing quite so wonderful as enjoying a game of cricket on a beautifully warm and sunny day, except possibly sharing the experience with boys from nine local prep schools who love the game just as much as we do – not to mention their families, out in force to support them.
Therefore, it was a delight when our annual Sixes Tournament on Sunday 21 May was blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine, making it one of the few occasions we have played with the sun out this term, allowing all participants to play uninterrupted cricket.
For the Bedford Prep 1st team, the day got even brighter as they played some outstanding cricket with bat and ball to qualify for the Cup competition. The fielding and bowling in the semi-final against Beechwood Park were at the highest standard to restrict them to 34 runs on the smallest of pitches. The boys made the score with five balls to spare against a resilient team. The boys’ play was even more convincing in the final: an unbeaten 60-run partnership between Freddie Gibbs and Ned Neale put pressure on Milton Keynes Prep School from the off – a stranglehold never relinquished by any bowler. So, for the first time since 1999, a Bedford Prep School team proudly lifted the Cup, one we would like to look after for a few more years! Over to you, Y5!
The Bedford Prep 2nd team also had an excellent time in the sun, starting their day with a win against Aldwickbury. They then lost to King’s College Cambridge, needing more runs on the board, and Westbrook Hay School in a very high-scoring game. However, the boys went through to the plate final with a win against the Bedford Prep 3rd team on the way but, sadly, lost out to Lockers Park in the final, who needed eight off the last over. Ben Brading was the pick of the bowlers, and Monty Pool batted excellently in the plate final.
The Bedford Prep 3rd team (which included one Y5 boy in Will Wootten) had a fabulous day. The boys knew they were there for experience and learning, gleaning tactics and techniques from every match. While they did not pick up a win – they were up against the other schools’ A teams – they did run the eventual finalist, Milton Keynes Prep School, close, losing off the last ball. Nevertheless, the boys battled hard and will, no doubt, use all the skills learned for the rest of the cricket season; they can certainly look back with pride on a rewarding day of cricket.
The experience from the boundary was equally warm, with brilliant camaraderie and support for all – all topped off with a wonderful lunch with the Head Master in his garden. We look forward to repeating the tournament again next year.
