Our cricketers, of all ages, are leading the charge for glory this season; putting willow to leather to place them in an unprecedented position this summer. With just one week of the season remaining, we are not only U14 county champions, but are also in prime position for national titles at U15, U17 and U18 level. This is an enviable position that demonstrates the strength of cricket here at Bedford School – a position many schools would wish to be able to match.
The 1st XI set the standard with a superb performance on Monday 21 June, chasing down a daunting 215 to beat Stamford and progress to the quarter finals in the National Schools T20 Competition. A further impressive win over Malvern College the following Monday secured their place at the national finals at Arundel Castle on Thursday 28 June, against top schools Sedbergh, Charterhouse and Millfield.
Our U15A team have also showed that they are a force to be reckoned with. They won against Repton School, who put up a powerful performance in the semi-finals of the English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA) U15 Cup (formerly the Lord’s Taverners Cup – a national competition which is notoriously difficult to win). This was an excellent show, winning the match with nine wickets still intact and 20 overs to spare. They will now play Tonbridge School in the final, which will take place at Oakham on Monday 9 July.
Our U17A team eased through to the finals of The Cricket Paper National Schools U17 Cup with a comprehensive win by eight wickets in the semi-final against Shrewsbury School. Shrewsbury batted first and scored 162 for the loss of nine wickets in their 35 overs. Bedford School reached the target fairly comfortably, with 11 overs to spare. They will now play Millfield School in the final in September.
You can view the full scorecards here.
Gary Steer, Director of Cricket at Bedford School, commented, “So far, it has been a phenomenal season for our cricket teams; reaching three national cup finals and winning a county competition. The boys and all of the cricket staff have worked hard for a number of years to get various teams into this position and, whilst we have some very tough games ahead, with one final push, hopefully we can bring home some silverware in the national competitions.”
Four of Bedford School’s current pupils have already signed with Academies:
- Upper Sixth Former Emilio Gay has signed with Northants Academy and 2nd XI. So far this season he has scored 506 runs for the school including three centuries. His best performance was a score of 150 (not out) against Tonbridge where the school won by an innings and two runs. Emilio has also been a fantastic death bowler in the Twenty-Twenty campaign as well as a magnificent athlete in the field.
- Lower Sixth Former Harry Gouldstone with Northants Academy. Harry has gained 440 runs for the school and has consistently scored half centuries at the top of the order across all formats. He has been mightily impressive behind the stumps with his wicket keeping. He is also captain of the U17 team.
- Lower Sixth Former Rahul Sheemar with Essex Academy and 2nd XI. Rahul is a brilliant captain who contributes with the bat and with his off spin. He is a fantastic decision maker and his calm presence rubs off on the boys. His leadership is impressive, especially under pressure.
- Fifth Former Gus Miller with Northants Academy. Gus has scored 506 runs this season with his stand out performance of 106 against St Albans School and his 10.5-1-32-5 bowling performance against Rugby School.
Additionally, we can boast 33 county cricketers representing Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Essex, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire.
Head Master James Hodgson, said, “Bedford School has a proud cricketing history, but it is hard to imagine a more exciting season than this one. The boys have played some fine cricket, whilst upholding the spirit and traditions of the game in all they do. They have deserved to do well and I wish them all the best for all three national finals.”