Dubai Cricket and Netball Tour

Cricket

Over half term, a group of U14 and U15 cricketers travelled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a cricket tour.

While the main purpose of the tour was to develop our playing skills, we also enjoyed a trip up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, travelled across deserts in a 4x4 desert safari, took camel rides, went to the beach and water parks and had a trip to Dubai Mall, the largest in the world.

The main focus was the cricket, of course, with eight matches played in addition to practice opportunities. Our cricketers put in some exceptional performances, and improved day by day. Particular mentions must go to Tom Price and Rocco Nicol who both scored runs consistently throughout the tour. Alec Holden and Jem Prasher both made an impact with the bat and were hugely influential in a number of run chases.

The bowlers also performed well. Joe Taylor showed his skills with the new ball to constantly put the pressure on the opposition batters, along with Izzy Botha, whose control and game awareness made her a key part of her side. Spinners Aran Patel and Tom Price proved pivotal to the success of our teams.

With the week being wrapped up with an awards night, the trip was a wonderful experience for staff and students alike.

Mr S Lavery I Head of Cricket

Netball

The U15 squad arrived tired after the long flight but were revitalised by the glorious climate, a good night’s sleep and an incredible buffet breakfast. Their first tournament at Dubai College involved matches against a mixture of home teams along with two UK touring sides. Having won three games, drawn one and lost two, they were placed fourth out of six teams: a great start to the tour and their first experience of playing netball in the sunshine!

Their next match was against Dubai Hurricanes at Sevens Stadium. The girls were fired up and finished the first quarter 6–4 up. The game remained close throughout with the final score 17–17. A fantastic score against a strong, well-drilled side. There was some fantastic defending from Hana Wren and Tilly Bardell and some amazing shooting from Daisy Mack and Olivia Whitehead The team continued to bond throughout the week and became more united as they experienced excursions together, including a desert safari, water park and a trip to the top of the Burj Kalifa.

Their cohesion as a team led them to win the Shield Trophy in the Capital Netball tournament and finish their final fixture of the trip with a 22–25 game with Cranleigh School, Dubai. We were so proud of how focused the girls were and how they grew as players throughout the week: they were a delight to be with.

Mrs J Stapleton I Head of Netball

While the main purpose of the tour was to develop our playing skills, we also enjoyed a trip up to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, travelled across deserts in a 4x4 desert safari, took camel rides, went to the beach and water parks and had a trip to Dubai Mall, the largest in the world.

OK Eva Gray left KGS in 2018 and has been taking wickets professionally ever since as part of the South East Stars and the Oval Invincibles in The Hundred. Last season, She won the South East Stars Bowler of the Year award. We’re delighted that she’s back with us at KGS coaching our aspiring cricketers. She spoke to us about her cricketing life.