CRICKET

The Cricket programme now transitions into phases of competition, following physical and technical preparation during the Autumn & Spring terms. We now look forward to seeing the students hard work come to fruition this season.

Finally the cricket season is upon us, and hopefully the weather will start to warm and dry up soon to see students’ hardwork over the winter come to fruition on the pitch. There is a full programme in place for all students’ ability and experience. During Games afternoons all students will be able to access cricket, whether softball or hardball at a level they choose to access. Both the Boys’ and Girls’ programmes continue to develop and grow, and we are pleased to be able to put out hardball B teams for the lower girls age groups every Saturday for the first time. In addition, the C, and where applicable, D teams for the boys have fixtures during their Games afternoons throughout the first half of term. On Saturdays, we have adapted the fixture list slightly where we play against other mixed independent day schools, who also have developing girl’s programmes. Being able to work in conjunction with other like-minded and progressive cricket schools will enhance the cricketing development and experience of all students. It is our desire to find the right level of development and challenge within matches. If with 5 overs to go in the match, all results are possible and every student has had the chance to contribute in the match – we are well on the way to creating an appropriate environment for learning and opportunity. In these scenarios it will provide students with the opportunity to make decisions under relatively safe pressure. The outcome, whether leading to success or not, will provide the opportunity to learn from mistakes in the process and improve as cricketers and people.

Our senior U18 Girls are looking forward to taking part in two National Cups, the School Sport Magazine T20 Cup and the Cricketer Paper 100 Ball Cup. Our U15 Girls are also taking part in the School Sport Magazine T20 Cup, where they placed third in 2021 reaching finals day, something we will be looking to emulate again. In addition, our U15 Girls reached the Regional stage of the Lady Taverner’s Indoor Competition and are hopeful of further success to potentially reach the National Finals day. At a County level at U15, U14, U13 & U12 – all Boys and Girls teams will have County Cups with the Surrey Schools Cricket Association. At a performance end, these competitions will provide students the opportunity to test themselves against the boys schools and oppositions in the county. Finally, at the top end of the school we are at the sharp end of academia with A-Levels and GCSEs on the horizon, whilst at various other points during the term each year group will also face end of year examinations. There is no better preparation for these exams than cricket: developing the abilities and powers of concentration to bat for two hours and compile an innings of great composure; or bowling a spell where every ball time after time is on the money and asking questions of the batter; to complement preparation for students’ exams.

It’s going to be a great summer, bring it on!

All fixtures, can be viewed here James Leck Assistant Director of Sport, Operations & Head of Cricket

September - October

Off-Season - Rest

November - December

Physical Preparation

January - February

Technical Preparation

March

Specific Technical Preparation

April

Pre-Competition

May - June

School Competition

July - August

Club Competition & Transition

To quote a renowned thinker in the world of sport & education:

‘ The world that teenagers inhabit is at the opposite end of the continuum from cricket. We live in a world of multiple stimulation, constant distraction, instant action, and unrelenting communication. The idea of being far away from social media to field for two hours is as far from the youth consciousness as it is possible to be. There is still value in patience and concentration. Of learning to focus on a single activity and to appreciate the value of slow. To be aware of the demands of a team which sometimes requires individual sacrifice for the benefit of the whole. Appreciating the achievements of others, and applying oneself. To mastering complex skills over a prolonged period.’