Boy Cricket

Despite one of the wettest and coldest Summer Terms that I can remember, the College Cricket Club had a very productive term. We played 95 competitive fixtures across our boys’ and girls’ teams, winning 53% of the matches completed.

The boys’ 1st XI was competitive, playing a variety of formats, enjoying success in the T20s and winning all three matches. In the longer formats, wins against Gloucestershire Gipsies and Bloxham School and hard-fought draws against Abingdon School, Marlborough College and The Free Foresters were the highlights. Gus Carini-Roberts led the side superbly and completed 50 appearances for the 1st XI over the last three seasons. In his 50th game against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) he took 5 for 45 and scored 47 runs. Oliver Pearson fought back from long term injuries to finish the season in style with both bat and ball. We wish him all the very best as he now moves on to play for Gloucestershire CCC on an Academy contract. Despite still being an U16, Oscar Moore completed his third season in the 1st XI, averaging 35 with the bat and taking 15 wickets. We wish him well over the summer when playing for both Middlesex CCC and Berkshire CCC.

The 2nd XI and 3rd XI teams played throughout the term with several Upper Sixth and Fifth Form pupils balancing their academic endeavours with some competitive cricket. Highlights include Caspar Chambers taking 5 for 18 against King’s School, Worcester 2nd XI and George Lawson taking 5 for 28 for the 3rd XI, also against King’s. Oscar Mann scored 64 for the 2nd XI v Clifton College and Archie Quirke scored 63 against Abingdon 3rd XI.

The Lower College sides enjoyed continued success proving themselves to be competitive against many of the leading cricketing schools. The Junior Colts’ A side won five of their seven fixtures, including impressive wins over Marlborough and St Edward’s School, Oxford. With the bat, individual highlights include 95 for Justin Cohn against St Edward’s and Archie Hackett’s 70* (not out) and 76* against Marlborough and Bloxham. Lawrence Young and Justin Cohn were the pick of the bowlers.

Bear Makin, Justin Cohn and Archie Hackett have all made appearances for the 1st XI T20 squad this season and played for their respective counties over the summer break. The Yearlings’ A side have had a strong term with some excellent individual performances. Josh David-Ward has averaged 53 with the bat, including scores of 85 and 63 against King’s School, Worcester and Abingdon. Cal O’Higgins also scored 90 against King’s. Alex Linton took 6 for 26 against Bloxham. Several of our Yearlings players also played for county sides over the summer holidays. The Yearlings’ C and D teams have enjoyed a great term, winning seven out of the eight games they played.

Full Colours: Oscar Moore, Gus CariniRoberts, Tom Unsworth
Half Colours: Max Davidson, Oliver Pearson

Mr Matt Coley

Girls Cricket

The girls’ cricket season commenced with high energy as early winter nets set the stage for preparation.

In the Spring Term our U15 team performed admirably in the Lady Taverners indoor competition. They showcased their talent and determination, eventually securing 2nd place after a closely contested final against a formidable Clifton College side. Unfortunately, this meant they did not progress to the next stage, but their performance was commendable and set a solid foundation for the cricket term ahead. This setback did not deter the U15s. In the outdoor cup competition, they progressed to the 4th round of the National Cup T20 competition, an impressive achievement considering it was our first time entering this prestigious tournament.

The summer season began with a highly anticipated girls’ block against Marlborough College. The highlight was a brilliant performance by the 14As, who narrowly lost by just two runs. For the first time in College memory, we fielded a 2nd XI girls’ cricket team who came away with a convincing victory against Marlborough winning by 5 wickets and a following fixture against Bromsgrove School. The team’s formation reflects the growing interest and. participation in girls’ cricket at College.

Despite some dubious weather cancelling a few fixtures, we still had a robust fixture list lined up, including matches against Clifton College, St Edward’s School, Oxford, Bristol Grammar School, and St Helen and St Katherine. In each game, the College girls held their own, securing some fantastic wins. Their performances were consistently strong, demonstrating both individual skill and teamwork.

A standout moment of the season was our annual fixture on Speech Day against Cheltenham Cricket Club. It was a beautiful sunny day, with a wonderful ground set up with tents and supporters gathered to watch both the boys’ 1st XI and girls’ 1st XI play side by side. The match was tightly contested, with Cheltenham Cricket Club eventually taking the win, but our girls put up an impressive fight, highlighting their growth and competitive spirit.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the girls’ squads have all had brilliant seasons. Their resilience, dedication, and skill have shone through, leading to a series of memorable matches and significant achievements. The girls are already looking forward to this coming year’s prospects with great excitement and anticipation.

Full Colours: Melissa Watson
Half Colours: Alice Dawson, Erin Darbin

Miss Katie Brooking