Cricket Season Launches in Glorious Style!

The cricket season at King’s St Alban’s has begun in spectacular fashion. Under clear blue skies and bright spring sunshine, every Prep pupil had the opportunity to take to the pitch for their first fixtures of the term. It was a wonderful week of sport, filled with energy, developing skills, and excellent sportsmanship. Pupils across all year groups demonstrated great teamwork, enthusiasm, and determination, setting a positive tone for the exciting season ahead.

Tuesday 29th April 

U9/8 Cricket v Hawford Mr Hooman 

Under glorious sunshine and with spirits high, the KSA U9/U8 cricket team kicked off their first fixture of the term against King’s Hawford on Tuesday afternoon. Excitement buzzed through the team, and it was clear from the outset that the players were raring to go. Monty led the team confidently as captain, and after being put into bat first by Hawford, KSA made a steady start. As the innings progressed, the run rate picked up impressively thanks to some superb shots. Dylan, Jack and Matthew lit up the innings with a flurry of boundaries, setting a strong platform. The highlight with the bat came from the final pairing of Haadi and Matthew, who scored a remarkable 34 runs off just 3 overs, helping KSA post an excellent total of 286. In the field, KSA truly shone. From the first ball, the team displayed brilliant energy and focus. Monty and Jack led by example, each taking sharp catches, while Bertie produced the moment of the match with a stunning caught-and-bowled, tracking back to take the catch overhead. The bowlers were just as impressive. Elodie bowled with excellent control, keeping the scoring tight, and both Haadi and Max claimed well-deserved wickets. The whole team’s fielding was sharp and committed, and their teamwork ensured that Hawford were restricted to 263. 

It was a fantastic all-round performance from KSA and a brilliant way to start the term. Well done to all involved! 

 

U9/U8 Cricket v Hawford – Mr. Jenkinson 

The summer term cricket season began under perfect blue skies as the Year 3 and 4 pupils from King’s St. Alban’s took to the pitch for their first fixture, facing their friends from King’s Hawford. Played on the astro turf at Bishop Perowne College, the match provided a fantastic early-season opportunity for the children to apply the skills developed last year and during last term’s Cricket Club in a friendly yet competitive setting. 

Representing King’s St. Alban’s were Harvey, George, Poppy, Magson, Gabe and Archie, who all put in solid performances and showcased great teamwork throughout. Their bowling effort was commendable, with the team conceding just 11 wides across the entire match. A special mention goes to Poppy, who claimed a wicket by bowling one of the Hawford batters; a great reward for her determination and perseverance. 

With the bat, King’s St. Alban’s looked confident and composed, scoring a solid 52 runs from their six overs. Archie stood out with a powerful display of hitting, sending the ball to the boundary on multiple occasions with several fours and even a couple of sixes – much to his delight! 

Overall, it was a very enjoyable start to the season. The fixture provided valuable match experience for the children in a supportive and familiar environment ahead of upcoming games against schools outside of the King’s Foundation. A big thank you to all those who came along to watch and support the teams. 

 

U9/8 Cricket v Hawford Miss Sly & Mr Rowley 

In an exciting first cricket match between King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford, both teams showed fantastic spirit and skill. A standout moment came from Nell, who executed a fantastic caught and bowled, showcasing sharp reflexes and composure under pressure. Milan impressed with the bat, playing confidently and contributing crucial runs to the team’s total. Jeremiah stood out for his excellent team spirit, encouraging teammates and keeping morale high throughout the game. Though the match was close, it was played with great enthusiasm and teamwork from both sides, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. Well done to all involved! 

 

U9/8 Cricket v Hawford – Miss Jordan 

What a close game of cricket! The U9/U8 team opted to field first so we got to grips with the length of bowling required at this age group. We adapted it slightly so that they could practise their overarm bowling, whilst also being successful at bowling near to the wicket. The teachers also provided a few throw downs to enable the other team to hit the ball and both sides did the same. A little more is needed on accuracy but that is something to work on in games sessions in the future. Hawford gained 250 runs. After a short break and a long drink, it was our turn to bat. While there were no boundaries from either team, we had some good hits and calling between wickets. We managed to get to 248, so Hawford won by 2 runs, excellent! A really exciting game of cricket. Well done to Rudy who was awarded opposition’s bowler and to Maren who was batter.  

 

U9/U8 Cricket v Hawford Mrs Clark
On Tuesday, our Year 3 and 4 pupils played their first cricket match of the season, filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Under glorious sunshine, we made our way to Hawford, where the team was understandably a little nervous at the start. 

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, the players quickly settled into the game. Everyone bowled with focus and discipline, giving away fewer extras than typically expected at this level. Charlie W stood out with an excellent display of line and length in his bowling. 

The most impressive part of the match came during our batting. Every member of the team played with confidence, striking the ball well. Savannah and Maddie were outstanding, hitting a combined total of eight boundaries. 

What a fantastic start to the cricket season—well done to all involved! 

 

Wednesday 30th April 

U11/10 Cricket v Hawford – Mr Hooman 

The U11/U10 KSA cricket team kicked off their season in style on Wednesday afternoon with a thrilling fixture against King’s Hawford. For many of the players, it was their first taste of hard ball cricket, and they rose to the occasion with determination, enthusiasm, and fantastic team spirit. KSA batted first and, while they found it challenging to lift the run rate, they showed great technique and composure at the crease. There were some lovely shots throughout the innings, and Ben D provided the standout moment with the shot of the day—an elegant drive that sailed over the boundary for four. At the end of their innings, KSA posted a competitive total of 233. It was in the field where KSA truly came to life. The energy, communication, and awareness from the entire team were outstanding. Bowling was impressively tight, with a huge number of dot balls building pressure on the opposition. Ivy set the tone brilliantly by starting the innings with a superb maiden over. Harry D, in his debut as wicketkeeper, was excellent behind the stumps. His positioning and reactions were sharp all game, and he came agonisingly close to a spectacular one-handed take off a nick late in the innings. As the match wore on, the scores remained neck and neck. Hawford’s run rate stayed close to what was required, and going into the final ball, they were 4 runs ahead. The only way KSA could snatch victory was with a wicket—and that’s exactly what happened. Oscar Toole delivered a perfect final ball that knocked out middle stump. 

It was a truly memorable first match of the season, full of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship from both teams. A fantastic effort from everyone involved! 

 

U10/11 Cricket v Hawford – Home Mr. Jenkinson

The summer sunshine continued this week as the Year 5 and 6 pupils from King’s St. Alban’s took part in their first fixture of the term, against their friends from King’s Hawford. Played at the picturesque Slingpool Walk playing fields, the match offered a brilliant opportunity for the children to apply their Cricket Club skills in a competitive yet friendly setting. 

The team from King’s St. Alban’s was made up from; Zack, Jackson, Henry, Brody, Hannah, Leo and Ariya, all of whom played with great enthusiasm and teamwork. With the ball, the team delivered a disciplined performance, conceding just 14 wides throughout the entire match. Jackson picked up a well-earned wicket, but the standout bowler was Leo, who thrilled the spectators by taking three wickets – including two in his first two deliveries! 

The team also impressed with the bat, posting a strong total of 84 runs from their 10 overs. Henry led the charge, scoring several vital runs and producing the only boundary of the match with a superbly struck four. 

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and encouraging start to the season, giving the children valuable match experience before upcoming fixtures against schools outside the King’s Foundation. A big thank you to all the spectators who came out to support the teams in the warm weather – your presence helped to make the occasion even more special. 

 

U10/11 Cricket v Hawford – Home Mrs Hand

The King’s playing fields provided a beautiful setting for our first cricket fixtures of the season. King’s St Alban’s won the toss and chose to field first. Emily F opened the bowling with great accuracy, just missing the stumps several times before taking a well-deserved caught-and-bowled wicket. Shortly afterwards, Cerys took a brilliant catch to secure a second wicket.  The rest of the team bowled well, listening carefully to coaching tips to improve their bowling. The fielding was also excellent, with quick reactions and crucial stops. 

After a much-needed drinks break, KSA went in to bat. They demonstrated excellent footwork to hit short balls and low bounces, maximising their scoring opportunities. Kasvika impressed with several well-struck shots and ran well between the wickets with her partner, Bella C. Over the 10 overs, KSA lost only one wicket and edged to a narrow two-run victory in an exciting finish. At the end of the match, they shared a traditional cricket tea at the pavilion with the Hawford team. 

 

U11/U10 Cricket v Hawford – Away Mr Rowley 

The U10/11A cricket team put in a superb team performance in their away fixture against King’s Hawford. From the first over, their energy and togetherness were clear to see. Josh B-R led the bowling attack with two impressive wickets, supported by Florence R, who bowled with great consistency and control. In the field, the team worked brilliantly together, backing each other up with sharp stops and strong communication. Their batting partnership of Nel D and Romi T stood out, with both players showing excellent technique and shot selection, laying a solid foundation for the team’s total. Arlo F captained with maturity and positivity, encouraging his teammates and making smart tactical decisions throughout. What made the performance so special was how each player contributed, supporting one another with enthusiasm and teamwork from start to finish. It was a fantastic display of unity, spirit, and skill from a developing and exciting team.

 

U11/U10 Cricket v Hawford Mrs Clark 

What a fantastic start to the cricket season! Captain Charles led from the front, winning the toss and opting to field. He opened the bowling with a superb first over, claiming a wicket maiden and setting the tone for the innings. 

The entire team bowled well, consistently aiming for a good line and length. In the field, the players showed sharp reflexes, stopping numerous balls from reaching the boundary and executing three impressive run-outs with accurate throws to the stumps. 

Our batting performance was equally strong. The team hit a total of nine boundaries, with standout performances from Emma and Georgia, who struck the ball beautifully and scored the most boundaries. Skye and Madie showed great composure, particularly while facing the opposition’s strongest bowler. 

It was a thoroughly impressive all-round performance, with the team finishing on an excellent total of 310 runs! 

 

U11/U10 Cricket v Hawford Miss Jordan 

Another warm afternoon in the session, perfect cricket weather for their first match of the season. We lost the toss so were put into bat first. Sophia and Phoebe opened the batting with some excellent calling two 4s and four runs between them. Excellent, we were off to a good start. Our calling was very good, we had no run outs, and the girls were quick between the stumps. Our total was 266 at the end of the innings. After a long drink we headed out to field. Again, Sophia and Phoebe opened the bowling, and Phoebe had some good dot balls, but it was Tilly and Daisy who really shone with their bowling hardly giving away any extras. Izzy H should be mentioned for her fine wicket as well as Isy G for fielding in accurately. Hawford managed to just top our score with 271 compared to our 266, with 5 runs in it, it was a close game. Well done to Tilly, Sophia and Phoebe who were awarded opposition’s players of the match for bowling, batting and fielding.