Sporting Spirit Shines: Match Highlights

This week has seen an action-packed schedule of fixtures, with pupils from Years 3 to 6 representing King’s St Alban’s in cricket and athletics events across the region. Our children have displayed not only growing skill and determination but also excellent teamwork and sportsmanship. Whether at home or away, under sunny skies or dodging the odd thunderstorm, our pupils gave their all and had a great deal of fun along the way. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to all the families who came along to support.

Year 5 & 6 Winterfold Athletics 

On Monday, 19 pupils from Years 5 and 6 travelled to the Ryelands Centre in Bromsgrove to take part in the Winterfold Athletics Meet. The weather held off for us until the very end as the thunder and lightning moved around the ground. For many of our children, it was their first experience of a competitive athletics event—and nerves were understandably high! 

Excitement quickly set in as they stepped onto the impressive tartan track, which they noted looked far larger than the grass track back at school. The competition began with the 75m sprints before moving into the longer distance races. Meanwhile, our athletes were also representing the school across a range of field events. 

Despite some having limited experience in jumps and throws, every pupil gave their best effort and approached each challenge with enthusiasm and confidence. We were incredibly proud of the determination and team spirit shown by all. 

A special congratulations goes to our girls’ team, who finished an impressive 2nd place overall, a fantastic achievement! 

Well done to everyone involved! 

 

Tuesday 13th May 

U8/9 Cricket vs. Hereford Cathedral (home)

The U8 and U9 cricket teams put in a fantastic performance against Hereford Cathedral School. Iris was awarded Bowler of the Match for her superb accuracy and control, consistently challenging the batters. She also showed excellent awareness when running between the wickets. Harvey was named Batter of the Match after a confident display with the bat. Daniel and Max formed an excellent batting partnership, adding a valuable 17 runs with clever shot selection and quick running. The team demonstrated great teamwork, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship throughout the match, making it an enjoyable and competitive fixture for everyone involved. Well done to KSA for their close win 245 to KSA and 240 to Hereford.

U8/9 Cricket vs. Hereford Cathedral (home) 

Sixteen enthusiastic cricketers from Years 3 and 4 took a sunny afternoon stroll down to Slingpool Walk on Tuesday afternoon for a friendly ‘pairs’ cricket match against Hereford Cathedral School. With clear skies and a gentle breeze to cool the players, conditions were ideal for an exciting afternoon of cricket. 

Representing St. Alban’s were Maddie, Max, Magson, Charlie, Archie M, Hugo, Archie H, and Akshay, who began the match by fielding first. The format allowed each bowling pair to bowl three overs, offering all players a chance to contribute. 

Hugo and Max opened the bowling, conceding just 15 runs and five wides in their spell. Archie M and Charlie followed with even greater accuracy, limiting the opposition to only six runs and two wides. Maddie and Magson maintained the pressure, with Maddie claiming a standout wicket thanks to a superb straight delivery. Akshay also made an impact, taking a wicket of his own and keeping Hereford Cathedral’s final pair to just eight runs and six wides. 

With two runs awarded for every wide or no-ball, and a five-run penalty for each lost wicket, Hereford Cathedral finished with a solid total of 55 runs for 2 wickets – a challenging score that set the stage for a competitive second innings. 

St. Alban’s began their batting reply with Magson and Akshay, who played safely to post 8 runs from their overs. Max and Archie M batted next, scoring 14 runs but losing a wicket. Charlie and Hugo then contributed an energetic 17 runs, including a well-timed boundary. The final pair, Archie H and Maddie, added a strong 18 runs to the total, despite the loss of one wicket. 

At the close of play, St. Alban’s had scored 47 runs for 2 wickets, narrowly missing the target. The match was closely contested and ultimately decided by the number of wides bowled – a key area the team will be focusing on during future cricket club sessions. 

The afternoon was a valuable learning experience for all involved, reinforcing the importance of bowling accuracy and seizing every opportunity to score. A big well done to all the players for their teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination, and thank you very much to the parents who came to support the children the sunshine. 

U9/8 v HCS (Away) 

The U9/8 team made the long journey to HCS this week, but the travel time flew by with plenty of enthusiastic singing and lively conversation on the bus—setting the tone for a fun and focused afternoon of cricket. We were put into bat first, and the children rose to the occasion brilliantly. Monty, Haadi, and Matthew played some excellent shots, combining thoughtful shot selection with great timing to find the boundary on several occasions. One of our team goals this week was to improve running between the wickets, and it was pleasing to see everyone working hard on this, turning ones into twos and supporting their partners well. Jack also batted with composure and power, showing great balance at the crease and contributing strongly to a competitive total. With the ball in hand, KSA showed discipline and control, maintaining a good line and length throughout to keep HCS scoring in check. Bertie led the bowling attack with a particularly impressive spell, consistently challenging the batters. Elodie and Dylan also delivered accurate and effective overs, helping the team to contain the opposition and defend their total successfully. We were very strong in the field and there was a particular stand out when Haadi picked up the ball and threw the ball directly at the stumps from a distance to get a fantastic wicket. It was another strong performance from this improving group, full of teamwork, enthusiasm, and developing skill. Well done to all involved! 

Batting POTM – Jack C 

Bowling POTM – Bertie W 

U9/8 v HCS (Away) 

King’s St Alban’s U8/9 cricket team put in a spirited performance away at Hereford Cathedral School. Despite challenging hot conditions, the team showed great determination and teamwork throughout. Jeremiah L led the bowling attack with fantastic persistence, keeping the pressure on the opposition alongside George N. Gabe E impressed with his sharp fielding, saving valuable runs with quick reactions and smart positioning. A standout moment came from Daisy L, who took a superb caught and bowled, with her knees, showcasing great awareness and skill. The team worked brilliantly together, supporting each other in the field and adapting well to the conditions, reflecting their growing confidence and resilience. 

U9/8 v HCS (Away) 

The U9/8 girls had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon as they travelled to HCS for a friendly cricket fixture. Spirits were high from the start, with the minibus filled with cheerful singing and excitement ahead of the game. 

The match was played as a small 6-a-side format, providing every player with plenty of opportunities to get involved. We batted first, and it was fantastic to see so many of the girls making contact with the ball. Special mention must go to Henrietta and Olivia, who impressed with their positive running between the wickets, helping to keep the scoreboard ticking over.  

When it was our turn to bowl, the girls showed progress in what is one of the most challenging aspects of the game at this age. Their hard work this term is beginning to pay off. Our fielding improved as the match went on, with growing confidence and better coordination. Henrietta once again stood out—not just for her skills, but for her excellent sportsmanship. She showed great team awareness, supporting others and adjusting the field. 

The game was closely contested throughout, making for a really competitive and enjoyable match against opponents of a similar level. Well done to all the girls for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination! 

Wednesday 14th May 

U11/10 Girls IAPS at West Hill Park 

It was an early start for the U11/10 girls as they set off at 5:45am for the IAPS tournament at West Hill Park. Any hopes of a quiet, sleepy journey were quickly dashed as the minibus was soon filled with laughter, chatter, and the unmistakable buzz of a team excited for the day ahead. Upon arrival, we set up camp under a gazebo, grateful for a little shade as the sun beat down in full force. The conditions were challenging, but the girls showed brilliant resilience and spirit throughout the tournament. 

There were some standout moments across the day: 

• Romi produced a sensational diving stop on the boundary, saving valuable runs and lifting the team’s energy. 
• Nell made an immediate impact in one match, taking a wicket with the very first ball of the innings. She later pulled off an outstanding catch on the leg-side boundary that drew applause from all around. 
• Ivy bowled with fantastic control, keeping the pressure on the opposition and limiting their scoring opportunities. She also played a classy cover drive for four that highlighted her growing confidence with the bat. 
• Emma treated the spectators to a powerful six over the leg-side boundary, a real highlight of the batting performance. 
• Flo was simply superb throughout the tournament. She consistently bowled with accuracy and composure, even under the pressure of delivering the final over in every game. With the bat, she scored freely and confidently, but what stood out most was her leadership. Her captaincy was excellent reading the game well, adjusting the field thoughtfully, and constantly encouraging her teammates. 

As the day progressed, the team grew in confidence and skill. Each game was a learning experience, and while we didn’t always manage to bring all aspects of our game together at once—bowling well in one match, batting better in another the overall development and progress were clear to see. The girls should be very proud of their efforts. It was a day of growth, teamwork, and great spirit, memories made and lessons learned on a sun-soaked day of cricket. Also massive thank you for the spectators that made the long drive to cheer on the team. Well done, all!