Cricket Week is a Hit!

LP’s Annual Cricket Week has once again proved to be a hit amongst students, staff, Old Leightonians and friends. “A mental but brilliant week for the Sport, PE and Wellness Department.” commented Director, Jez Belas.

“To purposefully pull off two big initiative weeks, Cricket Week and #LPGirlsCan, at the same time is no mean feat, but due to the teamwork and support, the week was a huge success!” He continued.

On Monday 7^th June, the department was bowled over by the performance of the first XI, who triumphed in their first match against the Forty Club, South District.

Since its establishment in 1936, the aim of the Forty Club has been to offer fixtures to schools, colleges and youth teams, giving young sportspeople the opportunity to play the game against experienced cricketers, to the highest standards and in the best spirit. Much like the School’s own sporting ethos, the wandering club pride themselves on ‘inspiring cricketers to enjoy a lifelong love of cricket.’

Jez remarked “For the first XI, the onus is on playing a longer, different format of the game. This teaches patience, strategy, teamwork and resilience. We showed these across the whole week and the results of the games (which were all nail biters) really isn’t the important area. The enjoyment, camaraderie and effort shown were simply awesome and I was so proud of the squad, I think more so than ever.”

One member delighted to return to the Park and play alongside younger sister, Nic, was Old Leightonian, George Lee; “This was my first opportunity to come and play as I left in 2019. It gave me an opportunity to go back to school and see some friends and familiar opposition who I have played with and against since I was 12.” Reflecting fondly on Leighton Park, George continued “My favourite sporting memory from school was winning our U16 cup, unbeaten in Year 10, and putting a smile on Mark Simmons’ face… which I don’t do often.”

Aptly, the School has Mark to thank for Cricket Week itself. Started in the 80’s by the Senior Master and Head of Middle School, the event which was born out of the desire to give top players a platform to show their skill and an experience they’d never forget, has always seen the same sides play and has cemented itself as a beloved tradition at LP.

Wednesday saw LP play Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of Lord’s Ground and custodians of the Laws relating to the game around the world! Throughout the day, spectators enjoyed the glorious weather and pleasant atmosphere. The first XI were delighted to end the friendly, only losing out by seven runs. James Leach in the Lower Sixth was recognised for his superb batting, making 115 in one of the best ever innings ever seen at LP. Duncan Jones, PE and Games Teacher, commented “A fantastic effort by the school against such a good team. All players should be proud of their performance.”

Also taking to the pitch midweek, the U15 Girls played a home match against The Abbey School, whilst the U13 Boys took on St Neots Prep.

Recently, becoming the first female captain for the first XIs, in a fixture against Claires Court School, Nic enthused “My favourite thing about Cricket Week is there’s not too much focus on winning or losing. It’s about just playing the game in the right way. Cricket is a very respectful game and so you’re always learning!”

On Thursday, Year 9 and 10 enjoyed a variety of activities on offer across the Cricket Pitch, as part of the week’s anticipated Cricket Festival. Queen Anne’s School and Holme Grange joined students for an afternoon of fun in the sun.

To conclude a week of high spirits, the Old Leightonians Cricket Club came out on top, beating their junior opponents by 60 runs. Always on the look-out for new players, Old Leightonian and member of the OLCC, Graham Carter, enthused “If you’re a former pupil of Leighton Park and you’re looking to play some regular cricket – be it competitive, friendly, jovial or even deadly serious – the Old Leightonians Cricket Club is YOUR club. Whether you’ve just left LP or are perhaps of a more mature vintage… the good news is that it’s really easy to get involved.”