SPORTS

Sports Tour to Guernsey and Rugby Success

Cricket Sports Tour to Guernsey

Our U14 cricketers were very excited to be part of a three-day sports tour to Guernsey over half term. They enjoyed playing three games during which they stretched and challenged their abilities against Elizabeth College. There was also opportunity to do a bit of exploring on the island.

The hospitality the group received was first class and the boys were very spoilt. Once they settled in their was time for some training at KGV Playing Fields ahead of their first game. We won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a chilly afternoon in Guernsey with a biting wind! Some good bowling attack from Elizabeth College maintaining pressure made it a challenge for the team and unfortunately they had to admit defeat.

The cricketers were challenged in a new way during their second game. A declaration game where the first side has 50 overs max and then get 40 overs to bowl the opposition out. Any overs unused could then be used in the second dig. It was a challenge of batting for a long time, finding the balance between a good attack and defence. The boys showed a much improved performance, both with the bat and especially in the field, sealing their victory.

After another day of cricket, what could have been better than more cricket - this time at Cobo Bay. It was great to see high cricket standards and dress in this evening game of beach cricket. The boys enjoyed some scampi and chips for dinner!

The last day had one final game in store with Olly securing the winning runs. It was a fantastic tour during which the boys learnt a lot. Thank you to Mr Eisenhuth and Elizabeth College for a fantastic experience. Tour awards were presented to:

Best fielder - Barney
Best bowler - Rowan
Best batter - Jake
Best player - Hugh
Best tourist - Tom

We are delighted and proud that Charlie, Jack and Tayo have been selected for the England U18 Tour of South Africa this summer. This is amazing for the School Rugby programme and an indicator of the healthy state of Rugby in the School, with four junior internationals in the past two years and Charlie Bracken (OA 2022) having represented England for U18 (v Wales), U19 (v Italy) & U20 (Summer series in Italy) last summer.

This is the reward for their dedication, commitment and hard work over many years to achieve this standard and recognition. The School staff who have helped develop their skills, athleticism and Rugby knowledge should also be recognised for their impact and they include Mr Walmsley, Mr White, Mr Smith, Mr Forsyth and Mr Bracken who have all directly helped their progression. Barnet Elizabethans RFC can also be very proud with all three having played for them in their rugby careers and the work of the academies at Saracens and London Irish Football Club who have supported their elite performance development in the past few seasons.

Their selection for this trip does leave a hole in our player base for the School’s tour of South Africa this summer with 50 students travelling to Johannesburg through to Durban on a three-week tour. However, it does mean that three more students now have this opportunity to tour and develop their rugby this summer.