It has been another great season of cricket at Taunton School.

A clear sign of the cricket programme’s continued growth and ambition is the emergence of our first professional player since Tom Abell. Kian Roberts, who signed for Somerset earlier this year, has already been named in their 1st XI squad, marking a significant milestone for both him and the school.

Participation across the school continues to rise, with 48 players now involved in county pathway programmes, alongside many more progressing through the wider development structure. Increasing numbers of boys and girls in Years 9 to 13 are benefitting from individual and small‑group coaching sessions, as have sessions for players of all levels.

Seven players have been selected for the Somerset Academy Programme, comprising five boys and two girls. All five boys have represented the Somerset County 2nd XI during the 2026 season, with Oscar C captaining the side — a remarkable achievement that underlines the calibre of talent being produced at the school. The appointment of a dedicated female coach has further strengthened the girls’ programme, creating new opportunities for development, engagement and progression.

Investment in facilities and resources has continued – a new bowling machine and scoreboard on the Front have strengthened both training and match‑day environments. Staff have expanded their outreach work within the local cricket community, maintaining a strong presence at Taunton Cricket Club and supporting the development of women’s and girls’ cricket through coaching contributions at Taunton Deane Cricket Club.

Competitive success has been widespread, with notable achievements across age groups including reaching the County Indoor Final for the fourth consecutive year, and would likely have progressed to the regional stage in this competition had our leading girls’ player not been sidelined through injury – we wish her well for a swift recovery. Other notable team results include:-

  • U15 Girls – County Indoor Finalists
  • U14 Boys – County Cup Finalists
  • U15 Boys – County Cup Semi‑Finalists
  • U18 Boys – Regional Finalists and Last 16 Nationally
  • U18 Girls – Regional Finalists and Last 8 Nationally

Outstanding Individual performances include:

  • Oscar and Harvey C, James C and Jacob R scored 100s
  • 50s were scored by Luke J, Thomas R, William T, William M, Ben C, Charlotte W, Sophie D, Lewis W, Grace G, Theo F, Will S, & Ted M
  • Bertie B gained a hat trick vs Blundells with a five wicket haul for Lewis W, six wickets for William M and five wickets for Tommy G

The annual Parents v Pupils Cricket Afternoon unfolded under blazing sunshine, with the heat matched only by the enthusiasm on and around the pitch. Despite the soaring temperatures, both teams delivered two brilliant contests — a softball match against the girls and a hardball match against the boys — creating an afternoon full of energy, laughter and competitive spirit.

The 2026 season has been one of progress, ambition and achievement. With professional representation, expanding participation, strengthened partnerships and continued investment, the cricket programme is not only thriving — it is setting new standards for excellence across the region.