Written by Pete Sanderson, Director of Cricket

What a busy five weeks of cricket across both Prep and Senior Schools. We have got so much to share on top of the other successes mentioned in this issue of the Courier.

In senior we have played four block fixtures and remain unbeaten at first team level. Other highlights have been significant wins in most age groups and the 3rd XI and C teams win at Clifton were great to see. 

The girls have also had block fixtures. They have had competitive matches vs other local schools, the highlight being significant individual scores and the 15s beating a particularly prestigious school.

Most weekends nearly 150 pupils have played across girls and boys. 

Prep School pupils have had very busy block fixtures on Wednesdays, with more than 20 fixtures each week. The huge success is the numbers playing and the different formats being used across the B/C teams for both boys and girls. I want to thank everyone who is involved in the organisation and inspiring pupils during weekly game sessions. 

As well as the block fixtures, there have been numerous cup matches. The amount of teams playing in the cups has increased significantly as we have been able to enter B teams into cup competitions. In Prep, the 1st XI continued their journey in the Bunbury Cup until they came across a very good team from Hampshire. They showed true grit against them, but unfortunately were defeated. The girls had a great day competing in a competition at Kings Bruton and others have moved onto the next rounds in their cup matches.

In the Senior School the A teams have progressed through the initial rounds in both boys and girls cups and the 1st XI, who are a seeded team, start their T20 campaign after half term. 

In individual achievements, there have been numerous players from prep and senior representing their counties in matches and training. Fortunately too many to mention individually but one highlight was a 100 for Grace G playing for Devon. As well these county matches we have had fours players playing for Somerset 2nd XI and representing Somerset vs Devon. These are Kian R, Oscar C, Ben C and Will M.

The girls have done equally as well with both Megan D and Elle G debuting for Somerset Academy. Finally the following players have earned their 1st XI caps: Grace Ge, Sami J, Shafin A, Cole W, Jack B, Maxi C, Luca G and Will M. 

We have also enjoyed House Cricket tournaments over the last couple of weeks, with Evans winning the Boys Junior A and Junior B categories, and Jenkin winning the Girls Senior A category, Woodyer winning the Girls Junior A, and Bevan winning the Girls Junior B category. Prep pupils have also enjoyed House Cricket in all year groups which has been great to see.

Lastly, a victory that is worthy of individual note, was the second successive win over the MCC. We chased down 282 with captain Kian leading the way with a 100. 

Well done everyone!