On Wednesday 4 July, the U11 boys cricket team travelled to the beautiful Oakham School to take part in the English School’s Cricket Association (ESCA) Final. This tournament brought together the 8 regional winners from across the country. 

The first match was against Beacon School from Amersham and our team produced a great bowling display to restrict Beacon to a score of 29. Within this, there was a special moment for Rayan who got a hattrick taking all 3 wickets bowled. We comfortably won this game after a great start by A-V and Kavidh who were backed up by the others.

The second game was against the mighty Millfield, renowned across the country for their sporting prowess. Batting first, we posted a respectable 54, thanks largely to the last pair Noah and James, which was certainly competitive but also chaseable in 12 overs. They simply had no answer to the wizardry of A-V or the raw pace and aggression of Rayan and Ben who, when the game was looking in the balance, blew away their lower order with some fast bowling.

The third game against Feltonfleet was another game where we lost the toss and the opposition elected to bat. Their team batted beautifully and posted an imposing 116. This proved too many as we struggled in the chase to keep up with the run rate and not lose wickets at the same time, eventually finishing on 75. 

This game, although we didn’t know it at the time, became a shoot out for the final as Millfield lost to Beacon so the head to head record meant they progressed to the final and we played for 3rd or 4th place against Chigwell. 

In this game, the team put the disappointment of not making the final behind them very quickly and batting first flayed the ball to all parts of the ground scoring an impressive 69 in 8 overs. Chigwell simply had no answer to our formidable pace attack and we were able to give most boys a bowl and still run out comfortable winners. 

There was a lovely moment at the end where the Year 6s were on the pitch celebrating a wicket for Loic in the final over which really encapsulated a great day had by all. The team we lost to ended up winning the festival but we played wonderful cricket and finished 3rd in the country. This is quite simply an amazing achievement. Sadly, due to injury, Mr Gregory couldn’t be there but his effort and work with these boys has been amazing and the progress they have all made has been wonderful to see.

Cricket is a great game for building character because, while it is a team game, it can feel very lonely at times and there are no hiding places. The strength of this team has been how they have pulled together and supported each other. At the end of the final game, the boys all came together to congratulate one another. For our Year 6s, this was their last sporting event at Blue Coat and we hope they will remember it for years to come. Well done boys!

The U11 cricket team huddles up during their match in the ESCA final.
The U11 cricket team celebrates coming third in the ESCA final