U11A IAPS Cricket
On Monday L. Spokes, E. Blyth, E. Beamish, J. Arische, O. Jackson, F. Beckett and R. Bamford represented the school at Ashford Prep. Our first match was a disappointing loss to Sutton Valence. Our bowling was just far too inconsistent. We then played a very strong Ardingly team and we narrowly lost by 8 runs. Our final match v Brentwood was a cracker. We bowled much better and chased their target down with Louis Spokes having to hit a boundary to win the match. This meant we qualified for the plate final. We played Junior Kings Canterbury and this match proved to be one too many. Nevertheless, it was great experience for the boys who learnt a great deal about their game. Thank you to all the parents that came and supported!
Senior 1st XI vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
The 1st X1 played St Andrews (away) and it proved to be an absolute cracker!
We batted first and Tommy P scored his third 50 of the season, enabling us to make 96-8 after 20 overs. St Andrews got off to a good start, but they never got too far ahead without wickets falling. They edged closer to the target of 97 and at one stage it looked as though we were just going to hang on. When they were 96-8 , Digby T took the crucial wicket, which meant their number 11 had three balls to face. The first he missed and the second he edged to win the match. Therefore, we lost by 1 wicket in a fantastic match-unlucky, but well played lads! SL
U11A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
On another gloriously warm, sunny Wednesday afternoon, the Colts A team hosted St. Andrew’s from Eastbourne. After a very delayed start, due to the opposition arriving late, it was decided that a 14 over match should take place with 7 overs from one end, followed by 7 from the other end. St. Andrew’s were clearly a very well drilled, talented team with some five Sussex age group cricketers in their team. St. Andrew’s batted first and put on 16 for the first wicket, before Ethan B produced a superb ball to dismiss one of the openers clean bowled. A slick piece of fielding at short midwicket led to a run out, which stemmed the flow of runs for a short while. A cracking catch behind the stumps by Edmund B off Hugo B was a further champagne moment of the innings. Raife W produced a good ball, bowling his new leg breaks to dismiss another dangerous batsman, bowled “through the gate.” St. Andrew’s finished on 88 for 5 off their 14 overs. This was going to be a touch run chase.
Due to the late start, we turned round straightaway, as St. Andrew’s needed to get back by coach to Eastbourne.
The St. Andrew’s bowling attack came out fired up and Holmewood was soon 5 for 3 looking at a possible defeat, but Louis S and Joel A had other ideas, running hard between the wickets, dismissing the odd bad ball to the boundary and picking up the extras. Louis S was bowled for 20 by a good ball with the score on 56 – a partnership of 51 with Joel A but 33 runs were still needed and Joel A “steadied the ship”, as two direct hit run outs added to the growing tension around the upper end of the North Lawn. A superb, controlled 25 not out, saw Holmewood home by 3 wickets, with 9 balls to go.
Another fabulous game of cricket for the packed boundary support to enjoy. What a great advert for prep school under 11 cricket, from both sides. Well played the whole team, but St. Andrew’s played a big part in a terrific match. Time for a lie down, after all that excitement! Roll on next week, when we are on the road, away at St. Ronan’s, I believe. The unbeaten season marches onwards! Keep enjoying your cricket everyone! PM-J
U11B vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
Our Under 11B team delivered an excellent performance in their pairs cricket match against St Andrew’s, coming away with a well-earned win. Batting first, each pair worked brilliantly together, showing good communication, shot selection, and awareness. We built a strong total through clever running and some powerful boundary hitting, protecting our wickets well throughout the innings.
The bowling was even more impressive. Every player contributed with accurate and consistent deliveries, keeping the pressure on the St Andrew’s batters. Our fielding backed up the bowling superbly, with some sharp stops, smart teamwork, and a few well-taken catches. It was clear the hard work in training is paying off.
The team should be very proud of their effort, focus, and sportsmanship.
U10A
U9 Kent vs The New Beacon
The team put in a spirited performance against a very strong New Beacon side. Bowling first, the team showed good discipline and control to restrict the opposition to 87—a commendable effort against some confident batting.
In reply, Holmewood batted with intent but found scoring opportunities limited by some sharp bowling. Despite finishing on 54, and falling short by 33 runs, the boys are showing real signs of progress with each game.
Plenty to build on—well done to all involved!
U9 Surrey vs The New Beacon
The U11B team travelled to The New Beacon for a closely contested fixture played on their astro. Holmewood bowled first and set the tone brilliantly, with Freddie H opening the attack in fine style. His line and length were exemplary, and together with Charlie, the opening duo restricted New Beacon to just four runs across their combined overs.
The moment of the game came courtesy of Laurie, who bowled and took a sharp catch off his own delivery, helping to ensure a negative over for the opposition—a rare and exciting moment in any cricket match!
With the hosts finishing on a modest 59, the chase was very much on. While Holmewood struggled to find runs from the bat, a flurry of wides and no balls from New Beacon kept us in the game. Heading into the final over, we needed 11 to win.
A tense finish saw the boys fight hard, scoring seven, but two crucial run outs in the last two deliveries left us just short. A thrilling encounter and a superb effort from the whole team—plenty of positives to take into next week!
U9 Middlesex vs The New Beacon
The team took on a tough New Beacon side and with Harvey winning the toss, HH opted to bowl first. New Beacon set the standard high – hitting a six in first over. Some impressive bowling from Jack and Harry limited the damage and New Beacon ended the innings on 79. With a big total to chase, HH came out strong with Harvey and Theo sweeping a couple for 4. HH made the most of some loose bowling and with two overs to go they needed 14 runs win. A determined Harry hit two fantastic 4s but with New Beacon claiming another wicket, HH fell just short.
U9B v New Beacon
U8A vs The New Beacon
This week our Under 8s cricket team put in a spirited performance against a strong New Beacon side. Despite the result going against us, there were many positives to take away from the game—particularly with our improved bowling.
New Beacon batted confidently, showing good shot selection and awareness to end their innings on 70 runs. However, our bowlers showed much better control and consistency than in last week’s match. There were fewer wides and no-balls, and our fielders supported well.
