Mr Manning, Director of Sport, organised and led the inaugural Leweston Cricket Tour for a group of our Senior students.
Below, he writes about their memorable and busy three days away.
The inaugural Leweston Cricket Tour set off for Surrey last Friday. Upon our arrival at Dunottar School, we wasted no time and delved into a delightful lunch before embarking on a thrilling 2-hour net session. One lane was dedicated to the bowling machine, while the other was reserved for the innovative @fulltrack.ai app to meticulously track the bowlers’ every move. Just when we thought the session was winding down, Mr Teague and myself joined in for a quick net, although one of them had a rather brief stint!
After the net session, the unpredictable weather forced us to shift gears from our scheduled T20 match with Dunottar to an indoor match. Despite the change in plans, both teams played with great sportsmanship and enthusiasm. The Leweston Tour XI successfully chased down 125 runs with a couple of overs to spare, thanks to the competitive spirit on both sides. A big thank you to Dunottar School for their warm hospitality and making us feel so welcome throughout our stay.
The following day began with a leisurely stroll around Reigate, followed by a delightful brunch to fuel our Touring XI for the day ahead. Making our way to Whitgift School for the fixture, we were met with rainy conditions from the previous days, but thankfully, Whitgift graciously hosted the game. The match unfolded in a spirited atmosphere, with both teams sharing laughs, smiles, and camaraderie as the sun finally broke through the clouds. Although our players fell short in the run chase of 243 in 30 overs, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Whitgift for their exceptional hospitality and for making the day so memorable.
On the final day of the Surrey Cricket Tour, our journey took an unexpected turn as we ventured beyond the borders of 'Surrey' and into the heart of London. Our destination: the hallowed grounds of Surrey County Cricket Club, none other than the iconic Kia Oval. Led by the knowledgeable Caroline, our group of students and staff embarked on a fascinating guided tour. From the ground's storied history to legendary test performances, including Bradman's final innings, we explored it all. A peek into the away changing room, a visit to The Long Room, and a glimpse into the media rooms added to the enriching experience. Basking in the morning sun, it was the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable inaugural Leweston School Cricket Tour.
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