Inclusion key to creating elite players at Bishop's Stortford College

Fun and high standards are twin pillars of school's cricket ethos

Cricket for everyone, all year around.

That is the motto of Dave Hughes, head of cricket at Bishop’s Stortford College.

There were 163 fixtures for boys and girls across the Hertfordshire prep and senior school, from the under-9s through to the under-18s.

"To have so many pupils engaged and involved makes us really happy," says Hughes.

^{The 2022 Bishop's Stortford College 1st XI}

"Girls' cricket across the school has really taken off. All pupils now play cricket in the summer months, and there is also an extensive winter programme. Mattie Hughes (bowling allrounder) and Evie Chidgey (batter) are especially exciting prospects. In fact, there is more strength in depth across boys' and girls' cricket."

The facilities at Bishop's Stortford College are excellent. There are seven main cricket squares. 

"We like all pupils to share the honour of playing on the 1st XI square. Boys and girls play on it, and the prep school plays on it every Wednesday," Hughes says.

^{Girls' cricekt has taken off across the school}

Exciting prospects are emerging from the under-13 side, suggesting the 1st XI will be strong for years to come. They include Charlie Waugh, Will Hodges and Will Richardson.

The school also has high hopes for Mabel Reid (year 12) who is in the Sunrisers EPP, and Henry Hawkins (year 11), who plays for Hertfordshire. 

"I know a lot of our female players who went to watch The Hundred came back with a real love for the game," said Hughes. "The Hundred created an exciting atmosphere that was easy to follow. They came back to school inspired to achieve greater things."

The hard work continues even though it is winter.

Level 4 coach Luke Humphrey, of the Herts & Essex Cricket Centre, holds training camps in the holidays and coaching sessions through the year; he joins Hughes to take winter training for three sessions a week.

"We aim to create an inclusive environment to develop elite cricketers and allow them to achieve the highest standard possible, while also producing a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for all pupils to participate to the best of their ability," Hughes says.

"We have also established strong links with Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club, which has assisted our pupils in getting more quality cricket. Our staff also coach at the club to give more continuity for the pupils.

"We hope pupils will not only enjoy their cricket at our school but beyond, through club and university too."

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member.