Selection of photos of our boys and girls in matches, games and PE below, plus a sports report for the boys and girls.
Half a term of boys' sport by Mr Smith
It has been great to have fixtures back underway and the children have thrived, challenging themselves and really enjoying the internal and external competition.
We continue to play in our year group bubbles, so no actual 1st XI this year.
The under 13As have had a good start to the season. They have focused on trying to improve the basics of the game, running between the wickets, hitting the top of off stump when bowling, and saving as many runs as possible in the field. We had a great tie in our first fixture against Twyford and a gritty comeback win against Highfield. There have been notable performances with the bat from Freddie G with a well constructed 60 against Twyford and Theo C bowled aggressively and accurately against Highfield as well as putting in a match-winning performance with the bat.
The U13B team has made a solid start to the season with some excellent performances with both bat and ball. Highlights have included Daisy T’s maiden half-century (56) and George T taking 5-10 in an excellent 3 over spell. All of this has been backed up with excellent fielding.
The U12A team has won all its matches, starting the season with a high-quality victory against a strong Twyford side. Brighton, Seaford and Highfield also suffered at the hands of this very competent team. Fergus O’Cl and Louie L have both scored excellent half centuries and have led the team well. Archie B, Lachlan F, Oli N and Olly W have also produced noteworthy performances. The U12Bs are also unbeaten and have had some good batting performances from Max S, Olly W, Sonny T, Nicholas A, and captain Harry B.
The U11A team has made a really pleasing start to the season, winning all their games so far. The only stand out performance really would be the innings by Rafferty M that won us our first game of the season against Twyford. There have been plenty of good performances in each match and this is because of the depth that we have within the squad. Not often can you choose any batting order and any bowling order and it make no difference!
The U11B team has played three matches so far this term, winning two matches comfortably after an opening defeat against Twyford. The bowling and fielding have been the team's strength so far. The stand-out performers so far have been Harry G who scored 32 (retired) with the bat and Henry F and Stanley VS with the ball. Alfie R has also shown plenty of promise as a spin-bowler.
The U10As have found the going tough but have worked hard in all areas of the game. Bowling consistency and more patience when batting have been the main focus. Logan L and Oliver A have been the pick in school matches. Shining though, in all three B team matches, has been the manner in which the boys have played in the spirit of the game. The support and encouragement displayed for each other has been superb.
While each player has shown commitment, improved confidence and skills, James W must be mentioned for his batting, and Dominic A for taking 3 wickets against Prebendal.
The U9s have enjoyed their first experiences of competitive cricket and have quickly mastered the fundamentals of the game. Wilfie R, Rocco M and Freddie T have been particularly impressive.
The excitement before, during and after the U8s initial match was unbelievable. The celebrations for every catch, wicket and boundary was testament to the enjoyment the boys have gained from this beautiful game.
We are blessed with a high number of quality young cricketers whose commitment to training and practise has been infectious. We have been very impressed with the general development of skills in all areas of the game. We continue to supply a huge number of children to both district and county squads.
After half term, we look forward to some warmer weather (please), more spectators and many more exciting matches.
Remember – EAT,SLEEP, CRICKET, REPEAT.
Half a term of girls' sport by Miss Lane
This has been an exciting half term for girls’ cricket at Westbourne House. This is the first year that cricket has been our main focus and a lot of enthusiasm has been displayed by the girls. The need to play in year group bubbles has proven a challenge at times but has also meant the girls have really stepped up and faced challenging fixtures, particularly within the smaller year groups; a deserved 'well done' to those.
U8s have had a good start and have shown so much enthusiasm for what is a new sport to most. They are due their first fixture after half term and so have had a lot of time learning and understanding the game. They have become great little cricketers and we look forward to their upcoming games. A special mention to Tali, who in practice has shown outstanding batting skills, nearly scoring a 6 and we are sure we will see this transfer into the games.
U9s have worked very hard throughout the first half term and have been fortunate to have played some fixtures. So much enthusiasm from a group of girls who are mostly new to the sport. A true understanding of soft ball pairs cricket is developing. We are confident that they will continue to work well as a group and that the love for cricket, they have displayed, will continue for years.
U10s have been working incredibly hard on their cricket skills. A total of six matches have been played this half of term. The bowling from all of the girls is very much improved and some are now starting to bowl a bit quicker. They are still aiming to hit an elusive 6 and are edging closer with numerous 4s being scored in their matches. They are a great bunch of girls, who have really tried hard and embraced cricket. Their batting and bowling has come on in leaps and bounds. Team spirit is good amongst the group and they enjoy cheering each other on.
U11s have taken giant strides both in terms of their confidence and accuracy on the field. They are beginning to bowl with more consistent lines and lengths and concentrating on keeping their eyes on the ball when batting and fielding. Miss Fisher has been really impressed with their sportsmanship in matches: often congratulating other teams for great play and always encouraging one another – what excellent ambassadors for Westbourne House!
With comfortable victories over Twyford and Highfield, the able group, U11A, continues to impress. They set high standards and are a pleasure to coach and play against. It has been exciting to welcome some new faces to the team; the competition is fierce.
U12s are a small group of just eight girls who have worked exceptionally hard this half term. They have developed their understanding of the game and their techniques in batting and bowling. All eight girls in this group should be proud of how far they have come in such a short time but a particular mention to Roma for her impressive batting skills and to Alice for her determination and accurate bowling.
It has been an incredibly exciting term for the U13 girls. The U13As very quickly progressed onto hardball cricket and have shown so much enthusiasm for this. They are a truly keen group and so it is fitting that they were the first girls to represent Westbourne House at hardball cricket. They have had regular fixtures with similar ability teams and they’ve had some close losses and some successful wins. Everyone should be proud of how far they have come so quickly.
There are many talented and promising girls in all year groups for cricket, who have shown a true enjoyment of what is to many, a new sport. It has also been wonderful to welcome their families to support the girls at home fixtures in this exciting transition into cricket. We hope to see their hard work and excitement continue after half term.
