Over the next few months, we hope to produce more content for the channel, but for now, please enjoy, like and follow our first video – 14th July, 2022, The Fred Trueman Schools’ Cricket League Final, Kimbolton School
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The event marked the conclusion of a 20-week long competition that has seen boys and girls aged 15 and under from 74 sites across the country competing against one another for a chance to play at the Home of Cricket.
The event did not disappoint, with two exciting finals comprising of the charity’s most talented beneficiaries taking place on the Main Ground.
In the Boys Final, Newcastle beat Nottingham convincingly by nine wickets, with some eye-catching batting and fielding on display including a fantastic run out in the third over of the match. Newcastle Captain, Charlie Cook, scored 36 not out, sealing victory with four runs. Newcastle’s Conn Sullivan was named Player of the Match.
In the Girls’ event, Bolton came out on top against Guildford Hub after a nail-biting final over, with Bolton’s Neve Bolton hitting a spectacular six to seal victory. Neharika Shenai scored an impressive 43 for Guildford. Bolton Captain, Megan Russell, scored 37 and was named Player of the Match.
Both finals took place in succession on the Main Ground in front of a packed-out Pavilion and Tavern Stand. Hundreds tuned in to watch the livestream on MCCF’s YouTube channel, with expert commentary team, Guy Swindells and Cath Dalton being joined by players, Hub Managers, and other guests from the world of cricket throughout the day.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, MCC once again pulled out all the stops, providing all four teams with an unforgettable experience, including access to the Pavilion Dressing Rooms and lunch served in the Players’ Dining Room.
The National Hubs form the cornerstone of the MCC Foundation’s work in the UK, ensuring that every young cricketer can be empowered to reach their full potential in the game, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic circumstance.
The Hubs also look to nurture young talent, creating opportunities for promising young cricketers to hone their skills and improve their confidence under the mentorship of the MCC Foundation’s network of coaches.
Former England Men’s Captains and MCCF Patrons, Mike Brearley and Mike Gatting and current Brazil Women’s Captain, Roberta Avery, presented medals to all participants.
“We are incredibly grateful to Guy Lavender and MCC for providing this unique opportunity for our beneficiaries. I know that it will inspire them to reach for the stars with their cricket and it will be a day that will likely stay in their memories forever. Cricket has so much to offer, and we are determined to ensure that any young person whatever their background or gender, can access and thrive in the game.”
Speaking about the event, Director of MCC Foundation, Dr Sarah Fane OBE
History repeats itself – or so they say,
And it certainly did – yesterday,
The Battle of ‘HASTINGS’ – 1066,
A Battle at KIMBOLTON – ‘ROOT66’.
The finals – of the schools cricket league,
Teams from all over – no sign of fatigue.
Excited children – all rearing to go,
Bats – pads – gloves, balls fly to and fro.
Under 13 years – and 15’s as well,
When all togged up – it was hard to tell.
They battled hard – there’s prizes to win,
Desire – perspire – a laugh and a grin.
Batters clattered – balls round the ground,
Bowlers and fielders – “How’s that” the sound?
Girls teams were noisy – more a boy,
All good fun – win – loose – just enjoy.
Umpires and scorers – teachers and coaches,
Cheer the children, as lunchtime approaches.
Sandwiches, cake, cold drinks – soon gone,
Meringues, what meringues? Better move on!
‘Integrity in cricket’ – for young and old,
It was here today – let it be told.
What a day? The sun shone on all of us,
A joyful occasion – now back on the bus!
By C.A. Smith
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Cricket Festival hosted by the Governors of Kimbolton School was the largest Festival organised by Cricket East and the Northants Cricket Board supported and sponsored by The Cricket Society Trust , thank you.
Over 900 children participated in the competition providing 12 teams to take part in 12 games of cricket including 3 finals.
Jeff Barnes and Ronald Paterson attended, with Jeff scoring two games on the 2nd Xl pitch and Ronald presented medals and a winning cup.
The winners of the respective age groups were Bishops Stopford Northamptonshire, Spalding High School for girls Lincolnshire and Harlington Upper School Bedfordshire.
R66T Academy (Joe Root’s Academy) provided a competition in the nets with bowling machines using Joe Root training bats which are between 6 cm and 7 cm wide. You can see why Joe Root is such a great batsman using these special narrow bats for training in the nets.
The Fred Trueman League thanks The Cricket Society Trust for their sponsorship and help in supporting the event right from the start, without the Trust’s help it could not have happened.
Geoff Hastings receiving awards
Geoff Hastings has been involved in Junior cricket for thirty years, first as junior coach/organiser at Burghley Park cricket club in the 1990’s entering the club into the Border Counties Cricket Youth Association.
At the beginning of 2004, Geoff and Fred Trueman were thinking of starting a league for state schools. They approached schools and asked them for help and advice on the issues in playing cricket at these schools. Geoff was invited to become Chairman of the David Cross Schools Cricket League (later to become the Fred Trueman Schools Cricket League). Eventually in 2006 Geoff and Fred were ready to start with a committee of teachers and volunteers, inviting schools to participate. Together the committee set up a strategy to encourage schools to take part; they raised over £15,000 to purchase 36 cricket kits! Schools were approached in the Huntingdon cricket Board and South Lincs areas. Huntingdon Cricket Board helped out in all of this and ensured the administration and running of the league was successful. Under 13’s and under 15’s teams have been playing ever since! Unfortunately, Covid 19 has prevented the games being played.
2022 will see the games resume again.
Furthermore the 2022 season is being planned and invitations will be going to nearly 50 schools in Stamford, Bourne Spalding Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Bedfordshire. Over the next six months fund raising efforts are being established to ensure every child boy or girl has the necessary kit to play the game of hard ball, limited-over cricket; this will end up in July 2022 with a festival of cricket ‘The Grand Finals’ in Bedfordshire and Stamford .
Geoff was Chairman of the well-established and successful Youth League prior to his Chairmanship. This Association, which covers the area where four counties meet; Rutland, Northants, Cambs and Lincolnshire, was set up over over fifty years ago.
For the last four years Geoff and his wife, Trish, have organised cricket games for several Special Schools; the latest one was played in 2021 at Uffington Park Cricket Club in June.
Geoff serves as a Trustee of the National Cricket Society Trust, a charity which raises money for Youth Cricket and cricket for children with learning difficulties.
Geoff served two years as Burghley Park Cricket Club President and is an honorary member of York Wanderers Cricket Club.
To contact Geoff. please email him. He can also be contacted at 07889606371.
All funds donated need to be paid to The Cricket Society Trust.