PUBLISHED 06 July 2023
U12 Captain Lukas M
For starters I would just like to thank all the coaches especially Mr Walmsley and Mr Parker. I would also I like to thank the groundsmen for all the work they have put into the pitches and the cafeteria crew for all of the snacks after the games. We also can’t forget the lovely parents for getting us to the games and coming and supporting us through the ups and downs across the season’s games.
The winter training has been amazing. We’ve been able to all get ready before we even start getting the fixtures going. It hasn’t all been just people getting padding up and getting bowled at. Sometimes we would do circuits or other training to mix things up, and we can only thank Mr Castellas for doing a great job in preparing us over this winter training.
All of the fixtures we have played in have been great, with some great wins and some close losses. We have all improved as each match passes, improving for each upcoming fixture.
Some of the highlights of the season include Harry McK, who has been a great vice captain, making a lot of great catches and some outstanding bowling and batting. I would also like to mention our two wicket keepers Reuben A and Frank C who have made some incredible and difficult catches as well as Monty M for some great all-round displays. Overall though it is a team game, and everyone has played a valuable part in the team.
Everyone has enjoyed this season’s cricket because at the start of the season a lot of our team had only just started playing cricket and have managed to develop their skills quickly, now looking like they have played for years and enjoyed it at the same time!
U13 Captain Archie J
The year 8 cricket team had a tough start to the season losing in the second round of the cup to Clitheroe Grammar School then shortly after losing to Stonyhurst. After a slow start we have managed to have great success winning to Hutton, QEGS and Bury Grammar School.
We have been lucky to have winter training to get us fully prepared for the summer season which meant cricket never stopped and carried on all year round.
I would like to say thank you to Mr Castellas and Mr Moretti for coaching us and thank you also to everybody who has made it possible for us to play our fixtures, we know it takes a lot of work from people and we are very grateful for this.
We would also like to thank parents for cleaning the grass stains out of our whites ready for the next day and making sure we get to our matches on time (especially for the early starts).
Overall, we have had a great season with some key runs from Freddie B, Finlay K and some great performances in the field from Maxwell K and Aiden L.
U14 Captain Xavier D
The 2023 cricket season has been great for team development and growth. The winter programme was a great way to get ready for the season, with most of the team joining the winter nets sessions. The coaching at these sessions focussed on bowling and batting, which is evident in the games we have played.
There have been some competitive games during the season. One that springs to mind was the Lancashire Cup game against a strong Clitheroe Grammar school which we lost despite an 80-run partnership between Freddie B and Xavier D.
Many thanks to the PE staff, ground staff and parents for their support at both home and away games.
U15 Captain Alfie K
Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Daws on behalf of the team. He has helped all the boys improve their individual skills greatly as well as our togetherness as a team. I would also like to thank the ground staff for keeping our pitches in great condition and the caterers for their excellent hospitality in the Pavilion. Finally, I thank the support of the parents throughout the season- both home and away.
I must also give Mr Castellas a huge thank you for his efforts in the cricket programme this year- including an excellent winter programme which saw many excellent drills to get players ready for the first ball of the season.
The most notable game of the season was the tie at Rossall which saw a thrilling game go to the very last ball. A well-made 40 from Rory saw AKS set Rossall 108 to win. Rossall got off to a good start, but a key wicket from Angus gave us some control over the game. After 20 overs in the field, it came to the last ball where Rossall needed 2 to win. Fortunately, a calm piece of fielding meant they got one run, and the game was tied.
The U15s have produced some great pieces of cricket alongside a fantastic team spirit to contribute to a brilliant season which was enjoyed by players, coaches and hopefully the parents too. We look forward to next season where many of the team will progress further and hopefully step up to play first team cricket.
Senior Captain Yash P
For this season I have been very proud to captain the senior cricket team. I have been part of the AKS cricket programme since I joined here in year 9 and part of the senior squad since year 10. it has been a great pleasure being involved and watching it progress to what it has become today.
For the last 4 seasons we have taken part in a structured winter programme, focusing on developing fundamental techniques in the skills of cricket, whilst instilling a mindset of playing positive cricket at all times.
Some of my personal favourite highlights from the Senior Cricket programme include:
Senior cricket has played a full season for the first time in recent memory with the Senior boys and senior girls playing side by side hard ball cricket
6 Y10s and 2 Y9s have made their debut for the senior team
Evie F, along with playing cup cricket in the boys’ teams, became the first girl to represent the senior boys’ team in over 20 years
Max S taking 3 wickets on debut
Rory U made 73 not out off 38 balls v Rossall in the National T20 Cup
Felix T made 77 not out off 41 balls v Kirkham in the National T20 Cup
First-ever match under lights at Queen Ethelbergas in York.
I have thoroughly enjoyed captaining and playing in the cricket squad, and I would like to take this time to thank Mr Castellas, the grounds staff, the catering staff along with the rest of the PE staff for their substantial efforts this season.