Cricket and this term's Fixtures Programme
Covid mitigations have meant a slower than usual start for this summer's cricket season. In planning for the term and how we would proceed with the fixtures programme, I undertook guidance from the ECB and the government. It is prescriptive and all-encompassing. One stipulation was to minimise travel. I took the decision to withdraw from fixtures with our furthest rivals in the logic that a programme asked to minimise travel could not look the same as that of two summers ago.
With another school deciding to abstain until May, we had internal fixtures in place for years 7 and 8 which have been successful and entertaining. On Wednesday with Year 8, the weather was so changeable, we went off for hail showers and stayed on for rain! We're looking forward to our fixtures with Forres Sandle Manor tomorrow. As ever, details are on SOCS via MSP. The weather forecast looks poor in the morning, but much better for the afternoon. As with any of our school fixtures regardless of term, I review conditions in the morning, making alternative arrangements for that afternoon. The conditions may allow for modified games sessions to take place, such as with hard ground for rugby, allowing for running and handling practices. Any cancellation would be published on SOCS with further details emailed out to parents. We do make allowances that, when weekends are concerned, collection may be earlier to forego Games.
In the current frustrating circumstance that spectators aren't permitted, collection for both home and away matches will be from the yard. The ballpark collection time is available from SOCS. Team staff will liaise with me at the conclusion of their match so that I may send a text to parents in that team to confirm return time or advise of new return time. In limited overs matches, the finish time of play will tend to be 1730, in a timed game, if it goes the distance, the last ball will be bowled at 1800. Only the senior teams may play timed matches. Match tea takes place around 1530-1600, usually in between innings. I am planning for spectators to join us from 17 May. I hope this will indeed be the case and await confirmation from official sources.
St Cross has become a home venue for us with some teams scheduled there over the course of the summer, on a Wednesday. The Colts A (Y6) will be our first team to play there next week (Wednesday 12th May).
From Year 4 (Under 9) upwards, boys will wear whites for matches, with their formal school jacket please. As I've mentioned, we're transitioning to school branded whites but others are acceptable this summer. We will issue team shirts, as available. The team coach will advise whether trainers are cricket spikes are in use.
Please note recently added fixture dates:
Wednesday 12 May - U12B v Twyford
Saturday 30 June - U13A, U13B, U12 invitational XI, U11A, U11B v Stroud
We're looking forward to seeing you on the boundary.
Andrew Short, Director of Sport
