Senior Cricketers Hone Their Skills In Preseason Training

Alex Phillips, former Herefordshire and Shropshire opening batsman, current Vice-Captain of Knowle and Dorridge men's first team and the second-highest scoring batsman in the history of the Birmingham Premier League, and Harry Walters, first team all-rounder for Cropredy Cricket Club. 

This year, the College has successfully trialled Senior Cricket training on Fridays after school. The comprehensive training programme providing players with the opportunity for year-round skill development in preparation for the cricket season. The club has been a great success and Mr Phillips and the young players are all looking forward to the season ahead.

In the sessions Mr Phillips and Mr Walters have been able to focus on different elements of fielding, batting, bowling and wicketkeeping. Each session has included fielding technical skill development along with game-based drills to improve awareness, communication and leadership. Using the College’s indoor nets, the players have also been working on their batting and bowling technique to become more powerful and consistent performers, as well as their decision-making in pressured match scenarios such as a run chase. The high standard of players has helped the group discuss tactics for bowling and batting when pitched against one another, and it has been fantastic to see the talent on show.

First team Captain, Upper Sixth Former, Will Hawkins, explains, “Cricket this term has been an excellent chance to hone my skills. All the players have benefitted from the dedicated facilities and high-quality coaching, and I am looking forward to building a competitive First XI for next summer. It has been refreshing to see the depth of talent in the younger year groups too, and it would be great to see some more new faces on a Friday night!”

Year 10, Jesse Esler, U15 Captain and Warwickshire U15 County player, commented, “Cricket training has allowed me to maintain my skills throughout the winter giving me more confidence in my ability when I train with the Warwickshire team.”

Year 10, Will Hughes, U15 cricketer, added, “Working with boys of the same ability across age groups has been fantastic giving me the opportunity to work on my weaknesses ready for the season.”

The College is committed to providing an environment where young players can work to achieve their potential and is delighted with pupil engagement with the College's Senior Cricket programme.