U11 Cricket Tour: IAPS Tournament and Summer Fields Match

The U11A team from Langley Prep School recently embarked on an exciting cricket tour, showcasing their skills and teamwork at the IAPS tournament held at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, followed by a thrilling T20 match against Summer Fields in Oxford.

The boys were drawn into a competitive group, facing off against Widford Lodge and Fram Prep. Demonstrating outstanding batting talent and expert shot selection, our team successfully chased down the scores in both matches, advancing to the final. The championship match against Ipswich started with a few jitters, but thanks to the excellent captaincy of Ruben and some smart bowling strategies, the team regained control. With remarkable confidence, the boys chased down the target of 48 runs in just 3.1 overs, securing their victory in the tournament. This win was particularly special, as they also triumphed in the same tournament as Year 5s last June.

After celebrating their victory, the team hopped on a bus headed to the Holiday Inn at Peatree Services for an overnight stay. Following a refresh, the boys enjoyed a delightful supper at Mamma Mia’s Pizzeria, where they had the opportunity to meet some staff members from Summer Fields ahead of their upcoming T20 match.

After a good night’s rest, the boys explored the picturesque surroundings, including a drive-by of the stunning Radley College 1st XI square and the vibrant centre of Oxford. Upon arrival at Summer Fields, they were treated to a delicious lunch with their opponents, creating a friendly atmosphere before the much-anticipated match.

The T20 game proved to be an exciting showcase of cricketing talent. A solid partnership between Rushton S and Jack M amassed over 100 runs for the second wicket, while Charlie WB contributed crucial runs towards the innings’ end, including a remarkable shot worth 7 runs (ask him how!). In response to their total of 169, Summer Fields began briskly, but the key difference was the regular wickets taken by our bowlers, applying tremendous pressure to the opposing batters. The stellar bowling performances from Ben A and Charlie WB, who collectively took four wickets in just six overs, played a pivotal role in stifling Summer Fields’ chase. Despite the challenge, the Summer Fields team displayed resilience and sportsmanship through to the end.