Bryanston’s cricket programme has capped off a highly successful summer term, with standout performances across both the Prep and Senior Schools, a surge in representative honours, and continued growth in girls’ cricket.
Prep School Reach Last 16 of National Cup
The Prep School’s season was headlined by a run to the last 16 of the IAPS national competition, where the side was eventually eliminated by Millfield on the penultimate ball of the match, a narrow finish that underlined the strength of the squad.
The team also enjoyed a strong County Cup campaign, finishing third overall. Head of Cricket, Josh Digby, praised the players’ resilience and technical progress throughout the season, as well as several victories over local opposition that gave a wider group of pupils the chance to test themselves at a higher level.
The pathway between the Prep and Senior programmes continues to be strengthened, with the aim of giving young cricketers a clear route through the school while keeping enjoyment and participation at the centre of the experience.
Senior Boys Enjoy Successful Season and Scotland Tour
The Senior School boys’ teams recorded victories across all age groups last term, with competitive fixtures giving players plenty of opportunity for development. A highlight of the season was a tour to Scotland, which offered valuable off-field experience.
The term also saw several younger players step up into senior cricket. Willem O made his first-team debut, while a number of Under 14 pupils played Under 15 cricket, and girls also crossed over to play boys’ Under 14 and Under 15 fixtures, evidence, the school says, of the depth of coaching and player development taking place across the winter and summer programmes.
Girls’ Cricket Continues to Grow
Girls’ cricket has made significant strides this year, with more fixtures, expanded coaching provision and rising participation helping to lift standards across the board. A number of girls also played in mixed sides alongside the boys following strong individual performances over the summer.
The winter one-to-one coaching programme has prepared players well for the summer season, with both team and individual performances showing consistent improvement. With more female cricketers set to join the school this year, the programme’s growth is expected to continue.
Nine Pupils Earn County Honours
Bryanston remains well represented within the county pathway, with nine pupils representing their counties this summer, the majority for Dorset, with others playing for Hampshire and the Hampshire Vipers girls’ programme. Several of these players have also been selected for the Emerging Player Programme (EPP) ahead of the new academic year.
One-to-one coaching and strength-and-conditioning provision are key factors behind this level of individual development, with the representative honours rewarding players and inspiring those coming through the ranks.
Old Bryanstonian Success
Bryanston’s OB cricketers have also enjoyed notable success this summer. One OB scored a century on his debut for Dorset’s men’s senior side, while another represented Scotland.
Looking Ahead
With facilities, coaching and a clear commitment to development underpinning the programme, Bryanston expects a number of its cricketers to continue making an impact at club and county level as the summer draws to a close.
