News

Berkhamsted Group | 13.02.2020

Record breaking county call-ups for Cricket boys and girls  

Record breaking county call-ups for Cricket boys and girls  

24 Berkhamsted students have been selected by the Buckinghamshire County Cricket Board for the 2020 season. The current crop is Berkhamsted’s largest ever representation at county level.  

The talented U12-U18 cricketers will join the county development pathway, supporting the best young players to reach their potential.  

From trying cricket at school, to England pathway

Bethan Miles, Year 11, started playing Cricket five years ago at Berkhamsted Prep.  Since then her progress has been phenomenal leading to her selection for county and the England’s Women’s Academy.   

Bethan said “I first got involved in Cricket in the Prep School in Year 5, when I just wanted to try something different from Rounders. I really enjoyed it and was spotted by a Bucks coach and joined the county team that summer.  

“My game has really improved during my time at Berkhamsted. Playing with the boys over the years has increased my confidence hugely. My experiences at school have given me the confidence to go for it and achieve as much as possible on the cricket pitch.  

Bethan Miles leg spin bowling cricket

“The school should be very proud of the growth of Cricket. From the girls perspective, the growth is huge. Out of the 24 selected for Bucks, 8 of them are girls.  

“The girls programme has developed significantly, with matches every Saturday from U12 to U15 during the summer whereas before it was rare that schools even had a girls team. This is down to dedication and drive of the coaches who have worked so hard to get more girls involved and enjoying playing Cricket.” 

Pride and excitement

Finlay Webster, Year 8, captained Berkhamsted’s U12 boys to an unbeaten season in 2019.  His batting prowess and leg spin bowling has earned him a place in the Bucks setup for the last four years.  

He said “The feeling when you have got into Bucks County is amazing. It is a sense of pride and excitement for the Cricket ahead. The feeling also brings confidence, which for me helps to strive to be a better cricketer and a better person. 

Finlay Webster bowling cricket

“The staff at Berkhamsted are very encouraging which I feel is a very important factor to developing my cricket. School training has certainly helped me achieve my goals and getting into Bucks Cricket. The attention to detail has made me a better cricketer and gain a better knowledge of the game.” 

Opportunities for everyone

Head of Cricket George Campbell said: “We aim to give every pupil the opportunity to improve and reach their potential. We are fielding more Cricket teams than ever before. 17 boys’ teams and 11 girls teams. 

“As a top UK sports school, our students enjoy the benefit of winter sessions, one to one coaching, and talent development from our partnership with Bucks Cricket.  

“We are hugely proud of the 24 students who have earned county selection. Their contribution, together with every team member who represents Berkhamsted at Cricket provides us all with plenty of optimism for the 2020 season.“ 

URL copied!