At the start of the Easter break, 26 Year 9 and 10 pupils travelled to the UAE to take part in the prestigious ARCH Cricket Tournament. Now in its 15th year, this event brings together the best schools in the UK and overseas to take part in a cricket tournament ahead of the upcoming season.
Having arrived in the hot conditions, the boys acclimatised quickly, utilising the fantastic training facilities at the iconic Sevens sports grounds. With a tight schedule in place, the games started on day two with matches against top cricket schools such as Shrewsbury, Rugby, Trent College, Merchant Taylors and Winchester. This tournament draw was accompanied by the wider group of Bradfield College, King Edward’s School Birmingham and Manchester Grammar as well as two academy sides from the UAE.
The tournament matches were played at the Dubai Sevens Stadium, the MCC-backed Vision Cricket Centre in Dubai and the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium. With all venues having hosted either U19 or full international cricket the boys were very lucky to kickstart their 2023 season preparations in such perfect conditions.
The U15A side quickly moved into gear going unbeaten in the tournament, playing an exciting brand of cricket. With contributions being made across the team the same applied to the U15B group who, after a slow start on day one, went from strength to strength. Both sides topped their groups and for the first time in the tournament’s history won both the Cup and the Shield. The depth of talent and togetherness across the two teams was vital in this excellent achievement.
Away from the matches, the boys took part in a variety of activities including visiting the Atlantis Waterpark, Dubai Fountain Show and Gold Souk, as well as taking part in a traditional day of food, culture and a desert safari. All the boys threw themselves into the activities and gained a larger understanding of the region’s history and way of life.
A big thanks to all the parents, the accompanying staff, and the Sports Group for enabling this outstanding experience.
