King’s Cricket Tour a Huge Success

April 16th 2025

In the final week of the Easter Holiday, the King’s Bruton Senior Boys' Cricket Team attended the ARCH International Festival in Holland for a training and fixture camp in pre-season preparation.

After an early start on the Monday morning, the team arrived at the VRA International Stadium for their first training session and fixture against Netherlands U19s. An unbelievable experience to watch the Netherlands Senior Men's Team in training beforehand.

Having lost the toss in the first fixture, King's were asked the bat. Both Oliver G and Ben L got the team off to a steady start before the first wicket fell. Ben then looked to hit the accelerator and finished 39* not out with King's Bruton on 104-5 before rain interrupted play and the game resulted in a draw.

The second day started with a training session at Voorberg Cricket Club, a first class ground in Holland, before the second fixture of Tour against Netherlands U17s. King's again lost the toss and were asked to bat first. George G opened the batting scoring an unbeaten 71, supported well by Bruce W and Ronnie F as King's posted 158-5 off their 20 overs. In response, King's took regular wickets as the Netherlands scored 81 for 6 off their 20 overs (two wickets a piece for Hugo F, Oliver G and Charles P) ensuring a 77 run victory for King's.

Following a day of sightseeing and a canal cruise, the team were refreshed in anticipation for their final game of Tour against regional side Kampong Cricket Club U19s at the ODI International Stadium. A game which saw King's bat first again with Felix M (41) getting the team off to a strong start, ably supported by Nathan T (34) as King's reached a competitive 153-6. King's knew they would need to bowl well and take their chances and an outstanding opening spell from Oliver G with three wickets inside his four overs saw King's over the line to secure a 13 run victory and their second victory on tour.

A huge thank you to all the pupils, parents, opposition, sponsors and officials who made the Festival such a success, and I am extremely grateful to Mr Godfrey for accompanying myself and the team. I am positive the Tour has set us up for an exciting season ahead. The Boys' 1^st XI will be in home action on Saturday against Monkton Combe School!

Ben Crump - Head of Cricket