Cricket lesson at OCC
Keen future cricketers had a chance to be inspired by some of the finest up and coming cricketers at a match in Oxford.
Year 5 and 6 pupils who take part in squad Cricket training walked down to Oxford’s University Parks on Friday 7th June to see home favourites Oxford University Cricket Club (OUCC) take on Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
The cricketers were blessed with good weather, allowing the girls to enjoy a number of fantastic opportunities at the famous University cricket pitch.
Upon arrival the group was greeted by Eloise Porter, Captain of the Women’s MCC team and an ex-Headington Prep School pupil. The girls then settled down to watch the first few overs in the 50 over game.
Mrs Porter showed everyone how to score the match, which gave the children the opportunity to watch the umpire closely and write down the correct symbols for scoring accurately.
The children were then able to play a small game and practise bowling in the nets.
The Year 6s were given a spin bowling masterclass with Graham Charlesworth (coach of OUCC) while Year 5 had a tour of the OUCC pavilion.
After a picnic lunch, a number of the MCC players came over to speak to the children. Genny Porter was generous enough to give the Year 5 and 6 children the opportunity to try on the kit she wore for batting. Sian Kelly, wicket keeper for the MCC, also handed around her gloves and gave everyone a quick masterclass on the skills required to be a wicketkeeper.
At the end of the first session, the children were able to hear from the umpire – Yolanda Harris. The Year 5 and 6 children were then able to get onto the pitch and see groundsman Jon Buddington prepare the pitch for the return to play.
Prep Head of Sport Mr Jamie Vigano said: “It was a fantastic day and a big thank you goes to Mrs Porter for organising this wonderful opportunity for the children.”
