Cricket Week at St Lawrence College is an exciting annual event held over the last week of the Summer Term. On Day 1 of Cricket Week, parents, staff and pupils enjoyed a thrilling declaration match on Newlands Field between the St Lawrence College 1st XI and the ‘Old Boys’ alumni cricketers from our Old Lawrentian Society, which ended in an exciting draw despite some weather disruptions. The Old Boys set a formidable target by declaring at 233, thanks to a magnificent century from J. Mitchell, who retired after reaching the milestone. In response, the 1st XI saw impressive half-centuries from E. Smith and O. Skelton. Skelton’s fifty, in particular, was a highlight, contributing to a competitive chase. At 115-2 off 15 overs, the 1st XI pushed hard but ultimately ran out of time, ending the match in a draw.
The day was a celebration of cricket and community, with many Old Lawrentians returning to support and revisit the College, reinforcing the strong relationships formed at St Lawrence College. The pitches were prepared beautifully by the Grounds Team, spectators enjoyed a raffle made up of items donated from parents and staff, and alumni enjoyed an High Tea. Key performances from the first day included Mitchell (Old Boys) who scored a century (retired), Smith (1st XI) who scored a half-century, and Skelton (1st XI) who also scored a half-century. This opening fixture set a high standard for the rest of Cricket Week, promising more thrilling games and memorable moments ahead.
Day 2 of Cricket Week saw the SLC 1st XI host Simon Langton Grammar School in a declaration match. The day started under sunny skies with St Lawrence College at 2-0 off the first over. Congratulations were in order for O. Skelton and J. Foster, who earned Half Cricket Colours, and T. O’Callaghan, who received Full Cricket Colours. In a high-scoring affair, E. Smith’s maiden century for the 1st XI was the highlight, but Simon Langton Grammar School dominated, prompting a second match. St Lawrence College ended the day grateful for their participation and their strong performance.
Day 3 featured a coloured kit match against Eltham College. Despite intermittent rain reducing the format to 35 overs, the game remained thrilling. St Lawrence College’s O. Skelton scored 61, and E. Smith added 46, bringing their total to 194-5. Eltham chased down the target with 7 balls to spare, ensuring a memorable game. The U14A XI triumphed in the Kent Plate County Competition, winning via Duckworth-Lewis against Oakwood Park Grammar School. Whilst the girls’ 1st XI played a T20 match against a Kent County Cricket Club Youth Invitational XI. Congratulations to S. Callow and C. Panteli for being awarded Half Cricket Colours during lunch.
On Day 4, the girls’ 1st XI played a strong game against a Kent Invitational XI, finishing at 118-5 from 20 overs. Lilia Humphries opened the bowling for St Lawrence College as Kent began their innings. St Edmund’s won by 28 runs despite a resilient 60-run partnership for St Lawrence College’s eighth wicket. The day also featured a junior match between St Lawrence College’s U11A and U12A teams, showcasing the upcoming talent.
On Cricket Week’s final day, we welcomed Canterbury Academy for a T20 match, who won, and the day ended on a high note with speeches, awards, and a BBQ.
Students O. Skelton and U. Malik were top run scorers, while M. Foster and R. Forsythe-Artiga were top wicket-takers for the week. A special mention goes to T. O’Callaghan for receiving the Honours Cap for his pivotal role as 1st XI Cricket Captain. The week concluded with gratitude to all sponsors, umpires, grounds team, and supporters for making Cricket Week 2024 so memorable.
Special thanks go to our main sponsors:
Mr and Mrs Skelton
Thanks to go to our Director of Sport, Seth Simmons, and to our Head of Cricket, Geraint Jones MBE, for organising and running such a spectacular event.
