St Peter’s School wins at Lord’s in the National Finals!

In a nail biting final on 28^th June 2024, we took the prize for the T20 School Open Finals. Our 1st XI boys’ cricket team competed against Millfield School for the title, which was the first time a team from St Peter’s has reached that level.

To walk away with a win was an incredible moment for the team, who have worked incredibly hard this season, incorporating a new winter training regime with coaches Sam Grant, Chris Wood, Head of Cricket Gareth Sharp and Director of Sport Chris Mc Turk. The team train and play in the school’s 50 acre campus with grounds kept to a top standard by Mark Hillaby, Ryan Pepper and the estates team.

Pupils, families, colleagues and alumni travelled down to London to support the team, who made up an impressive crowd in the stands.

We were not favoured to win after a few wickets lost early saw the team three wickets down in as many overs, but after a spectacular batting performance from Lower Sixth pupil Wills who scored 97 runs, hopes were high. This was followed by a great bowling and fielding performance in the second innings, with some incredible fielding, which put heavy pressure on the Millfield side. Some great field placings and a superb run out by Captain Hugo coupled with an incredible catch by Harry R, diving for the ball and catching it inches from the ground.

Buoyed by support from the crowd, St Peter’s went on to bowl Millfield all out for 110 and win the game. The final score was 153 to St Peter’s, 110 to Millfield. Wills followed up his great batting performance by also gaining three wickets when bowling and deservedly being awarded Player of the Match during the medal ceremony. It has to be said that this was an incredible team effort with every player making their own impact in the game. The boys showed a huge amount of energy throughout the match and the support of one another was second to none, with the strong team bond definitely having a part to play in the victory.

During the second innings Lower Sixth pupil Anesu was also contributing to the online broadcasted game commentary, giving insight to members of the team, which was followed my many across the St Peter’s community who couldn’t be there in person.

St Peter’s does not offer sports scholarships or financial incentives to talented sportspeople to join the school. This means that all pupils in our team are homegrown talent, many of whom have been at the school since Reception. Sport is a huge part of the school, where participation and fair play is encouraged at all levels.

Head Master Jeremy Walker said: “I could not be more proud of the players and their coaches on this outstanding achievement.  To come through against such strong competition, with over 200 schools entered, and win the final at Lord’s is a memory that will stand the test of time.  

For the hundreds of supporters fortunate to be present and those listening online, it was a day that they will never forget and I would like to thank our amazing cricketers for giving their families, friends and the school such an experience.

There were standout performances but everything came down to teamwork and building on the excellent coaching they have received over the years.  This is a team that will not be forgotten in the long history of St Peter’s.”