Cricket in Sri Lanka
Over the Exeat, Teddies pupils in the boys’ and girls’ cricket teams embarked on an inaugural tour to Sri Lanka. Unfolding over the course of 11 days, the tour allowed pupils to soak in the beauty of the country, get involved in the local culture and, of course, play lots of cricket!
Isla Scott-Dalgleish and Ed Adnitt, Lower Sixth pupils, report:
‘The cricket we played was exceptional. Across the 11 days, all three teams played five games, all of which were exciting and entertaining. It was captivating to play against different styles of cricket, which was challenging at times, but was a wonderful experience.
Each team made considerable progress throughout the tour, which is a positive indicator for the upcoming season, and a special mention to the boys’ 2nd XI who went unbeaten! After each game we all interacted with the opposition and had great chats about cricket and their culture, which was a fun and interesting way to end each match. A special well done to Alex Corbett and Tino Mutekwa who both managed to achieve their centuries for the first team against talented opposition. Overall, the tour was a hugely enjoyable experience, and it was the perfect way to spend the Exeat.
As well as plenty of cricket, we also had fun around the edges! On the first day we got off to a good start, waking up at 5am to climb Sigiriya Rock and to watch the sunrise, a view which will be hard to forget.
We went on two Safaris, riding in Jeeps and seeing elephants up close and even holding a baby crocodile – each experience was exhilarating. We also visited the oldest turtle sanctuary in Sri Lanka which was very special. They showed hatchlings which were only a day old as well as ten-year-old adult turtles, and it was inspiring to see the work they were doing to preserve the species.
Alongside visiting temples and beaches lined with freshly caught fish, we also ate a few traditional meals and learned about their culture and ways, which was incredible!’
Ed Ellis, Head of Cricket, writes:
‘Over the course of the trip we played at 16 different cricket grounds. All the teams played competitive cricket in tough conditions against strong oppositions and were a testament to the Cricket Club. The commitment and growth for the all the teams was highly evident, and the generosity and hospitality from the locals was at the forefront of the highlights of the trip.
A massive thank you to all the Teddies Staff who made the trip so successful; Mr Morgan, Mr Bond, Mrs Gowen, Mr Simpkins and Ms Law. We were also looked after so well by the Sri Lankan staff, including the wonderful tour leaders, bus drivers, and assistants.’
Hopefully this tour to Sri Lanka will be the first of many more in the future!
Click here to view the full gallery of photos taken on the trip.