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Cricket

Cricket at CSGS

Cricket has been played at CSGS since the schools inception and is woven through the fabric of the Summer term. In 2016 and 2019 the School was voted as one of the top 100 cricketing schools in the country by The Cricketer Magazine. The 1st XI results are published in the Wisden Almanack each year and the M.C.C play the school every season. We enter the Kent Cup competitions from U12 to U15 and the 1st XI enter the Kent League and U19 Lemon Cup. We also run and enter the North Kent League competition and host the finals.

We are the only school in Bexley that play Saturday morning fixtures, which allows us to put out B teams at U12 & U13 level too. As a result, there are many opportunities for pupils to access the game both at excellence and participation levels. In addition, all students play cricket in PE lessons and compete in House competitions. The school teams have boys and girls in them but we are developing the girls’ teams too as befitting the tradition at the school.

We have four Alumni who have gone on to play county cricket, the latest two being Oliver Robinson who plays for Kent and represented England Lions against Australia in 2020. Phoebe Franklin plays in the Kent and South East Stars teams. Each season we consistently have girls and boys in the County and District squads.

Facilities

The school has two grass cricket squares one of which has an artificial strip too. On the Senior Square, we have a scorebox, sight screens, covers and boundary rope. On the Junior Square we have a scoreboard and cover sheet. We have three outdoor cricket nets and a bowling machine. In the winter, we use the nets at Sidcup Leisure Centre.

Expectations

As with all Chis & Sid teams, if selected, pupils are expected to support the school. However, players competing at a higher level, such as the county, are given release time and their development is supported by the school. On the field of play, we expect players to be supportive of their teammates and to up hold the laws and the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ as laid down by M.C.C. at all times. This also extends to those watching and supporting the teams. As a school, we endeavour to create an environment where every pupil has a chance to enjoy and flourish at the game.

Equipment

The school carries sufficient equipment for all pupils, so there is no need purchase the larger items. However, we do recommend that the boys purchase their own batting box and shorts. Should the pupils represent the school on a regular basis we would like them in whites, school crested kit is available from Gray Nicholls. If you decide to buy a bat for your child, it is essential that it has a light pick-up and is not toe heavy, also at the correct height (guides can be found online). The quality of bat is listed from G1 to G4 with 1 being test match level and 4 being entry level. You should also check the sweet spot and if it has been knocked in. Please speak to the PE staff for more information.