FEATURED IN THIS
CRICKET CHAMPIONS
ETON FIVES HITS NEW HEIGHTS
GRAND CRICKET CELEBRATION
OE: SPORT’S LESSONS FOR LIFE
VOLLEYBALL JUST FOR FUN
SPORTS LEADERS LOVE TO SERVE
TAEKWONDO YOUNG WINNER
County success across the age groups Champions and finalists!
For the first time in many years, three QE age groups reached the Middlesex finals – with the U15s going on to be crowned county champions.
These successes came after a season that has seen a record-breaking number of matches, thrilling victories, and a growing culture of excellence among the School’s cricketers.
Head of Cricket Guy Ashby said: “The 2025 cricket season has been nothing short of extraordinary. We really had it all – successes at all levels, tremendous spirit, and some silverware, too!”
The season began with a generous contribution from FQE, funding new cricket covers for the top square. “This investment has already paid dividends, allowing more matches to be played and ensuring the pitches remained in top condition throughout the term,” said Mr Ashby.
Over the course of the term, QE teams have played more than 100 matches across 21 teams, spanning all age groups. “Those statistics alone reflect the depth of talent and the enthusiasm for the sport that exists here.”
The U15s first defeated Merchant Taylors’ in a tense semi-final, before edging past Harrow in a nail-biting final that went down to the last over. Headmaster Neil Enright said: “I was particularly proud to watch them playing so well on the sunny Philathletic in Harrow against the backdrop of my alma mater, The John Lyon School.”
In addition to the county success, the U15s beat Ipswich to make history by qualifying for the regional knockout stage. They next faced another East Anglian independent school – Norwich – but, after a somewhat controversial umpiring decision, they were knocked out by a single run in the quarter-final.
After impressive county cup runs, the U13s and U12s lost to St Benedict’s and Hampton School in their respective finals.
Year 10 unless otherwise indicated.
Lakshmi Chirumamilla
Tanush Madadi
Aarush Choudhary
Sumant Pande
Sarang Nair (W)
Vikyath Sandesh Vatnala
Mayank Jagetia (Year 9)
Krish Deebak (C)
Akein Athukoralage
Sai Chilukuri
Vivaan Shah
Aarav Jalhotra
Continue to page 2 for more cricket success…
Touring triumphs
Our county championship-winning U15 squad had a highly successful West Country tour, securing victories against King’s Worcester, Sir Thomas Rich’s (Gloucester), and Pate’s Grammar (Cheltenham). The players attended T20 matches, visited a batting cage, and took each other on at a go-kart track.
REFLECTIONS
As leading QE cricketers and rugby players head off on their Sri Lanka tour, there is news of a potential tour to the West Indian island of Tobago. QE is exploring a partnership with TCA Sports Tours to take two squads on a tour that would include a tournament and 50-over matches – ”a thrilling opportunity to expand the horizons of QE cricket even further,” said Mr Ashby.
I don’t like cricket; I love it!
When I joined the School
I
liked cricket, however, through the opportunities that have been given to me here, I now absolutely love it. I have played at some amazing schools, had unforgettable cup runs and met lifelong friends. I’m looking forward to carrying on my cricket journey at university.
Outgoing First XI captain Girish Radhakrishnan reflects on his time at QE.
A season of growth, grit – and greatness
With more than 100 pupils representing the School and around 20 in each year group squad, Eton Fives has probably never been more popular here.
And it is not just about the numbers – the School is enjoying unprecedented levels of success. QE’s squads challenged top Fives-playing schools, including Harrow, Charterhouse, Highgate, and Berkhamsted, sharpening their skills against élite competition. The season culminated at the National Championships at Shrewsbury School, where QE players shone in several age groups.
Achievements included:
• Aaryan Prabhaker and Krishanth Rajesh reaching the U14 Novices competition semi-final.
• In the main U15 competition, QE’s pair 1 (Advay Zore and Parth Pisharody) and pair 3 (Neil Puthur and Dhruva Bhardwaj) getting to the last 16.
Fives in the future
• Param Patel and Adhrut Lele knocking out the No. 1 seed in the main U16 competition to reach the quarter-finals.
• Veer Raj Gali Sanjeev and Sastha Sabarinath (pictured right) winning the U16 Plate C.
Director of Sport Jonathan Hart said: “Despite us having just one court, enthusiasm for the game has never been higher. Every breaktime, lunchtime, and after-school session is filled with players eager to improve and compete. The School’s commitment to the sport is evident not only in the numbers, but in the culture being built around it.”
At the heart of QE’s success is peer-led development and mentoring. Eton Fives captain Aarush Shah, of Year 13, said: “I’m proud of the system we’re developing, where older pupils teach younger ones the rules and how to play.” This ethos was further demonstrated when Year 9 and 10 squad members ran Year 8 trials, helping to identify the next generation of talent.
QE is exploring the renovation of its court, with support from the Eton Fives Foundation and FQE – “an exciting and inspiring development”, said Mr Hart. The School continues to aspire to add more courts, subject to planning permission and funding.
Mentor extraordinaire
One shining example of QE’s peer-led development is Year 11’s Jack Tan, who won a Jack Petchey Award for outstanding coaching of younger players. Jack used his £300 grant to purchase new Fives gloves for QE players.
Savouring our success:
QE’S NEW CRICKET CELEBRATION
The School has hosted its first cricket celebration – a chance for pupils, parents and staff to honour the efforts and achievements of QE’s young players.
It was, said the Headmaster, “a very happy summer’s evening on Stapylton Field that started with a delicious al fresco tea and went on to celebrate what has been a terrific season”.
Hosted by the PE department, led by Director of Sport Jonathan Hart and Head of Cricket Guy Ashby, the celebration was for all members of Years 7–10.
“It was more than just a recognition of sporting excellence,” said Mr Ashby. “It was a chance for the School to come together and share in our communal pride at the achievements of a remarkable year: one statistic shared during the evening was that QE had an 89% win rate across all teams.
“The picturesque Stapylton Field provided the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with laughter, conversation, and a shared love for the game,” Mr Ashby added.
Pupils and parents alike enjoyed a traditional cricket tea – with sandwiches and cakes to eat, plentiful cups of tea, and Pimms for the parents. As the sun began to set, a series of speeches and presentations followed. Staff reviewed the season to date for each of the year groups involved, giving out prizes for the best players (A & B teams in each year group) and then awarding special prizes for batting and bowling across the School. Coaches spoke warmly about the progress and commitment shown by the players, highlighting the teamwork and resilience that defined the season.
Special guest Christopher Deane (OE 2010–2017) delivered an inspiring address which resonated with players and other audience members alike, reminding everyone of the enduring values cricket instils – discipline, sportsmanship, and unity. A keen cricketer while a pupil at the School, rising to become First XI captain, he went on to study English Literature at both Oxford and Cambridge.
Having continued playing cricket as a student, he is now regularly back at the School playing in the OE fixtures that have become a popular feature of the Summer Term.
Mr Ashby said: “It was a splendid evening; for me, the highlight was the presenting of the awards. The hard work and passion of our cricketers were evident throughout the season, and the recognition they received was well deserved.”
“As the first of its kind, this cricket celebration has set a wonderful precedent. It not only honoured individual and team achievements, but also strengthened the bonds within our School community. Here’s to many more seasons of success, growth, and unforgettable moments on the field.” It is now planned to make the cricket celebration an annual event.
Savouring our success: QE’s new cricket celebration
It was a great evening to reflect on the season and how well our team have done. We have played on some amazing wickets and have developed as a squad.”
Year 9’s Mayank Jagetia. Mayank usually opens the batting for the U14s. He has ‘played up’ in older age groups, too, including appearing for the First XI.
FEATURE
Nathan Kosky
Sports Bulletin interviewed Nathan Kosky (OE 1984–1990), who has forged a career in sports & entertainment leadership and is currently Vice President, Europe, Global Partnerships at AEG.
What have you been doing in your career recently?
I have been working for one of the world’s foremost sports and entertainment businesses, AEG, who are headquartered in Los Angeles, but also operate The O2 in London.
Previously I worked as Commercial Director for Coventry City Football Club. Only this week I have been in Philadelphia to look at venues in a city that has teams competing in the five major professional leagues in America; so, I am very lucky to see a range of sports and stadiums at first hand as part of my job.
Do you keep in touch with friends from QE?
I do have a handful of friends from my School days, but have recently been back in touch with QE and have been delighted to see how well the School is doing, and to talk to pupils. [Nathan gave one of a new series of QE Futures careers talks in the spring.]
What are your memories of sport at QE?
Actually, QE has a major bearing on my sporting life as it’s where I first played cricket properly. It’s forged a lifelong love of the sport, which over COVID
took on a new dimension as I started a podcast with England bowler Mark Wood and comedian / actor Miles Jupp called Middle Please, Umpire. It’s been one of my favourite things to do, and I can trace the roots of this back to QE!
Do you still play?
I still play a bit of cricket, but more golf and padel* now. Football was the sport in which I competed at a good level, but am no longer able due to my ageing body!
* Padel is a racquet sport that uses the same scoring conventions as lawn tennis but is played on courts around a third smaller, usually in doubles.
The man behind Middle Please, Umpire
Nathan is the creator and producer of the hugely popular cricket podcast, Middle Please, Umpire, hosted by England’s World Cup-winning bowler Mark Wood and by comedian, writer and cricket fan Miles Jupp.
Sport and its lessons for life
“ Sports is an amazing metaphor for life; if you can learn to lead others, work together in a high-performing team, or just focus on achieving a higher standard for yourself in sport, then you can apply the same approach to anything in your career or education, for example. Sport gives you amazing highs when you win, but also builds resilience and learning when you don’t.”
Volleyball
– a sport for all
“Sometimes it’s just about having fun”
“Sport at QE isn’t just for competition – it’s also about enjoyment, inclusion, and discovering new passions. Volleyball is a great example,” says Director of Sport Jonathan Hart.
Introduced as part of the PE curriculum from Year 8, the game quickly became popular. Its fast pace, emphasis on teamwork, and accessible nature make it perfect for both seasoned athletes and those simply looking to try something new. Previously non-scoring at Sports Day, volleyball is now an official event.
A 130-year history
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G Morgan, of the YMCA gymnasium in Holyoke, USA, as a less strenuous alternative to basketball for the gym’s businessmen members. Spread in Europe during World War I by American troops, it debuted a the Olympics in 1964 in Tokyo.
“What makes it so exciting is the constant movement, quick reflexes, and strategic teamwork required – every point is a chance for a spectacular rally or a game-changing play.”
Beyond lessons, boys play recreationally at lunchtime. Courts are regularly filled with lively games – “a reminder that not all sport at QE has to be played on the competitive schools circuit: sometimes, it’s just about having fun and staying active,” Mr Hart adds.
Know your terms
Spiking – offensive play where a player swings the ball with palm sharply downwards over the net and into the opposing court.
Setting – where a player quickly makes contact with the ball in order to set up a spike for another player.
Blocking – defensive manoeuvre to stop or slow down an attack by intercepting the ball close to the net.
The game explained
Volleyball is played by two teams of six on a court divided by a net.
• Objective: send the ball over the net and ground it on opponents’ side.
• Teams can touch the ball three times before sending back.
• A point is gained for each rally won.
Letting off steam
Having never played before, Year 11’s Peter Atanasov quickly became hooked.
“It was the combination of a fast-paced game and teamwork. My background in water polo helps, too.
During exam season, me and my friends use it to let off steam between revision sessions.” Peter has joined the AST Volleyball Club.
SPORTS LEADERS
Making their mark Impacting QE; serving their community
Whether it’s organising cricket competitions and primary school mini-marathons, or preparing for their vital role at QE’s Sports Day, the School’s Sports Leaders have been making their mark this term.
“This term, our Sports Leaders have once again demonstrated the power of service, leadership, and teamwork”
This preparation ensures that by the time summer arrives, they are ready to step into leadership roles with confidence and competence.
Sports Leaders have been a constant presence – officiating, coaching, and encouraging young athletes with professionalism and enthusiasm, both within QE and across the local community.
The success of the programme is no accident. Under the guidance of Richard Scally, QE’s Head of Aquatics, Sports Leaders undergo comprehensive training throughout the winter, learning how to run, coach, and officiate sports festivals.
Mr Scally
“This term, our Sports Leaders have once again demonstrated the power of service, leadership, and teamwork. Their work not only enriches the experiences of younger pupils, but also helps develop their own skills in communication, organisation, and leadership – skills that will serve them well far beyond the sports field.”
HERE IS JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT SPORTS LEADERS DO:
• Manage relay races
• Guide younger children through cricket drills
• Ensure fair play at mini-marathons
• Run primary school sports days.
Sports Leaders
The programme at a glance
The Sports Leaders programme is a QE scheme run for Year 12.
Those who select it at the beginning of Year 12 learn how to coach and run sessions and tournaments. Although it culminates in a busy Summer Term, there are opportunities throughout the year, including helping with touch rugby tournaments and supporting some PE lessons.
There are also ad hoc opportunities for boys lower down the School to engage in sports outreach work in the community.
Sports Leaders fulfil QE’s ethos of service, while learning valuable skills that they can benefit from in their careers.
Director of Sport Jonathan Hart
SPORTS LEADERS
Jerry gives back
Year 8’s Jerry Ju assisted in the organisation of a recent mini-marathon for Barnet primary schools. “I really enjoyed helping,” he said. In fact, in the not-too-distant past, Jerry was himself on the receiving end of support from QE Sports Leaders at a similar event. “I can remember taking part when I was at primary school. It made me realise that some of these events couldn’t happen without volunteers.”
Much appreciated!
Thank you for the loan of your QE young men – as always, a real help. A credit to the School.
Julie Eyres, Head Teacher at Monken Hadley Primary School, wrote to Headmaster Neil Enright after benefiting from support from QE’s Sports Leaders.
MARTIAL ARTS
It’s gold for Ibrohim!
Year 8’s Ibrohim Saidahror won a gold medal in a taekwondo sparring competition at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff. Fighting in the – 37kg cadet weight category, Ibrohim saw off two other competitors, which gave him first place. “I am very proud of this achievement as it shows my determination and discipline in training,” he said.