Cricket Festival Programme 2026

The Royal Grammar Schools annual

Cricket Festival A celebration of School Cricket bringing together tradition & community across five days of competition

Monday 29 June - Friday 3 July 2026 Hosted by RGS Worcester

We are delighted to welcome the Royal Grammar Schools to the RGS Cricket Festival 2026

Welcome to the RGS Schools Cricket Festival 2026. We are delighted to host the Festival at RGS Worcester this year and thank you to the players, coaches and staff for making this annual event such a success. I know how much the pupils look forward to representing their school at the Festival.

RGS Worcester has a strong tradition of cricket with the sport played at Flagge Meadow for over 135 years. Many great cricket players have bowled and scored runs here with several named on our Batting and Bowling Honours boards in the pavilion. Our pitch has seen First-Class cricket and we have a strong relationship with Worcestershire County Cricket Club with several Women’s Rapids and Men’s Second Team matches played here this season. Worcestershire has a proud tradition of cricket and over the course of the week the teams will have the chance to play at a selection of other local grounds: Bewdley Cricket Club, Old Elizabethans Cricket Club, Kidderminster Cricket Club and Worcester Nomads Cricket Club. Our thanks to these clubs for supporting the Festival.

We always guarantee a warm and friendly welcome at RGS Worcester and I hope that the players from all six RGS Schools enjoy the experience and come away proud of their own performances and teamwork. My thanks to the coaches, umpires, grounds staff, catering team and the marketing team for all your hard work and particularly to Mr Liam Smith, Head of Cricket at RGS Worcester, for organising our Festival this year. It is the commitment of staff from the RGS Schools that makes this wonderful annual event possible.

This year we have several sponsors and we are very grateful to them for their generosity in helping us to make the Festival extra special. Thank you to parents, our alumni and other spectators for your support and good luck to everyone as we all enjoy a week of cricket in Worcester.

Mr John Pitt Headmaster of RGS Worcester Executive Head of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools

Welcome from the Headmaster

Welcome from the Headmaster

It is a privilege to host the RGS Cricket Festival this year and to welcome you all to Worcester for what promises to be an outstanding week of cricket.

This event remains a highlight of the school calendar, rich in tradition and a celebration of the game. Looking back at previous tournaments, I am reminded that we have not lifted the trophy since 2017. With that in mind, I am hopeful that this might be the year the silverware returns to Worcester. Whatever the outcome, the strength of the opposition guarantees competitive cricket, exceptional performances and the opportunity to be recognised as the leading Royal Grammar School in the country.

An event of this scale requires significant preparation, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated groundsman, Sean Lloyd, and his hardworking team, whose expertise ensures that Flagge Meadow continues to provide a first-class playing surface. My thanks also go to our partner club, Old Elizabethans, and to our outgrounds at Bewdley CC, Kidderminster CC and Worcester Nomads CC. The staff and volunteers at each venue have prepared facilities of the highest standard and their support is greatly appreciated.

Special thanks must also go to our Sponsors and Friends of the Festival, whose generosity helps make this such a memorable occasion. We are equally grateful to the team at Holroyd Howe for their outstanding hospitality, and to the umpires and match managers whose professionalism ensures the smooth running of the competition. Finally, thank you to the parents and supporters whose encouragement means so much to our players.

Ultimately, this Festival is about far more than cricket. It is about camaraderie, healthy competition and the friendships forged both on and off the field. I am confident that this year’s Festival will once again showcase the very best of Royal Grammar School cricket, and I look forward to an exceptional week ahead.

Mr Liam Smith Head of Cricket, RGS Worcester

Welcome from the Head of Cricket

Welcome from the Head of Cricket

History of RGS Worcester

A Brief History of RGS Worcester The School was originally founded in Worcester around 685 by Bishop Bosel, making it the fifth oldest school in the United Kingdom and reputedly the sixth oldest in the world. The first written reference to the School dates back to 1265, with the earliest definitive records of the School being separate from the Cathedral dating to 24 May 1291.

In 1561, the School received its first Royal Charter, which endowed it permanently with a governing body known as the Six Masters. A second Royal Charter was granted in 1843 by Queen Victoria, with the title of ‘Royal’ conferred in 1869. The School moved from its site behind St Swithun’s Church to its current home, then known as Whiteladies Farm, in 1868.

RGS Worcester has long-standing connections with the City, reflected in its historic buildings and generous benefactors. Charles William Dyson Perrins, whose father was a former pupil and who founded Lea & Perrins, enabled several significant additions to the site, including Perrins Hall, which opened in 1914.

In 2007, RGS Worcester merged with the Alice Ottley School, a long-standing girls’ school in the City, also bringing Springfield into the family of schools. In 2019, Dodderhill joined RGS, creating the four schools that make up The RGS Worcester Family of Schools today.

RGS Cricket has been played at Flagge Meadow for 135 years and has produced some notable players, including Imran Khan (Worcestershire and Pakistan) and Tim Curtis (Worcestershire and England) along with many others who have gone on to play professional cricket.

Pupils play on the beautiful Flagge Meadow ground. They have the opportunity to take part in winter coaching from the October half term through to the end of the Lent term in the Tom Savage Sports Hall, where there is room for five full lane cricket nets. These are run by the Head of Cricket Liam Smith.

In the summer we run 24 teams including girls’ cricket. The fixture list is challenging, including the best schools in the Midlands, and we enter the County Cups in Years Seven and Nine. The 1st XI plays over twenty fixtures in the season which culminates with the RGS Festival played between six Royal Grammar Schools in the country and hosted by each of the participant schools in turn.

The senior side has also embarked on a number of overseas tours and went to Sri Lanka in 2017, India in 2023 and Barbados in 2025, giving the boys the experience of visiting a new culture and country which nonetheless shares the common denominator and values of cricket.

Cricket at RGS Worcester

Cricket at RGS Worcester

Dating back to 1987, the RGS Cricket Festival has defied the vagaries of the English summer and has become an established climax to the school cricket season. Involving the six Royal Grammar Schools in the United Kingdom: Colchester (1206), Guildford (1509), High Wycombe (1548), Lancaster (12351256), Newcastle (1525) and Worcester (1291), the festival provides the opportunity for some of England’s oldest educational establishments to compete for the prestigious trophy. The current RGS Cricket Festival Cup was kindly donated by RGS Newcastle in 2003; the winners in recent years are listed below:

2003

RGS Guildford

2004

RGS Worcester

2005

RGS Worcester

2006

RGS Guildford

2007

RGS Newcastle

2008

RGS Guildford

2009

RGS Guildford

2010

RGS Worcester and RGS Guildford

2011

RGS Guildford

2012

No Award

2013

RGS Colchester

2014

RGS Lancaster and RGS High Wycombe

2015

RGS Guildford

2016

RGS Newcastle

2017

RGS Worcester

2018

RGS Lancaster

2019

RGS Lancaster

2020

No Festival (COVID-19 pandemic)

2021

RGS Guildford

2022

RGS Lancaster

2023

RGS Lancaster, RGS Worcester and RGS High Wycombe

2024

RGS Lancaster

2025

RGS Newcastle

The presentation of cups and trophies will take place at the close of play on Friday 3 July.

Hall of Fame & Festival Winners

Hall of Fame & Festival Winners

Players of the Festival

Player of the Festival (The Kitzinger Cup) Donated by Old Guildfordians, Richard and Rupes Kitzinger in 1997 2003

Michael Phillips (RGS Newcastle)

2004

William Sabey (RGS Guildford)

2005

Luc Walker (RGS High Wycombe)

2006

Tom Hickey (RGS Guildford) and Omar Ahmed (RGS Colchester)

2007

Chris Goodfellow (RGS Newcastle)

2008

George Walker (RGS High Wycombe)

2009

Nick Cooper (RGS Guildford)

2010

Alex Brown (RGS Guildford)

2011

Andrew Curtis (RGS Worcester)

2012

No Award

2013

Miles Clark (RGS Colchester)

2014

Saif Zaib (RGS High Wycombe)

2015

Tom Williamson (RGS Lancaster)

2016

Rob Peyton (RGS Newcastle)

2017

Teddie Casterton (RGS High Wycombe)

2018

Tom Anderton (RGS Lancaster)

2019

Rory Hanley (RGS Newcastle)

2020

No Festival (COVID-19 pandemic)

2021

Nathan Gough (RGS Newcastle)

2022

Josh Wills (RGS Lancaster)

2023

Aatish Anthathi (RGS High Wycombe)

2024

Matthew Wood (RGS Lancaster)

2025

Monty Evans (RGS High Wycombe)

2003

Dominic Haaris (RGS Worcester)

2004

Nathan Newport (RGS Worcester)

2005

Neil Pinner (RGS Worcester)

2006

Chaitanya Pandya (RGS Colchester)

2007

Tashq Hussain (RGS Colchester) & Oliver Flower (RGS Worcester)

2008

James Carding (RGS Newcastle)

2009

Matthew Noyes (RGS High Wycombe)

2010

Ed Pollock (RGS Worcester)

2011

Henry Clark (RGS Colchester)

2012

No Award

2013

Mark Eteen (RGS High Wycombe)

2014

Suleyman Shah (RGS Worcester)

2015

Teddie Casterton (RGS High Wycombe)

2016

Abhay Gonella (RGS Guildford)

2017

Abhay Gonella (RGS Guildford)

2018

Ben Sutton (RGS Worcester)

2019

Aatish Anthathi (RGS High Wycombe)

2020

No Festival (COVID-19 pandemic)

2021

Tom Humphreys (RGS Guildford)

2022

Henry Amis (RGS Guildford)

2023

Tom Odell (RGS Worcester)

2024

George Heywood (RGS Worcester)

2025

Harry Griffiths (RGS Guildford)

Young Player of the Festival

Young Player of the Festival (Under 16)

Grounds Information

Grounds Information

Flagge Meadow, RGS Worcester (WR1 1QQ) The home of RGS Worcester cricket for 135 years, Flagge Meadow has played host to generations of talented cricketers, including Imran Khan, Tim Curtis, Dean Headley and Ed Pollock. The ground remains at the heart of the School’s cricket programme and recently benefited from an extensive pavilion refurbishment.

Parking: Limited on-street parking is available. The nearest public car park is Pitchcroft Car Park (WR1 6EJ), approximately a 10-minute walk away.

Facilities: Male and female toilets available.

Dogs: No dogs permitted.

Worcester Nomads Cricket Club (WR6 5JH) Worcester Nomads CC is a thriving community club with a strong Junior Academy and flourishing Women’s section, offering cricket opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.

Parking: On-site parking available, with additional overflow parking around the ground if required.

Facilities: Male and female toilets available.

Dogs: Permitted on leads at all times.

Bewdley Cricket Club fields three senior teams in the Worcestershire County Cricket League and has a long-standing reputation within the local game.

Parking & Accessibility: Ample on-site parking, including accessible spaces.

Step-free access to the clubhouse and accessible toilet facilities are available.

Facilities: Clubhouse, refreshments, changing rooms and toilets.

Dogs: Welcome on site.

Kidderminster Cricket Club (DY10 1TH) One of Worcestershire’s leading cricket clubs, Kidderminster CC has award-winning facilities and has hosted more than 70 First-Class matches.

Parking: Ample on-site parking available.

Facilities: Accessible clubhouse, toilets, refreshments and spectator seating.

Dogs: Permitted on leads.

Old Elizabethans Cricket Club (WR3 7SN) Old Elizabethans CC provides cricket opportunities for players of all ages and abilities in a welcoming and community-focused environment.

Parking: Limited parking available on site, with additional parking nearby.

Minibuses may drop players close to the pavilion.

Facilities: Toilets, accessible facilities and disabled access throughout the pavilion.

Dogs: Permitted on leads. Assistance dogs only inside the pavilion.

Grounds Information

Bewdley Cricket Club (DY12 2DP)

Festival Fixtures

Date

Matches

Venue

Monday 29 June

Worcester v Lancaster

Flagge Meadow

Monday 29 June

Guildford v High Wycombe

Old Elizabethans CC

Monday 29 June

Newcastle v Colchester

Bewdley CC

Date

Matches

Venue

Tuesday 30 June

Worcester v Colchester

Flagge Meadow

Tuesday 30 June

Newcastle v High Wycombe

Old Elizabethans CC

Tuesday 30 June

Lancaster v Guildford

Bewdley CC

Date

Matches

Venue

Wednesday 1 July

Newcastle v Guildford

Flagge Meadow

Wednesday 1 July

Lancaster v Colchester

Old Elizabethans CC

Wednesday 1 July

Worcester v High Wycombe

Kidderminster CC

Date

Matches

Venue

Thursday 2 July

High Wycombe v Colchester

Flagge Meadow

Thursday 2 July

Lancaster v Newcastle

Old Elizabethans CC

Thursday 2 July

Worcester v Guildford

Worcester Nomads CC

Date

Matches

Venue

Friday 3 July

Worcester v Newcastle

Flagge Meadow

Friday 3 July

Colchester v Guildford

Old Elizabethans CC

Friday 3 July

Lancaster v High Wycombe

Worcester Nomads CC

Time

Managers

Umpires

10.30am

Liam Smith

David Gower & Lawson Mayor

10.30am

Megan Power

Matthew Davies & David Mills

10.30am

Adam Witt

Richard Hope & Robin Wilson

Time

Managers

Umpires

10.30am

Adam Witt

Mark Burgess & Guy Fenney

10.30am

Megan Power

Christopher Taylor & Dennis Pyke

10.30am

Liam Smith

Stuart Fellows & Steven Such

Time

Managers

Umpires

10.30am

Adam Witt

Matthew Davies & Lawson Mayor

10.30am

Megan Power

Ashley Barrow & Barrie Taylor

10.30am

Liam Smith

Mark Barrett & David Mills

Time

Managers

Umpires

10.30am

Adam Witt

Mark Burgess & Chris Hallam

10.30am

Megan Power

Carl Cook & Robin Wilson

10.30am

Liam Smith

Mark Barrett & Stuart Fellows

Time

Managers

Umpires

10.00am

Liam Smith

Barrie Taylor & Christopher Taylor

10.00am

Megan Power

Richard Hope & Roger Tolchard

10.00am

Adam Witt

Ashley Barrow & Michael Neal

Festival Fixtures

Final Festival Matches Begin | 10.00am The final round of matches gets underway, with RGS Worcester 1st XI playing RGS Newcastle at Flagge Meadow. Across the venues, the day’s results will determine the final Festival standings.

Old Elizabethans Cricket Tea | 2.00pm Old Elizabethans are invited to gather in the Festival Marquee for a special Cricket Tea hosted by Tim Curtis. Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch, complimentary drinks, tea and cake, with the opportunity to catch up with former teammates, coaches and friends - booking is essential.

Match Finale | 3.00pm Supporters are invited to return pitch-side for the closing stages of the final matches and to see who will be crowned RGS Cricket Festival winners.

Staff Leavers’ BBQ | 4.30pm - 6.30pm Following the conclusion of the Festival, the School community will gather at Flagge Meadow to celebrate and thank departing staff members for their contribution to RGS.

Worcestershire Rapids v Kent Spitfires | 5.30pm For those wishing to continue the cricketing celebrations, Worcestershire Rapids take on Kent Spitfires at New Road. Tickets should be purchased separately via the Worcestershire County Cricket Club website.

Friday Festival Itinerary

Friday Festival Itinerary

Match Day Sponsors

Match Day Sponsors Monday | Calisota Accounting Calisota Accounting provides specialist financial, accountancy and tax services for individuals and businesses with international interests. With expertise across the UK, US and UAE, the team supports clients moving, expanding or operating across borders, helping them manage their financial affairs with confidence.

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Tuesday | Silverblue Tours Ltd Silverblue Tours Ltd specialises in creating tailor-made touring itineraries for schools, sports teams and special interest groups, arranging memorable group travel both into and out of the UK. With many years of experience, the team supports groups with carefully planned, unique tours, from fixtures and destinations to the shared experiences that make a trip memorable.

Find out more: www.silverbluetours.co.uk

Wednesday | PJ Nicholls PJ Nicholls is a family owned and run automotive business, established in 1984 and now operating across the Three Counties. With branches in Pershore, Tewkesbury, Evesham, Malvern and Ledbury, the company provides new and used vehicle sales, servicing, MOTs, repairs and wider automotive support, all underpinned by its “Family Values in Business” approach.

Find out more: www.pjnicholls.com

Thursday | Specialised Security Systems Ltd Specialised Security Systems Ltd is a long-established, family owned business providing bespoke security and fire safety solutions. Based in Inkberrow, the company designs, installs and maintains systems including intruder alarms, fire alarms, access control, CCTV, fire extinguishers and emergency lighting.

Find out more: www.specialisedsecurity.co.uk

Feast Fare Ltd is a Worcestershire-based mobile catering company, delivering freshly prepared food directly to workplaces across Worcestershire, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Warwickshire. With a fleet of heated and refrigerated sandwich vans, the team provides a wide selection of breakfast, lunchtime and afternoon favourites, from sandwiches and ciabatta melts to pasties, snacks, drinks and homemade cakes.

Find out more: www.feast-sandwich-vans.co.uk

Festival Week | Gray-Nicolls RGS Worcester would like to thank Gray-Nicolls for generously supplying the match balls for this year’s Cricket Festival. As one of cricket’s most established and recognised equipment brands, Gray-Nicolls has a proud heritage in the sport, and we are very grateful for their support of the event.

Programme | PACE Print and Design RGS Worcester would like to thank PACE Print and Design for generously sponsoring this year’s Cricket Festival by providing the printed programmes.

Based in Worcester, PACE offers design, print and mailing services, with more than 30 years’ experience supporting businesses and organisations with highquality printed materials. We are very grateful for their support of the Festival.

Thank You to Our Sponsors RGS Worcester would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous support of this year’s RGS Cricket Festival. Their contribution is greatly appreciated and has helped make this special event possible.

Match Day Sponsors

Friday | FEAST Fare

Name: Reuben Townes | Best bowling figures: 6 - 7 | Highest score: 68 It is a huge honour to welcome everyone to the RGS Cricket Festival. As Captain, it gives me huge pride to lead the side into this year’s Festival.

The RGS Cricket Festival is something that every schoolboy cricketer thinks and talks about long before the festival starts. Leading the side in this year’s festival will be a proud moment and a moment where all selected should feel proud to represent the school and show all their hard work and dedication. We are ready to compete and showcase some brilliant cricket but also embrace all the challenges the week brings us which make the festival such a memorable experience.

What does the Festival mean to you?

The RGS Cricket Festival means a lot to me and is more than just the cricket in the week. The Festival is a chance to interact and create new friendships with the opposition but also to be together with your friends and make memories that will last. The RGS Festival is a chance to get all the RGS schools together which is rare, but it brings a competitive week of cricket and school spirit. For me, the RGS Cricket Festival is about making the most out of every moment and something I will look back on with fond memories.

What aspect of this year’s fixtures are you most excited about?

I am most excited to lead the boys into the first day of the Festival where we face RGS Lancaster, this fixture always brings competitive cricket. This game is a great opportunity to set the tone for the week and allow us to prepare for the rest of our games. I am looking forward to seeing the team come together and handle the occasion strongly as a group. There is also something special about these tight games where everyone has to step up and perform, which is something we are really looking forward to.

What stands out as your best RGS Cricket Festival moment?

One of the standout Festival moments for me has to be taking 3-37 against RGS High Wycombe in a competitive game of Cricket. As well as this, a favourite memory for me at the RGS Cricket Festival would be playing with my brother and will be something I look back on and appreciate. The Festival always brings great energy, sportsmanship, and support which is what the Festival is all about and is something that stays with you.

Meet the Captain

Meet the RGS Worcester Cricket Captain

Squad Lists

RGS Worcester Players:

R. Townes L. Raina E. Williamson G. Heywood B. Eost Y. Kang J. Bolton C. Hession-Wilson R. Rea S. Clarke A. Peddareddy H. Smith B. Loyal G. McMillan

Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Lower Sixth Year Ten Year Nine Year Eleven Year Ten Year Ten Upper Sixth Year Eleven Lower Sixth Upper Sixth

Staff:

Philip Newport Liam Smith

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

Captain Vice-Captain Vice-Captain

The first half of the Summer term has seen 6 fixtures played with 5 defeats.

With the varying availability of Years Eleven and Upper Sixth the benefit has been to give numerous First Eleven opportunities to our most talented cricketers in Years Nine and Ten. As can be seen from our Festival squad list many of these younger players have cemented their positions and are starting to produce match-influencing performances. With 7 more fixtures before the Festival begins confidence levels are bound to grow and the hope is that we will develop further into a side who can, as hosts, compete positively for the Festival trophy.

Players:

J. Lord O. Sanday F. Ghumman G. Willan E. Pearson N. Arun D. Jackson O. Alban C. Gorst S. Brown J. Grime J. Pyle L. Edge Z. Shaik

Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Lower Sixth Lower Sixth Year Eleven Year Ten Year Ten Year Nine

Staff:

Guy Mason Matt Rosbottom

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

Captain Vice-Captain Vice-Captain

RGS Lancaster arrive at this year’s Festival with a balanced squad featuring seven Upper Sixth pupils, many making their third or fourth Festival appearance, alongside five debutants. The 1st XI have enjoyed a strong start to the season, with victories over Bolton School, King’s Macclesfield, Cheadle Hulme School, Birkenhead School, Stonyhurst and Rossall School. James Pyle has led the batting with a top score of 93, while Sam Brown and Olly Sanday have each taken five-wicket hauls. With further fixtures still to come, RGS Lancaster will be aiming to build on an impressive season so far.

Squad Lists

RGS Lancaster

Squad Lists

RGS Guildford Players:

A. Jourdan H. Griffiths M. Webb O. Gilliam A. Pegler A. Aylward L. Golding G. Mellor E. Thorburn O. Pickup J. Grant I. Iqbal A. Jennings K. Aziz

Staff:

Giles Cover Richard Black

Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Year Ten Lower Sixth Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Ten Year Ten

Captain Vice-Captain

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

To date, the 1st XI have produced a series of encouraging performances across four challenging fixtures, showing resilience, talent and promise throughout.

Strong batting displays have been a highlight, with impressive contributions from Idris Iqbal, Ollie Pickup, Harry Griffiths, Khalil Aziz and Alex Jourdan.

The standout innings came against Charterhouse, where RGS posted an excellent 266. With the ball, Harry Griffiths and Oscar Gilliam have impressed consistently, while several younger players have already scored half-centuries this season, reflecting an exciting future for the side.

Players:

W. Alexander O. Alexander B. Coleman S. Lee W. Hall V. Gudipati A. Kalluri E. Mee F. Hall F. Ahmed O. Henderson S. Mclean W. Oliver V. Chauhan

Staff:

Charlie Lodge Michael Smalley

Upper Sixth Year Nine Lower Sixth Year Eleven Lower Sixth Lower Sixth Year Ten Year Ten Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Eleven Lower Sixth Year Eleven Upper Sixth

Captain

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

The squad have acquitted themselves admirably in early season fixtures with an excellent win against Durham School being the highlight. The batting line up has shown itself to be sufficiently skilled to both dig in and to accelerate, with some powerful hitters. If everyone is fit, the bowling has both pace and movement as well as lots of spin. This is a younger group and a team in transition but with lots of promise. We look forward to the week in Worcester.

Squad Lists

RGS Newcastle

Squad Lists

RGS High Wycombe Players:

T. Wanni Arachchige D. Batra C. Batra L. Byrne M. Feare E. Grinhaff A. Harikrishnan M. Hodges E. Newbold C. Ponnamperuma A. Shanbhag R. Shukla J. Tiwana B. Wills

Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Year Eleven Upper Sixth Year Ten Lower Sixth Year Ten Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Upper Sixth Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Year Eleven Lower Sixth

Staff:

Nathan Crinyon Matt Pardoe

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

Captain

The summer term began with three competitive 1st XI T20 fixtures against local rivals Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Highgate School in the U18 National Cup and Brentwood School. Although results did not go the team’s way, all three matches featured moments of excellent cricket and provided valuable learning opportunities. As the exam season began, the U17s continued the fixture programme, with Curran Batra’s unbeaten century providing a particular highlight. Final preparations for the Festival came through a declaration match against the MCC and a 50-over fixture against Old Wycombiensians.

Players:

I. Rakesh S. Ali S. Belshaw E. Carbutt O. Finbow A. Hijazi N. Jayaprasad Menon A. John K. Kamatham J. Ray A. Wahid H. Warner V. Kondaveti P. Haines

Staff:

David Hardy Matt Elmakaleh

Upper Sixth Year Eleven Year Eleven Year Eleven Upper Sixth Lower Sixth Year Eleven Lower Sixth Year Eleven Upper Sixth Year Eleven Upper Sixth Year Eleven Year Ten

Captain

1st XI Coach Head of Cricket

The season began with an impressive 124-run victory over local rivals, The Royal Hospital School, in a T20 fixture. Captain Ishaan Rakesh led the way with an unbeaten 106, while Jonty Ray added 99 not out as the team posted 226–2 before dismissing their opponents for 102. A timed match against the Forty Club proved more challenging, with the visitors securing victory, but the side responded with a determined display against the MCC, earning a welldeserved draw after showing resilience in the face of a demanding run chase.

Squad Lists

RGS Colchester

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Playing Regulations

Playing Regulations 1.

Matches start at 10.30am (except 10.00am for all games on Friday) and each team will have a maximum of 50 overs. A new ball is provided in each innings and bowlers are restricted to bowl no more than 10 overs in a match. Normal ECB restrictions apply to seam bowling. Teams should try to bowl a minimum of 17 overs per hour. A drinks interval will be taken after 25 overs but if weather conditions dictate, then two intervals at 17 and 34 overs can be taken as agreed with the teams, match managers and umpires. Lunch should be approximately 12.30pm and last 40 minutes from leaving the field of play.

2.

Fielding restrictions will be based on a 30-yard fielding circle and a mandatory 10 overs of Powerplay at the start of the innings. During the Powerplay, no more than 2 fielders may be outside the inner circle. During all other times, there must be no more than 5 fielders outside of the inner circle and at no time in the match can there be more than 5 fielders on the leg side. Any delivery for which these fielding restrictions are not met will be called and signalled No Ball by the striker’s-end umpire.

3.

A Wide will be classed for any leg-side delivery which passes behind the profile of the striker in their normal guard position. The umpire will call No Ball for any delivery which passes or would have passed above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease and also for any short-pitched delivery above head height of the batter while they are standing upright at the popping crease. Any No Ball bowled will subsequently result in a Free Hit for the next delivery. Umpires may use their discretion in applying any warnings or sanctions outlined within the laws.

4.

In addition to the above amendments, matches will be conducted according to current MCC Laws of Cricket and relevant ECB guidelines. Team managers must provide umpires with a fully completed and signed team card before the toss and they, together with the captains, must ensure that all players comply with the aspects of the “Spirit of Cricket”.

5.

Deduction of overs for bad weather will only occur when an accumulated total of 45 minutes of play are lost due to late starts and/or interruptions. If a match starts late, the umpires will reduce the number of overs per team by one over for every 7 minutes lost. If the first innings is interrupted that team will receive 50 overs (or as reduced prior to the start of the match). The team batting second will then have its maximum number of overs reduced by one over for each 3 and a half minutes of play lost in the first innings. A minimum of five overs per side is required for the match to constitute a result.

6.

In each match, 2 points will be awarded for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss. If teams finish on the same number of points at the end of the competition, then the result of the match between the two teams tied will determine placings.

Any ties beyond these criteria will then go on Net Run Rate (NRR).

7.

Any situation which is not covered by these restrictions should be adjudicated by team managers and umpires. If no agreement is reached, then the organiser’s decision is final.

Table for Powerplay Durations with Reduced Innings (Overs): Innings Duration

Powerplay

50 10 48-49

10

45-47

9

43-44

9

40-42

8

38-39

8

35-37

7

33-34

7

30-32 6 28-29

6

25-27

5

23-24 5 20-22 4

Playing Regulations

When a team batting second does not have the opportunity to bat for the same number of overs as the first team, then the required run rate will be calculated using the “Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS)” method and this will be used to set the revised target, or be used if the second innings is also interrupted by the weather.

This can be calculated on the Play-Cricket Scorer App. The length of Powerplay will be reduced according to the attached table and no bowler may bowl more than 1/5th of the available overs. For a result to be achieved, both sides must have the chance to bat for at least 20 overs. The latest start time can therefore only be 3.00pm.

Sean Lloyd has worked at RGS Worcester for over 21 years and plays a key role in the preparation and maintenance of Flagge Meadow and sports pitches and grounds across The RGS Family of Schools.

What does the Cricket Festival mean to you?

The Cricket Festival has always been an important week in the calendar. When I first arrived, many of those who helped establish the Festival were still members of staff, and their enthusiasm for cricket made a lasting impression. For the Grounds Team, it is a demanding but very rewarding week.

How much preparation goes into the pitches?

Most of the work begins in the spring, once the winter sports season has finished. Preparing the cricket squares is time-intensive, but it puts the pitches in a strong position for the summer. Each match pitch is then prepared around 10 to 14 days in advance and receives approximately 20 hours of work, including mowing, grooming, brushing and rolling.

How has Flagge Meadow changed during your time at RGS? When I took over, the ground had great potential and, through a focused maintenance programme, we were able to improve the quality of the cricket surfaces significantly. The Pavilion has always been a fantastic facility, while the addition of new trees, white boundary fencing, car park improvements and synthetic nets has helped develop Flagge Meadow into the excellent venue it is today.

Are there any moments that stand out?

One memorable Festival saw three teams still able to win on the final day, with RGS Worcester chasing down a big score in the final overs in front of several hundred spectators. Another highlight was hosting Worcestershire County Cricket Club against Sri Lanka in 2007, at just 24 hours’ notice, on a pitch prepared for the Festival.

What has been your proudest moment?

There have been many highlights, including hosting Worcestershire CCC, England A, India, World Cup warm-up fixtures and Scottish Rugby. Seeing the grounds develop to such a high standard is something that makes me and the team very proud.

An Interview with the Head Groundsman

An Interview with the Head Groundsman

From the Archives

From the Archives: Cricketing Connections Flagge Meadow and RGS Worcester have long been associated with individuals who have made a significant contribution to Cricket, both at School and beyond. From former pupils and international players to teachers and coaches who have shaped generations of RGS cricketers, these figures form an important part of the School’s Cricketing heritage.

Tim Curtis Former England International | Former Worcestershire Captain | Former RGS Worcester Director of Sport Tim Curtis has a deep and lasting connection with RGS Worcester. A former pupil, he captained the School 1st XI for two seasons before enjoying a successful professional Cricket career with Worcestershire, captaining the county between 1992 and 1995 and playing five Test matches for England.

After retiring from professional Cricket, Tim returned to RGS as a Teacher of English and later became Director of Sport. He supported the growth of Girls’ sport following co-education and helped develop the concept for the Worcester International Hockey Centre. His connection with RGS continues today as a School Governor and Chair of the RGSW Foundation.

Phil Newport Former England International | Former Worcestershire CCC Bowler | RGS Worcester Coach and Teacher Phil Newport is a former England and first-class cricketer who represented Worcestershire County Cricket Club as a skilful seam and swing bowler.

A key figure for the county during the 1980s and 1990s, he was capped by England on three occasions between 1988 and 1991.

Mr Newport has given over 25 years of service to RGS Worcester as a Geography teacher and Cricket coach, sharing his experience and passion for the game with generations of pupils. As a former pupil of RGS High Wycombe, the Festival also holds a personal connection for him.

Former Pakistan Captain | World Cup Winner | Cricketing Great Imran Khan is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of Cricket.

Representing Pakistan from 1971 to 1992, he became known for his pace bowling, leadership and competitive spirit, later captaining his country to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. During the early years of his career, Imran spent time developing his game in England, including a period associated with Worcestershire County Cricket Club. His connection with RGS Worcester forms a remarkable part of the School’s Cricketing heritage. Imran studied for and sat his A Levels while a boarder at RGS Worcester and, although already established as an international cricketer, he also represented the School at Rugby.

His time at RGS remains a unique chapter in the School’s sporting history and reflects the rich cricketing tradition connected with Flagge Meadow, Worcestershire and the wider RGS community.

From the Archives

Imran Khan at RGS Worcester

Alumni Cricket: The Old Elizabethans

Alumni Cricket: The Old Elizabethans Cricket has been played at Flagge Meadow for 135 years and, for RGS cricketers, the connection to the School continues long after graduation. Alumni regularly return to the Meadow, continuing a legacy that spans generations.

The RGS Old Boys, the Old Elizabethans, play a number of fixtures each year, with the annual Allen Cup against the School 1st XI a particular highlight. This competitive fixture provides an important link between past and present, often giving recent leavers their first opportunity to represent the Old Boys XI. In recent years, Old Elizabethans cricket has gone from strength to strength.

The 2024 season was a landmark year, with the club crowned champions of The Cricketer Trophy after victories over the Old Wrekinians, Old Caterhamians, Old Priorians and Old Vigornians. In 2025, the team reached a second consecutive national final, defeating the Old Peterites and Old Westminsters along the way, before narrowly missing out on the title by just nine runs.

These sustained successes, together with the strength of the alumni squad, led to a successful application to the prestigious Cricketer Cup for the 2026 season. We look forward to testing ourselves against some of the country’s leading alumni sides and welcoming them to the hallowed turf of Flagge Meadow in the years ahead.

RGS alumni always look back fondly on their Cricket Festival experiences.

Players who compete in the Festival often cross paths again at university and in later life, with the week creating memories and friendships that last well beyond School. Good luck to all the teams competing this week.

James Allen, Old Elizabethans Captain

Name: Tom Odell | Best bowling figures: 8 for 48 | Highest score: 71 What aspect of the RGS Festival did you enjoy the most?

My favourite part was travelling to a new place each year with the team for a full week of competitive cricket. It was always exciting to experience different grounds, play against the other RGS schools and enjoy time with teammates away from the pitch. Those shared experiences, both on and off the field, created some of my best school memories.

What stands out as your best RGS Cricket Festival moment?

The 2023 Festival in Colchester stands out, both as a team and personally.

We won four out of five matches and shared the Festival title with Lancaster and High Wycombe. A particular highlight was the match against Lancaster, where we were bowled out for 119 but then bowled them out for 107 with three overs remaining. It was a close and entertaining match, and one we still talk about today. Personally, it was also a special week, as I was named Young Player of the Festival after taking 15 wickets.

What impact has the Festival had on your cricket?

The Festival helped me develop as a player and made cricket even more enjoyable. Playing five competitive matches in five days challenged me to be consistent and contribute to the team under pressure. The experience of travelling, competing and spending time with teammates also created a really positive environment that made the week so memorable.

From a Captain’s perspective, what is the secret to a successful Festival?

My advice would be to embrace every part of the week. On the field, play with confidence, challenge yourself and take every opportunity to contribute to the team. Off the field, make the most of the time with your teammates, build friendships and enjoy the experience. The cricket is important, but the memories and shared experiences are what make the Festival so special.

In Conversation with a Former Captain

In Conversation with a Former Captain

On Friday 3 July, the Foundation Office will host an Old Elizabethans Reunion to welcome alumni back to School for the final day of the Festival. The day offers a wonderful opportunity for former cricketers, pupils, families and friends to return to Flagge Meadow, enjoy the cricket and reconnect with the RGS community.

At 2.00pm, Tim Curtis will host an OE Cricket Tea in the Festival Marquee.

Guests will enjoy a buffet lunch, complimentary drinks, tea and cake, with the chance to relive past Festival memories and catch up with former teammates and coaches before the match finale.

Tickets for the OE Hospitality are £20 per person, with a discounted rate of £15 for Old Elizabethans under 30. Places are limited and must be purchased in advance to ensure catering arrangements are in place.

Admission to Flagge Meadow is free of charge throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics, but these must not include nut products or alcohol.

Old Elizabethans Festival Reunion

Old Elizabethans Festival Reunion

RGS Worcester Site Information

RGS Worcester Site Information Dogs Please note that dogs are not permitted at Flagge Meadow, even on leads. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Parking Parking at Flagge Meadow is reserved for teaching and support staff only.

Refreshments Refreshments are available throughout the day upstairs in the Pavilion at Flagge Meadow.

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Timings All matches start at 10.30am, except on Friday when matches start at 10.00am.

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Photography Please note that photography is not permitted during the Festival at any site.

Toilets Toilets are available in the pavilions at all locations.

To the main site of RGS Worcester

Social Media Please follow the official RGS social media accounts: Facebook @RGSWorcester and Instagram @RGSWorcester.

To connect with our alumni community, please follow @RGSWAlumni on Facebook and Instagram.

The nearest hospital is: Worcestershire Royal Hospital Charles Hastings Way Worcester WR5 1DD

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RGS Worcester Site Information

First Aid equipment and defibrillators are located in the Pavilion.