INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER
A Cricket Tour to Barbados is a truly wonderful experience and one that should live in the memories of the pupils for a very long time. I know that the Tour party really embraced the culture and experienced wonderful Bajan hospitality. Tours are special events which build team spirit, encourage a broader world view and should be great fun. I expect the pupils on the Tour will each have learned about one another and, perhaps more than anything else, they will have learned about themselves.
The Tour party faced a range of opposition during their Tour and, at times, had to dig deep to play well on the fast surfaces of the Caribbean. Faced with fiery pace, the batters will have learned much about the tradition of fast bowling in the West Indies. As someone who once (very briefly) faced the mighty Joel Garner, I know what it is like!
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been instrumental in ensuring the Senior Cricket Tour 2025 was a great success. Thank you to parents for supporting the Tour. Thank you to Mr Liam Smith, Mr Philip Newport and Mr Keith Fowles for organising and attending the Tour and providing such a fantastic opportunity for RGS Worcester pupils. Thank you to the Marketing team and Mr Smith for assembling this brochure as a lasting memory and record of the Barbados Cricket Tour 2025. Finally, congratulations to the players. I have enjoyed hearing about the matches played as well as the amazing experiences away from the Cricket. We look forward to seeing the benefit of the Tour in the team work and players’ technique at Flagge Meadow during the Cricket season ahead.
John Pitt Headmaster
Coach PROFILES
Keith Fowles
Sporting Background
My playing and coaching professional experience has been gained in Rugby Union but, as a keen enthusiast I played Club Cricket for my village side Calverhall CC in Shropshire, I have coached Cricket teams throughout my coaching and teaching career and can be seen being over competitive in any School staff match that takes place.
Most Memorable Tour Moment
Luca and George’s amazing catches under light in our day night match and the Harbour Lights team social evening.
People May Not Know
People may not know that the last game of Cricket I played was a T20 in the summer of 2022 in a fun staff match, I was very vocal and overly confident. I had sneaked a quick warm-up on the bowling machine that morning and was happy with a quick-fire 30 with the bat but, when it was our turn to field I tweaked my knee trying to keep wicket and had to limp off early!
Sporting Background
From 1982 to 1999 I played professional Cricket with Worcestershire CCC having previously represented England at Under 15 and Under 19 level as well as Buckinghamshire in the Minor Counties while at school.
Most Memorable Tour Moment
Amongst the many amusing and memorable moments of the tour my favourite on-field period was the game against the Franklyn Stephenson academy where the boys were given a rare opportunity to face some properly rapid West Indian bowling. Watching the lads bob and weave short-pitched bowling reminded me off my own unfortunate experiences of facing the likes of Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Malcolm Marshall in the 1980s, Joe Kington’s 49 runs in this game definitely showed amazing determination and character. Off the field a favourite memory also has to be the catamaran boat trip and, in particular, Reuben Townes’ relieved/horrified face when he accidentally rolled Mr Fowles’ punctuality sanction dice (awarding press ups/burpees etc.) into the waters of Bridgetown harbour whereupon it floated away, never to be seen again!
People May Not Know
People may not know that on a preseason tour to Zimbabwe with Worcesterhire CCC I and three other players were arrested by the Zimbabwean army for undertaking an illegal safari in the Matapos National Park organised by a friend of Graeme Hick. Having a Kalashnikov rifle pushed into you face for a three hour drive back to the Army barracks before a night in the cells was somewhat traumatic. Fortunately, the British embassy officials came to the rescue and we were let out the following day!
Sporting Background
I represented Worcestershire throughout the county age group system from Under 13 through to Academy level and was a regular selection for the Worcestershire 2nd XI. In addition, I was chosen to represent the Midlands regional team at Under 15 and also played for Herefordshire in the Minor Counties Championship. Alongside this, I have played and coached cricket globally, notably spending a winter in Australia as a player but also working as a coach with the Melbourne Stars.
Most Memorable Tour Moment
There were certainly plenty of memorable moments to choose from. On the field, Aryan Peddareddy hitting the final ball of the tour for six was a standout—capping off an excellent tour for him personally. Not far behind was George Heywood’s brilliant catch in the same match, a moment of real quality that lifted the whole team. Off the field, seeing the boys come together for some singing and dancing at Harbour Lights was another highlight, capturing the camaraderie and spirit that made the tour so special.
People May Not Know
I’ve had some unforgettable moments at Flagge Meadow - both good and... character-building. In an Under 15 schoolboy match against RGS, I took 7 wickets for 3 runs, ran out a county teammate with a direct hit before he’d faced a ball and helped bowl them out for a total of 7. I then opened the batting, scored the winning runs, finishing on 5 not out - before heading back to school in time for the final lesson of the day. Fast forward a few years to a WCCC 2nd XI T20 double header vs Papua New Guinea. I opened the bowling and got hit for six sixes in the first over of the first match. I was taken off immediately and didn’t bowl again for the rest of the day.
Phil Newport
Liam Smith
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Thursday 13 February
LONDON / BRIDGETOWN
• Heathrow Airport Flight to Barbados
• Arrive at Dover Beach Hotel
• Dinner at Hotel
Day 2: Friday 14 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• Morning training session at Dover ground
• Free time for beach / orientation
• Lunch
• Cricket Match T20 v WINDWARD
• Evening trip to Oistins fish fry
• Transfer back to Dover Beach Hotel
Day 3: Saturday 15 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• CRICKET MATCH DAY 2 v NORTHERN STARS (50 overs)
• Lunch
• Dinner at Dover Beach Hotel
Day 4 Sunday 16 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• Full day Catamaran cruise with lunch & snorkelling with turtles
• Lunch
• Dinner at Dover Beach Hotel
Day 5 - Tuesday 21 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• MATCH 4 v ALEXANDRA SCHOOL
• Lunch
• Dinner
Day 6 - Monday 17 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• MATCH DAY 5 v HARRISONS COLLEGE (50 over)
• Lunch
• Dinner at Dover Beach Hotel
Day 7 - Tuesday 18 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• Visit to the Boatyard Beach Club where you can have fun on the swings, sea trampolines and climbing ice bergs
• Lunch at Boatyard
• Dinner
• Transfer to Butterfly Beach Hotel
Day 8 - Wednesday 19 February
BRIDGETOWN
• Breakfast
• Transfer to Bridgetown
• Guided tour of Kensington Oval
• Visit to Legends of Cricket Museum
• Free time to explore Swan Street & Bridgetown centre
• Roti lunch or chance to sample the Bajan version of KFC called Cheffette
• Afternoon free
• T20 EVENING GAME v MAXWELL
• Dinner
• Transfer to Dover Beach Hotel
Day 9 - Thursday 20 February
BARBADOS
• Breakfast
• Free time until Airport transfer
• Lunch
• Freshen up at the hotel before transfer to the airport
• Transfer to the airport
• Check in with Virgin
• Overnight on board
Day 10 - Friday 21 February
BARBADOS/LONDON
• Land at Heathrow Airport
Barbados Cricket Tour 2025
Fionnlagh Baker ● Thomas Bunyan ● George McMillan
● Reuben Townes ● Archie Samuel ● Ellis Williamson
● George Heywood ● Joseph Kington
Match REPORTS
RGS Worcester Cricket Tour to Barbados – February 2025
The RGS Worcester Cricket Tour to Barbados was a resounding success, offering our players an incredible opportunity to experience competitive overseas cricket while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. The tour provided a fantastic balance of challenging fixtures, whilst developing team cohesion and bonding opportunities, alongside memorable off-field experiences that will stay with the players for years to come.
The team played five highly competitive matches, consisting of three 30-over games and two exhilarating T20 matches under floodlights. We secured two victories, with the remaining fixtures going right down to the wire, either to the final over or even the last ball. The exception was the match against the Franklyn Stephenson Academy, a team featuring several Barbados U19 players, which proved to be a challenging encounter but ultimately a valuable learning experience for our squad.
Several players delivered standout performances throughout the tour. George Heywood was the team’s leading batsman, scoring three exceptional half-centuries and anchoring the innings in crucial moments. Captain Tom Odell led by example with the ball, producing match-defining spells in multiple fixtures and showcasing his leadership on the field. One of the tour’s key objectives was to ensure that all players gained experience in different conditions and formats. Squad rotation was managed effectively, allowing every player to participate in both the longer and shorter formats, ensuring a well-rounded development experience.
Beyond the cricket, the tour was packed with unforgettable experiences that gave the team a true taste of Bajan culture. One of the trip’s highlights was a breathtaking catamaran tour along the stunning west coast of the island. Players had the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to snorkel alongside majestic manta rays and explore historic shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Another cultural highlight was the team’s visit to the renowned Harbour Lights entertainment venue, where they experienced the lively atmosphere and hospitality that Barbados is famous for. The group also spent an evening at Oistins Fish Fry, where they enjoyed authentic local cuisine, music, and the buzzing atmosphere of this famous Bajan tradition. A tour of the iconic Kensington Oval and Cricket Legends Museum rounded off the trip perfectly. The players gained a deeper appreciation of West Indian cricket history, learning about some of the game’s greatest players and the legacy of the sport in the region.
The pupils were an absolute credit to RGS Worcester, displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the tour. Their commitment to representing the school with pride, both on and off the field was evident in their professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm. Their camaraderie and teamwork contributed immensely to the success of the tour, nurturing friendships and sharing memories that will last a lifetime.
A huge thank you goes out to all the players for their dedication and commitment throughout the tour. Special appreciation also goes to 1st XI Coach, Mr. Newport and Director of Sport, Mr. Fowles, for their tireless efforts in the build-up and throughout the tour ensuring its incredible success. Their hard work and leadership played a pivotal role in making this an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Mr Liam Smith, Head of Cricket
Match REPORTS
Match 1: RGS Worcester vs Coleridge and Parry School
An hour’s drive north of the island brought us to our first game of the tour against Coleridge and Parry School. Upon arrival, we expected the typical flat and hard Caribbean pitches, but due to some recent rain and the absence of covers, the surface was unexpectedly soft with a layer of grass - conditions more familiar to us back in England.
Captain Tom Odell (who only won the toss three times last season) started the tour on a high by calling correctly. He elected to bowl first, anticipating that the pitch would harden up later in the day and offer better conditions for batting.
After a thorough warm-up and plenty of water to combat the heat, we took to the field. The bowling attack started strong, with Stanners striking early thanks to his consistent line and length, while Fionn kept the pressure on from the other end. Fionn also took a sharp catch but, unfortunately, suffered a nasty injury shortly after the 20th over. This proved to be a significant setback, as we lost a key opening bowler for the remainder of the tour.
Despite this, the team rallied. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Hayden and Hallam making crucial breakthroughs, while Odell was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with remarkable figures and an economy rate of just 1.00. A sharp run-out further pegged back Coleridge and Parry School, but their lower-order counterattacked in the final overs. One of their batsmen played a classic West Indian-style innings, smashing 73 off just 58 balls, including nine sixes, to propel their total to 150/6 from 30 overs.
As planned, the pitch had firmed up under the sun by the time we began our chase, making it more favourable for our batsmen. Heywood and Ellis opened the innings, with Ellis setting the tone by cutting the first ball for four. The opposition’s opening bowlers posed a challenge on a still-tricky wicket, but Heywood displayed remarkable grit and determination, playing each ball on its merit. His composed and matchwinning 56 was the backbone of our chase.
Luca played a crucial supporting role, anchoring the innings with a vital 36 not out, including the winning runs. He held his nerve despite wickets falling around himthough it certainly helped that he was dropped four times!
In the end, we secured a hard-fought victory by three wickets, starting the tour on a strong note. Despite some jet lag and the unfortunate injury setback, the boys showed resilience, skill and a great fighting spirit to get over the line.
Match REPORTS
Match 3: RGS Worcester vs Mount Gay North Stars CC
The third match of the tour saw us travel north to play Mount Gay North Stars CC at another stunning ground, offering picturesque views and a well-maintained playing surface. The pitch, unlike the previous game, had a harder base but featured a layer of grass, suggesting a fair contest between bat and ball.
Captain Tom Odell, seemingly on a hot streak with the coin toss, won yet againmatching his record from the previous season in England. With confidence growing in his decision-making, he chose to bat first, sending Ellis and Reuben to open the innings.
Ellis played a fantastic knock, scoring fluently by capitalising on loose deliveries and punishing the bad balls. His aggressive yet controlled approach was particularly impressive given the slow outfield, which made finding the boundary more challenging than usual. His well-crafted 41 set the foundation for the innings, while Reuben showed great resilience, surviving a testing spell - including an over from none other than Jofra Archer’s cousin! However, it was George Heywood who once again stole the show, delivering a batting masterclass with a commanding 55, including three towering sixes. Strong contributions from Heywood and G-Mac in the latter stages of the innings propelled RGS to a competitive total of 170 from our allotted 30 overs - a solid score on a pitch where timing the ball cleanly was not always easy.
With the ball, Tom Bunyan shared the new-ball duties with Aryan, who was coming off an excellent performance against Isolation Cavaliers CC. After taking an over to settle into their rhythm, both bowlers executed their plans superbly, maintaining tight lines and restricting the opposition’s scoring opportunities. As the innings progressed, Reuben, Beanth, Ciaran, and Joe all contributed with the ball, but MGNSCC’s opening batsman and No 3 formed a formidable partnership, keeping wickets intact and appearing to take control of the chase. However, RGS Worcester had a game-changer in their captain. Odell once again showcased his exceptional bowling ability, delivering a marathon six-over spell, conceding just 17 runs. His spell was complemented by Archie, picking up two crucial wickets. Their disciplined bowling in the middle overs shifted momentum back in RGS’s favour, creating pressure that the opposition struggled to absorb.
The final ten overs of the match were a testament to the team’s energy and commitment. The substitute fielders injected much-needed enthusiasm into the side, supporting the bowlers and lifting the spirits of the tired outfielders. However, despite the renewed energy, Hallam had a moment to forget, dropping a full-stretch catch at extra coverleading some to joke that he might have holes in his hands!
Match REPORTS
Match 4: RGS Worcester vs Franklyn Stephenson Academy
Match 4 presented RGS Worcester with the toughest challenge of the tour, as we faced the formidable Franklyn Stephenson Academy, a side stacked with raw talent and future stars of West Indies cricket.
First Innings – RGS Worcester Batting
Captain Odell continued his incredible run with the toss, winning yet again and opting to bat first. However, it didn’t take long to realise the challenge ahead. The Franklyn Stephenson Academy fast bowlers were a different level, bowling at express pace and delivering fiery spells that tested the technique and courage of our batters. With balls whistling past helmets and rib cages, our top order struggled to adapt to the relentless aggression. An early wicket brought Joe Kington to the crease, who produced a gutsy innings full of resilience and character. Taking several body blows along the way, he refused to back down, absorbing pressure and scoring a well-earned 47 - a standout performance given the circumstances. At the other end, Z. Brathwaite, a West Indies U19 player, tore through our lineup with a devastating spell, finishing with 4-19. Hallam, meanwhile, got the full West Indian fast-bowling experience - greeting his first delivery with a head-high bouncer that left him needing a change of whites! Despite the difficulties, RGS managed to scrape together 120 before being bowled out in the 28th over. It was a battling effort against a high-class attack, but we knew we would need something special with the ball to make a game of it.
Second Innings – Franklyn Stephenson Academy Batting
Recognising the disparity between the two sides, Franklyn Stephenson Academy generously doubled our score, setting themselves a chase of 240 runs from 30 overs-a target that would have been competitive in most circumstances.
From the first over, it was clear that we were up against serious quality. Their opening pair came out with intent, putting together a brutal 168-run partnership in just 16 overs. Sixes disappeared into the road, with several match balls lost in the process - Hallam may have to send them a few replacements!
Once the two West Indies Under 19 players retired, RGS managed to fight back with some well-earned wickets. Reuben and Odell picked up a wicket each, while Ciaran led the attack with an impressive 3-wicket haul. However, the Academy’s depth was evident, as more Barbados youth players came in and continued to find the boundary at will. One particularly special moment came when a 9-year-old Barbados prospect walked to the crease and showed remarkable composure and technique, offering a glimpse of the future of West Indian cricket.
In the 28th over, FSA comfortably chased down the total, sealing a dominant victory.