Cricket Tour Brochure

Cricket Tour

BARBADOS February 2025

We are committed to the idea that the more someone is willing to try, the more potential they have to become.

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

Phil Newport

Liam Smith

Sporting Background

Sporting Background

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.

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.

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 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!

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!

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.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Thursday 13 February LONDON / BRIDGETOWN

Day 4 Sunday 16 February BARBADOS

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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

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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

Day 9 - Thursday 20 February BARBADOS

Day 10 - Friday 21 February BARBADOS/LONDON

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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

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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

Land at Heathrow Airport

Barbados Cricket Tour 2025

Fionnlagh Baker ● Thomas Bunyan ● George McMillan ● Reuben Townes ● Archie Samuel ● Ellis Williamson ● George Heywood ● Joseph Kington

George Hallam ● Charlie Stanley ● Aryan Peddareddy ● Luca Raina ● Hayden Smith ● Ciaran Hession-Wilson ● Beanth Loyal ● Thomas Odell

Match TOUR 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 him though 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 2: RGS Worcester vs Isolation Cavaliers CC The second match of the tour took us to arguably the most picturesque ground we would play at, with stunning mountainous views and lush greenery surrounding the field. The ground itself had a rich history, having hosted training camps for international teams, including England Men’s. Unlike the previous day’s pitch, which had been soft and grassy, this surface was hard, with very little grass, promising favourable conditions for batting.

Captain Tom Odell continued his impressive streak at the toss, making it 2 out of 2, and chose to bat first in our first T20 fixture of the tour.

Heywood and Hallam opened the innings, looking to set a positive tone, but things did not go to plan as both were dismissed by the end of the second over. After a rocky start, we needed to rebuild, and significant contributions from G-Mac and Luca in the middle overs helped us recover. Their composed partnership ensured we reached a competitive total of 118 -defendable with disciplined bowling, especially on a pitch that was proving to be skiddy and low-bouncing as the game progressed.

Once again, Stanners took the new ball, partnering with Archie, and both bowled exceptionally well, conceding less than four runs an over in their first two overs. Their accuracy and discipline earned the approval of Mr Newport, who was pleased with the stump-to-stump consistency. Beanth continued the trend, maintaining control with an economy rate of just five as the sun began to set.

As the floodlights took full effect, fielding became increasingly difficult, with the low trajectory of the ball making it challenging to pick up in the outfield. However, the team stayed vocal, supporting one another, and maintaining high energy levels despite the challenging conditions. With Isolation Cavaliers CC needing just 10 runs off the final two overs, Aryan stepped up under pressure and delivered a match-defining performance. Channelling his inner Chris Jordan, he bowled a brilliant over, taking a crucial wicket while conceding just two runs. This left Odell with the task of defending eight runs in the final over.

After two consecutive dot balls, the momentum seemed to swing in RGS Worcester’s favour. Hallam then put his body on the line with a heroic piece of fielding on the boundary, preventing what seemed like a certain four. However, the drama was far from over. Off the very next ball, the opposition batter produced an excellent shot, smashing the ball over the boundary and sealing the victory for Isolation Cavaliers CC in a thrilling finish.

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 again matching 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.

Match REPORTS Match 5: RGS Worcester vs The St Michael School (Night T20) The final match of the tour was a night-time T20 under the lights against The St Michael School. Venue changes throughout the day added a layer of unpredictability, but eventually, a suitable ground was found at a local cricket club. With the tour coming to an end, the boys were eager to finish on a high note.

For the first time in the tour, Captain Odell lost a toss, and The St Michael School opted to bat first.

First Innings – The St Michael School Batting As had been the case all tour, Stanners took the new ball, looking to deliver another tight opening spell. However, the first ball of the match was dispatched over deep midwicket into the road - by none other than Jason Holder’s younger brother. The Holder family is supposed to be friendly with Worcestershire!

Unfazed, Stanners struck back immediately, finding the edge three balls later to remove the dangerous opener. RGS managed to pick up key wickets at regular intervals, with Odell, Reuben, and Hallam all getting in on the action. Odell in particular was effective in the middle overs, keeping the scoring rate in check with a controlled spell of 4 overs for 18 runs.

Fielding under the lights added an extra challenge, but Heywood put on a brilliant display, taking a couple of excellent catches in the deep. Despite a solid bowling and fielding effort, The St Michael School set a challenging total of 171 runs.

Second Innings – RGS Worcester Batting With G-Mac and Hallam opening the innings, RGS looked to get off to a strong start.

However, Hallam fell early once again, while G-Mac struggled to accelerate, scoring at less than a run a ball.

As had been the pattern throughout the tour, Heywood stepped up when needed, smashing his third fifty of the tour off just 38 balls, including four sixes. He cleverly targeted the short boundary and kept RGS in the chase. Ellis Williamson provided excellent support, playing an explosive knock of 45 off 28 balls, clearing the ropes three times to inject momentum into the innings.

Unfortunately, once Ellis fell, the momentum swung back in favour of The St Michael School. Despite a champagne moment from Aryan, who launched his second-ever hard ball six over the biggest boundary, RGS fell just 7 runs short of the target, ending the tour with a narrow loss.

Although the boys couldn’t finish with a win, this match was yet another valuable learning experience, particularly in handling pressure run chases. Finishing the tour with 2 wins from 5 matches. Despite the win percentage in home favour, the team can take plenty of positives into the upcoming season. The experience of playing in different conditions, under the lights, and against high-quality opposition will undoubtedly benefit the players moving forward.

RESILIENT. GRACIOUS. SELFLESS. WILLING.