RHS host cricket festival for young cricketers across the country
The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Ipswich, hosted a cricket festival for young cricketers across the country.
Alongside the Suffolk cricket team, 14 teams over two age groups (under 12s and under 11s) took part in the festival, which is a two-week event showcasing the very best in cricketing talent across the country.
Former English professional cricketer, Don Topley, organised the event whilst his son, RHS alumni and England’s cricket team member, Reece Topley, attended on the last day of the festival to give out the awards to the winners.
Don Topley, said: “The Under 12s and Under 11s events were founded in 1999 and have become a highlight of the junior cricket calendar. Youth cricket has been mightily affected these last two years by Covid, and moving forward one hopes that festivals like this will ignite a passion for more young cricketers.
“We were all extremely proud to watch the teams, filled with the very best cricketers for their age group, scoring many runs and taking many wickets.”
Sophy Walker, Director of Marketing & Communications at RHS, comments: “We are really proud to have hosted the annual Minor Counties Cricket U11 and U12 Festival since 1999, allowing talented young cricketers the opportunity to compete at a regional level in their age groups. It must have been one of the hottest festivals of the past 23 years, but all the competitors coped admirably, aided by the cooling breeze that comes off the River Stour onto the school’s glorious grounds.
“It was particularly special that one of our former pupils, England Cricket Player Reece Topley, was able to break his busy England schedule to present the prizes. We look forward to welcoming the Festival back to RHS over future years.”